Abstract: Methods and systems for treating 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 and a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 0 mm to 1 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 2 to 50 MHz. 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 transducer holder for holding a transducer in signal-receiving contact with a patient's body, the holder comprising: a base adherently attachable to the patient's skin; and a retainer attached or attachable to the base; wherein, in use, the retainer holds the transducer in signal-receiving contact with the patient's body and retains the transducer in the holder.

Abstract: An ultrasound energy barrier for avoiding energy accumulation in a to-be-protected region during tumor treatment has a barrier element and a positioning element. The barrier element is attached to a body surface of an animal outside a to-be-protected region and a to-be-treated tumor in turn, the barrier element has an outline matched with the to-be-protected region to thus shield the to-be-protected region, so as to avoid energy accumulation in the to-be-protected region during an ultrasound focusing treatment of the to-be-treated tumor. The positioning element positioning the barrier element on the body surface during the ultrasound focusing treatment.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems and methods for real-time noninvasive spatial temperature estimation are disclosed herein. A method for noninvasive temperature estimation in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, propagating ultrasound waves into tissue and detecting echoes of the ultrasound waves. The ultrasound waves can become nonlinear as they propagate into the tissue. The method can further include monitoring changes in tissue temperature in real-time using a spectral-based temperature estimation approach, which correlates nonlinear acoustic effects with changes in tissue temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing ultrasound into a target tissue is disclosed. The method calculates a pressure field for an array of transducer elements to generate an unaberrated pressure field matrix and causes the transducer elements to apply focused ultrasound to generate a respective aberrated pressure field at a focus location in a target tissue and surrounding volume. MR-ARFI images are acquired of the focus location and surrounding volume, a magnitude of the aberrated pressure field is measured that is generated by the applied focused ultrasound at respective focus locations in the target tissue and surrounding volume based on the MR-ARFI images, an aberration for the transducer elements is determined from the pressure field matrix and the MR-ARFI images of the focus location and the surrounding volume using a magnitude least-squares method, and a corrective phase/amplitude adjustment is applied to the transducer elements based on the determined aberrations.

Abstract: Provided are medical apparatuses for simultaneously performing radiotherapy and hyperthermia therapy and methods of treating an affected area. The medical apparatus includes a table where a subject is placed; a driving unit configured to move the table; a treatment device configured to treat an affected area of the subject; and an ultrasonic transducer configured to increase treatment efficiency of the affected area.

Abstract: A treatment planning system for generating patient-specific treatment. The system including one or more processors programmed to receive a radiation treatment plan (RTP) for irradiating a target over the course of one or more treatment fractions, said RTP including a planned dose distribution to be delivered to the target, receive motion data for at least one of the treatment fractions of the RTP, receive temporal delivery metric data for at least one of the treatment fractions of the RTP, calculate a motion-compensated dose distribution for the target using the motion data and the temporal delivery metric data to adjust the planned dose distribution based on the received motion data and temporal delivery metric data, and compare the motion-compensated dose distribution to the planned dose distribution.

Abstract: A ultrasonic wave heating instrument includes a housing inside which a ultrasonic wave emitting circuit in electric connection with a power source and a ultrasonic oscillating sheet in electric connection with said circuit are configured, and a ceramic massage head is configured on the housing. The ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic oscillating sheet is passed through the ceramic massage head to act on human bodies. Besides, a switch is configured between the power source and ultrasonic wave emitting circuit. Furthermore, a heating membrane in electric connection with the power source is configured inside the housing, and the heat emitted from the heating membrane is passed through the ceramic massage head to act on human bodies.

Abstract: Methods and systems for non-invasive treatment of tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) therapy. A method of non-invasively treating tissue in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include positioning a focal plane of an ultrasound source at a target site in tissue. The ultrasound source can be configured to emit HIFU waves. The method can further include pulsing ultrasound energy from the ultrasound source toward the target site, and generating shock waves in the tissue to induce boiling of the tissue at the target site within milliseconds. The boiling of the tissue at least substantially emulsifies the tissue.

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: System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure.

