Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. The device includes an ultrasound wand equipped with a lateral fire ultrasound sensor. The ultrasound wand also defines a channel having an oblique path though the wand. The channel accommodates a biopsy needle, which can be pivoted as well inserted through the channel to different depths in order to perform a biopsy of the prostate. The device therefore uses only three degrees-of-freedom of movement in order to obtain the biopsy samples. Additionally, the ultrasound wand can be used to generate a three-dimensional image of the prostate.

Abstract: Sparse tracking is used in acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. The tracking is performed sparsely. The displacements are measured only one or a few times for each receive line. While this may result in insufficient information to determine the displacement phase shift and/or maximum displacement over time, the resulting displacement samples for different receive lines as a function of time may be used together to estimate the velocity, such as with a Radon transform. The estimation may be less susceptible to noise from the scarcity of displacement samples by using compressive sensing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device selectively obtains an accurate image of a target part inside an object or an image of a wide part inside the object through an ultrasonic probe by operating a focus adjustment unit. The ultrasonic imaging device includes an ultrasonic probe the front of which is equipped with a probe lens, and a focus adjustment unit mounted to the ultrasonic probe so as to selectively defocus the probe lens. The focus adjustment unit includes a focus adjustment portion arranged in the front of the probe lens, and a pressing portion connected to the focus adjustment portion so as to vary a curvature of the focus adjustment portion by external force.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.

Abstract: A system (10) for treating tissue within a body is configured to deliver a first level of ultrasound energy to a target tissue region (42) for a first duration resulting in the generation of micro-bubbles (56) in the target tissue region, determine one or more characteristics of the target tissue region in the presence of the micro-bubbles, and deliver a second level of ultrasound energy to the target tissue region for a second duration, wherein one or both of the second energy level and the second duration are based, at least in part, on the determined one or more characteristics of the target tissue region.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic image generating apparatus that may generate an ultrasonic image by using an ultrasonic transducer which has a wideband frequency transfer characteristic or an ultra-wideband frequency transfer characteristic, such as a micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT). A pulse generator of the ultrasonic image generating apparatus may generate a first ultrasonic pulse having a first center frequency and a first bandwidth and a second ultrasonic pulse having a second center frequency and a second bandwidth. The ultrasonic transducer may simultaneously transmit the first ultrasonic pulse and the second ultrasonic pulse.

Abstract: A treatment device (100) and a treatment system are provided. The treatment device (100) is suitable for temporarily or permanently placing a therapeutic device (112) in a part of a corpus of a living being. The treatment device (100) comprises an elongated body (102) for being inserted in the part of the corpus. The elongated body (102) comprises a channel (110) and an impedance sensor element (104). The channel (110) is for guiding the therapeutic device (112) to a specific position (PI) within the channel (110) and/or for holding the therapeutic device (112) at a specific position (PI) within the channel (110). The impedance sensor element (1040) is configured to be coupled to a detection device for detecting the presence of the therapeutic device (112) at the specific position (PI) on basis of a change of a signal provided by the impedance sensor element (104).

Abstract: An apparatus capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe includes a connected part, a wall part and a vent hole. The connected part is provided in a housing and is configured to be capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe. The wall part is provided in a location to surround side faces of the connector in a state of being connected to the connected part. The vent hole is provided between the connected part and the wall part so as to pass through from outside to inside of the housing.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes: a housing having an opening provided at a first end portion of the housing; a transducer provided in a position corresponding to the opening and configured to generate ultrasonic waves; a heat spreader provided underneath the transducer; and a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the transducer and the heat spreader, wherein the heat spreader includes: a body portion configured to absorb heat from the transducer; and a coupling portion that is formed at a side portion of the body portion and coupled to the housing.

Abstract: A non-invasive ultra-high frequency ultrasound treatment method and system are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a high-frequency ultrasound transducer system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient such that the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of the patient can be treated. An exemplary high-frequency ultrasound transducer system comprises a control system and a transducer configured to provide treatment to the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of interest. The high-frequency ultrasound transducer may be configured to operate at higher frequencies and controlled power levels to provide treatment to the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of interest. For example, higher frequencies within the range from approximately 20 MHz to 500 MHz or more may be utilized.

