WO2022162073A1 - Stimulateur et procede pour appliquer une energie acoustique dans une zone cible d'un individu - Google Patents
Stimulateur et procede pour appliquer une energie acoustique dans une zone cible d'un individu Download PDFInfo
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- WO2022162073A1 WO2022162073A1 PCT/EP2022/051920 EP2022051920W WO2022162073A1 WO 2022162073 A1 WO2022162073 A1 WO 2022162073A1 EP 2022051920 W EP2022051920 W EP 2022051920W WO 2022162073 A1 WO2022162073 A1 WO 2022162073A1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
- H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
- H04R1/40—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers
- H04R1/403—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by combining a number of identical transducers loud-speakers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0004—Applications of ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0021—Neural system treatment
- A61N2007/0026—Stimulation of nerve tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0056—Beam shaping elements
- A61N2007/0065—Concave transducers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0073—Ultrasound therapy using multiple frequencies
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0078—Ultrasound therapy with multiple treatment transducers
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
- A61N2007/0086—Beam steering
- A61N2007/0095—Beam steering by modifying an excitation signal
Definitions
- the invention relates to a stimulator, a non-therapeutic method and a therapeutic treatment device, intended to apply acoustic energy to a target area of an individual (human or animal).
- the invention relates to the general technical field of stimulation of the body by application of acoustic energy.
- the invention aims in particular to achieve one or more of the following objectives:
- the solution proposed by the invention is a stimulator intended to apply acoustic energy in a target area of an individual, in which:
- a first acoustic energy transmitter is equipped with a first matrix of electroacoustic transducers and a second acoustic energy transmitter is equipped with a second matrix of electroacoustic transducers, said transmitters being arranged symmetrically in a mirror arrangement, the first die facing the second die,
- an electronic management unit is configured to activate the transducers of the first matrix so that said transducers broadcast a first beam of acoustic waves towards a target area of the individual, and the transducers of the second matrix so as to that said transducers broadcast a second beam of acoustic waves towards said target area,
- the activation of the transducers of the first matrix and of the second matrix is sequenced so that said transducers of each transmitter are activated in the form of successive concentric circles or rings of different diameters or in the form of a spiral or in the form of a helix rotating around an acoustic axis of the two transmitters.
- the acoustic waves are sound waves.
- the first transmitter and the second transmitter are installed on the walls of a cabin.
- a seat is positioned in the cabin so that when the individual is installed on said seat, the first transmitter is located in front of said individual and the second transmitter is located behind said individual.
- the acoustic waves are ultrasonic waves.
- the ultrasound frequency of the waves of the first beam is different from the ultrasound frequency of the waves of the second beam.
- the acoustic waves emitted by the transducers of the first matrix have the same characteristics as the acoustic waves emitted by the transducers of the second matrix.
- the transducers of the first matrix and the transducers of the second matrix are electroacoustic transducers with directional diffusion.
- - the first beam converges towards a first focus so as to obtain stimulation in a first focal zone
- - the second beam converges towards a second focal point which is distinct from said first focal point, so as to obtain stimulation in a second focal zone
- - a third stimulation focal zone corresponds to the overlap zone where the first beam and the second beam intersect.
- the target zone is located in the acoustic axis of the two transmitters and halfway between said transmitters.
- the electronic management unit is configured to activate according to the same sequence the transducers of the first matrix and the transducers of the second matrix.
- the electronic management unit is configured to activate the transducers of the first matrix according to a first sequence and the transducers of the second matrix according to a second sequence different from said first sequence.
- the electronic management unit is configured to activate the transducers of the first matrix and the transducers of the second matrix with a temporary offset.
- Another aspect of the invention relates to a non-therapeutic method for applying acoustic energy to a target area of an individual, the method comprising the following steps:
- Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a device for the therapeutic treatment of a neurological disease comprising a brain cell stimulator, said stimulator being in accordance with one of the preceding characteristics.
- FIG. 1a schematizes a first arrangement of electroacoustic transducers.
