KR101075878B1 - High intensity focused ultrasound generating device with a function of sensing contact - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a high intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site adhesion detection function.
The high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site-contact detection function according to the present invention includes a body detachable to a handpiece, a body portion forming an outer housing, and a high-intensity focused ultrasound at the same focus of the treatment site. A focused ultrasound converter configured to irradiate high intensity focused ultrasound, and a sensing unit configured to detect whether the region to which the high intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated is in close contact with the entire surgical site.

Description

HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND GENERATING DEVICE WITH A FUNCTION OF SENSING CONTACT}

The present invention relates to a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus, and more particularly, to a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus that detects whether the ultrasonic transducer is precisely in close contact with the treatment site to which the high-intensity ultrasound is irradiated.

Ultrasound refers to a wave having a frequency of 20 KHz or more, and is widely used for diagnosing and treating lesions in the medical field, as well as for skin beauty.

 In particular, a form in which ultrasonic waves are focused at high intensity is called high intensity focused ultrasound, and a device for generating the high intensity focused ultrasound is called a high intensity focused ultrasound generator.

A general high intensity focused ultrasound generator includes a transducer that emits ultrasound, and focuses the emitted ultrasound at a specific point (called "focus") to generate heat, causing a rapid temperature rise in the treatment site. Let's do it. Through such a heat function, a desired medical procedure is performed without leaving side effects on various affected areas.

In addition, the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device has been proved to be effective in improving skin wrinkles and the like, and has been spotlighted as an alternative to facial elevation, which is an invasive procedure.

The skin structure of the human body consists of the epidermis, the dermis, the subcutaneous fat layer, the muscle layer, and the skeleton in order from the outside, and most of the constituents of the dermis are collagen, which is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity.

High-intensity focused ultrasound does not work on the epidermal layer and acts on the muscle layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, SMAS), which induces coagulation, as well as transferring heat to the deeper parts of the dermis. As a result, collagen is regenerated to secure wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

However, in order for such high intensity focused ultrasound to be irradiated to the treatment site effectively, the front surface of the ultrasonic transducer (interducer) should be in close contact with the surface of the treatment site. Therefore, the efficacy of the procedure using the focused ultrasound was not properly implemented.

An object of the present invention is to provide a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus having a treatment site adhesion detection function that allows the ultrasonic treatment to be performed in a state where the entire surface to which the high-intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated is always in close contact with the treatment target (for example, the skin). Is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of sensing means (for example, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor) on the front edge of the high-intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated in order to implement the above-mentioned treatment site close detection function By providing a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device that can effectively detect the occurrence of play from the treatment site.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problem, another task that is not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, the body portion which is detached to the handpiece by the cartridge, forming an outer housing; A focused ultrasound converting unit embedded in the body and configured to irradiate high intensity focused ultrasound at the same focal point of the treatment site; And it provides a high-intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus having a treatment site close detection function comprising a sensing unit for detecting whether the area irradiated with the high-intensity focused ultrasound is in close contact with the treatment site in front.

In this case, the sensing unit may be a plurality of sensing units disposed on the bottom edge of the body portion from which the high intensity focused ultrasound is emitted through the bottom of the body portion.

Here, the sensing unit may be a contact sensor for detecting contact with the treatment site or a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal in a state in close contact with the treatment site.

In addition, the sensing unit may have a structure in which at least one vertex is disposed at each vertex of the quadrangular region formed along the bottom edge of the body portion.

The sensing unit may have a structure in which at least one sensing unit is disposed at each side of a rectangular area formed along a bottom edge of the body portion.

In this case, the focused ultrasound converter may further include an image acquisition unit for acquiring image information on the ultrasound irradiated to the treatment site.

The body parts may be connected in a manner of being detached from each other by inserting the image acquisition part protruding into one end of the handpiece. The image acquisition unit may be configured to be inserted into the body portion and then disposed above the focused ultrasound transducer.

The focused ultrasound converting unit may be guided in a front-rear direction through a linear guide provided at an inner upper portion of the body part, and may be transferred.

The apparatus may further include a support connecting the focused ultrasound transducer and the linear guide.

On the other hand, the high-intensity focused ultrasound generation device according to the present invention includes an operation unit for manipulating the output and on / off of the focused ultrasound emitted from the focused ultrasound transducer; And a monitoring unit which visually implements and delivers the image information acquired through the image acquisition unit to the user.

According to the present invention, the entire surface to which the high-intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated is always in close contact with the treatment target (for example, the skin), so that the ultrasonic treatment can be performed, thereby providing an improved treatment performance.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of sensing means is provided on the front edge to which the high intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated in order to detect whether the area to which the high intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated is in close contact with the entire surgical site. As a result, it always detects whether it is in close contact with the procedure site and provides an effect of improving the satisfaction of the procedure.

