Abstract: A medical device, comprising a catheter comprising an end-effector, wherein the end-effector further comprises a proximal portion; and a flexible distal portion, wherein the distal portion further includes a window formed therein; and a flexible ultrasonic waveguide disposed within the end-effector, wherein the waveguide includes an active zone that extends through the window; and a mechanism for bending the waveguide, bending the distal portion, or bending both the waveguide and the distal portion, wherein the mechanism permits desired positioning of the waveguide within a lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods that apply ultrasonic energy for the purpose of inducing transfection and cell transformation. A sonoporation system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes an ultrasonic electrical energy generator connected to an ultrasonic transducer producing stress waves. The ultrasonic transducer is connected to a fluid containment tank configured to accept at least a portion of the ultrasonic transducer whereby the ultrasonic stress waves may be delivered into the fluid medium. A cell holder is configured to hold one or more cells desirable for transfection. A hydrophone may be electrically connected to an acoustic stress wave intensity detection circuit. A motion control system having an arm configured to receive one or both of the cell holder and the hydrophone is configured to provide motion of one or both of the cell holder and the hydrophone within the fluid medium.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy is used to cause a given nerve to become dysfunctional without substantially damaging tissues surrounding or associated with the nerve. A nerve to be treated is placed in the near field or evanescent field of an ultrasonic wave front emitted by an appropriately formed contact or non-contact ultrasonic probe or transducer.