- FIG. 1b schematizes a second arrangement of electroacoustic transducers.
- FIG. 1c schematizes a third arrangement of electroacoustic transducers.
- FIG. 2 schematizes an example of assembly of electroacoustic transducers.
- FIG. 3a schematizes a first form of beam of acoustic waves.
- FIG. 3b schematizes a second form of beam of acoustic waves.
- FIG. 3c schematizes a third form of beam of acoustic waves.
- FIG. 4 schematizes a device according to the invention according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 5 schematizes a device according to the invention according to a second embodiment.
- FIG. 6a illustrates a first example of interaction of the acoustic waves emitted by two emitters.
- FIG. 6b illustrates a second example of the interaction of acoustic waves emitted by two emitters.
- FIG. 6c illustrates a third example of the interaction of acoustic waves emitted by two emitters.
- the invention may implement one or more computer applications executed by computer equipment.
- a piece of equipment does something means “the computer application executed by a processing unit of the piece of equipment does something”.
- the computer application does something means “the computer application executed by the processing unit of the equipment does something”.
- the present invention may refer to one or more “computer processes”. These correspond to the actions or results obtained by the execution of instructions from one or more computer applications. Also, it must also be understood within the meaning of the invention that “a computer process is adapted to do something” means “the instructions of a computer application executed by a processing unit do something”.
- Computer resource can be understood in a non-limiting way as: component, hardware, software, file, connection to a computer network, amount of RAM memory, hard disk space, bandwidth, processor speed, number of CPUs, etc. .
- Electronic management unit can be understood in a non-limiting manner as: processor, microprocessors, CPU (for Central Processing Unit).
- Computer application can be understood as: software, computer program product, computer program or software, the instructions of which are notably executed by a processing unit.
- X and/or Y means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y.
- An object of the invention is a stimulator intended to apply acoustic energy to the body of an individual.
- This stimulator can be used for therapeutic purposes and for non-therapeutic purposes, as explained further in the description.
- the stimulator comprises two emitters of acoustic energy arranged symmetrically in a mirror arrangement.
- a first transmitter is equipped with a first array of electroacoustic transducers and a second transmitter is equipped with a second array of electroacoustic transducers.
- the spacing between the two transmitters can be fixed or variable.
- the transmitter 2 comprises a support body 20 having a front surface 200 on which the transducers T are arranged.
- the front surface 200 can be flat, concave, parabolic, etc. .
- it is concave or parabolic, which is a simple constructive solution allowing to focus the acoustic wave emitted by the transducers
- the front surface 200 is preferably circular, but can be of another shape, for example oval, square, rectangular, with lobes, etc.
- the size of the frontal surface depends on the use made of the stimulator, as explained later in the description.
- Transducers transform an electrical signal into an acoustic wave. When a transducer is activated, they emit an acoustic wave. This emission may be designated in the remainder of the description by “wave shot”.
- the transducers T11, T12 are connected via an amplifier stage A to a signal generator G. These elements are controlled by an electronic management unit UC.
- the transducers T11, T12 are activated independently of each other, according to predefined sequences as explained further in the description.
- a demultiplexer DMUX is provided, one input of which is connected to amplifier A and the outputs connected to transducers T11, T12.
- the unit UC makes it possible to select the transducer or transducers T11, T12 to be activated by choosing the corresponding output or outputs of the DMUX demultiplexer.
- the UC unit contains, for example in the form of files recorded in a memory zone, all the information suitable for individually controlling each of the individual transducers, according to given parameters (sequence, cadence, frequencies, etc). These parameters are preferentially modifiable.
- the transmitter 2 is an acoustic enclosure and the transducers T11, T12 are loudspeakers which each broadcast a sound wave, that is to say a sound audible to the human ear ( frequencies between about 16 Hz and 20,000 Hz, at an acoustic level preferably between 1 dB and 80 dB).
- the loudspeakers T11, T12 have directional diffusion so as to focus their sound wave towards a focal point F.