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site contact detection function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an arrangement form of a close detection unit of the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site close contact detection function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a view showing a state of performing a procedure using a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site contact detection function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 and 5 are views schematically showing a structure in which the body portion is detachably connected to the handpiece in the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site adhesion detection function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will be apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail with the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The embodiments to be described herein are merely provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

In addition, in the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that related related technologies and the like may obscure the gist of the present invention, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

First, before looking at the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site close contact detection function according to the present invention, a brief description will be made of the features of the ultrasound procedure that can be used in the medical field or cosmetic field.

First, ultrasonic waves have transmission and reflection properties. Therefore, the irradiated ultrasound is used as a means for obtaining a cross-sectional image by visualizing the time and intensity reflected while passing through the organ of the human body.

Second, the ultrasonic wave exerts a mechanical function of imparting ultrasonic vibration for a procedure (particularly, cutting) to a surgical knife.

Third, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave generates fine bubbles in the fluid as it passes through the fluid, wherein the generated bubbles are realized in the form of shockwaves in the form of high pressure as they expand and rupture. And this involves a strong shear force.

Fourth, ultrasonic waves are converted into thermal energy while being absorbed by the tissue. Ultrasound with sufficient energy can cause a sharp rise in temperature in the tissue, which is called the thermal effect of ultrasound.

The high intensity focused ultrasound generation device in the present invention corresponds to a medical device using the thermal effect of such an ultrasound. Among them, high intensity focused ultrasound is a form of focusing ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic transducer at a constant focusing point (ie, focus) to enhance intensity. The high-intensity focused ultrasound irradiated into the tissue treats various cancers by the thermal method using the thermal effect generated from the focus, and does not leave any wounds or side effects on the human body, and particularly does not involve pain.

In addition, high-intensity focused ultrasound is a technique that is recently attracting attention as it specializes in dermatology, especially skin wrinkle improvement, among medical procedures. In particular, by forming a relatively low-intensity ultrasound energy and fine focusing point has been demonstrated an excellent effect in improving skin wrinkles.

The skin structure of the human body consists of the epidermis, the dermis, the subcutaneous fat, the muscle layer, and the skeleton in order from the outside. Among these, most of the constituents of the dermis are collagen. This ingredient is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity.

High-intensity focused ultrasound as in the present invention does not work in the epidermal layer, but acts on the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, which is part of the muscle layer, inducing thermal coagulation, as well as propagating heat to the deep part of the dermal layer. Generate. As a result, the collagen is regenerated to improve skin wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site adhesion detection function according to the present invention will be described.

1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site contact detection function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated high intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus includes a body 110, and a focused ultrasound generating apparatus includes a body 110, a focused ultrasound converting unit 130, and a sensing unit 140. Include.

Body portion 110 refers to an outer housing that is detachably connected to and detachable from the cartridge method to the handpiece (H of FIG. 5) of the medical procedure.

And a plurality of focused ultrasound transducer 130 is built in the body 110.

The focused ultrasound converter 130 irradiates a plurality of high intensity focused ultrasounds to the treatment site. In this case, the focal points F of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the focused ultrasonic transducer 130 are formed at the same position.

The focused ultrasonic transducer 130 is a component collectively referred to as an ultrasonic transducer, and its cross-sectional structure has a concave shape as shown. The generated ultrasonic waves form a focal point F on the center of this concave radius of curvature.

As a preferred embodiment, the focused ultrasound conversion unit 130 according to the present invention is formed in the inner lower portion of the body portion 110 which is a sealed outer housing is formed to irradiate the high-intensity focused ultrasound downward, at this time, the body portion 110 ) Can be filled with water. The reason is that the filled water may act as a medium for delivering ultrasonic waves generated by the focused ultrasonic transducer 130 into the treatment site (ie, skin tissue). At the same time, it is also responsible for cooling the heat generated by the focused ultrasonic transducer 130 to an appropriate level.

As can be seen through FIG. 1, in this embodiment, a pair of focused ultrasound transducers 130 are disposed downward, so that focused ultrasounds emitted from each of them form a focal point at the same position. And the transmission member 111 is formed on the bottom opening of the body portion 110 to which the irradiated ultrasonic wave is emitted so that the body portion 110 is sealed to the outside.

As shown, it can be seen that the high-intensity focused ultrasound beam irradiated to the lower side of the body portion 110 is configured to meet at one focal point (F) to implement a high-intensity ultrasonic energy.

Simultaneously with the procedure by the focused ultrasound converter 130, image information on the treatment site may be obtained by using the ultrasound beam irradiated from the focused ultrasound converter 130. This function is responsible for the image acquisition unit 150 to be described later.

On the other hand, according to the high-intensity focused ultrasound generation device of the present invention, there is always a means for detecting whether the bottom of the body portion 110 is in close contact with the treatment object (that is, the skin), the sensing unit 140 is such a function In charge.

