Methods and Apparatus for Treating a Cervix with Ultrasound Energy

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied trans-abdominally and directed at the cervix. Ultrasound energy is widely used in medical applications such as diagnostic imaging, therapeutic heating and noninvasive surgery.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 735,306 entitled “Methods and Apparatuses for Treating a Cervix With Ultrasound Energy,” filed on Dec. 10, 2012, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference without disclaimer in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for the practice of medical obstetrics. More particularly, this disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for treating a cervix using ultrasound energy.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Ultrasound energy is widely used in medical applications such as diagnostic imaging, therapeutic heating and noninvasive surgery. Ultrasound diagnostic imaging employs sound power levels and pulse protocols considered safe for use in obstetrics. Its long history of use in the clinic supports this conclusion. At much higher ultrasound power levels, the vibration of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method and apparatus for promoting cervical ripening using pulsed ultrasound energy. The technical effects include the promotion of cervical ripening through the application of specific parameters such as frequency, pulse duration, repetition rate, and peak power of the ultrasound energy. Additionally, the method may involve the use of other treatments or imaging techniques to enhance the efficacy of the ultrasound energy. The apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer and signal generator for generating pulsed ultrasound energy with the specified parameters.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, ultrasound imaging examinations are conducted over short intervals of time, typical minutes, and the overall ultrasound integrated dose to a patient is relatively low.

Furthermore, the use of diagnostic ultrasound for non-medical purposes such as fetal keepsake videos has been discouraged.

Transvaginal ultrasound imaging has now established that the shorter the sonographic cervical length in the mid-trimester, the higher the risk of preterm delivery.

However, ultrasound is not known to produce significant effects on the peripheral nervous system sufficient to produce action events.

However, bioelectric events are not thought to be associated with the progress of labor associated with changes in the cervix and cervical softening.

Early cervical ripening often leads to premature birth (i.e., birth of the baby before the 37th week of gestation) and serious problems related to prematurity.

On the other hand, delay in cervical ripening can result in still birth and seriously jeopardize the health of the baby or mother.

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