The high power transducer positionning and the monitoring of ultrasonic effect on the tissues are key parameters for the safety of therapeutic ultrasound.
MRI and ultrasonic imaging (echography) are the most commonly used methods.
In some cases, the high power transducer itself is used as imaging probe, in a dual mode approach.
Anatomic MR image showing the transducer (bottom) - Courtesy Insightec
Prostate imaging with Ultrasound - Courtesy EDAP TMS
MRI compatibility requires a careful selection of material to be used in the transducers, as well as some geometry constraints.
Imasonic has developed a specific know how over the last 20 years to offer MRI compatible transducers for therapeutic applications
Trans-oesophagial array probe with integrated coolin
256 elts high power transducer for research application
Ultrasonic imaging of therapeutic ultrasound typicaly requires an imaging array as close as possible to the high power transducer.
This can be addressed with an imaging probe integrated in the high power probe, or with a reserved space in the probe, typically a hole in the center with the required geometry.
Extra corporal array for liver application with integrated imaging array
SIngle element transducer with center hole for imaging probe
In some cases, the same transducer can be used for both high power emission and pulse-echo imaging.
Imasonic can to design and manufacture high power wideband transducer compatible with dual mode requirements