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: 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: Provided is a method of generating ultrasound that forms focus points in a region of interest. Additional embodiments include related apparatuses and system embodiments. The method includes: setting focus patterns that each indicate focus points to be formed by radiating therapeutic ultrasound to a region of interest of an object; calculating a parameter of the therapeutic ultrasound based on characteristics of tissue in the region of interest existing on a path through which the therapeutic ultrasound moves; and generating therapeutic ultrasound set at different frequencies to form the focus patterns, based on the calculated parameter.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses of transmitting ultrasound by adjusting positions of a plurality of ultrasound generating elements within an applicator to direct the ultrasound waves at a position desired by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for treating tissue uses an ultrasound therapy system including an ultrasonic applicator having has at least one transducer element. Steering and focusing of ultrasound beams uses at least one variable focus lens, which may be a fluid focus lens, attached to each transducer element so that focus of the variable focus lens is controlled by a voltage signal. A treatment controller receives input from an imager and controls the voltage applied to the variable focus lens. The treatment controller controls the lens voltage signals, at least partially determined by the input from the imager, and directs an ultrasonic treatment beam emitted by the transducer element. Fine adjustment of the therapy beam is achieved to deliver therapy for various prostate sizes and shapes while avoiding damage to critical structures such as the rectal wall and nerve bundles.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide ultrasound treatment, includes an applicator configured to radiate ultrasound to a subject. The apparatus further includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a coupling guiding line on a patient where the applicator is to be placed, and a computer configured to set a target location of the applicator based on the image and a current location of the applicator. The apparatus further includes a location adjusting unit configured to adjust a location of the applicator, and a control unit configured to control the location adjusting unit to adjust the location of the applicator to the target location. The applicator is configured to radiate ultrasound at the adjusted location.

Abstract: A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (>70 cm3) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.

Abstract: A method of modulating tissue of an internal organ in vivo is disclosed. The method comprises: fixating the tissue on a shaped device so as to shape the tissue generally according to a shape of the device; and focusing radiation on the fixated tissue using a radiation-emitting system so as to modulate the tissue, wherein the radiation-emitting system is non-local with respect to the shaped device.

Abstract: An ultrasound treatment apparatus includes a transducer configured to irradiate ultrasound waves onto an object, and a membrane disposed in an irradiation direction of the ultrasound waves and to form, with the transducer, a space in which a cooling fluid circulates. The apparatus further includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of a skin of a patient contacting the membrane, and a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the transducer. The apparatus further includes a cooling unit configured to circulate the cooling fluid based on the measured temperatures.

Abstract: A method of modulating tissue of an internal organ in vivo, includes: fixating the tissue on a shaped device; and focusing radiation on the fixated tissue using a radiation-emitting system so as to modulate the tissue, wherein said radiation-emitting system is non-local with respect to said shaped device.

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: 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: A method and system including an applicator for treating dermatological conditions such as warts is presented for applying ultrasonic energy from a specially-designed ultrasonic energy applicator designed for use with localized dermatological conditions to heat an affected localized region sufficiently to achieve a desired therapeutic result. Specific embodiments include temperature measurement and/or sensing and/or actuation by way of a temperature sensor coupled to the ultrasonic energy applicator. Also, a medicated ultrasound-compatible patch is disclosed for applying to a region of tissue to be treated and includes substances known to aid in the treatment of a condition and adapted for transmitting the ultrasound energy into the region of tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy transducer head comprises an ultrasound source emitting ultrasonic radiation, the ultrasound source comprising a plurality of transducer elements, integrated driving electronics coupled to the transducer elements, the electronics generating at least one output ultrasound waveform and driving at least some of the transducer elements independently based on the at least one output ultrasound waveform and temperature control structure providing cooling for the electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body using hollow needles. According to embodiments of the invention, the system may include a processing means processing means-configured to perform a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm, with respect to one or more specific organs within the pre-selected anatomical portion and with respect to the needles, for converting the image data obtained with an imaging means into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion, using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy-based genetic optimization algorithm.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for treating ischemia in heart tissue after a heart attack. A method includes providing a heat treatment device comprising a heating element, positioning the heating element in proximity to the heart tissue, and heating the heart tissue with the heating element to generate release of heat shock proteins in the heart tissue. The heat shock proteins may also be provided via delivery of a drug. The heat shock proteins can provide myocardial protection for the heart tissue.

Abstract: In some embodiments, sympathetic 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 surgical device includes a probe having a proximate end configured to connect to an ultrasonic driver assembly that generates ultrasonic vibrational energy, and a shaft for conducting the ultrasonic vibrational energy from the proximate end to a distal end. The device also includes a canula located at least partially over the distal end of the probe. A material is interposed between the probe and the canula for converting the ultrasonic vibrational energy into heat energy.

