Abstract: Systems and methods using non-imaging transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) systems are described. Non-imaging annular and matrix probes with low element counts are used in the systems. In an embodiment, an infrared-based system is used to gather the ultrasound's position information on the scalp. The position information is used to simulate the spatial distribution of the ultrasound field of the ultrasound probes. The simulation output is overlaid with pre-procedure MRI data and displayed to a clinician. Measurements on the MRI data are used to compensate the beam formation for the acoustic behavior of the skull so that a desirable tFUS focal region is achieved. In a different embodiment, an optical system is used for gathering positional information.

Abstract: A transcranial Focused Ultrasound (tFUS) system employs a probe array for steering and focusing a neuromodulation beam, wherein the probe array comprises an array of piezo-electric elements and the size of each element is larger in elevation than in azimuth. A “fuel gauge” user interface is employed to assist in selecting optimal probe alignments. Guidance information is enhanced using optical data provided by a mobile device incorporating a camera or a LIDAR device. A simulated prediction of the ultrasound neuromodulation beam is overlayed on an image of the brain.

Abstract: A transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) system treats and reduces brain damage in stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest patients. More generally, this tFUS system can also be used to treat neurotrauma where a physical issue can cause unhealthy neural activity changes (dysregulation), in particular over-excitation or excessive depolarization, that then leads to large-scale neural death or connectivity changes, potentially through a positive feedback loop in dysregulation. Thus, applications could include neurotrauma, including traumatic brain injury and concussions. The system allows for monitoring the efficacy of the treatment and adjusting the sonication parameters. The system integrates other diagnostic and treatment systems, such as MRI, fNIRS, hypothermic chamber, etc. A method utilizing a tFUS system treats and reduces brain damage in those suffering from stroke, heart attack, cardiac arrest, or neurotrauma.

Abstract: A transcranial Focused Ultrasound (tFUS) system uses a neural network to correct skull aberrations and maximizes the transmission of ultrasound waves through the skull. A method using supervised learning generates aberration correction parameters to be used by the receiver and transmitter of the tFUS system. A method utilizing these aberration correction parameters operating on the tFUS system maximizes the coherence of ultrasound waves passing through the skull. The method maximizes the amount of power transmitted through the skull, given a fixed maximum pressure (for example, determined by regulatory requirements).

Abstract: A transcranial Focused Ultrasound (tFUS) system uses a neural network to correct skull aberrations and maximizes the transmission of ultrasound waves through the skull. A method using supervised learning generates aberration correction parameters to be used by the receiver and transmitter of the tFUS system. A method utilizing these aberration correction parameters operating on the tFUS system maximizes the coherence of ultrasound waves passing through the skull. The method maximizes the amount of power transmitted through the skull, given a fixed maximum pressure (for example, determined by regulatory requirements).

Abstract: A transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) system integrates ultrasound and electroencephalogram (EEG) systems by providing ultrasound posts and EEG posts. A holder unit holds one or more arrays of posts that enable vertical movement and prevent lateral movement. The one or more arrays of posts include: one or more ultrasound transmitting posts, and one or more electroencephalogram (EEG) posts.

Abstract: Cranial acoustic coupling apparatuses and methods to improve coupling to the head for use in transcranial focused ultrasound systems (tFUS) are disclosed. The apparatuses are constructed using multiple components and layers to reduce the air gaps due to head curvature and smaller-scale features such as dimples, hair, and so on. An apparatus or system can include a holder unit and an attachment puck. The holder unit can include one or more ultrasound transducers. The attachment puck can include an attachment layer that interfaces with a head.

Abstract: A transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) system integrates ultrasound and electroencephalogram (EEG) systems. A holder unit can include a housing or frame structure, one or more ultrasound transducers, and one or more EEG electrodes. The holder unit holds a particular EEG electrode in a predetermined position relative to an ultrasound pressure field of an ultrasound transducer to reduce noise in EEG data.

Abstract: A transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) system integrates ultrasound and electroencephalogram (EEG) systems along with neuro-navigational aids to improve ultrasound beam guidance. A holder unit can include a housing or frame structure and neuro-navigational aids. The holder unit can hold one or more ultrasound transducers and one or more electroencephalogram (EEG) enabling the EEG electrodes to be used for ultrasound beam guidance and coupling.

Abstract: A trans-cranial Focused Ultrasound System (tFUS) apparatus employs an ultrasonic stimulation beam that is guided by ultrasonic imaging or optical imaging to optimize a response of a subject during a procedure. The disclosed tFUS apparatus is operable without requiring either an MRI or a CT scan. The use of multiple transducers or transducer elements, including contralateral transducers, the use of ultrasonic and/or optical harmonics, the use of temporal windows, the use of a head atlas, motion tracking, LiDAR, and the use of aberration correction parameters may all be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: To generate information representing a volume, co-arrays or synthetic transmit aperture process is performed in one dimension and beamforming is performed in another dimension. For example, a transmit aperture focuses in azimuth, but is unfocused or divergent in elevation. A multi-dimensional array receives reflected echoes. The echoes are beamformed for sub-arrays for focus in azimuth. The resulting partial beamformed information is provided to an imaging system from the probe housing for completion of beamforming at least in elevation.

Abstract: Synthetic transmit aperture is provided for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A transducer may have separate transmit and receive elements. Broad beams are transmitted, allowing fewer transmit elements and/or more rapid scanning. A multidimensional receive array generates data in response to sequential transmissions, such as transmissions from different angles. The data is combined to increase resolution. A transducer array with offset transmit elements for forming a transmit line source may be used.

Abstract: Presented is a method of operating a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) array with multiple firings of varying bias voltage polarity patterns to improve its performance in imaging non-linear media, such as in contrast agent imaging or tissue harmonic imaging. Additionally, transducers incorporating the method are provided. The method of cMUT operation and the corresponding cMUT does not require pre-distortion or phase inversion of the transmit signal and can achieve an improvement in the elevation focus of the cMUT, as compared to the elevation focus that a single firing can achieve. Further, the method of operating the cMUT minimizes the deleterious effects that result from insulators being subjected to high electric fields.

Abstract: A single chip transducer apparatus that includes on-chip electronic circuitry which, when connected properly to a two-dimensional matrix of ultrasonic transducer elements, provides enough information to an external imaging system to form three-dimensional images of the subject of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry provides an amplifier for each transducer element, and then conditions the output of the amplifier in several ways. In one embodiment of the invention, the elements' analog voltages are stored in a sample and hold circuit, and time multiplexed into a high speed line driver that sends many elements data down the interconnect to the system's high speed Analog to Digital converters. In another embodiment, the gain of the amplifiers can be controlled in time to provide aperture translation and time based expansion for translating and focusing image slices in the elevation direction.

Abstract: A capacitive microfabricated transducer array used for 3-D imaging, with a relatively large elevation dimension and a bias control of the elevation aperture in space and time, confers the same benefits of mechanical translation, except that image cross-sections are electronically rather than mechanically scanned, and are registered very accurately in space. The 3-D cMUT, when combined with elevation bias control and convex curvature in elevation, increases the volume interrogated by the electronic scanning, thus improving field of view. Further still, the 3-D cMUT can be combined Fresnel focusing of the elevation section to improve the elevation focus.