Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for ocular ultrasound are provided having therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. In one aspect, an ocular probe is disclosed that is uniquely configured for use in the eye on the basis of shape and frequency. The ocular probe may be multi-functional, providing sensor, optical or other functionality in additional to ultrasound energy.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating tissue using focused energy. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for stimulating tissue that includes a first energy source, a second energy source, and a focusing element that focuses at least the first or second energy source so that the first and second energy sources target the same region of tissue such that the combined effect stimulates the tissue.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for performing diagnostics and/or therapy and related kit, system, computer program, methods and computer readable mediums. The device of this disclosure has the advantages that the device does not need access to the pericardium and that the whole system including kit and device can be removed after diagnostics/therapy. A device for performing diagnostics and/or therapy of an organ in the thoracic cavity, comprising an organ support (10), which organ support (10) is devised to be arranged exterior to an organ, and comprises: a flexible structure (14), such as a fabric, net, coil, bag or mesh, which is configured to cover a region of the organ, the region comprising at least the surface at an apex of the organ; at least one actuator (16), such as a motor, for actuating a movement of the flexible structure (14) for the therapy, and optionally at least one transducer (18), is provided.

Abstract: A cleaning and massaging system includes a water resistant housing having a top surface and a bottom surface; a display and one or more buttons coupled to the top portion; a processor inside the housing; and a vibration generator driven by the processor to vibrate on user command.

Abstract: A system for treatment includes a focused ultrasound energy source for placement outside a patient, wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver ultrasound energy towards a blood vessel with a surrounding nerve that is a part of an autonomic nervous system inside the patient, and wherein the focused ultrasound energy source is configured to deliver the ultrasound energy from outside the patient to the nerve located inside the patient to treat the nerve.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating focused currents in biological tissue is provided. The apparatus comprises an electric source capable of generating an electric field across a region of tissue and means for altering the permittivity of the tissue relative to the electric field, whereby a displacement current is generated. The means for altering the permittivity may be a chemical source, optical source, mechanical source, thermal source, or electromagnetic source.

Abstract: Non-invasive and/or natural orifice procedures, apparatus and methods for modulating the enteric nervous system using one or more energy modalities. A system may include a probe for insertion into a natural orifice (e.g., nasogastrically, orogastrically, nasojejunally) with or without a tube to therapeutically apply energy to modulate one or more portions of the enteric nervous system. The methods described herein may provide energy to stimulate the enteric nervous system to treat disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, depression, anxiety and/or to enhance gastric motility, intestinal motility or other neurological responses.

Abstract: A system for providing ultrasound includes a drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. One or more motors are positioned at or near the proximal end of the drive shaft. One or more pair of jaws or one or more joints are mounted on or near the distal end of the drive shaft. One or more transducers are configured to generate thermal or cavitational lesions with ultrasound. Each transducer is mounted to one of the jaws or is operatively connected to the joint.

Abstract: The method of treatment for vaginal tissue inflamed or damaged by complications from the use of a surgical mesh implant in the vagina of a patient is disclosed. The treatment has the steps of activating an acoustic shock wave generator or source to emit acoustic shock waves; and subjecting the vaginal tissue, pelvic region or the entire pelvic cavity region of the body to the acoustic shock waves stimulating said tissue wherein the tissue is positioned within a path of the emitted shock waves. The emitted shock waves can be convergent, divergent, planar or near planar.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may include an opening configured to allow the passage of a fluid between the sheath and a chamber in a patient. The proximal end may include one or more ports configured to allow the passage of the fluid into and out of the sheath. A probe may include a shaft and an ultrasound transducer coupled to the shaft. The probe may be configured for insertion into the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems and methods for methods for neuromodulation of deep-brain and other neural targets in mammals using optogenetics to treat clinical conditions or achievement of a physiological state. The neuromodulation can produce acute or long-term effects. The latter occur through Long-Term Depression (LTD) and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) via training. Included is control of optical intensity/amplitude, pulse width, pulse shape, pulse rate, burst frequency, pulse pattern, burst rate, burst width, and optical-fiber configuration including through the stimulation of incorporated opsins in the target neural membranes accomplishing up-regulation and/or down-regulation.