Abstract: A method for ablation treatment using ultrasound data begins by identifying pathology to be treated and one or more blood vessels proximate the treatment site in a medical diagnostic image. The identified ROI and the blood vessels are automatically indicated in an ultrasound image Ultrasonic Doppler velocity data is acquired from the flow within the vessels and the Doppler data is used to calculate the volume blood flow through the vessels. The thermal effect of the heat transported by this blood flow is considered in the planning or conduct of the ablation treatment, as by modifying the size of a burn zone graphic around the tip of the ablation probe.

Abstract: A skin care apparatus using ultrasonic vibration is disclosed. The skin care apparatus includes a main body, a vibration unit separably installed on the main body, and an ultrasonic generation portion installed inside the vibration unit to generate vibration, wherein the vibration unit includes a skin contact member provided with a projection that is in a tube shape to transfer the ultrasonic vibration generated from the ultrasonic generation portion to a skin.

Abstract: When planning magnetic resonance (MR) guided high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) therapy, HIFU transducer element parameters are optimized as a function of 3D MR data describing a size, shape, and position of a region of interest (ROI) (146) and any obstructions (144) between the HIFU transducer elements and the ROI (146). Transducer element phases and amplitudes are adjusted to maximize HIFU radiation delivery to the ROI (146) while minimizing delivery to the obstruction (144). Additionally or alternatively, transducer elements are selectively deactivated if the obstruction (144) is positioned between the ROI (146) and a given transducer element.

Abstract: A probe including a shaft on which an ultrasound element is mounted, an outer sheath and an acoustic membrane surrounding the shaft and the ultrasound element such that the shaft and ultrasound element are rotatable therein. Passages may supply a cooling and acoustic coupling fluid to an inlet and outlet adjacent the acoustic element to cool the acoustic element and fill a volume between the acoustic element and the acoustic sheath with the fluid. A balloon may be mounted on the probe to be selectively inflated to fix a position of the probe. A drain for urine and other bodily fluids may be provided through the probe.

Abstract: Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for detecting stones by ultrasound, in which the ultrasound reflections from a stone are preferentially selected and accentuated relative to the ultrasound reflections from blood or tissue. Also described herein are methods and apparatus for applying pushing ultrasound to in vivo stones or other objects, to facilitate the removal of such in vivo objects.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens-transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency.

Abstract: A method of treating pancreatic cancer includes: inserting a device into a stomach or a duodenum; securing at least a portion of the device in position relative to the stomach or the duodenum; and delivering ultrasonic energy from the device to treat a target site in a pancreas.

Abstract: A catheter tip is disclosed comprising a proximal stem that comprises a lumen. An electrode wall that comprises a center cavity can be coupled to the distal end of the proximal stem. An electrode cap can be coupled to a distal end of the electrode wall. An elongate thermocouple element can extend through the lumen of the proximal stem and the center cavity and can be coupled to the electrode cap. The elongate thermocouple element can be turned around a portion of a longitudinal axis defined by the catheter tip assembly.

Abstract: A probe for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Systems and methods can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. In an embodiment, a treatment system and method can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal or deep dermal components of tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system in the field of MR guided thermal treatment and more specifically to the temperature control. In the invention an MR and a thermal treatment system are combined. The thermal treatment system is configured to apply thermal treatment pulses to a subject. The prevent overheating of healthy tissue, the thermal treatment pulses are spaced by a cool-down period. The end of the cool-down period is determined by temperature measurements performed during the cool-down period.

Abstract: Methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Abstract: A fabric with an integrated sensor array and optionally with an integrated display; the fabric may be mounted to the surface of an object to be measured or monitored. The fabric may comprise multiple laminar layers, such as sensor layers, processing layers, display layers, and cladding layers for protection and sealing. Data analysis performed by processing layers may include beamforming operations, frequency filters, or any desired transformations. An illustrative display uses a layer of liquid crystal cells sandwiched between polarizing filter layers. An illustrative sensor array is an array of piezoelectric acoustic sensors formed by adjacent layers of calcium carbonate cells and potassium bitartrate cells. An application of acoustic sensor arrays may include for example a patch attached to a person's skin that senses and displays the location and size of blood vessels under the skin using the sound generated by blood flow.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating skin, such as stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis or a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof.

Abstract: A system and an imaging method for using photoacoustic effect are provided in the present invention. The system includes a light source for generating a light beam, a wave-guide probe and an ultrasound receiving device. The wave-guide probe further has a reception portion and at least one transmission portion. The reception portion receives the light beam and then triggers a photoacoustic effect inside the reception portion so as thereby to generate at least one sound wave thereinside to be further transmitted to the at least one transmission portion. The transmission portion is merged into the organic medium. When the sound wave is transmitted to the transmission portion, an ultrasound area is generated inside the organic medium. The ultrasound receiving device is located adjacent to the organic medium, receives the ultrasound generated in the ultrasound area to form an ultrasound image of the organic medium, so as to achieve the imaging method.

