Abstract: Structures and methods for ultrasound treatment of neurological and psychological conditions, using energy levels which do not cause heating or cavitation. The structure includes an outer casing comprising a first material, and a disk positioned inside the outer casing. The disk comprises a second material that differs in composition from the first material and that has a higher acoustic attenuation of ultrasound energy than the first material.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy is used for treating degenerative dementia. A focal point of an ultrasonic transducer beam is directed at a target area of the brain to promote removal of substances that accumulate in the interstitial pathways that are at least partially responsible for the degenerative dementia. In one example, the target area of the brain may comprise the hippocampus and the degenerative dementia may be Alzheimer's disease. The ultrasonic beam may stimulate brain tissue at a frequency that corresponds to a naturally occurring deep sleep burst frequency of neurons and subsequent astrocyte activation patterns that drive a convective process responsible for brain solute disposal. For example, the transducer may generate a burst frequency of between 1-4 hertz to stimulate deep sleep brain functions that help remove amyloid plaque.

Abstract: A focused ultrasonic transducer navigation system attaches to a patient and includes a housing that contains an ultrasonic device. An alignment system moves the housing, and moves the ultrasonic device within the housing, so a focal point of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic device is aligned in x, y, and z planes with a target location in the patient. The alignment system realigns the focal point of the ultrasonic device with the same patient target location over multiple therapy sessions eliminating repeated use of an MRI system for repeatedly realigning the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: A focused ultrasonic transducer navigation system attaches to a patient and includes a housing that contains an ultrasonic device. An alignment system moves the housing, and moves the ultrasonic device within the housing, so a focal point of ultrasonic energy from the ultrasonic device is aligned in x, y, and z planes with a target location in the patient. The alignment system realigns the focal point of the ultrasonic device with the same patient target location over multiple therapy sessions eliminating repeated use of an MRI system for repeatedly realigning the ultrasonic device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for modifying electrical currents in brain circuits through the simultaneous use of focused ultrasound pulse (FUP) and an existing brain-imaging system, such as a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) system. The methods are used for research, treatment and diagnosis of psychiatric, neurological, and neuroendocrine disorders whose biological mechanisms include brain circuits. The methods include the simultaneous steps of applying FUP to a live neuronal circuit within a brain and monitoring a brain image produced by a brain imaging system during the application of FUP.