Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply audible acoustic energy to cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion.

Abstract: Ultrasound energy is delivered to an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies, and a tuning function selects from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The ultrasound energy is delivered to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function for a specified treatment time, after which operation of the ultrasound transducer is disabled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying ultrasound energy to a body region. The systems and methods provide an ultrasound applicator including a housing, an ultrasound transducer carried by the housing, and a chamber sized to hold an acoustic coupling media subject to a pressure in acoustic communication with the ultrasound transducer. The systems and methods generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound transducer to output acoustic energy at a selected intensity level. The systems and methods sense at least one system parameter and compare the sensed system parameter to a desired level. The systems and methods vary the pressure in the chamber based, at least in part, upon the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply audible acoustic energy to cause vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to achieve vasodilation and/or to increase tissue perfusion without causing substantial deep tissue heating.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering ultrasound energy that comprises an ultrasound transducer adapted and configured to be electrically coupled to an ultrasound generator. A housing carries the ultrasound transducer for use. An element supports the transducer within the housing. The element includes an elastic material having a hardness of about 30 Shore A to about 100 Shore A.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor and enable the use of a medical instrument that is configured to be operated in a prescribed manner. The systems and methods employ a use register sized and configured to be carried by the medical instrument, which comprises a memory field for recording a start date and time at an instance of first operation of the medical instrument. The systems and methods also employ a use monitoring controller, which is adapted and configured to be coupled to the use register. The use monitoring controller includes a start validation function that compares the start date and time to a present real date and time and provides a start validation output based upon the comparison. The use monitoring controller also includes an enablement function that enables operation of the medical instrument only if the start validation output meets prescribed criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer having an impedance subject to variations. The systems and methods electrically couple an ultrasound generator to the ultrasound transducer to deliver ultrasound energy. The systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at a set output frequency and at an output power level that remains essentially constant, despite variations in the impedance, based upon preprogrammed rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to an ultrasound transducer. In one arrangement, the ultrasound energy is delivered at an output frequency that varies over time within a range of output frequencies. The systems and methods select from within the range an operating output frequency for the ultrasound transducer based upon preprogrammed selection rules. The systems and methods can deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near the operating output frequency selected, to perform a therapeutic or diagnostic function. In another arrangement, the systems and methods deliver ultrasound energy to the ultrasound transducer at or near a first output power condition to perform a first function, as well as at or near a second output power condition that differs from the first output power condition to perform a second function that differs from the first function.

Abstract: Systems and methods stimulate circulatory activity in a targeted body region of an individual by applying ultrasound energy. Before, during or after the application of ultrasound energy, the systems and methods administer an agent to individual that results, e.g., in an angiogenic effect, or in a reduction of blood perfusion, or a chemotherapy effect. The application of ultrasound energy selectively increases blood perfusion or uptake of the agent in the targeted body region.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity of an individual. The systems and methods couple an electrical signal generating machine to an ultrasound applicator. The electrical signal generating machine includes a controller to generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound applicator during a treatment session to produce ultrasound energy in pulses at (i) a prescribed pulse repetition frequency (PRF), (ii) a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz, and (iii) at a duty cycle (DC) of about 50% or less. According to this aspect of the invention, the duty cycle (DC) is expressed as DC=PD divided by 1/PRF, where PD is the amount of time for one pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods apply ultrasound energy to the thoracic cavity. The systems and methods make use of an ultrasound energy applicator comprising an ultrasound transducer carried by a housing to generate ultrasound energy at a prescribed fundamental therapeutic frequency laying within a range of fundamental therapeutic frequencies not exceeding about 500 kHz. An ultrasonic coupling region is carried by the housing. The coupling region is adapted, in use, to contact skin. The coupling region is also sized to transcutaneously conduct ultrasound energy in a diverging beam that substantially covers an entire heart. The applicator can also include an assembly worn on the thorax, which stabilizes placement of the housing on the thorax during transcutaneous conduction of ultrasound energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying ultrasound energy to a body region. The systems and methods provide an ultrasound applicator including a housing, an ultrasound transducer carried by the housing, and a chamber sized to hold an acoustic coupling media subject to a pressure in acoustic communication with the ultrasound transducer. The systems and methods generate electrical signals to operate the ultrasound transducer to output acoustic energy at a selected intensity level. The systems and methods sense at least one system parameter and compare the sensed system parameter to a desired level. The systems and methods vary the pressure in the chamber based, at least in part, upon the comparison.