Abstract: A method can include placing a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) probe proximate a first location of a designated treatment volume of a patient. The probe can include at least one transducer. The method can also include energizing the transducer to ablate a first lesion on or in the designated treatment volume, de-energizing the transducer, and focusing or moving the transducer to a second location on or in the designated treatment volume. The method can also include reenergizing the transducer to ablate a second lesion on or in the treatment volume, de-energizing the transducer, and focusing or moving the transducer to a third location on or in the designated treatment volume. The method can further include reenergizing the transducer to ablate a third lesion on or in the treatment volume, and de-energizing the transducer.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound can include positioning at least a focal zone of a transducer of an ultrasound probe proximate to targeted tissue of a patient. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to a first portion of the targeted tissue for a predetermined amount of time to create a first focal lesion in the targeted tissue. The method can include at least temporarily ceasing power to the transducer so as to at least temporarily cease delivery of ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue at least substantially continuously and along a predefined treatment path.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound can include positioning at least a focal zone of a transducer of an ultrasound probe proximate to targeted tissue of a patient. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to a first portion of the targeted tissue for a predetermined amount of time to create a first focal lesion in the targeted tissue. The method can include at least temporarily ceasing power to the transducer so as to at least temporarily cease delivery of ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue at least substantially continuously and along a predefined treatment path.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for providing ultrasound may include a shaft operatively connected to a motor. A housing may include a receptacle for receipt of at least a portion of the shaft therein, two spaced-apart therapy elements, and an imaging element positioned between the therapy elements. The imaging element and the therapy elements may be spatially oriented in a confocal beam configuration. The assembly may be sized and shaped to pass through a trocar port.

Abstract: A probe tip assembly for receiving at least a portion of an ultrasound probe therein includes a body having a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A first opening may be located at the proximal end of the body. The first opening may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the probe therein. A second opening may be proximate the distal end of the body. A membrane may cover the second opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed to optimize an acoustic transducer, such as an ultrasound transducer, for use in a therapy application, such as high intensity focused ultrasound. In one example, the thickness of a matching layer applied to a face of a transducer member is altered to optimize the transducer for high intensity focused ultrasound operation at a desired frequency based on total power measurements as a function of acoustic frequency and lapping iterations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

Abstract: Ultrasound transducers are disclosed which focus acoustic energy at various focal locations while minimizing focal spot degradation and the generation of unwanted on-axis or off-axis energy concentrations through using a generally constant f-number at the various focal locations.