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 for 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 for control and focusing/defocusing of the acoustic energy to more than one region of interest.

Abstract: In a method for driving an injection device for injecting ultrasound into a tissue, the ultrasound has a predetermined thermal effect and a predetermined mechanical effect in the tissue. Ultrasound pulses are successively injected utilizing the injection device. Each ultrasound pulse comprises a pulse width and a duty ratio of the ultrasound pulses is set as a function of the thermal and mechanical effects of the ultrasound pulses.

Abstract: An ultrasonic irradiation apparatus irradiates an ultrasonic wave to a target portion where micro bubbles or micro grains which reflect or scatter an ultrasonic wave exist. The apparatus includes an input unit, a drive signal setting unit, and an ultrasonic emission unit. The input unit receives information about a resonance frequency of fB of the micro bubbles or the micro grains where fB is a positive real number. The drive signal setting unit generates a drive signal including a signal component whose frequency is f=n×fB where n is an integer not smaller than 2. The ultrasonic emission unit emits the ultrasonic wave including a sonic wave component whose frequency is the f based on the drive signal.

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: An ultrasonic image scanning system for scanning an organic object includes a container for containing a coupling medium for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the organic object disposed therein whereby a simultaneous multiple direction scanning process may be carried out without physically contacting the organic object. The ultrasonic image scanning system further includes ultrasound transducers for transmitting the ultrasonic signal to the organic object through the coupling medium without asserting an image deforming pressure to the organic object. These transducers distributed substantially around a two-dimensional perimeter of the container and substantially at symmetrical angular positions at approximately equal divisions of 360 degrees over a two-dimensional perimeter of the container. The transducers are further movable over a vertical direction alone sidewalls of the container for a real time three dimensional (3D) image data acquisition.

Abstract: A medical apparatus (600, 700, 800) including a high intensity focused ultrasound system (602), a signaling device (628) for generating a discomfort signal during the sonication of the sonication volume, and a processor (634) for executing instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive (102) a set of sonication points (658, 904). At least one of the set of sonication points is identified as a test location (908, 912). The instructions further cause the processor to perform for each sonication point: determine (106) if it is a test location; perform (108) a test sonication (204, 304, 404, 504) if it is a test location; repeatedly test (110) for the discomfort signal during the test sonication; sonicate (114) the sonication point if it is not a test location or if the discomfort signal was not detected; and abort (112) the sonication if the discomfort signal was detected.

Abstract: A luminescence-guided focused ultrasound apparatus, comprising at least one focused ultrasound transducer that delivers focused ultrasound energy to at least one focal region within the subject, at least one luminescence detector that detects a luminescence signal generated within the subject, and at least one guiding element that guides the at least one focused ultrasound transducer to deliver focused ultrasound energy to the at least one focal region wherein the at least one guiding element is influenced by the detected luminescence signal. The at least one focused ultrasound transducer may be configured in operate in a plurality of modes, including a low-intensity mode for delivering low-intensity focused ultrasound energy and a high-intensity mode for delivering high-intensity focused ultrasound energy.

Abstract: A method can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat lobuli and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a surface of a fat lobuli. The lesion creates an opening in the surface of the fat lobuli, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat lobuli 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: An ultrasonic HIFU transducer (120) has a threaded opening into which a modular cavitation sensor (90) is removably located. The modular cavitation sensor includes a modular housing (92) containing a piezoelectric transducer for sensing acoustic signals indicative of cavitation. The modular cavitation sensor has electrodes (96,98) which engage spring contacts (112,114) in the threaded opening when the modular housing is screwed into the threaded opening. A damaged sensor can be unscrewed and replaced simply without connectors or soldering.

