Abstract: A control system for a probe, including a transmission member, comprises a power source for supplying a constant power to a transmission member and a transducer for coupling the constant power to the transmission member and for providing a mechanical output to the transmission member at a frequency. A frequency measuring device is also provided for constantly measuring the frequency of the mechanical output of the transducer. A current monitoring device for measuring current forwarded to the transducer which monitors the current while the frequency of said mechanical output is varied until it is determined at what frequency the current is at a maximum is also provided. A method for implementing this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmission device for utilizing ultrasound energy ultrasound to treat intravascular conditions, such as stenotic and occluded regions of blood vessels, is provided. The ultrasonic transmission device includes a transmission member connectable to the ultrasound energy source on a one end and a tip on the other end. The tip includes a distal section, a proximal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section has a first diameter larger than the transmission member diameter. The intermediate section includes a decreasing step portion, a narrowed portion, and an increasing step portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of ultrasound to a location within the body is provided. The apparatus can advantageously operate at a pulse duration below about 100 milliseconds and in the range 0.1 milliseconds to 100 milliseconds and a pulse repetition period below about 1 second and in the range of 1 millisecond to 1 second. Duty ratios over 5 and preferably over 8 are also advantageous. Therapeutic applications of ultrasound such as for assisting in the treatment of medical conditions such as cancer and/or other ailments are also provided.

Abstract: A device and methods for inducing apoptosis in precancerous, cancerous and hyperproliferating cells by applying ultrasonic energy. The methods can include use of ultrasonic energy in combination with antioxidants and/or conventional therapies such as hormonal therapy, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The device for the ultrasonic energy source can include a transmitter and a control unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment system and method for utilizing ultrasound to treat intravascular conditions, such as stenotic and occluded regions of blood vessels, are provided. The ultrasonic treatment system includes an ultrasonic probe, having a proximal and distal end. A guide catheter and guidewire may also be provided and the probe can be slidably disposed within the guide catheter's inner lumen. The probe can include a horn at the proximal end, a transmission member with a proximal and a distal end connected to the horn at the transmission member proximal end, and a distal tip connected at the transmission member's distal end. The transmission member may include one or more transmission wires, having proximal and distal ends, connected serially or in parallel.

Abstract: A horn connectable to an energy source to amplify ultrasound displacement is connected to a transmitter formed of material having relatively high mechanical Q for transmitting ultrasonic energy therethrough at a frequency f, the transmitter having a horn-shaped configuration of length that is a multiple of a half-wavelength .lambda./2, and preferably this horn-shaped configuration is comprised of multiple horn segments, each of a length substantially equal to a multiple of .lambda./2, where .lambda.=c/f (c is the speed of sound in the high Q material). The transmitter has a proximal end of cross-sectional diameter D.sub.1 connected to the horn and a distal end of cross-sectional diameter D.sub.2, where D.sub.1 >D.sub.2. Ultrasonic energy transmitted through the transmitter drives a tip which is coupled to the transmitter by means of a flexible connector.

Abstract: An instrument and method for removing an obstruction from a human body lumen, such as an artery, is provided wherein the distal end of an ultrasonic transmission member is inserted within the artery and is connected at its proximal end to an ultrasonic power generator including a horn. A high efficiency ultrasonic transmission wire is connected to the horn which is formed from a material having a mechanical Q greater than about 50,000.