УСТРОЙСТВО ЭКСТРАКОРПОРАЛЬНОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ СФОКУСИРОВАННЫМ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОМ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ ОРГАНОВ ТАЗА

Изобретение относится к устройству экстракорпорального лечения сфокусированным ультразвуком заболеваний органов таза, относящееся к области технологии лечения высокоинтенсивным сфокусированным ультразвуком. Устройство содержит звукоизлучающую поверхность ультразвукового преобразователя, которая представляет собой сферическую поверхность, имеющую первый срез, второй срез и третий срез, одна большая окружность сферы представляет собой главную большую окружность, первый срез и второй срез, соответственно, расположены на двух пересечениях сферической поверхности и диаметра, перпендикулярного главной большой окружности, а третий срез соединяет первый срез со вторым срезом; поперечное сечение звукоизлучающей поверхности, параллельное главной большой окружности, имеет форму дуги; причем звукоизлучающая поверхность способна отражать ультразвук, а ультразвуковая волна, генерируемая блоком генерирования звука, сфокусирована на центр сферы, соответствующей звукоизлучающей поверхности. Процедурный стол выполнен с возможностью укладывания тела человека в положение для литотомии, и полость таза помещают в центре сферы, соответствующей звукоизлучающей поверхности, причем две ноги, соответственно, выходят из звукоизлучающей поверхности через первый срез и второй срез, а верхняя часть тела человека выходит из звукоизлучающей поверхности через третий срез. Устройство может решить проблемы низкой эффективности, эффекта и безопасности существующего ультразвукового лечения для заболевания предстательной железы. Устройство лечения содержит ультразвуковой преобразователь и процедурный стол. 17 з.п. ф-лы, 16 ил. РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 741 721 C1 (51) МПК A61N 7/02 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A61B 8/4281 (2020.08); A61B 8/4477 (2020.08); A61G 13/009 (2020.08); A61N 7/02 (2020.08); A61N 7/022 (2020.08); G10K 11/28 (2020.08) (21)(22) Заявка: 2020127321, 07.09.2018 07.09.2018 Дата регистрации: 28. ...

УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЕ ЛЕЧЕБНОЕ ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЕ НА ЖИРОВУЮ ТКАНЬ НА НЕСКОЛЬКИХ ГЛУБИНАХ

... 1. Медицинская система ультразвуковой терапии, содержащая:терапевтическую головку, содержащую, по меньшей мере, один излучатель высокоинтенсивного сфокусированного ультразвука; иконтроллер, содержащий:хранилище данных для хранения информации о профиле трехмерного лечебного воздействия для терапевтической головки; ипроцессор, связанный с хранилищем данных, при этом процессор выполнен с возможностью формирования цикла трехмерного лечебного воздействия для терапевтической головки в соответствии с информацией, причем цикл трехмерного лечебного воздействия включает в себя лечебные воздействия терапевтической головкой на множестве разных глубин.2. Система по п.1, в которой терапевтическая головка содержит:кожух с перегородкой, при этом перегородка образует первую и вторую камеры внутри кожуха;узел электродвигателя внутри первой камеры; итекучую среду внутри второй камеры;причем излучатель высокоинтенсивного сфокусированного ультразвука выполнен с возможностью перемещения внутри второй камеры ...

ОБЛУЧЕНИЕ СФОКУСИРОВАННЫМ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОМ ВЫСОКОЙ ИНТЕНСИВНОСТИ

МОНИТОРИНГ И УПРАВЛЕНИЕ HIFU ТЕРАПИЕЙ В РЕАЛЬНОМ ВРЕМЕНИ ВО МНОЖЕСТВЕ ИЗМЕРЕНИЙ

... 1. Устройство (115) управления для абляционной системы, которая включает в себя абляционный блок (110), причем абляционный блок включает в себя многоэлементную диагностическую решетку (125), помещенную софокусно с терапевтической решеткой (130), которая испускает терапевтический пучок для переноса энергии для изменения механического свойства (304) биологической ткани, указанный терапевтический пучок имеет самый последний фокус (844), указанное устройство управления содержит:комбинированный модуль (135) схемы совпадений и многоканального мощного усилителя;логический модуль (140) запуска и управления; имодуль (145) многоканального сбора и анализа ультразвуковых данных,где логический модуль (140) запуска и управления выводит запускающие и управляющие сигналы для того, чтобы синхронизировать хронирование и электронное осуществление направления трех типов акустических пучков, включая терапевтические пучки, толкающие пучки и следящие пучки, которые рассеивают,дополнительно, где комбинированный ...

