Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods to detect a moving anatomic feature during a treatment sequence based on a computed and/or a measured shortest distance between the anatomic feature and at least a portion of an imaging system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods to verify and/or obtain a registration of images obtained two image systems (such as a CT system and an MRI system) via the use of a third imaging modality (such as an ultrasound system).

Abstract: A multilayer ultrasound transducer is used to provide high output power with a desired transmission and reception frequency response profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for focusing ultrasound through the skull into the brain for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes may be improved by utilizing both longitudinal and shear waves. The relative contribution of the two modes may be determined based on the angle of incidence.

Abstract: Ultrasound energy is delivered to a patient in a controlled manner using a focused ultrasound system, thus maintaining the desired therapeutic effect without causing unwanted damage to surrounding tissue. An ultrasound transducer device includes multiple transducer elements, each of which is controlled by drive circuitry and a drive signal controller. An acoustic detector detects signals indicative of cavitation in tissue targeted by the transducer elements, and the drive signal controller manages the delivery of acoustic energy from the transducer elements based on the detected cavitation signals such that a therapeutic effect at the target tissue remains within an efficacy range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for focusing ultrasound through the skull into the brain for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes may be improved by utilizing both longitudinal and shear waves. The relative contribution of the two modes may be determined based on the angle of incidence.

Abstract: The emission intensities of groupings of transducer elements of an ultrasound transducer array are controlled based on targeting criteria in such a manner as to simultaneously create multiple discontiguous foci, each corresponding to one of a plurality of target sites.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer comprises a multiplicity of piezoelectric transducer elements attached to a backing layer and forming a two-dimensional array, the transducer elements each comprising one or more piezoelectric members that collectively form an energy transmitting surface of the respective transducer element, the energy transmitting surface having a geometric center, wherein the respective transducer element geometric centers are in an irregular formation.

Abstract: Method for adjusting the output of a phased array ultrasonic transducer using surface mapping. The transducer surface is mapped using a sensor, such as a hydrophone, to determine the actual location of each transducer element relative to the expected location of each transducer element. Mapping can be performed by measuring a distance between a hydrophone and each transducer element. At least one of the hydrophone and the transducer are moveable relative to each other to map the transducer surface. A determination is made whether the actual location of a transducer element differs from the expected location. Drive signals of certain transducer elements having actual locations that differ from expected locations are adjusted to control the output of the transducer.

Abstract: Method for adjusting the output of a phased array ultrasonic transducer using surface mapping. The transducer surface is mapped using a sensor, such as a hydrophone, to determine the actual location of each transducer element relative to the expected location of each transducer element. Mapping can be performed by measuring a distance between a hydrophone and each transducer element. At least one of the hydrophone and the transducer are moveable relative to each other to map the transducer surface. A determination is made whether the actual location of a transducer element differs from the expected location. Drive signals of certain transducer elements having actual locations that differ from expected locations are adjusted to control the output of the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer comprises a multiplicity of piezoelectric transducer elements attached to a backing layer and forming a two-dimensional array, the transducer elements each comprising one or more piezoelectric members that collectively form an energy transmitting surface of the respective transducer element, the energy transmitting surface having a geometric center, wherein the respective transducer element geometric centers are in an irregular formation.