Abstract: The method determines parameters to generate confocal ultrasound beams (B1,B2) inside a medium (4), and uses a device (1) comprising first and second ultrasound means (11,12) and first and second displacement members (13,14) for moving the ultrasound means (11,12). The parameters include signals s1,s2 to the ultrasound means (11,12), and the positions x1,x2 of the ultrasound means (11,12). The parameters are optimized for having a minimum amplitude a1,a2 of the signals s1,s2 and having an acoustic effect inside the medium (4).

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided that includes a lithotripsy apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract stone by fragmentation. The lithotripsy apparatus includes a lithotripsy wave guide shaft configured to transmit an energy form to at least one urinary tract stone. The lithotripter includes a sensing device configured to provide signal data for determining optimal application of energy during treatment with the lithotripsy apparatus. The lithotripter includes a processor configured to collect the signal data and provide feedback to a user. The processor has a control logic configured to determine at least one of: a) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a tissue; b) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a stone; c) type of stone; d) if a user is applying force in excess of a predetermined threshold; and e) physical characteristics of a stone. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback.

Abstract: A therapy system is operable to deliver at least one respiratory therapy to a patient. For example, therapy system may be operable to deliver any one or more of the following therapies: a high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) therapy, a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy, a nebulizer therapy, an intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) therapy, a cough assist therapy, a suction therapy, a bronchial dilator therapy, and the like. The therapy system is contained in a housing supported by a mobile stand.

Abstract: A probe capable of reducing positional displacement of an acoustic lens from a capacitive transducer is provided. The probe includes a transducer having elements and extraction electrodes of the elements, flexible wiring boards having wiring electrically connected to the extraction electrodes, and an acoustic lens having stepped portions which is provided on the elements. The acoustic lens is butted against end portions of the flexible wiring boards at the stepped portions and fixed.

Abstract: A minimally invasive applicator device for treatment of intervertebral tissue containing at least one target nerve includes an insertion device having a proximal end and a distal end for insertion into the intervertebral tissue containing at least one target nerve, an ultrasound transducer device coupled to the distal end of the insertion device, and an external RF power generator electrically that provides power to the ultrasound transducer device. The ultrasound transducer device includes an array of a plurality of transducer crystals which are all aligned along a line defined by an axis enclosed by each of the plurality of transducer crystals disposed sequentially and longitudinally adjacent each other along the axis to form a customized flexible array along the applicator device. Ultrasound radiative output treatment outward from the axis of the transducer crystals allows for treatment of the intervertebral tissue containing at least one target nerve.

Abstract: A method of operating a device for indicating an event notification to a user comprises indicating a new event through accordingly controlling visual, audible and/or tactile indicators. A user input is received in response to the indicated event. In case a user input in response to the indicated event is not received within a first time period, sensors in the device are controlled to monitor ambient conditions and determine corresponding pattern. In case of a change in the pattern of the ambient conditions by a predetermined amount within a second time period, the new event is indicated once more to the user.

Abstract: A method of targeting fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue for ablation in a subject is provided. The method includes performing at least one EGM analysis of a plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for a tissue in a region suspected of having fibrosis or autonomic nerve tissue. With regard to targeting fibrosis for ablation, the method includes determining one or more correlations of at least one AF EGM characteristic to a region having fibrosis from the plurality of recorded atrial EGMs for the tissue and determining whether the tissue contains dense fibrosis that would preclude effective ablation of the analysis region of the tissue. With regard to targeting autonomic nerve for ablation, the method includes determining whether one or more significant changes in EGM characteristics with autonomic blockade exist that would indicate the need to perform ablation of the analysis region of the tissue.