- the focusing is a mechanical focusing carried out by acoustic lenses.
- the focusing is an electronic focusing, for example adapted to affect phase delays between the loudspeakers.
- the focusing is a mixed focusing (mechanical and electronic).
- the directivity of the sound waves can be obtained by using loudspeakers incorporating HSS® technology (HyperSonicSound).
- HSS® technology consists in modulating the sound wave to be diffused around ultrasonic carrier frequencies. The sound wave becomes audible when it encounters an obstacle, in particular an individual. The sound can therefore be heard directly when the individual's ear crosses the ultrasonic beam.
- Other acoustic speakers with directional diffusion are for example described in the patent documents FR3087608 or US10129657 and to which those skilled in the art may refer if necessary.
- the transducers T11, T12 are therapeutic transducers, in particular ultrasound transducers, typically piezoelectric transducers, which operate at a frequency ranging from approximately 0.1 MHz to approximately 50 MHz.
- High intensity focused ultrasound transducers (HIFU) operating at frequencies between 0.1 MHz and approximately 10 MHz are preferably used.
- HIFU high intensity focused ultrasound transducers
- These are more particularly therapy transducers used, for example, to treat undesirable human or animal tissue, such as diseased tissue or adipose tissue.
- the transmitter 2 can then take the form of an ultrasound therapeutic probe.
- the ultrasonic transducers T11, T12 are directional diffusion.
- the focusing of their ultrasonic wave towards a focus F can in particular be a mechanical focusing carried out by a converging acoustic lens L (FIG. 2) or a Fresnel lens.
- the focusing can also be electronic (for example to affect phase delays) or mixed (mechanical and electronic).
- the transducers T are arranged in the form of n concentric circles Cn.
- Cn concentric circles
- the transducers can be placed side by side or spaced apart, on the same circle and/or from one circle to another.
- the diameter of the circles Cn is for example between 2 cm and 2 m and depends on the type of transmitter used and/or on the application made of it.
- the first circle C1 comprises i transducers (T11, T12, T1 i)
- the second circle C2 comprises j transducers (T21, T22, T2j)
- the third circle C3 comprises k transducers (T31, T32 , T3k)
- the fourth circle C4 a single transducer T4 which corresponds to the center of the matrix.
- a greater number of transducers can be provided at the center of the matrix.
- no transducer is positioned at this location.
- the number of transducers on each circle depends on the type of transmitter used and/or the application made of it.
- the transducers can be identical from one circle to another or different (for example of increasing or decreasing size). Similarly, on the same circle, the transducers can be identical or different.
- the transducers are activated in sequence, in the form of successive concentric circles, discs or rings of different diameters.
- the instants to, t1, t2, t3 can last from 0.1 milliseconds to 5 seconds each, depending on the use made of the stimulator. For example, when the transducers are loudspeakers, the instants to, t1, t2, t3 can be of the order of a second. And if the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the times to, t1, t2, t3 can be of the order of a millisecond. The instants to, t1, t2, t3 can have the same duration or different durations. The instants to, t1, t2, t3 are linked so that there are always active transducers.
- Figure 3a illustrates a beam shape of acoustic waves obtained with a matrix M of transducers according to the first arrangement.
- the first shot of waves is that of the transducers of the circle C4 of smaller diameter
- the second shot is that of the transducers of the circles C3+C4
- the third shot is that of the transducers of the circles C2+ C3+C4
- the fourth shot is that transducers of circles C1+C2+C3+C4.
- This succession of shots corresponds to [Table 2]
- the beam is thus made up of a series of waves in the form of concentric discs which converge in the direction of a focus F located on the acoustic axis A-A of transmitter 2.
- Focus F is located in the target area Zi.
- This target zone Zi can be a one-dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional zone. It corresponds to a part of the individual's body (for example the head) and can be found inside the individual's body (for example a diseased tissue to be treated).