Therapeutic ultrasound apparatus and method

Glaucoma treatment methods and apparatus

The methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be used to treat glaucoma of the eye. The methods and apparatus can be configured to apply energy to the sclera, cornea, and/or other regions of the eye in order to shrink collagenous tissue near Schlemm' s canal. Juxtacanalicular treatment of the sclera and/or cornea adjacent Schlemm' s canal can be used to dilate Schlemm' s canal, collector channels, and/or the Trabecular Meshwork. The methods and apparatus can be configured to apply energy to the sclera to generate scleral vacuoles in the sclera to improve uveoscleral outflow.

Band transducer ultrasound therapy

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method can include use of transducer to create a linear thermal treatment zone at a focal depth to form a band shaped treatment area. The system can include one or more ultrasound transducers, a cylindrical transduction element, an imaging element, a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, a coated transducer may be used to provide more consistent treatment 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. Treatment may include heating of tissue for a duration to deactivate a percentage of cells in the treatment region.

Ultrasound directed cavitational methods and systems for ocular treatments

Methods and system provide a focused spot having a cross-sectional size within a range from about 50 um to about 200 um full width half maximum (FWHM); the corresponding cavitation can be similarly sized within similar ranges. The ultrasound beam can be focused and pulsed at each of a plurality of locations to provide a plurality of cavitation zones at each of the target regions. Each pulse may comprise a peak power within a range generating focal negative peak pressures within a range from about 10 MPa to about 80 MPa. While the treatment pulses can be arranged in many ways within a region, in many instances the pulses can be spaced apart within a region to provide intact tissue such as intact sclera between pulses.

ULTRASONIC SURGICAL APPARATUS AND SILICON WAVEGUIDE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least ...

ULTRASOUND THERAPY HEAD WITH MOVEMENT CONTROL

A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GEL MANAGEMENT

Arrangements described herein relate to systems and methods for managing gel on a subject. A system for managing gel (420) on a subject comprises a transducer (112) and a controller configured to control the transducer to move the gel to a first area (401) of the subject from a second area (413) of the subject. The system may comprise a sensor configured to output a gel sufficiency parameter for the gel on the subject. The system may further comprise robotics configured to move the transducer, wherein the controller is configured to control the transducer to move the gel by controlling the robotics to translate the transducer from the second area to the first area. The system may be used in conjunction with diagnostic ultrasound procedures, such as Transcranial Doppler, or with therapeutic ultrasound procedures.

GENERATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR WRINKLE AND OBESITY THERAPY

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS

SYSTEM SUPPORTING TREATMENT OF A SUBJECT

The invention relates to a system 1 for planning a treatment of a subject 2. A treatment planning device 39 determines a treatment position of a treatment device like a needle or catheter which comprises an energy delivery element not completely encircling the treatment device. The determined treatment position is a position in a four-dimensional space being representable by three Cartesian coordinates and an angular coordinate defining the angular orientation of the treatment device with respect to a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The treatment device is then arranged in accordance with the treatment position. Since not only the three-dimensional position of the treatment device is determined, but also a rotational position of the treatment device with respect to a rotation of the treatment device around its longitudinal axis, the energy delivery can be very accurately planned, leading to a reduction of unwanted therapy side effects.

Ultrasound therapy head with movement control

A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

TRANSOESOPHAGEAL DEVICE USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUNDS FOR CARDIAC THERMAL ABLATION

OFFICE-BASED SYSTEM FOR TREATING UTERINE FIBROIDS OR OTHER TISSUES WITH HIFU

СИСТЕМЫ И СПОСОБЫ ДЛЯ КОСМЕТИЧЕСКОЙ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ КОЖИ