Abstract: A focal point controlling method of a focused ultrasound therapy apparatus includes receiving a plurality of focal point positions on which a focal point of an ultrasonic wave is to be formed, and receiving a sound pressure that is to be applied by the ultrasonic wave to each of the plurality of focal point positions, determining a particle velocity at each of a plurality of elements included in an ultrasound transducer, and radiating the ultrasonic wave according to the determined particle velocity. The particle velocity may be determined based on the received sound pressure that is to be applied by the ultrasonic wave to each of the plurality of focal point positions, by reflecting a sound pressure distribution of the ultrasonic wave that is generated by each of the plurality of elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a blood clot positioned within a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a balloon member is positioned on a distal end region of a catheter and an ultrasound emitting element is positioned within the balloon member and arranged for actively emitting ultrasound. In some exemplary embodiments, the disclosure provides a multi-wall balloon member and a multi-lumen catheter with at least one and/or all cavities of the balloon member arranged for heat transfer with the ultrasound emitting element. The disclosure also provides catheter arrangements with an ultrasound emitting element arranged to heat tissue adjacent to the balloon member. Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one and/or all walls of the balloon member have apertures arranged to release a therapeutic agent such as a thrombolytic drug.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for increasing the accuracy of ultrasound power delivered to and received from a patient by an HIFU system having exchangeable components. The system components include one or more memory devices in which calibration parameters for the component are stored, such as when the component is manufactured. During operation of the system, the calibration parameter data is received from the memory and used by the system to adjust the output power of one or more ultrasound sources and/or received signal levels based on the received calibration parameters. The calibration parameters may include data relating to impedance, sensitivity, transfer functions, linearity, or other data that could affect the power delivered to a patient by the component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating treatment plans to be provided to focused ultrasound therapy apparatuses are provided. The method includes receiving an area to which ultrasound is to be irradiated, determining a size of a focal spot in the area, determining locations of focal spots in the area to which ultrasounds are to be sequentially irradiated based on the size of the focal spot, such that each of the locations of the focal spots is farthest from locations of focal spots in the area to which ultrasounds have been previously-irradiated, determining durations and intensities of ultrasound irradiations based on the size of the focal spot and the locations of the focal spots, and generating the treatment plan to irradiate ultrasound based on the size of the focal spot, the locations of the focal spots, and the durations and the intensities of the ultrasound irradiations.

Abstract: An interventional device (12) is configured to be positioned in a body and includes an electrically operable unit (E1, E2) configured to carry out an interaction with the body upon a receipt of electric power. The device further includes a sensor (2) configured for wirelessly receiving electromagnetic energy from a remote source. The sensor is configured as a resonant circuit (2a, 2b) which converts the received electromagnetic energy into the electric power. The electrically operable device may include a diagnostic and/or therapeutic module.

Abstract: A catheter (700, 800, 1206) comprising: a shaft with distal (808, 906, 1004, 208) and proximal ends (1006),wherein the distal end comprises at least one array of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (308, 402, 404, 500, 512, 600, 604, 802, 008) with an adjustable focus for controllably heating a target zone (806, 1014, 1210); and a connector (1012) at the proximal end for supplying the at least one array of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers with electrical power and for controlling the adjustable focus.

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. Pretreatment with heat is provided in several embodiments.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system for treating fibrillation in a patient comprises a steerable interventional catheter having an energy source that emits a beam of energy to ablate tissue thereby creating a conduction block for aberrant electrical pathways. The system also includes a handle disposed near a proximal end of the interventional catheter and has an actuation mechanism for steering the interventional catheter. A console allows the system to be controlled and provides power to the system, and a display pod is electrically coupled with the console. The display pod has a display panel to display system information to a user and allows the user to control the system. A catheter pod is releasably coupled with the handle electrically and mechanically, and also electrically coupled with the display pod.

Abstract: A wand for delivering therapeutic ultrasonic energy to a target area includes a module and a transducer. The transducer converts electrical energy into ultrasonic vibrations that are delivered to the module. The module includes a fluid chamber that houses an ultrasonic fluid. In order to reduce or eliminate the deleterious effects of bubbles that may form in the ultrasonic fluid, one or more bubble traps are defined in the fluid chamber that capture, store, and/or assist in keeping the bubbles outside of the direct transmission path of the ultrasonic energy through the fluid. One or more barriers may be included in the trap(s) that obstruct movement of the bubbles into the transmission path when the wand is tilted to different orientations. After passing through the fluid, the ultrasonic energy is delivered to the skin of a patient, or other surface to which the ultrasonic energy is being directed.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for preventing or significantly reducing the risk of thrombus formation. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention provide energy to blood flowing within a chamber or vessel to prevent or reduce blood stasis and thereby prevent or significantly reduce the risk of thrombus formation. The present invention is ideally suited for prevention or reduction of risk of blood clot formation in the atria in patients with atrial fibrillation, in blood vessels of patients at risk of clot formation, in areas adjacent to, or on, artificial heart valves or other artificial cardiovascular devices, and the like.