- the target zone Zi will first receive the acoustic energy from the first disc (C4) on a first sector, then from the second disc (C3+C4) on a second sector, then from the third disc (C2+C3+C4) on a third sector, then of the fourth disc (C1+C2+C3+C4) on a fourth sector, which sectors are concentric. And so on.
- the inventor has observed that this localized and progressive impairment of the target zone Zi allowed rapid and deep penetration of the acoustic waves into the body of the individual and rapid and homogeneous stimulation of said target zone, in the sense that the acoustic energy is better distributed in said zone and not highly concentrated in a single focal point. And in the case where the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the formation of very hot spots at the focus F is avoided.
- the acoustic energy of said waves thus acts with increased efficiency in the target zone Zi, which is better stimulated, in particular in comparison with the aforementioned stimulators of the prior art.
- the transducers T are arranged in the form of a spiral S comprising n turns.
- the central point is advantageously located at the center of the matrix.
- the transducers can be placed side by side or spaced apart along the spiral.
- the maximum diameter of the spiral is for example between 2 cm and 2 m and depends on the type of transmitter used and/or the application made of it.
- a number i of transducers is arranged along the spiral.
- the number i is an integer between 4 and 1000 and which depends on the type of transmitter used and/or the application made of it.
- the transducers can be identical or different along the spiral (for example of increasing or decreasing size).
- the transducers are activated in sequence, in the form of a spiral.
- the tables below illustrate different examples of sequencing at times to, t1, t2 ti (with to ⁇ t1 ⁇ t2 ⁇ ... ⁇ ti). These instants represent the cadence of the wave shots.
- the instants to, t1, t2, ..., ti can last from 0.1 millisecond to 5 seconds depending on the use made of the stimulator. For example, when the transducers are loudspeakers, the instants to, t1, t2 ti can be of the order of a second. And if the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the times to, t1, t2, ..., t3 can be of the order of a millisecond. The instants to, t1, t2, t3 can have the same duration or different durations. The instants to, t1, t2, .... t3 are linked so that there are always active transducers.
- transducer T4 is first activated, then, successively, the transducers T31 to T3k of the third circle C3, then, successively, the transducers T21 to T2j of the second circle C2, then, successively, the transducers T11 to T1 i of the first circle C1.
- Figure 3b illustrates a beam shape of acoustic waves obtained with a matrix M of transducers according to the second arrangement.
- the first wave shot is that of the transducer T1 located in the center of the spiral S, then the other transducers are activated successively along the said spiral.
- This succession of firing corresponds to [Table 5].
- the beam is thus made up of a series of waves in the form of a spiral which converges in the direction of the target zone Zi.
- the beam has a conical spiral or vortex shape.
- the entire surface of the target zone Zi is reached by the beam, but gradually.
- the target area Zi will first receive the acoustic energy from the first transducer (T1), then successively from the other transducers, each shot reaching a localized region of said area.
- the inventor found that this localized and progressive attack on the target zone Zi allowed rapid and deep penetration of the acoustic waves into the body of the individual and rapid and homogeneous stimulation of said target zone, in the sense that the energy acoustic is better distributed in said area and not highly concentrated in a single focal point.
- the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the formation of very hot spots at the focus F is avoided.
- the acoustic energy of said waves thus acts with increased efficiency in the target zone Zi, which is better stimulated, in particular in comparison with the aforementioned stimulators of the prior art.
- the transducers T are arranged in the form of an n-pointed star.
- the central point of this star shape is advantageously located at the center of the matrix.
- Branches B1-B8 can be curved, straight, C-shaped, V-shaped, broken lines, etc.
- the transducers can be placed side by side or spaced from each other, on the same branch and/or from one branch to another.
- the length of the branches B1-B8 is for example between 2 cm and 2 m and depends on the type of transmitter used and/or the application made of it.
- the first branch B1 comprises a transducers (T11, T12, .., T1a)
- the second branch B2 comprises b transducers (T21, T22, ... T2b)
- the eighth branch B8 comprises h transducers (T81, T82, .., T8h).