Abstract: A connection mechanism includes a first member, a second member and a cylindrical third member which connects the first member and the second member to each other. The third member includes a protrusion portion and a second connection portion. A held portion of the second member is inserted from the one end portion to the third member and the held portion is disposed in a space portion between the protrusion portion and an end face. In this state, the third member holds the held portion between the end face and the protrusion portion thereby the third member is moved the protrusion portion relative to the first member and the protrusion portion presses the held portion against the end face.

Abstract: An ultrasound medical system has an end effector including a medical ultrasound transducer and an acoustic coupling medium. The acoustic coupling medium has a transducer-proximal surface and a transducer-distal surface. The medical ultrasound transducer is positioned to emit medical ultrasound through the acoustic coupling medium from the transducer-proximal surface to the transducer-distal surface. The end effector is adapted to change a property (such as the shape and/or the temperature) of the acoustic coupling medium during emission, and/or between emissions, of medical ultrasound from the medical ultrasound transducer during a medical procedure on a patient. In one example, such changes are used to change the focus and/or beam angle of the emitted ultrasound during the medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of applying energy to various body portions to produce a therapeutic response. According to embodiments, the applied energy is ultrasound and may be delivered by an ultrasound focusing device deployed in the body, for example, by using an endoscope. The energy may be used to effect a variety of therapeutic responses, including ablating lesions in the gall bladder, treating gastrointestinal reflux disease, or treating fecal incontinence.

Abstract: An emergency method of using localized mechanical percussion for enhancing clearance of potentially life threatening acute thrombotic arterial obstructions blocking blood flow to vital internal organs such as the heart or brain of a patient, employing the application of non-invasive localized low frequency mechanical percussion at a frequency between 1 Hz-1000 Hz and a stroke or displacement amplitude in the range of 0.1-10 mm upon a targeted external body surface deemed generally proximate such acute thrombotic arterial obstruction, whereby the percussion accelerates the emergency clearance of the acute thrombotic arterial obstruction in restoration of blood flow to the vital internal organ. Preferred methods for percussion delivery to the chest wall/upper back or head/neck of a patient are described for use in treatment of heart attack or acute ischemic stroke respectively.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an ultrasound treatment system can comprise: a ultrasound transducer comprising a subdivided surface comprising a plurality of electronically isolated pieces; a power source coupled to at least two of the pieces, wherein the power supply is configured to independently shape a temporal delay or a spatial delay, as compared to each other, of acoustic energy emitted from the at least two pieces; wherein each of the at least two pieces shape the acoustic energy, independently, into a thermal zone in subcutaneous tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound transducer device including a plurality of piezoelectric single-crystal plates that are stacked such that polarization components thereof are alternately inverted. The plurality of piezoelectric single-crystal plates are stacked such that directions thereof in which strain deformation in a direction orthogonal to a direction of voltage application from electrodes respectively interposed between the plurality of piezoelectric single-crystal plates becomes largest coincide with each other. There is also provided an ultrasound medical apparatus including the ultrasound transducer device.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasound treatment are provided. Acoustic energy, including ultrasound, can serve as input energy to a mask with apertures, such apertures acting as secondary acoustic sources to create a modulated output acoustic energy in a treatment region and treatment effects. Under proper control output energy can be precisely placed and controlled in tissue. In some embodiments, methods and systems are configured for ultrasound treatment based on creating an output energy distribution in tissue. In some embodiments, methods and systems are configured based on creating an output temperature distribution in tissue.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and devices for modulating the activity or activities of living cells, such as cells found in or derived from humans, animals, plants, insects, microorganisms and other organisms. Methods of the present invention comprise use of the application of ultrasound, such as low intensity, low frequency ultrasound, to living cells to affect the cells and modulate the cells' activities. Devices of the present invention comprise one or more components for generating ultrasound waves, such as ultrasonic emitters, transducers or piezoelectric transducers, composite transducers, CMUTs, and which may be provided as single or multiple transducers or in an array configurations. The ultrasound waves may be of any shape, and may be focused or unfocused.

