A new HIFU probe for the treatment of the superficial venous insufficiency and varicose veins

A previous work showed the feasibility of inducing a localized partial shrinkage of venous tissues with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)[1]. A partial shrinkage of the vein wall is proposed to correct the valvular dysfunction on the saphenous vein that is responsible of the superficial venous insufficiency and varicose veins. In the present study, a new real-time imaging HIFU probe is presented which is suited for this type of treatment. The probe is composed of two HIFU elements that focus sound uniformly over a line of 7 mm-length. Geometry of the HIFU elements was calculated by numerical optimization and allows positioning of the focal line 15 mm in-depth from the skin. The probe is compatible with commercial imaging devices used currently in vascular medicine. Once coupled with an imaging probe, the imaging system shows the central perpendicular plan to the focal line. A validation of the compatibility with a commercial ultrasound imaging system was achieved using a precise model fabricated by stereo-lithography. Construction of the probe is underway.