- the center of the array includes a single T0 transducer. However, a greater number of transducers can be provided at the center of the matrix. According to another example, no transducer is positioned at this location.
- the transducers can be identical from one branch to another or different (for example of increasing or decreasing size). Similarly, on the same branch, the transducers can be identical or different (for example of increasing or decreasing size).
- the transducers are activated in sequence, in the form of a rotating helix. This helix rotates around the acoustic axis A- A.
- the tables below illustrate different examples of sequencing at times to, t1, t2, .... t7 (with to ⁇ t1 ⁇ t2 ⁇ t3). These instants represent the cadence of the wave shots.
- the instants to, t1, t2, ..., t8 can last from 0.1 milliseconds to 5 seconds each, depending on the use made of the stimulator. For example, when the transducers are loudspeakers, the instants to, t1, t2, ..., t8 can be of the order of a second. And if the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the times to, t1, t2, .... t8 can be of the order of a millisecond.
- the instants to, t1, t2 t8 can have the same duration or different durations.
- the instants to, t1, t2 t8 are linked so that there are always active transducers.
- Figure 3c illustrates a beam shape of acoustic waves obtained with a matrix M of transducers according to the third arrangement.
- the first wave shot is that of the transducers located on the branches B1-B5, the second shot that of the transducers of the branches B2-B6, the third shot that of the transducers of the branches B3-B7, the fourth shot that of the branches B4- B8, and so on.
- This succession of firing corresponds to [Table 8].
- the beam is thus made up of a series of waves in the form of a rotating helix which converges in the direction of the target zone Zi.
- the beam has a helicoid shape.
- the entire surface of the target zone Zi is reached by the beam, but gradually.
- the target zone Zi will first receive the acoustic energy from the transducers of the branches B1-B5, then successively from the transducers of the other branches, each shot reaching a band or localized portion of said area.
- the inventor found that this localized and progressive attack on the target zone Zi allowed rapid and deep penetration of the acoustic waves into the body of the individual and rapid and homogeneous stimulation of said target zone, in the sense that the energy acoustic is better distributed in said area and not highly concentrated in a single focal point. And in the case where the transducers are ultrasonic transducers, the formation of very hot spots at the focus F is avoided.
- the acoustic energy of said waves thus acts with increased efficiency in the target zone Zi, which is better stimulated, in particular in comparison with the aforementioned stimulators of the prior art.
- the two transmitters 2 and 2' are arranged symmetrically in a mirror arrangement, and have the same acoustic axis A-A.
- This axis passes through the center of the matrices M, M'.
- the first matrix M of transducers T and the second matrix M' of transducers T' are identical. They face each other.
- the transducers T of the first matrix M broadcast a first beam Fo of acoustic waves and the transducers T' of the second matrix M' broadcast a second beam Fo' of acoustic waves.
- the target zone Zi thus receives the acoustic energy of the two beams, so that it is further stimulated.
- the target zone Zi is stimulated from two distinct and opposite faces, which increases the effectiveness of the stimulator in stimulating said zone.
- the UC unit activates the transducers T and T' according to the same sequence so that their beams Fo, Fo' have the same shape.
- the acoustic waves emitted by the transducers T can have the same characteristics as those emitted by the transducers T'.
- the target zone Zi is stimulated in the same way regardless of its stimulated face, which can be advantageous when said zone has the same characteristics (for example in terms of density and/or shape) of a face to the other.
- the unit UC activates the transducers T according to a first sequence and the transducers T' according to a second sequence different from said first sequence, so that their beam Fo, Fo' do not have the same shape.
- the transducers T of the matrix M can be activated according to [Table 2] and those T' of the matrix M' according to [Table 1].
- the transducers T can be activated according to [Table 5] and the transducers T′ according to [Table 6].
- the transducers T can be activated according to [Table 8] and the transducers T' according to [Table 7].
- the target zone does not have the same characteristics (for example in terms of density and/or shape) from one face to the other and/or that the stimulation must be differentiated from one face to the other.
