Abstract: A multi-angular ultrasound device. Multi-angular ablation patterns are achieved by a catheter-based ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer zones. A multi-chambered balloon is positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance compatible catheter. The catheter incorporates directional high intensity ultrasound. The catheter may include imaging coils visible through magnetic resonance imaging. The location and placement of the catheter may be controlled by steering wires within lumen in the catheter guided by the location information from the magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a source of ultrasound energy comprising a plurality of ultrasound transducers. Each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers is configured to direct ultrasound energy to a treatment region located at a depth below a skin surface associated with a patient. The apparatus further comprises a control system for controlling power to the plurality of ultrasound transducers and a water circulation system for controlling a temperature associated with the plurality of ultrasound transducers. The apparatus further comprises an imaging transducer for spatially registering the location of the treatment region.

Abstract: A multi-angular ultrasound device. Multi-angular ablation patterns are achieved by a catheter-based ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer zones. A multi-chambered balloon is positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: A multi-angular ultrasound device. Multi-angular ablation patterns are achieved by a catheter based ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer zones. A multi-chambered balloon is positioned on the catheter.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance compatible catheter. The catheter incorporates directional high intensity ultrasound. The catheter may include imaging coils visible through magnetic resonance imaging. The location and placement of the catheter may be controlled by steering wires within lumen in the catheter guided by the location information from the magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue.

Abstract: Transurethral ultrasound treatment system and methods that provide targeted treatment zones outside urethra via an applicator with multiple sectors, a urethral cooling balloon, and bladder positioning balloon for directed application in muscle tissue. In one embodiment, the system and methods are configured to generate thermal lesions via simultaneous sonication or activation of two separate sectors from a tubular device, with an inactive zone directed toward vaginal wall or nerves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying collagen containing dermal tissue. The apparatus includes a source of ultrasound energy comprised of a plurality of curvilinear ultrasound transducers shaped to direct ultrasound energy to selected skin depths. The transducers have variable curvature, drive frequency, power level and geometries to effect precise control of collagen modification.

Abstract: A system for thermal treatment or ablation of tissue includes an ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, an ultrasonic three-dimensional imaging probe that captures an image from radio frequency image data obtained before the radio frequency image data is processed, a control system for multi-axis control of the imaging probe's position, and an ultrasonic feedback mechanism that measures ultrasound echo strain to estimate heat-induced structural changes of an area surrounding the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe, from the image. The ultrasonic thermal ablation probe is either an interstitial ablator inserted into tissue, a natural cavity or a vessel to emit high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose, or an external applicator that emits a directional high intensity ultrasound energy to deposit thermal dose via surface contact with tissue. The control system adjusts power levels of the ultrasonic thermal ablation probe based on the estimated heat-induced structural changes.

Abstract: An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Abstract: An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Abstract: Transurethral ultrasound treatment system and methods that provide targeted treatment zones outside urethra via an applicator with multiple sectors, a urethral cooling balloon, and bladder positioning balloon for directed application in muscle tissue. In one embodiment, the system and methods are configured to generate thermal lesions via simultaneous sonication or activation of two separate sectors from a tubular device, with an inactive zone directed toward vaginal wall or nerves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shielding non-target tissues and organs during thermotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatment of a diseased target tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter shaft having input and output lumens and at least one inflatable balloon. A plurality of input lumens within the catheter shaft allows the passage of liquid or gas through an input port and into the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The gas or liquid can then be cycled through the inflated balloon through an output port and output lumen and out of the catheter shaft. Temperature sensors or other sensors may be attached to the balloon or catheter to monitor temperature or other conditions at the treatment site. The catheter is positioned between the target tissue or organ and sensitive non-target tissues in proximity to the target tissue and inflated causing a physical separation of tissues as well as a physical shield.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for registering images from two medical imaging modalities in a six-degree-of-freedom coordinate space, for the purpose of providing real time registered imagery for optimization of medical procedures. The system and method uses fiducial that is visible to the first imager and in a fixed position and orientation relative to the second imager. The first imager may be an X-ray device such as a C-arm fluoroscope, and the second imager may be a Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) device.

Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-Intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.

Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shielding non-target tissues and organs during thermotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatment of a diseased target tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter shaft having input and output lumens and at least one inflatable balloon. A plurality of input lumens within the catheter shaft allows the passage of liquid or gas through an input port and into the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The gas or liquid can then be cycled through the inflated balloon through an output port and output lumen and out of the catheter shaft. Temperature sensors or other sensors may be attached to the balloon or catheter to monitor temperature or other conditions at the treatment site. The catheter is positioned between the target tissue or organ and sensitive non-target tissues in proximity to the target tissue and inflated causing a physical separation of tissues as well as a physical shield.