Abstract: A method of treating a condition associate with accumulation of an agent in cells in a patient includes exposing the cells to ultrasound, to selectively kill or induce apoptosis in the cells. The cells include the accumulated agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for non-invasive acoustic stimulation of stem cells and/or progenitor cells in a patient. The invention also provides a device for non-invasive stimulation of stem cells and/or progenitor cells in the patient by generating and delivering acoustic waves of a suitable frequency and intensity to the stem cells and/or progenitor cells. The method and device of the present invention is useful in enhancing regeneration of bones and other tissues, such as cartilages, muscles, and nerve tissues, in a patient, for treatment of conditions such as bone loss or fracture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a catheter having an ultrasound energy emitting region that is both rotatable about and slidable along the shaft of the catheter. One embodiment is directed to a catheter comprising an ultrasound transducer coupled to the shaft, and at least one actuator coupled to the handle and the ultrasound transducer that is adapted to move the ultrasound transducer both longitudinally along the shaft and circumferentially about the shaft. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a catheter comprising an ultrasound transducer coupled to the shaft, and at least one actuator that is adapted to move the sheath both longitudinally along the shaft and circumferentially about the shaft to orient a window of the sheath in a desired position.

Abstract: A patient treatment unit for analyzing and treating abnormality of human or animal tissues, includes a display; a pulse generator circuit that outputs a sequence of electrical pulses at a pulse frequency, the electrical pulses having a pulse width, the pulse generator controlling the pulse frequency and the pulse width of the electrical pulses; a pair of probes for contacting a body of a patient and electrically coupled to the pulse generator; and a voltage and current sensing circuit that senses a voltage or a current via the probes when contacting the body of the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical device can include a transducer, a coupling system, and a waveguide. The coupling system can be configured to attach and adequately torque the waveguide to the transducer for use in a medical procedure. The coupling system can be configured to detach the inner probe from the transducer upon completion of the medical procedure.

Abstract: A method for treating a desired volume of tissue using HIFU or other energy modality to ablate a pattern of elemental treatment volumes each having a volume that is greater than that of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer but smaller than the overall volume of the desired treatment volume. In one embodiment, the pattern of elemental treatment volumes are arranged to form a shell which partially or wholly encapsulates the desired volume of tissue, which then necroses in situ due to effects other than direct HIFU damage (including some combination of ischemia, thermal conduction, inflammation, apoptosis, etc.). The necrosed tissue remains in the body and is subsequently resorbed and/or healed via normal body mechanisms.

Abstract: An ultrasound surgery system includes: a handpiece including an ultrasound transducer that generates ultrasound vibration and a treatment portion to which the ultrasound vibration is transmitted; a drive current output section provided in a power supply apparatus to which the handpiece is detachably connected, the drive current output section producing and outputting a drive current for driving the ultrasound transducer; a drive frequency output section that detects and outputs a drive frequency for driving the ultrasound transducer with a resonant frequency of the ultrasound transducer; a first information storage section that stores first information including a parameter unique to the handpiece; and a variable current setting section that variably sets the drive current produced by the drive current output section, based on the drive frequency detected by the drive frequency output section, in order to maintain an amplitude or a vibration velocity of the ultrasound vibration in the treatment portion at a p

Abstract: To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.

Abstract: A skull endosseous module for ultrasound penetration is provided and includes a fixation sleeve permanently inserted and positioned in a drilled hole of a skull, a movable sleeve movably inserted in the fixation sleeve for providing a hollow ultrasound guiding channel; and an outer cover mounted on an outer opening of the fixation sleeve and covered by a scalp tissue. Thus, an ultrasound device outside the scalp tissue can generate ultrasounds to pass through the outer cover and the ultrasound guiding channel for affecting a target region of a brain tissue in the skull.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing, among other things, devices operable to acquire intestinal microbial flora samples, to map intestinal microbial flora, to identify microbes present in an individual's digestive tract, to delivery intestinal microbial flora compositions, to register a microbial flora collection events, to register microbial flora-seeding events, or the like.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.

Abstract: A system for delivering light and/or ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The system includes a device having a layered structure comprising one or both of a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. The system also includes one or more sensors in contact with the skin surface and a controller electrically coupled to the device and the sensor. The controller is operable to receive sensor data from the sensor and dynamically control the device in response to the received sensor data.

