Abstract: Transvaginal probes equipped with tactile sensors are configured for placement into vagina to record tactile response during insertion, acquire static tactile pattern from vaginal wall after the insertion is complete, and acquire dynamic tactile patterns during probe motion as well as recording dynamic tactile response during contraction of vaginal muscle. The acquired and recorded tactile data are transmitted to a data processor for composing tactile profile of vagina and visually presenting thereof on a display. Elasticity profile of vaginal tissue is calculated from the tactile response recorded from different parts of the probe during its insertion, from the static pressure pattern and from the dynamic tactile pattern. Pelvic floor muscle strength is defined as a contact pressure increase detected on fixed probe surface under the muscle contraction. Tactile profile of vagina is determined using the static tactile pattern, the elasticity profile and pelvic floor muscle strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate with a transrectal probe. In the method, generating a composite two- and three-dimensional prostate mechanical image from a plurality of partial mechanical images extracted from pressure response data and a probe orientation data starts with examining the prostate by pressing a probe head pressure sensor array against it at various overlapping locations. Merging of partial mechanical images together is accomplished by analyzing an overlap between each subsequent and previous partial mechanical image. Finding the prostate is assisted with a supplemental pressure response data indicating the location of a sphincter known to be about 4-5 cm away from the prostate. Data processing is improved by including probe orientation data to further increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the method.

Abstract: A leadless Deep Brain Stimulation system includes an implantable stimulator configured to convert incoming acoustic energy into an electric stimulation signal. The acoustic energy is provided by one or more external transmitters acoustically coupled to a head of the subject. To focus ultrasound energy onto the location of the stimulator, a wireless beacon (including a piezoelectric receiving transducer and an RF emitting antenna) is incorporated with the stimulator for providing an electromagnetic feedback signal to the external controller. The external controller is configured to send an initial unfocused acoustic signal towards the stimulator and receive the electromagnetic radiofrequency feedback signal generated by the receiving piezotransducer when affected by the acoustic signal after reverberation in the skull. This signal is then time-reversed and used to send a second signal towards the stimulator.

Abstract: A time-reversal acoustics system includes a transmitter configured to send a high intensity acoustic waveform signal focused on an implantable receiver. The receiver includes a piezoelectric transducer configured to convert received acoustic energy to an electrical signal used to energize an internal electrical circuit. Such circuit may be used to operate at least one tissue stimulating electrode, at least one sensor such as an ECG sensor, charge an internal battery or perform another useful function. The system of the invention may be used as a wireless cardiac pacemaker or a neurostimulator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for non-invasive bone evaluation based on a broadband ultrasonic transducer emitting a train of ultrasonic wave packets of multiple carrier frequencies ranging from about 50 kHz to about 2 MHz. Receiving broadband ultrasonic transducer accepts broadband ultrasonic signal propagated through the bone. Computer processor provides for data analysis and feature extraction allowing diagnostic evaluation of the bone, including comparing the features of the received signal to a database of known bone conditions.

Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed before and after an interventional procedure using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The “before” and “after” profile values at specified locations are then compared to each other and to thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention may be used in estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure such as pelvic tissue regeneration, muscle repair or implantation of a supporting structure.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transrectal probe and method for real time mechanical imaging of a prostate. The probe is equipped with dual-array pressure sensors—one on the probe head and another on the shaft of the probe spaced away from the head with an angular and linear offset forming an S-shaped transition between the shaft and the head of the probe. The addition of the shaft pressure sensor array together with orientation tracking sensors allows precise calculation of the current head position throughout the examination of the prostate. Display means are used to guide the user in the proper manipulation of the probe in order to reduce the forces on surrounding tissues and organs and to minimize patient's discomfort.

Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed before and after an interventional procedure using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The “before” and “after” profile values at specified locations are then compared to each other and to thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention may be used in estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure such as pelvic tissue regeneration, muscle repair or implantation of a supporting structure.

Abstract: A time-reversal acoustics system includes a transmitter configured to send a high intensity acoustic waveform signal focused on an implantable receiver. The receiver includes a piezoelectric transducer configured to convert received acoustic energy to an electrical signal used to energize an internal electrical circuit. Such circuit may be used to operate at least one tissue stimulating electrode, at least one sensor such as an ECG sensor, charge an internal battery or perform another useful function. The system of the invention may be used as a wireless cardiac pacemaker or a neurostimulator.

Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The profile values at specified locations are then compared with thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention are disclosed to be used in assessing a risk of pelvic organ prolapse development, estimating an extent of pelvic floor organ traumatic damage after childbirth and estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure.

Abstract: A novel method for soft tissue characterization includes obtaining a sequence of surface stress patterns as a function of an increasing compression force when a probe is pressed against the tissue over the location of the lesion of interest. A number of elasticity features are then calculated to characterize the tissue and the lesion located therein including strain hardening, loading curve average slope, lesion peak signal under a predetermined load, tissue heterogeneity, lesion shape and lesion mobility. At least three elasticity features are provided as an input to a statistical Bayesian classifier trained on a clinical database to calculate the probability of the lesion being benign or malignant. Additional patient-related parameters may be further provided as inputs to the classifier to increase the accuracy of differentiation between benign and malignant lesions.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: A tactile sensor array includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer with a two-phase compressible dielectric material therebetween. A ferroelectret film is used as a dielectric layer. In some embodiments, to improve sensor sensitivity and at the same time provide for high stability and reproducibility of sensor readings, the ferroelectret film is vented to atmosphere via a venting network of channels traversing at least one electrode layer and a curved rigid substrate. In some embodiments, an elastic supporting structure is provided that comprises individual elastic fastening elements connecting all layers of the sensor together. These individual elastic fastening elements are located throughout the layers of the sensor and prevent cross-talk between the individual sensors that may be caused by local shifts of parts of the sensor during use.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing elasticity of vaginal tissue are provided. A transvaginal probe is used to deform vaginal tissue during examination. The probe is equipped with pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. Stress and strain data is recorded during examination. Elasticity of vaginal tissue is then characterized by calculating a stress gradient defined as a ratio of stress over strain for each point of measurement. Vaginal tactile image may also be compiled to include a family of surfaces representing locations of measurement points at predefined constant levels of stress. Pelvic organ abnormality condition may be detected if the stress gradient is below either a predetermined threshold or a normal stress gradient obtained from clinical data.

Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: A hand-held probe is configured for a prostate cancer screening test and includes a pressure sensor array, a test progression indicator, a display, and an electronic circuit for processing pressure data. The test progression indicator is configured to guide the operator during the test as to the proper position of the probe about the prostate and the progress of collecting and accumulating test data. Data quality thresholds are used to accept or reject readings from the pressure sensor array. The results are presented as either a high or low probability of prostate cancer. The probe is adapted for easy use in an office of a general practitioner.

Abstract: Methods for assessment of pelvic floor conditions based on tactile imaging are described. The vaginal wall is deformed using a transvaginal probe equipped with tactile pressure sensors and a motion tracking sensor. The vaginal wall coordinates and pressure patterns are obtained during the examination and used to build 3-D tactile image of the vagina and to calculate elasticity modulus profiles and spacing profiles along selected lines inside 3-D tactile image. The profile values at specified locations are then compared with thresholds or profiles for normal conditions of vagina and its support structures. Methods of the invention are disclosed to be used in assessing a risk of pelvic organ prolapse development, estimating an extent of pelvic floor organ traumatic damage after childbirth and estimating an improvement after an interventional procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound beacon is incorporated into a needle of a drug delivery system utilizing high intensity ultrasound energy during certain cancer treatments. The beacon is configured to generate a electrical feedback signal in response to an initial ultrasound signal sent by an ultrasound transmitter. The electrical feedback signal is then sent along two electrical conductors of the needle and further over a cable back to the electronic unit. The feedback signal is then used to generate high intensity focused ultrasound using time-reversal acoustics principles. Therapeutic application of the system of the invention includes applying high intensity focused ultrasound at the site of drug delivery to enhance local tissue uptake of injected medication.

Abstract: Ultrasound-assisted contactless stirring of liquids in a resonator cell by microparticles is achieved by repeated creating and destruction of nodal patterns associated with standing waves of various resonance frequencies causing continuous movements of microparticles inside the cell. Swept-frequency sonication technique includes using constant or variable rate of frequency change as well as a stepwise change of frequency of the transducer within a predefined range. Other useful provisions include initial detection of the set of resonance frequencies and periodic refreshing of that set. Control systems are described including means to automatically detect the resonance frequencies and maintain the operation of the transducer thereon. Advantageous designs of the apparatus are described for use in microstirring, mixing of liquids using magnetic microbeads, microbubbles, microtiter plates, microarray plates, etc.