The sensing unit 140 is disposed on the lower side of the focused ultrasound transducer 130 described above, that is, the bottom of the body part 110, and thus the area where the high intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated, that is, the bottom of the body part 110 is a surgical site. Detect if you are in close contact.

To this end, the sensing unit 140 may be implemented in the form of a plurality of sensing units 120 disposed on the bottom edge of the body 110.

Here, the plurality of sensing units 120 is a sensor for determining whether the configuration of the body portion 110 including the focused ultrasound transducer 130 is in contact with the treatment site and in close contact with the treatment site. It may be a contact sensor for detecting contact with or a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal in a state in close contact with the treatment site.

In order to look at the arrangement of the plurality of sensing units in more detail, reference may be made to FIG. 2.

As shown, (a) of Figure 2, at least one at each vertex of the rectangular area formed along the bottom edge of the body portion 110, that is, the area that is in contact with the treatment site to form the focus of the high-intensity focused ultrasound. The sensing unit 120 is disposed. In the embodiment shown in (a) of Figure 2 is disposed at each vertex of the quadrangle, and effectively detects whether the bottom region of the body portion 110 is in close contact with the treatment site.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 2 (b), the sensing unit may be applied to each side of the rectangular area formed along the bottom edge of the body part 110, that is, the area where the high-intensity focused ultrasound is in contact with the treatment site to form a focal point. 120 'may be disposed. In this case, each of the vertices, as well as another sensing unit 120 'is disposed at the center of the long side, it is possible to implement a close detection function with the treatment site more effectively.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the image acquisition unit 150 will be described. The image acquiring unit 150 is responsible for obtaining image information on the surgical site by using the ultrasonic waves irradiated from the focused ultrasound transducer 130.

The image acquisition unit 150 is disposed in the longitudinal direction at the inner center of the body portion 110, and may have various shapes and arrangement structures without being limited to the illustrated rectangular parallelepiped shape. In addition, any type of sensing means capable of detecting an ultrasound image of a treatment site using ultrasound waves irradiated by the focused ultrasound transducer 130 may be used.

Although not separately illustrated, a pair of focused ultrasound transducers 130 may be arranged in pairs at both ends based on the bottom surface of the image acquirer 150, and may be modified in various other arrangement forms.

In the case of the focused ultrasound converting unit 130, the linear ultrasonic guide unit 130 is guided in the front-rear direction of the body 110 through a linear guide (not shown) provided inside the body.

 Although not shown separately, by further providing a linear motion power unit (for example, a linear stepping motor), a connection joint and a plurality of gear combinations, the pair of focused ultrasound transducers 130 are transported back and forth within the body 110. Controlled.

To this end, between the linear guide and the focused ultrasound transducer 130 is preferably further provided with a support 132 for connecting each other. The lower both sides of the support 132 may be provided with a fixed groove that can be inserted into the pair of focused ultrasound transducer 130, the stable movement of the focused ultrasound transducer 130 can be guided according to this form. .

In addition, in the case of the high-intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus capable of performing the multi-path section simultaneous operation according to the embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit 170 and the monitoring unit 160 may be further provided.

The operation unit 170 is electrically connected to the plurality of focused ultrasound converters 130 provided in the present embodiment, so that the output of the ultrasound irradiated from the focused ultrasound converters may be controlled as well as on / off signals. It can be composed of an operation button and a switch.

The monitoring unit 160 plays a role of visually delivering the image information acquired through the image acquisition unit 150 to the user, and a display device capable of outputting the visual information, as well as a printer, may correspond thereto. .

On the other hand, the signal (C1) generated in the above-described sensing unit 140, that is, the signal (C1) generated as the bottom of the body portion 110 is separated from at least one point from the treatment site to be applied to the operation unit 170 Can be. If the sensing unit 140 detects that the procedure is performed in a state where the high intensity focused ultrasound generating device according to the present invention is not in close contact with the treatment site, a signal C1 is applied to the operation unit 170 to generate a warning sound. The operator can be notified either by printing or by implementing various visual warning functions (such as blinking LEDs).

3 is a view showing a state of performing a procedure using a high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site contact detection function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, by using the present embodiment it is possible to confirm the appearance of performing the ultrasound treatment at the same time while implementing a close detection function for the treatment site (L).

In particular, referring to FIG. 3 (a), it can be seen that the procedure is performed with respect to the treatment site L while the bottom of the body part 110 including the pair of focused ultrasound transducers is in close contact. . At this time, all the contacts of the four sensing units 120 disposed on the bottom of the body 110 maintains contact with the treatment site L, and even if only one sensing unit 120, the treatment site L In case of being separated from), it provides an alarm function to the operator.