- the matrices M and M' may have different arrangements of transducers so that their beam Fo, Fo' do not have the same shape.
- the acoustic waves emitted by the transducers T of the first matrix M have distinct characteristics from those emitted by the transducers T' of the second matrix M' (that their beam Fo, Fo' have the same shape or not).
- the transducers are loudspeakers, the sound waves they emit can have different frequencies and/or acoustic levels from one matrix to another. Different sounds can also be emitted: for example high-pitched sounds emitted from the first matrix M and low-pitched sounds emitted from the second matrix M' (or vice versa).
- the ultrasonic frequency of the waves of the first beam can be different from the ultrasonic frequency of the waves of the second beam. This is particularly advantageous for differentiating the stimulation from one side to the other of the target zone Zi.
- the unit UC activates the transducers T of the first matrix M and the transducers T' of the second matrix M' with a temporary offset.
- the transducer activation sequence T′ can be launched after or before the transducer activation sequence T, with a delay or a lead of 0.1 millisecond to 1 second.
- the T and T' transducers can be activated according to the same sequence or distinct sequences.
- the acoustic waves emitted by the transducers T may have the same characteristics or characteristics distinct from those emitted by the transducers T′. This lag temporary makes it possible in particular to differentiate over time the stimulation of the faces of the target zone Zi.
- Pacemaker first embodiment - Figure 4.
- the first transmitter 2 and the second transmitter 2' are here installed on the walls P of a CAB cabin.
- the latter is for example made up of a set of panels assembled together.
- the walls of the CAB cabin can be soundproofed so as to have an optimal diffusion of the acoustic waves inside the said cabin.
- the CAB cabin is preferentially closed (closed) when using the stimulator.
- the CAB cabin has a length between 1 m and 5 m, a width between 1 m and 5 m and a height between 2 m and 3 m.
- the transmitters 2, 2' are loudspeakers and the transducers T, T' are loudspeakers (first embodiment), so that the acoustic waves emitted are sound waves.
- Speakers 2 and 2' are arranged symmetrically in a mirror arrangement, as in Figures 3a to 3c.
- the target zone Zi is located in the acoustic axis A-A of the two transmitters 2, 2' and halfway between said transmitters.
- the target zone Zi is the head of the individual I.
- the target zone can however be another part of the body of the individual, for example his bust, or even his whole body.
- the Cab cabin is advantageously provided with a seat S which can take various forms such as a stool, an armchair, a chair, etc.
- the seat S is positioned in the cabin CAB so that when the individual I is installed on it, the first enclosure 2 is located in front of said individual and the second enclosure 2' is located behind said individual.
- the seat S is positioned halfway between the speakers 2, 2' and is adjustable in height so as to be able to position the head of the individual I in the acoustic axis AA.
- the loudspeakers 2, 2' are adjustable in height so as to be able to position the acoustic axis AA at the level of the head of the individual I.
- the loudspeakers 2, 2' are installed in a room, attached to walls or on tripods.
- the UC management unit can be integrated into a PC computer (or a tablet, or a smart phone -Smartphone) connected wired or wirelessly (for example by Wifi® or Bluetooth® connection) to the speakers 2, 2'. An operator can thus easily check the operation of the enclosures 2, 2' and of their transducers.
- This stimulator 1 is particularly suitable for a non-therapeutic application, in particular for a relaxation session for the individual.
- the individual is a healthy individual in the sense that he is not suffering from a neurological disease.
- the audible sounds emitted by the transmitters 2, 2' can be music, songs, nature noises (sound of streams, birds, rain, waves, etc.), recordings of vibrations from gongs, Vietnamese bowls, tuning forks, etc. Due to the mirror arrangement of the emitters 2, 2' and the specific diffusion of the sound waves as described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1c and 3a-33c, the inventor has found that the acoustic energy of said waves makes it possible to quickly access a form of physical and mental well-being.
