Abstract: A workflow has been developed that enables initially mapping of a focused ultrasound (FUS) beam using magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry or MR-acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) while working within the MRI device. During this procedure, key measurements will be taken including the precise location of the transducer relative to the skull and the transducer parameters (such as amplitudes and phases) required to place the ultrasound focus at the desired focal size and location in the skull. The anatomical measurements will be used to build a patient-specific, device-specific stereotactic frame to hold the transducer in the position relative to the skull and the aberration corrects will be applied. FUS therapy can then be delivered to the patient outside of the MR environment.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of applying infrared neural stimulation (INS) to the central nervous system (CNS) of a target. The methods includes applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the CNS; and evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser. In the method, the pulsed infrared laser penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of the stimulation site. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for applying INS to the CNS of a target. The apparatus includes a generator generating a pulsed infrared laser, which penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of a stimulation site to evoke a response from the CNS, and an optical medium adapted for delivering the pulsed infrared laser at the stimulation site of the CNS.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supporting platform portion with a body portion that defines bore along a central axis. Arm portions with engaging means extend radially from the supporting platform portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft portion extending from the supporting platform portion in a first direction, with a shaft body portion that defines a bore along a longitudinal axis B. The bore of the shaft body portion is in communication with the bore of the supporting platform portion. The apparatus further includes a base portion connected to the shaft portion, and that defines a bore in communication with the bore of the shaft portion and the bore of the supporting platform portion. Mounting means are configured to secure the base portion to a region of interest of a living subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supporting platform portion with a body portion that defines bore along a central axis. Arm portions with engaging means extend radially from the supporting platform portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft portion extending from the supporting platform portion in a first direction, with a shaft body portion that defines a bore along a longitudinal axis B. The bore of the shaft body portion is in communication with the bore of the supporting platform portion. The apparatus further includes a base portion connected to the shaft portion, and that defines a bore in communication with the bore of the shaft portion and the bore of the supporting platform portion. Mounting means are configured to secure the base portion to a region of interest of a living subject.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of applying infrared neural stimulation (INS) to the central nervous system (CNS) of a target. The methods includes applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the CNS; and evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser. In the method, the pulsed infrared laser penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of the stimulation site. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for applying INS to the CNS of a target. The apparatus includes a generator generating a pulsed infrared laser, which penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of a stimulation site to evoke a response from the CNS, and an optical medium adapted for delivering the pulsed infrared laser at the stimulation site of the CNS.

Abstract: Described herein is a cranial surgery drill bit having a safety self stopping mechanism for use on bone material to prevent or repair skin erosion and infection which may result from the placement of a cap for holding the lead from Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. The surgical procedure of attaching a lead holding cap onto the bone material of a skull requires an attachment which results in no movement of the lead. Accordingly, counter boring the skull surrounding a pre-existing perforation bore so that the cap is not significantly above the surface of the skull is a technique which allows the cap user to brush hair, etc., without disrupting the attachment and placement of the lead.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for supporting an adjustable surgical platform is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a supporting platform portion with a body portion that defines bore along a central axis. Arm portions with engaging means extend radially from the supporting platform portion. The apparatus also includes a shaft portion extending from the supporting platform portion in a first direction, with a shaft body portion that defines a bore along a longitudinal axis B. The bore of the shaft body portion is in communication with the bore of the supporting platform portion. The apparatus further includes a base portion connected to the shaft portion, and that defines a bore in communication with the bore of the shaft portion and the bore of the supporting platform portion. Mounting means are configured to secure the base portion to a region of interest of a living subject.

Abstract: The invention includes a recordation and stimulation system for determining and delivering an electrical stimulation treatment based upon the current status of neuronal activity of a subject. The system include components for detecting neuronal activity in a subject's brain and, based upon the information received, determine an appropriate electrical stimulation treatment for the subject. The system allows immediate adjustments to the stimulation treatment as the needs of the subject change over time. The invention also includes a method for determining whether a subject has early Parkinson's Disease or advanced Parkinson's Disease. The method includes the steps of acquiring information regarding neuronal discharges in certain areas of the brain, creating a ratio based upon the neuronal activity, and determining whether a previous medical diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease is accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.

Abstract: A method for programming a deep brain stimulator implanted in a target region of a brain of a living subject for optimal stimulation, wherein the deep brain stimulator comprises at least one electrode having a plurality of electrode contacts spaced apart from each other, and any portion of the brain of the living subject is identifiable by a set of corresponding spatial coordinates.

Abstract: A method for programming a deep brain stimulator implanted in a target region of a brain of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an efficacy atlas; acquiring a position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode; mapping the acquired position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode onto a corresponding position in the efficacy atlas so as to determine the efficacy of stimulation at the acquired position; and selecting one or more electrode contacts having the highest efficacy for stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.

Abstract: A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Abstract: A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a target of interest of a living subject with reduction of power consumption. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of delivering a plurality of pulses to the target of interest in a substantially repeating pattern for a first period of time, T1, which is immediately followed by a second period of time, T2, during which no pulses are delivered to the target of interest, wherein the plurality of pulses is delivered such that any two neighboring pulses of the plurality of pulses are occurred in a third period of time, T3; and repeating the delivering step for a predetermined times, where T1 and T2 are in the order of milliseconds, and T1>T3 and T2?T3.

Abstract: A method of optimal placement of a deep brain stimulator in a targeted region of a brain of a living subject for optimal deep brain stimulation. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of nonmanually selecting an initial optimal position from, refining the nonmanually selected initial optimal position to determine a final position, and placing the deep brain stimulator at the final position in the targeted region of the brain of the living subject.