ULTRASONIC PROCESSING APPARATUS COMPRISING MEANS FOR IMAGING CAVITATION BUBBLES

An ultrasonic processing apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic therapy transducer (ATA) adapted to generate focused ultrasonic waves; an ultrasonic imaging transducer (UID) connected to the ultrasonic therapy transducer; and an electronic system configured to: control the ultrasonic therapy transducer so as to emit a pulse train of ultrasonic waves generating a cloud of cavitation bubbles (BC); control the ultrasonic imaging transducer so as to acquire at least one image of the region to be processed; acquire a plurality of echo signals of ultrasonic wave pulses emitted by the ultrasonic therapy transducer captured by the ultrasonic imaging transducer and process them so as to reconstruct an image of the cloud of cavitation bubbles, the processing including spatio-temporal filtering; and display said image of the cloud of cavitation bubbles superposed on said image of the region to be processed.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COSMETIC ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF SKIN

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted for dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, simultaneous multi-focus therapy using multi-channel signal mixing, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, configured for using imaging for improved ultrasound therapy efficacy, and/or adapted for imaging with multiple focal zone sequencing and triggering for mechanically translated and/or steered ultrasound transducers are provided herein. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND THERAPY DEVICE

An ultrasound imaging and therapy device comprising: an array (ATA) of concentric annular ultrasound transducers (UT1 - UT5), and an ultrasound imaging device (UID) situated inside an innermost transducer of said plurality of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, characterized in that it further comprises a mechanical linkage (ML) allowing a tilting movement of the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers with respect to the ultrasound imaging device and in that the ultrasound imaging device protrudes in an axial direction from the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers; whereby the ultrasound imaging device (UID) can be kept stationary and in direct or indirect contact with a patient's skin while the array (ATA) of concentric annular ultrasound transducers is tilted so as to move a focal point of ultrasound waves generated by the concentric annular ultrasound transducers within an imaging region (IR, IR1, IR2) of said ultrasound imaging device.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-FOCUS ULTRASOUND THERAPY IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue from ultrasound beams from a transducer, simultaneous multi-focus therapy at multiple depths, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

BAND TRANSDUCER ULTRASOUND THERAPY

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method can include use of transducer to create a linear thermal treatment zone at a focal depth to form a band shaped treatment area. The system can include one or more ultrasound transducers, a cylindrical transduction element, an imaging element, a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, a coated transducer may be used to provide more consistent treatment 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. Treatment may include heating of tissue for a duration to deactivate a percentage of cells in the treatment region.

A control method of an apparatus for hyperthermia treatment using ultrasound.

VARIABLE TREATMENT SITE BODY CONTOURING USING AN ULTRASOUND THERAPY DEVICE

A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

TRANSOESOPHAGEAL DEVICE USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUNDS FOR CARDIAC THERMAL ABLATION

The present invention relates to a probe comprising: - a piezoelectric therapy transducer having an acoustic axis BB', and - an imaging transducer having an imaging plane, said therapy transducer and imaging transducer being mounted in a head itself connected to a guide means wherein: - the therapy transducer has a spherical concave front face for emitting ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point, a rear surface, a length d1, a width t and is a ID annular phased array transducer and; - the imaging transducer is a multiplane transducer having a rotation axis corresponding to the acoustic axis of the therapy transducer whereby the focal point of the therapy transducer is comprised in the imaging plane of the imaging transducer, said imaging transducer being fixed to the therapy transducer.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE REMOVAL OF NON DESIRED BIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS FROM EXTERNAL SURFACES OF TISSUES

The present invention provides a method, device and system for the removal of non-desired biological components from external surfaces of tissues. This, in accordance with the invention, is achieved utilizing ultrasound device and ultrasound-derived mechanisms employed essentially externally to the external surfaces of tissues to be affected, and while keeping the said tissues intact with respect to the impact of the bulk of the affected ultrasound. The method, in accordance with the invention, comprises accordingly exposing the supportive medium coupling between the ultrasonic emitting source, and the external surfaces to be affected, to a relatively low frequency ultrasound stimulus emitted at certain angle with respect to the surfaces to be affected, whereas said stimulus being such as to create essentially non-thermal ultrasonic derived phenomena in the said coupling medium for impacting the external surfaces of the desired tissues. The system of the invention generally comprises elements ...

