Abstract: Methods and systems for noninvasive mastopexy through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue region, such as a region comprising muscular fascia and ligaments. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 1 mm to 4 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 1 to 15 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system for combined ultrasound treatment are provided. An exemplary combined ultrasound treatment system comprises a transducer configured to deliver ultrasound energy to provide two or more energy effects to a region of interest. The energy effects facilitate the initiation of one or more responses in the region of interest. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a transducer is configured to deliver energy over varying temporal and/or spatial distributions in order to provide energy effects and initiate responses in a region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for non-ablative acne treatment and prevention is disclosed. The method utilizes ultrasound energy which is targeted at a region of interest to treat existing acne and prevent future acne from forming. The application of ultrasound energy causes numerous physiological effects that treat acne. Some of these physiological effects comprise reducing sebum, increasing perfusion at the region of interest, denaturing proteins at the region of interest, creating an uninhabitable environment at the region of interest, initiating programmed cell death at the region of interest and the initiation of mechanical effects at the region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for treating tissue with a combined therapy profile is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, ultrasound energy is used to treat numerous depths of tissue within a region of interest and the spatial and temporal properties of the ultrasound energy are varied for more effective treatment. The method and system of the present invention are configured to treat all of the tissue from the surface on down and not spare intervening tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system for combined ultrasound treatment are provided. An exemplary combined ultrasound treatment system comprises a transducer configured to deliver ultrasound energy to provide two or more energy effects to a region of interest. The energy effects facilitate the initiation of one or more responses in the region of interest. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a transducer is configured to deliver energy over varying temporal and/or spatial distributions in order to provide energy effects and initiate responses in a region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasound treatment utilizing a multi-directional transducer to facilitate treatment, such as therapy and/or imaging or other tissue parameter monitoring, in two or more directions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a multi-directional transducer comprises a transduction element configured to provide for ultrasound energy, such as radiation, acoustical energy, heat energy, imaging, positional information and/or tissue parameter monitoring signals in two or more directions. The transduction element can comprise various materials for providing ultrasound energy or radiation, such as piezoelectric materials, with and without matching layers. In addition, the transduction element can be configured for substantially uniform, focused and/or defocused radiation patterns, as well as for single, multiple-element and/or multiple-element array configurations.

Abstract: A non-invasive variable depth ultrasound treatment method and system comprises a variable depth transducer system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient. An exemplary variable depth transducer system can comprise a transducer configured to provide treatment to more than one region of interest, such as between a deep treatment region of interest and a superficial region of interest, and/or a subcutaneous region of interest. The variable depth transducer can comprise a transduction element having a piezoelectrically active layer, matching layers and/or other materials for generating radiation or acoustical energy. The variable depth transducer may be configured to operate at moderate frequencies within the range from approximately 750 kHz to 20 MHz or more. In addition, the transduction element may be configured with a variable depth device comprising one or more materials configured to allow for control and focusing/defocusing of the acoustic energy to more than one region of interest.

Abstract: A method and system for three dimensional scanning, imaging and/or therapy are provided. In accordance with one aspect, an exemplary method and system are configured to facilitate controlled scanning within one-degree of freedom. For example, an exemplary method and system can enable multiple two-dimensional image planes to be collected in a manner to provide an accurate and computationally efficient three-dimensional image reconstruction while providing the user with a user-friendly mechanism for acquiring three-dimensional images. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an exemplary scanning and imaging system comprises an imaging probe, a control system, a positioning system and a display system. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the positioning system comprises a guide assembly and a position sensing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the safe delivery of thermosensitive liposomes containing medicant to a targeted tissue region using ultrasound. Thermosensitive liposomes containing medicants are delivered to a region of interest, the region of interest is located using ultrasound imaging, ultrasound therapy is applied to heat the region of interest, and the temperature of the region is monitored to determine whether a designated threshold temperature has been reached which allows for the release of medicants from the liposomes. If the threshold temperature is reached, and the liposomes are melted, the treatment stops. If the threshold temperature has not been reached, the application of ultrasound therapy and ultrasound imaging are alternated until the threshold temperature is reached. The ultrasound imaging, temperature monitoring and ultrasound therapy are preferably performed with a single transducer.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer.

Abstract: A peripheral ultrasound imaging system for connection to a personal computing device or a computer network which enables real time ultrasound imaging without additional modules and without the need to modify, augment or replace the existing central processing unit. The peripheral ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe, an electronic apparatus capable of sending and receiving signals to and from the ultrasound probe, a hardware link connecting the electronic apparatus to a personal computer or computer network, and a software program for controlling the ultrasound probe, the electronic apparatus, and the hardware link. The ultrasound probe is connected to the electronic apparatus and the electronic apparatus is in turn connected to a personal computing device or a computer network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging that utilizes a one, one and one-half or two dimensional scanhead for performing three dimensional imaging. The method and apparatus limits acoustic reverberations by swinging or rotating an array of ultrasound transducer elements about the longitudinal axis of the probe of an ultrasound transducer apparatus to enable the transducers to maintain a constant and concentric position with the acoustic membrane of the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging that utilizes a one, one and one-half or two dimensional scanhead for performing three dimensional imaging. The method and apparatus limits acoustic reverberations by swinging or rotating an array of ultrasound transducer elements about the longitudinal axis of the probe of an ultrasound transducer apparatus to enable the transducers to maintain a constant and concentric position with the acoustic membrane of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound systems may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate all image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, an through the use of the single transducer.