An ultrasonic
system useful for providing imaging, therapy and
temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic
transducer assembly configured to enable the
ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and
temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic
transducer assembly comprises a single
transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a
temperature monitoring subsystem. The
ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power
acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer. Additionally, the acoustic transducer
assembly can be configured to provide three-dimensional imaging, temperature monitoring or therapeutic heating through the use of adaptive algorithms and / or rotational or translational movement. Moreover, a plurality of the exemplary single transducers can be provided to facilitate enhanced treatment capabilities.