Abstract: A device for delivering light and ultrasound across a skin surface is provided. The device has a layered structure comprising a light source and an ultrasonic transducer. The light source comprises a flexible light emitter layer electrically coupled to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a flexible ultrasound emitter layer electrically coupled to a third conductive layer and a fourth conductive layer. In one embodiment, the light source comprises an organic light emitting diode or a plurality of printed light emitting diodes and the ultrasonic transducer comprises a piezoelectric coating. The device may be provided with a therapeutic or cosmetic composition to be applied to the skin surface, wherein the light and ultrasound emitted from the device cause transdermal transport of the composition through the skin surface.

Abstract: The specification relates to a tattoo removal device that includes a light panel and a control panel for controlling the light panel. The light panel houses an ultra-bright light emitting diode (LED). The LED can have an intensity of about 5,000-20000 mcd and a viewing angle of 8-130 degrees and a primary wavelength between 400-940 nm. The intensity, the viewing angle and the primary wavelength can be dependent on a size and a color of a tattooed area. The light panel can continuously apply an energy output from the light panel directly over a tattooed area for a specified period of time resulting in degradation of the tattoo ink.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of transducer to simultaneously or substantially simultaneously produce multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures, including brow lifts, fat reduction, sweat reduction, and treatment of the décolletage. Skin tightening, lifting and amelioration of wrinkles and stretch marks are provided.

Abstract: A system includes an implantable neurostimulator device capable of modulating cerebral blood flow to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. In one embodiment, the system is capable of modulating cerebral blood flow (also referred to as cerebral perfusion) in response to measurements and other observed conditions. Perfusion may be increased or decreased by systems and methods according to the invention as clinically required.

Abstract: Methods of isolating stromal vascular fractions for use in human subjects from a tissue comprising a blood vessel using mechanical, optionally ultrasonic cavitation, enzymatic, and/or chemical methods are provided. These methods yield an increased number of the cells which constitute the stromal vascular fractions (about 10-fold greater) than methods which use collagenase to isolate these cells. The stromal vascular fraction may be isolated from any tissue that comprises blood vessels, for example, muscle and adipose tissue. Additionally, the tissue may be isolated obtained from nonliving sources and animals (e.g., postmortem).

Abstract: Methods of treating a subject suffering from a disease or a disorder associated with hyperproliferating cells. The method includes non-invasively administering to the subject ultrasound at a low intensity in a dose effective to selectively prevent the growth of the hyperproliferating cells or to eliminate the hyperproliferating cells in the subject, while substantially not affecting the cell viability of normal cells of the subject. The low intensity is pre-determined to be lower than a cavitational threshold intensity for a selected frequency.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for electrohydraulic generation of shockwaves at a rate of between 10 Hz and 5 MHz, and/or that permit a user to view a region of a patient comprising target cells during application of generated shockwaves to the region. Methods of applying electro-hydraulically generated shockwaves to target tissues (e.g., for reducing the appearance of tattoos, treatment or reduction of certain conditions and/or maladies).

Abstract: A nuclear probe and ultrasound transducer are interconnected, such as being in a same hand-held housing. The interconnection aligns the coordinate systems in a known spatial relationship. The ultrasound data is used to detect transducer offset or change in position without a tracking sensor. The radiation detected by the nuclear probe may be reconstructed into an image based on the detected transducer position since the nuclear probe moves with the ultrasound transducer. Both anatomical and functional imaging may be provided together without the complications of calibration and tracking. Where a therapeutic transducer is included, therapy may also be provided. The anatomical and functional information identifies the regions for treatment. The same device, already positioned correctly based on the functional and anatomical imaging, is then used for treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound.

Abstract: A system (1) for treating at least one sensory capacity of a person with the help of a stimulation device comprising: an electronic converter (7) of a sensory signal into an electronic signal for controlling at least one transducer for emitting signals that are images of the sensory signal; the stimulation device is a device (3) for direct ultrasound stimulation of the sensory cortex of the patient's brain (B), comprising: at least one support (2) that is implantable in the patient's skull (C) and that includes at least one internal wall (22); and at least one ultrasound transducer (4) carried by the support (2) and including means for emitting focused ultrasound waves (U) through the internal wall (22) of the support towards a determined zone of the sensory cortex of the patient's brain (B) in order to generate modulation of the brain activity in the cortex, the ultrasound transducer (4) being driven by the electronic converter to emit focused ultrasound signals (U) that are images of the sensory signal.

