Abstract: Example embodiments of system and method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for planning, real-time monitoring, control, and post-treatment assessment of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) mechanical fractionation of biological material are disclosed. An adapted form of HIFU, referred to as “boiling histotripsy” (BH), can be used to cause mechanical fractionation of biological material. In contrast to conventional HIFU, which cause pure thermal ablation, BH can generate therapeutic destruction of biological tissue with a degree of control and precision that allows the process to be accurately measured and monitored in real-time as well as the outcome of the treatment can be evaluated using a variety of MRI techniques. Real-time monitoring also allow for real-time control of BH.

Abstract: Example embodiments of system and method for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for planning, real-time monitoring, control, and post-treatment assessment of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) mechanical fractionation of biological material are disclosed. An adapted form of HIFU, referred to as “boiling histotripsy” (BH), can be used to cause mechanical fractionation of biological material. In contrast to conventional HIFU, which cause pure thermal ablation, BH can generate therapeutic destruction of biological tissue with a degree of control and precision that allows the process to be accurately measured and monitored in real-time as well as the outcome of the treatment can be evaluated using a variety of MRI techniques. Real-time monitoring also allow for real-time control of BH.

Abstract: A system and method to extract particulate material from a liquid. The system includes a cylindrical tank forming a hollow cavity and having a top end and a bottom end, a cyclonic separator rigidly attached to the top end of the cylindrical tank and in fluid communication with the hollow cavity, an inflow line coupled to the cyclonic separator, an outflow line coupled to the cyclonic separator, a pump in fluid communication with outflow line, and a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the inflow line. The method includes capturing particulate matter and liquid in a reservoir, partially separating the particulate matter and liquid within the reservoir, channeling the partially separated particulate matter and liquid to a cyclonic separator positioned above a tank, separating the partially separated particulate matter and liquid within the cyclonic separator, and capturing the particulate matter within the tank.

Abstract: A method for using an extractor system to extract particulate material from a liquid tank includes inserting a first conduit into a liquid tank; inserting an outflow line into the liquid tank, the outflow line comprising one or more nozzles having a distal end; inserting an inflow line into the liquid tank, the inflow line comprising a collector having a distal end, the collector and the one or more nozzles being proximate each other; and operating the pump to pump liquid from an extractor tank through an outflow line out of the one or more nozzles to unsettle the particulate material, the particulate material drawn through the collector and the inflow line into the extractor tank without passing through the pump.

Abstract: An extraction system for removing a particulate material (e.g., abrasive material, such as garnet) from a water jet tank includes a tank with a door movably coupled to the bottom end to seal the bottom end of the tank. The system also includes a pump operably coupled to the tank via one or more valves. An outflow line with an outflow opening coupled to the pump that can be placed in fluid communication with the water jet tank. The system also includes an inflow line with an inflow opening coupled to the tank. At least a portion of the inflow line is adjacent the outflow line so that the inflow opening and outflow opening are proximate each other.