Opto-acoustic transducer for medical applications

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5944687
SERIAL NO

08639018

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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This invention is an optically activated transducer for generating acoustic vibrations in a biological medium. The transducer is located at the end of a fiber optic which may be located within a catheter. Energy for operating the transducer is provided optically by laser light transmitted through the fiber optic to the transducer. Pulsed laser light is absorbed in the working fluid of the transducer to generate a thermal pressure and consequent adiabatic expansion of the transducer head such that it does work against the ambient medium. The transducer returns to its original state by a process of thermal cooling. The motion of the transducer within the ambient medium couples acoustic energy into the medium. By pulsing the laser at a high repetition rate (which may vary from CW to 100 kHz) an ultrasonic radiation field can be established locally in the medium. This method of producing ultrasonic vibrations can be used in vivo for the treatment of stroke-related conditions in humans, particularly for dissolving thrombus. The catheter may also incorporate anti-thrombolytic drug treatments as an adjunct therapy and it may be operated in conjunction with ultrasonic detection equipment for imaging and feedback control.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCLIVERMORE, CA1096

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Benett, William Livermore, CA 7 347
Celliers, Peter Berkeley, CA 6 337
Da, Silva Luiz Danville, CA 12 792
Glinsky, Michael Livermore, CA 8 466
Krulevich, Peter Pleasanton, CA 2 107
Lee, Abraham Walnut Creek, CA 9 120
London, Richard Orinda, CA 8 449
Maitland, Duncan Livermore, CA 6 297
Matthews, Dennis Moss Beach, CA 10 784

Cited Art Landscape

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Patent Citation Ranking

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Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
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