Referring to FIG. 3 (b), it can be seen that the entire sensing unit 120 is in contact with the surface of the treatment site (L, for example, skin) while the body 110 is moved while the procedure is performed. In particular, the high intensity focused ultrasound emitted from the pair of focused ultrasound transducers 130 penetrates within a predetermined depth d with respect to the skin surface and is focused at one focal point F. The preferred depth d here may be about 3.0 to 4.5 mm. In this way, thermal coagulation inside the skin tissue is induced to provide a wrinkle improvement effect.

In addition, the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating device including the body 110 and the focused ultrasound converting unit 130 described above may be provided in the form of a cartridge. In this case, the image acquisition unit 150 protrudes from one end of the handpiece. It may be made of a structure that is removable to the inside of the body portion (110).

4 and 5 are views schematically showing a structure in which the body portion is separated and connected in a detachable form to the handpiece in the high-intensity focused ultrasound generation device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 4, a detachable ball is provided at the center of the body part 110 including the focused ultrasound transducer, and an image acquiring unit 150 protrudes in the form of a detachable protrusion on the opposite surface of the handpiece H side. do.

The structure in which the handpiece H and the body 110 are connected to each other can be confirmed through FIG. 5. The image acquisition unit 150 of the handpiece H side is inserted through and inserted through the detachable ball of the body 110.

However, the arrangement relationship of the image acquisition unit may be disposed in the longitudinal direction at the center of the upper side of the focused ultrasonic transducer after being inserted through the inside of the body portion 110.

As described above, according to the present invention, the ultrasound treatment can be performed only in a state where the entire surface to which the high-intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated is always in close contact with the subject (for example, the skin or the affected part requiring the procedure). Effective procedure efficacy can be exhibited.

In addition, in order to detect whether the area irradiated with the high intensity focused ultrasound is in full contact with the treatment site, a plurality of sensing means are disposed on the front edge to which the high intensity focused ultrasound is irradiated. Thus, it is possible to quickly detect whether the apparatus for irradiating high-intensity focused ultrasound from the treatment site continuously maintains the state in close contact, and as a result, the treatment satisfaction can be improved.

It has been described above with respect to the preferred embodiment of the high-intensity focused ultrasound generating apparatus having a treatment site adhesion detection function according to the present invention.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as limiting, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, It is intended that all changes and modifications derived from the equivalent concept be included within the scope of the present invention.

H: Handpiece
110: body part
130: focused ultrasound converter
140: sensing unit
150: image acquisition unit
160; Monitoring
170: control panel

Claims (11)

A body part detachably attached to the handpiece by a cartridge and forming an outer housing;
A focused ultrasound converting unit embedded in the body and configured to irradiate high intensity focused ultrasound at the same focal point of the treatment site; And
High intensity focused ultrasound generation device having a treatment site close detection function comprising a sensing unit for detecting whether the area irradiated with the high intensity focused ultrasound is in close contact with the entire treatment site.
The method of claim 1,
The sensing unit includes:
The high intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus having a close contact detection function for a treatment site, characterized in that the high intensity focused ultrasound is a plurality of sensing units disposed on the bottom edge of the body portion emitted through the bottom of the body portion.
The method of claim 2,
The sensing unit,
A high intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site adhesion detection function, characterized in that the contact sensor for detecting contact with the treatment site or a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal in a state in close contact with the treatment site.
The method of claim 3, wherein
The sensing unit,
And a high intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a close contact detection function for a treatment site, characterized in that it has a structure arranged at least one at each vertex of the quadrangular region formed along the bottom edge of the body.
The method of claim 4, wherein
The sensing unit,
High intensity focused ultrasound generating device having a treatment site contact detection function, characterized in that it has a structure disposed on each side of the rectangular area formed along the bottom edge of the body portion.
The method of claim 1,
And an image acquiring unit for acquiring image information of the ultrasound irradiated to the treatment site by the focused ultrasound converter.
The method according to claim 6,
The body portion is a high-intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus having a close contact detection function, characterized in that the body portion is connected in such a way to be detached from each other by inserting through the image acquisition portion protruding into one end of the handpiece.
The method according to claim 6,
The image acquisition unit is a high-intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus having a close contact detection function of the treatment region, characterized in that the structure is disposed through the inner portion of the body portion is arranged above the focused ultrasound transducer.
The method according to claim 6,
The focused ultrasound transducer is a high-intensity focused ultrasound generation apparatus having a close detection function of the treatment site, characterized in that the guide is conveyed in the front and rear direction through a linear guide provided in the upper portion of the body portion.
The method of claim 9,
And a support for connecting the focused ultrasound transducer and the linear guide.
The method according to claim 6,
An operation unit for manipulating the output and on / off of the focused ultrasound emitted from the focused ultrasound converter; And
And a monitoring unit which visually implements and transmits the image information acquired through the image acquisition unit to the user.

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