Abstract: Therapy methods using pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy can include the subprocesses of initiation, maintenance, therapy, and feedback of the histotripsy process, which involves the creation and maintenance of ensembles of microbubbles and the use of feedback in order to optimize the process based on observed spatial-temporal bubble cloud dynamics. The methods provide for the subdivision or erosion of tissue, liquification of tissue, and the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Various feedback mechanisms allow variation of ultrasound parameters and provide control over the pulsed cavitational process, permitting the process to be tuned for a number of applications. Such applications can include specific tissue erosion, bulk tissue homogenization, and delivery of therapeutic agents across barriers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing non-invasive vasectomies are provided. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body defining a recess and an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent said recess and adapted to emit ultrasonic energy into said recess. A tissue clamp is removeably disposed in the recess and is adapted to receive parallel sections of a scrotum that include a portion of the vas deferens. The clamp is further adapted to position the vas deferens within an effective distance of the ultrasonic transducer. Also, the apparatus includes means for retaining the parallel sections and the vas deferens within the clamp during a procedure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing non-invasive vasectomies are provided. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body defining a recess and an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent said recess and adapted to emit ultrasonic energy into said recess. A tissue clamp is removeably disposed in the recess and is adapted to receive parallel sections of a scrotum that include a portion of the vas deferens. The clamp is further adapted to position the vas deferens within an effective distance of the ultrasonic transducer. Also, the apparatus includes means for retaining the parallel sections and the vas deferens within the clamp during a procedure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing non-invasive vasectomies are provided. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a main body defining a recess and an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent said recess and adapted to emit ultrasonic energy into said recess. A tissue clamp is removeably disposed in the recess and is adapted to receive parallel sections of a scrotum that include a portion of the vas deferens. The clamp is further adapted to position the vas deferens within an effective distance of the ultrasonic transducer. Also, the apparatus includes means for retaining the parallel sections and the vas deferens within the clamp during a procedure.

Abstract: A rotating electric field is generated in the vicinity of a rotating member, the electric field having an axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of rotation of the member. An electric-field sensing or reading device is positioned at the rotational axis of the electric field and associated therewith for detecting variations therein as the electric field passes the rotating member, and creates an electrical output whose relative phase is dependent upon the angular orientation of the rotating member.