Abstract: A transcranial magnetic resonance (MR)-guided histotripsy (tcMRgHt) system is provided. Using electronic steering only, the tcMRgHt system is configured to create lesions of 25.5 mm in the transverse plane and 50 mm in the axial plane through the skull of a patient. This disclosure provides the design, fabrication, acoustic characterization, and MR compatibility assessment of tcMRgHt systems for histotripsy.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods for treating a kidney stone. In particular, provided herein are suction devices, laser systems, and related methods for use in treating a kidney stone.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing cavitation in tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a shock scattering method of Histotripsy therapy comprises delivering an initiation pressure waveform from an ultrasound therapy transducer into tissue, the initiation pressure waveform being configured to produce at least one bubble in the tissue, delivering a scattering pressure waveform from the ultrasound therapy transducer into the at least one bubble within a life-cycle of the at least one bubble, and producing cavitation nuclei near the at least one bubble with the scattering pressure waveform. The scattering pressure waveform can be delivered during the life-cycle of the at least one bubble. In some embodiments, the scattering pressure waveform is delivered within 5 ?s to 1 s of the initiation pressure waveform. Systems for performing shock scattering Histotripsy therapy are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing cavitation in tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a shock scattering method of Histotripsy therapy comprises delivering an initiation pressure waveform from an ultrasound therapy transducer into tissue, the initiation pressure waveform being configured to produce at least one bubble in the tissue, delivering a scattering pressure waveform from the ultrasound therapy transducer into the at least one bubble within a life-cycle of the at least one bubble, and producing cavitation nuclei near the at least one bubble with the scattering pressure waveform. The scattering pressure waveform can be delivered during the life-cycle of the at least one bubble. In some embodiments, the scattering pressure waveform is delivered within 5 ?s to 1 s of the initiation pressure waveform. Systems for performing shock scattering Histotripsy therapy are also discussed.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can image a target tissue volume and apply ultrasound energy to the target tissue volume. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured controllably apply ultrasound energy into the prostate by maintaining a cavitational bubble cloud generated by an ultrasound therapy system within an image of the prostate generated by an imaging system. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can deliver Lithotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to fractionate urinary stones. Another feature of the device is that it can deliver Histotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to erode urinary stones. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured to target and track urinary stones in the patient during therapy. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include improved radiofrequency (RF) pulse amplifier systems that incorporate an energy array comprising multiple capacitors connected in parallel. The energy array extends the maximum length of pulses and the maximum achievable peak power output of the amplifier when compared to similar systems. Embodiments also include systems comprising the amplifier configured to drive a load, wherein the load may include one or more ultrasound (e.g., piezoelectric) transducers Related methods of using the amplifier are also provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the custom transducer housings can be manufactured using a rapid-prototyping method to arrange a plurality of single-element, substantially flat transducers to share a common focal point. The rapid-prototyping method can include, for example, fused-deposition modeling, 3D printing, and stereolithography. In some embodiments, the therapy system can include a plurality of transducer modules insertable into the openings of the transducer housing. Methods of manufacture are also described, including designing a transducer housing shell to a desired geometry and a plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell in a 3D computer aided design software, and constructing the transducer housing shell and the plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell using a rapid-prototyping method.

Abstract: Therapy methods using pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy can include the subprocesses of initiation, maintenance, therapy, and feedback of the histotripsy process, which involves the creation and maintenance of ensembles of microbubbles and the use of feedback in order to optimize the process based on observed spatial-temporal bubble cloud dynamics. The methods provide for the subdivision or erosion of tissue, liquification of tissue, and/or the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Various feedback mechanisms allow variation of ultrasound parameters and provide control over the pulsed cavitational process, permitting the process to be tuned for a number of applications. Such applications can include specific tissue erosion, bulk tissue homogenization, and delivery of therapeutic agents across barriers.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the custom transducer housings can be manufactured using a rapid-prototyping method to arrange a plurality of single-element, substantially flat transducers to share a common focal point. The rapid-prototyping method can include, for example, fused-deposition modeling, 3D printing, and stereolithography. In some embodiments, the therapy system can include a plurality of transducer modules insertable into the openings of the transducer housing. Methods of manufacture are also described, including designing a transducer housing shell to a desired geometry and a plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell in a 3D computer aided design software, and constructing the transducer housing shell and the plurality of acoustic focusing lenses integral to the transducer housing shell using a rapid-prototyping method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include improved radiofrequency (RF) pulse amplifier systems that incorporate an energy array comprising multiple capacitors connected in parallel. The energy array extends the maximum length of pulses and the maximum achievable peak power output of the amplifier when compared to similar systems. Embodiments also include systems comprising the amplifier configured to drive a load, wherein the load may include one or more ultrasound (e.g., piezoelectric) transducers Related methods of using the amplifier are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing cavitation in tissue are provided. In one embodiment, a shock scattering method of Histotripsy therapy comprises delivering an initiation pressure waveform from an ultrasound therapy transducer into tissue, the initiation pressure waveform being configured to produce at least one bubble in the tissue, delivering a scattering pressure waveform from the ultrasound therapy transducer into the at least one bubble within a life-cycle of the at least one bubble, and producing cavitation nuclei near the at least one bubble with the scattering pressure waveform. The scattering pressure waveform can be delivered during the life-cycle of the at least one bubble. In some embodiments, the scattering pressure waveform is delivered within 5 ?s to 1 s of the initiation pressure waveform. Systems for performing shock scattering Histotripsy therapy are also discussed.