- WEMWBS Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale
- This stimulator is also suitable for the implementation of a method of therapeutic treatment of neurological diseases such as memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease , sleep disorder, by stimulating brain cells. It was found that symptoms related to these diseases could be significantly reduced when the individual was stimulated by the acoustic energy of this installation.
- Each group is made up of 10 patients aged 60 or over, half being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the other half being diagnosed with Parkinson's. Patients live at home and come under GIR 4 and 3 (loss of autonomy index calculated from the AGGIR grid). All the patients continued to follow, during the 5 days of the test, the same therapeutic activities organized by workshops. Only patients in group B were additionally treated with the pacemaker.
- STAI State and Trait Anxiety Index
- GRBAS scale This scale is made up of six parameters: Grade (degrees of vocal abnormalities), Roughness (hoarseness, irregularity of vibration), Breathiness (breathiness, presence of glottal leakage), Astheny (vocal fatigue, hypophonia, hypokinesia), Straing ( forced, hyperkinesia), Instability (variability over time of voice quality or of one of the five preceding parameters).
- Grade degrees of vocal abnormalities
- Roughness hoarseness, irregularity of vibration
- Breathiness Breathiness, presence of glottal leakage
- Astheny vocal fatigue, hypophonia, hypokinesia
- Straing forced, hyperkinesia
- Instability variable over time of voice quality or of one of the five preceding parameters.
- Each parameter is quantified by a Likert scale of 3 (0: normal, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe).
- SPPB test Short Physical Performance Battery
- balance test walking speed test
- chair lift test This test assesses the physical performance of an individual. Adding the scores from all the tests gives an overall performance score.
- This stimulator 1 can also simply be used for listening to music or as an acoustic element of a home cinema. The individual then benefits from good sound comfort and a unique listening experience, the 2', 2' speakers favoring a homogeneous sound atmosphere in the room and/or the cabin.
- Pacemaker second embodiment - Figure 5.
- the transducers T, T' are here therapeutic transducers (second embodiment).
- Transmitters 2 and 2' are therapeutic probes arranged symmetrically in a mirror arrangement, as in FIGS. 3a to 3c.
- the target zone Zi is located in the acoustic axis A-A of the two transmitters 2, 2'.
- the target zone Zi is located inside the body of individual I and consists for example of a zone of diseased tissue such as a tumor or cells to be destroyed.
- the first transmitter 2 and the second transmitter 2 ' are fixed on the arms 30, 30' of a support 3.
- the support 3 comprises means 31 for adjusting the spacing between the arms 30 , 30' and therefore the spacing between the emitters 2, 2'.
- This means 31 is for example in the form of a rack. Adjusting the spacing between the emitters 2, 2' makes it possible to adapt to the morphology of the individual I and/or of the part of the body against which they are applied.
- the individual I is installed on a platform 4, which can for example take the form of a bed on which he is lying.
- the management unit UC can be integrated into a rack or electronic trolley connected to the transmitters 2, 2'.
- Other means than the arms 30, 30' can be provided to adjust the spacing between the transmitters 2, 2', for example an adjustment manual each transmitter being held in one hand of an operator. According to another embodiment, there are no adjustment means provided, the spacing between the emitters 2, 2' being fixed.
- the target zone Zi receives the acoustic energy from the two beams Fo and Fo', from two distinct and opposite faces, which makes it possible to effectively treat said zone. More particularly, the waves cause the localized and remote elevation of the temperature of the target zone Zi in order to necrotize the diseased tissues without affecting the surrounding tissues. In addition, the fact of being able to treat the target zone Zi from two distinct and opposite faces makes it possible to treat a larger volume of diseased tissue. In addition, the temperature rise of the target zone Zi is faster, which makes it possible to speed up the treatment.
- the first beam Fo of acoustic waves emitted by the first transmitter 2 and the second beam Fo 'of acoustic waves emitted by the second transmitter 2' are advantageously focused, so that they converge towards the same focus F located on the acoustic axis A-A of the emitters 2, 2', equidistant from said emitters, in the same focal plane Pf.