Device for treatment of a tissue and method of preparation of an image of an image-guided device for treatment of a tissue

A device for treatment of a tissue (8) of a living being, including a transducer (4) for emitting a beam of ultrasound waves mounted on a movable treatment head (1), an ultrasonic imaging device (2, 3), optionally an inflatable balloon (5) surrounding the treatment head (1) and containing a coupling fluid, and a control unit for controlling movement of the treatment head (1) and operation of the transducer (4) and the imaging device (2, 3). In order to avoid displacement of tissues (7, 8) during displacement of the treatment head (1) and increase imaging quality, the treatment head (1) is adjustable to at least two of a treatment position (T), a monitoring position (M) and a travel position (S).

ULTRASONIC GENERATOR WITH ADJUSTABLE ULTRASONIC FOCUSING DEPTH FOR TREATING OBESITY

Provided is an ultrasonic generator with an adjustable ultrasonic focusing depth. The ultrasonic generator with an adjustable ultrasonic focusing depth includes a cartridge housing in which an ultrasound generation portion generating ultrasonic waves is provided, a hand piece in which the cartridge housing is detachably mounted, the hand piece having a first actuator thereinside, and a main shaft to which the ultrasound generation portion is coupled so as to reciprocate in a horizontal direction, parallel to the bottom of the cartridge housing and a vertical direction, perpendicular to the bottom of the cartridge housing. One end of the main shaft is coupled to one end of the first actuator of the hand piece, and an other end of the main shaft is located inside the cartridge housing. The hand piece includes an adjustment portion adjusting an ultrasonic focusing depth of the ultrasound generation portion by adjusting an amount of movement of the main shaft in the vertical direction.

METHOD FOR MID-INTENSITY, NON-ABLATIVE ACOUSTIC TREATMENT OF INJURED TISSUE

МОНИТОРИНГ И УПРАВЛЕНИЕ HIFU ТЕРАПИЕЙ В РЕАЛЬНОМ ВРЕМЕНИ ВО МНОЖЕСТВЕ ИЗМЕРЕНИЙ

FIELD: medicine. SUBSTANCE: device comprises an ablation unit accommodating a therapeutic grid and multiple-element diagnostic grid confocally mounted with the therapeutic grid which emits a therapeutic energy transfer beam to change the mechanical property of a biological tissue and a push beam based on an acoustic emission force to assess the effects of the therapeutic beam. The therapeutic beam has the last focal point. A control device comprises a combination unit of a matching circuit and multichannel amplifier, a logical start and control unit, and an ultrasound data multichannel collection and analysis unit. The logical launch and control unit produces start and control signals to provide timing and electronic control of the three types of the acoustic beams including the therapeutic beams, push beams and tracking beams which alternate. The combination unit of the matching circuit and multichannel amplifier responds to the start and control signals supplied by the logical start and control unit to apply excitation signals to the therapeutic grid. The ultrasound data multichannel collection and analysis unit responds to the start and control signals to electronically control the tracking beam to control a measurement in a specific location displaced from the last focal point of the therapeutic beam in at least one of the directions in azimuth and lift, and - to the target periphery of an injury formed by the therapeutic beam. The tracking beam tracks the change caused by pushing the above biological tissue in response to the push beam based on the acoustic emission force apart from the therapeutic beam. EFFECT: using the invention enables to provide high accuracy when determining the stop time of tissue ablation in the ablation point. 15 cl, 12 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 579 737 C2 (51) МПК A61N 7/02 (2006.01) A61B 8/00 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ ...