Abstract: A Histotripsy therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the system includes at least one signal switching amplifier electrically coupled to a high voltage power supply, a pulse generator electrically coupled to signal switching amplifier(s), at least one matching network electrically coupled to the signal switching amplifier(s), and an ultrasound transducer having at least one transducer element, each transducer element of the ultrasound transducer being coupled to the at least one matching network. In some embodiments, each transducer element has an input impedance that is higher, sometimes more than 2 times higher, than an output impedance of its corresponding signal switching amplifier. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can deliver Lithotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to fractionate urinary stones. Another feature of the device is that it can deliver Histotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to erode urinary stones. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured to target and track urinary stones in the patient during therapy. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the custom transducer housings can be manufactured using a rapid-prototyping method to arrange a plurality of single-element, substantially flat transducers to share a common focal point. The rapid-prototyping method can include, for example, fused-deposition modeling, 3D printing, and stereolithography. In some embodiments, the therapy system can include a plurality of transducer modules insertable into the openings of the transducer housing. Each transducer module can include an acoustic lens, a substantially flat, single-element transducer, and a matching layer disposed between the lens and the transducer. Methods of use and manufacture are also described.

Abstract: An ultrasound system that detects a characteristic of an ultrasound wave. The system includes a circuit member defining a sensing portion operable to be exposed to the ultrasound wave. The system also includes a current generating device that generates a current in the sensing portion of the circuit member. Furthermore, the system includes a voltage sensor that detects a voltage across the sensing portion due to the exposure to the ultrasound wave to thereby detect the characteristic of the ultrasound wave.

Abstract: Therapy methods using pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy can include the subprocesses of initiation, maintenance, therapy, and feedback of the histotripsy process, which involves the creation and maintenance of ensembles of microbubbles and the use of feedback in order to optimize the process based on observed spatial-temporal bubble cloud dynamics. The methods provide for the subdivision or erosion of tissue, liquification of tissue, and/or the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Various feedback mechanisms allow variation of ultrasound parameters and provide control over the pulsed cavitational process, permitting the process to be tuned for a number of applications. Such applications can include specific tissue erosion, bulk tissue homogenization, and delivery of therapeutic agents across barriers.

Abstract: Therapy methods using pulsed cavitational ultrasound therapy can include the subprocesses of initiation, maintenance, therapy, and feedback of the histotripsy process, which involves the creation and maintenance of ensembles of microbubbles and the use of feedback in order to optimize the process based on observed spatial-temporal bubble cloud dynamics. The methods provide for the subdivision or erosion of tissue, liquification of tissue, and/or the enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents. Various feedback mechanisms allow variation of ultrasound parameters and provide control over the pulsed cavitational process, permitting the process to be tuned for a number of applications. Such applications can include specific tissue erosion, bulk tissue homogenization, and delivery of therapeutic agents across barriers.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can deliver Lithotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to fractionate urinary stones. Another feature of the device is that it can deliver Histotripsy therapy to a patient, so as to erode urinary stones. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured to target and track urinary stones in the patient during therapy. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.

Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can image a target tissue volume and apply ultrasound energy to the target tissue volume. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured controllably apply ultrasound energy into the prostate by maintaining a cavitational bubble cloud generated by an ultrasound therapy system within an image of the prostate generated by an imaging system. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.