Abstract: A method of delivery ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site and an ultrasonic catheter system are disclosed. The ultrasonic catheter system comprises a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end and a treatment zone located between the distal end and the proximal end, a fluid delivery lumen, at least one ultrasound radiating element positioned in the treatment zone, wiring electrically coupled to the at least one ultrasound radiating element and extending through the tubular body and terminating at a connector, and a control system comprising external circuitry and an isolation pod that is configured to be electrically connected to the connector, the isolation pod being positioned between the tubular body and the external system and comprising an isolation barrier and circuitry for driving the ultrasound radiating element.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasonic imaging catheter is provided with a flexible circuit electrically coupled to a transducer array mounted on the distal end of the catheter, a portion of the flexible circuit being helically wound about the catheter in order to enhance the flexibility of the circuit. The catheter may be a balloon catheter which is also provided with a stent mounted on the balloon, the stent carrying one or more drugs designed to be eluted or washed into a patient's blood stream after the stent has been delivered, by a the balloon catheter, into a target area within the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described providing for the use of ultrasound energy to effect the dislodging of one or more blood clots inside blood vessels. Such clots can include those inside retinal vessels, especially in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for any retinal arterial or venous occlusion. In exemplary embodiments, a small probe can be inserted into the eye of a patient and placed over the retinal vessels. Acoustic streaming created by the probe can be directed to an area or region including targeted blood vessels, resulting in increased flow in one or more retinal veins and facilitating or effecting mechanical dislodging of one or more blood clots in the targets blood vessels. Exemplary embodiments can utilize ultrasonic energy produced at a frequency of approximately 44 MHz to 46 MHz with pulse repetition frequencies of approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz.

Abstract: A method and system uniquely capable of generating thermal bubbles for improved ultrasound imaging and therapy. Several embodiments of the method and system contemplates the use of unfocused, focused, or defocused acoustic energy at variable spatial and/or temporal energy settings, in the range of about 1 kHz-100 MHz, and at variable tissue depths. The unique ability to customize acoustic energy output and target a particular region of interest makes possible highly accurate and precise thermal bubble formation. In an embodiment, the energy is acoustic energy. In other embodiments, the energy is photon based energy (e.g., IPL, LED, laser, white light, etc.), or other energy forms, such radio frequency electric currents (including monopolar and bipolar radio-frequency current). In an embodiment, the energy is various combinations of acoustic energy, electromagnetic energy and other energy forms or energy absorbers such as cooling.

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: The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus to autonomously stimulate a plurality of nerve fiber groups. The method and apparatus predicts stimulus parameters that can activate 0-100% of the nerve fiber groups selectively according to a patient's characteristics and proportional to therapeutic outcomes, such as determined by experimental data. The method and apparatus may further be configured to input experimental third-party data to obtain a high efficacy from a patient without invasive neurosurgery.

Abstract: A non-invasive variable depth ultrasound treatment method and system comprises a variable depth transducer system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient. An exemplary variable depth transducer system can comprise a transducer configured to provide treatment to more than one region of interest, such as between a deep treatment region of interest and a superficial region of interest, and/or a subcutaneous region of interest. The variable depth transducer can comprise a transduction element having a piezoelectrically active layer, matching layers and/or other materials far generating radiation or acoustical energy. The variable depth transducer may be configured to operate at moderate frequencies within the range from approximately 750 kHz to 20 MHz or more. In addition, the transduction element may be configured with a variable depth device comprising one or more materials configured to allow tor control and focusing/defocusing of the acoustic energy to more than one region of interest.

Abstract: In some embodiments, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents.

Abstract: A high-frequency operation apparatus includes a grasping portion for grasping a treatment target living tissue, an electrode for supplying a high-frequency current to the living tissue, a high-frequency current supplying section that generates the high-frequency current necessary for treatment, a cable section that transmits the high-frequency current, an impedance measuring section for measuring an impedance value of the living tissue, a detecting section that detects that the impedance value reaches an impedance threshold at a time when moisture in the living tissue starts to evaporate, a measuring section that measures an output time of the high-frequency current after the detection, a storing section that stores a set time, and an output control section that performs control for stopping an output when the output time of the high-frequency current reaches the stored set time.