- the concentration of the acoustic energy is then maximum at the focus F, which allows you to very quickly stimulate the target zone Zi at this level.
- the focal length of the 2, 2' emitters it is however possible to adjust the focal length of the 2, 2' emitters so that they do not have the same focal point.
- the first beam Fo converges towards a first focus F and the second beam Fo' converges towards a second focus F' which is distinct from said first focus.
- the two foci F and F' are located on the acoustic axis A-A of the emitters 2, 2'.
- the first beam F makes it possible to act in a first focal zone located in the focal plane Pf of the first focus F and the second beam F' makes it possible to act in a second distinct focal zone located in the focal plane Pf' of the second focus F'.
- a third stimulation focal zone Z3 corresponds to the overlap zone where the first beam Fo and the second beam Fo′ intersect.
- the acoustic energies of the two beams Fo and Fo' combine to effectively stimulate said zone.
- This stimulation is also particularly homogeneous and rapid due to the specific diffusion of the acoustic waves. It is therefore possible to treat a larger target zone Zi (and in particular a larger lesion volume in the case of therapeutic transducers): in the first focal zone, in the second focal zone and in the third focal zone.
- the position and/or the dimensions of the third zone Z3 can be adjusted mechanically by modifying the spacing between the emitters 2, 2'. We can thus differentiate the foci F and F', 2'.
- the position and/or dimensions of the third zone Z3 can also be adjusted in another way, in particular electronically.
- the transducers T, T' are loudspeakers incorporating HSS® technology
- the ultrasonic carrier frequency can be modulated to move the focus F and/or F'.
- the converging acoustic lenses of said transducers can be modified to adapt the position of the focus F and/or F'.
- the first focus F is located in the middle of the acoustic axis A-A (in the plane of symmetry of the stimulator and/or equidistant from the emitters 2, 2'), while the second focus F' is located at -of the.
- the third zone Z3 is offset from this midpoint.
- the stimulator comprises a single acoustic energy transmitter as described according to one of the preceding embodiments.
- the arrangement of the various elements and/or means and/or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations.
- the therapeutic transducers can be infrasound transducers.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
- Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
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EP22713286.7A EP4284502A1 (fr) | 2021-01-28 | 2022-01-27 | Stimulateur et procede pour appliquer une energie acoustique dans une zone cible d'un individu |
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FR2100786A FR3119088B1 (fr) | 2021-01-28 | 2021-01-28 | Stimulateur et procédé pour appliquer une énergie acoustique dans une zone cible d’un individu |
FRFR2100786 | 2021-01-28 |
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EP (1) | EP4284502A1 (fr) |
FR (1) | FR3119088B1 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2022162073A1 (fr) |
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EP2257942B1 (fr) * | 2008-03-18 | 2015-09-16 | Super Sonic Imagine | Dispositif d'insonification possédant une chambre de refroidissement interne |
US10129657B2 (en) | 2014-04-18 | 2018-11-13 | Akoustic Arts | Unidirectional loudspeaker enclosure |
WO2020079377A1 (fr) * | 2018-10-17 | 2020-04-23 | Akoustic Arts | Enceinte acoustique et procédé de modulation pour une enceinte acoustique |
US20200384292A1 (en) | 2019-06-07 | 2020-12-10 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Pattern Interference Radiation Force (PIRF) neural stimulators |
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2021
- 2021-01-28 FR FR2100786A patent/FR3119088B1/fr active Active
-
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- 2022-01-27 WO PCT/EP2022/051920 patent/WO2022162073A1/fr active Application Filing
- 2022-01-27 EP EP22713286.7A patent/EP4284502A1/fr active Pending
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EP0225794A1 (fr) | 1985-12-09 | 1987-06-16 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Appareil orthodontique |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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FR3119088A1 (fr) | 2022-07-29 |
EP4284502A1 (fr) | 2023-12-06 |
FR3119088B1 (fr) | 2023-05-12 |
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