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: An apparatus for driving and controlling ultrasonic elements includes a computer-based host unit that determines driving characteristics with which to drive the ultrasonic elements; a microprocessor-based controller that receives an output from the host and provides signals representing a frequency and/or an amplitude characteristic; a frequency control circuit receiving the frequency characteristic signal; an amplitude control circuit receiving the amplitude characteristic signal; an RF amplifier acting on an output from the frequency and/or the amplitude control circuits to provide an amplified output signal corresponding to the frequency and/or amplitude characteristic; a coupling circuit that couples the amplified output signal to the ultrasonic elements and provides a forward output signal to a first RF detector circuit and a reverse output signal to a second RF detector circuit; and an analog-to-digital converter that receives an output of the RF detector circuits and provides a corresponding converted

Abstract: A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pullback system, which has a simplified and miniaturized structure and an advanced function. The pullback system includes a central unit, which includes a rotation transducer part that rotates, and a stretchable part that is connected to a side of the rotation transducer part to rotate together with the rotation transducer part and that has a stretchable property, and a first unit rotatably coupled to a portion of the central unit. As the first unit moves in a first direction oriented from the rotation transducer part to the stretchable part or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the stretchable part contacts or stretches.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis and treatment of tumors using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is provided. The method of diagnosing the presence of a tumor in a patient comprises the steps of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to cause the tumor cells to release cellular material and evaluating the cellular material for a tumor marker. The method of treating a tumor in a patient can also comprise the step of subjecting a tumor to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to provoke an immune response.

Abstract: A system and method for providing image guidance for placement of one or more medical devices at a target location. The system can be used to determine one or more affected regions corresponding to the operation of one or more medical devices and display at least a portion of the one or more affected regions. The affected regions can correspond to predicted affected regions and/or dynamic affected regions and can be based at least in part on a variance parameter of the medical device.

Abstract: A needle holder for use in an image guided intervention procedure. The needle holder includes a clip for holding a needle and a guide arrangement for supporting the clip and directing the needle at a desired angle relative to a patient's body. The clip includes a releasable connection such that the needle can be disengaged from the guide arrangement by a lateral movement of the clip and/or the guide arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablating tissue include an ablation device having an energy source and a sensor. The energy source provides a beam of energy directable to target tissue, and the sensor senses energy reflected back from the target tissue. The sensor collects various information from the target tissue in order to facilitate adjustment of ablation operating parameters, such as changing power or position of the energy beam. Gap distance between the energy source and target tissue, energy beam incident angle, tissue motion, tissue type, lesion depth, etc. are examples of some of the information that may be collected during the ablation process and used to help control ablation of the tissue.

Abstract: Electrosurgical systems generally include at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

Abstract: A system and method for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Systems and methods can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. In an embodiment, a treatment system and method can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal or deep dermal components of tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: A hand-held skin treatment device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, an energy supply electrically coupled to the source and a controller arranged to control the energy supplied to the source of electromagnetic radiation. The source, the energy supply and the controller are enclosed in a watertight housing allowing use of the hand-held skin treatment device in a wet environment. To provide sufficient cooling of the source, the device comprises an internal heat exchanger in heat conducting relation with the source, an external heat exchanger outside of the watertight housing, and a heat path from the internal heat exchanger to the external heat exchanger that passes hermetically through a wall of the watertight housing. With this device, users can conveniently integrate their skin treatment activities with the daily washing routine in a shower or bath. The device is especially useful in the context of hair removal.

Abstract: A medical device can be localized by providing at least three non-colinear localization elements (e.g., electrodes) thereon. Once placed in a non-ionizing localization field, three adjacent localization elements, at least one of which will typically be a spot electrode, may be selected, and the non-ionizing localization field may be used to measure their locations. A cylinder is defined to fit the measured locations of the selected localization elements. The cylinder is rotationally oriented using the measured location of a spot electrode. Location and rotational attitude information may be used to construct a three-dimensional representation of the medical device within the localization field. The electrodes may be provided on the medical device or on a sheath into which the medical device is inserted. The invention also provides systems and methods for identifying and calibrating deflection planes where the medical device and/or sheath are deflectable.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of fabricating a transducer array. The methods can included creating a lens shaped depression in a backing material, printing an electrode, printing a thick layer of lead zirconate titanate material, printing a ground electrode, and placing a plurality of equally spaced cuts into the depression.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical image fusion apparatus and method. The medical image fusion apparatus comprises: a display unit configured to display a plurality of medical images in layers in one window on a screen, wherein the arrangement direction of the plurality of medical images is different from the extension direction of the plane on which each medical image exists; an operation detection unit configured to detect an operation of selecting the medical images to be fused from the plurality of medical images; and a fused image generation unit configured to generate a fused image of the medical images to be fused according to the selection operation, wherein the display unit is further configured to display the fused image in a predetermined region in the window.