ОБЛУЧЕНИЕ СФОКУСИРОВАННЫМ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОМ ВЫСОКОЙ ИНТЕНСИВНОСТИ

FIELD: medicine. SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medical equipment, particularly to means of controlled therapy with focused high-intensity ultrasound. Device comprises an ultrasonic irradiation unit for generating focused high-intensity ultrasound, wherein the ultrasonic beam path is movable along a trajectory to apply ultrasonic energy in the target zone of the subject of interest, and a control unit for the ultrasonic radiation unit for moving the ultrasonic beam path along the trajectory and applying an ultrasonic dose to the target zone, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive temperature information of the target zone and control the ultrasonic irradiation unit based on the obtained temperature information, and control the ultrasonic irradiation unit based on the temperature of the current direction and at least one previous direction of the ultrasonic beam path along the trajectory. Device has a machine-readable medium for upgrading the device. Ultrasonic treatment system comprises an ultrasonic treatment device and a diagnostic imaging device for providing temperature information of the target zone of the subject of interest, wherein the control unit of the ultrasonic treatment device is configured to receive temperature information from the diagnostic imaging device. Ultrasonic treatment method is carried out by means of the device. EFFECT: use of inventions widens the range of means for heating with focused ultrasound radiation. 13 cl, 3 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 661 766 C2 (51) МПК A61N 7/02 (2006.01) A61B 34/10 (2016.01) A61B 5/01 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A61B 34/10 (2006.01); A61B 5/015 (2006.01); A61B 5/055 (2006.01); A61B 8/13 (2006.01) (21)(22) Заявка: 2015140612, 11.02.2014 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: (73) Патентообладатель(и): КОНИНКЛЕЙКЕ ФИЛИПС Н.В. (NL) Дата регистрации: 19.07.2018 R U 11.02.2014 (72) Автор(ы ...

СИСТЕМЫ И СПОСОБЫ ДЛЯ КОСМЕТИЧЕСКОЙ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ КОЖИ

Группа изобретений относится к медицине. Предложены варианты осуществления системы и способа дерматологической косметической обработки и/или визуализации, выполненные с возможностью осуществления вобуляции ультразвуковых лучей от преобразователя для изменения размещения и положения одной или множества зон косметической обработки в ткани, одновременной многофокусной терапии с использованием смешения многоканального сигнала и/или вобуляции ультразвуковых лучей от преобразователя для изменения размещения и положения одной или множества зон косметической обработки в ткани, выполненные с возможностью использования визуализации для повышения эффективности ультразвуковой терапии и/или выполненные с возможностью осуществления визуализации с определением последовательности для множества фокусных зон и срабатывания для механически переводимых и/или управляемых ультразвуковых преобразователей. Система может содержать ручной щуп, съемный модуль преобразователя и модуль управления. В некоторых вариантах ...

A method and apparatus for use in treatment of skin mycoses

An apparatus for use in the treatment of skin by electromagnetic and mechanical energy. The energy is applied to a nail plate and tissue normally covered by a nail plate with the help of an applicator and it is sufficient to heat the nail plate and tissue to a temperature sufficient to affect skin mycoses pathogens.

Ultrasound therapy head with movement control

EXTRACORPOREAL FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT DEVICE FOR PELVIC DISEASE

An in vitro focused ultrasound treatment device for pelvic disease, relating to the technical field of high intensity focused ultrasound treatment, and being able to solve the problem of lower efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of existing ultrasound treatment for prostate disease. The in vitro focused ultrasound treatment device for pelvic disease comprises an ultrasound transducer (1) and a treatment bed (2); a sounding surface (3) of the ultrasound transducer (1) is a spherical surface having a first notch (31), a second notch (32), and a third notch (33); a spherical center surface of the spherical surface is a main spherical center surface (99); the first notch (31) and the second notch (32) are located at two intersections of a diameter perpendicular to the main spherical center surface (99) and the spherical surface; the third notch (33) connects the first notch (31) with the second notch (32); the sounding surface (3) is of an arc shape in a section parallel to the main spherical ...

METHOD FOR HEAT TREATING BIOLOGICAL TISSUES USING PULSED ENERGY SOURCES

A method for heat treating biological tissues includes providing a pulsed energy source having energy parameters selected so as to raise a target temperature to a level to achieve a therapeutic effect, while the average temperature rise of the tissue over a prolonged period of time is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue. Application of the pulsed energy source to the target tissue induces a heat shock response and stimulates heat shock protein activation in the target tissue so as to therapeutically treat the target tissue.

INTERLEAVED BEAM PATTERN FOR SONOTHROMBOLYSIS AND OTHER VASCULAR ACOUSTIC RESONATOR MEDIATED THERAPIES

A therapeutic ultrasound system transmits a staggered or interleaved pattern of therapy beams for use in sonothrombolysis and other Vascular Acoustic Resonators (VAR) mediated therapy. The inventive technique minimizes VAR, e.g. microbubble, destruction due to adjacent beams, ensures uniform sonication of the targeted region by filling in the spaces between the beams in subsequent passes, and further provides a means for bubble replenishment to maximize the clot lysis from ultrasound. The technique is also applicable to diagnostic ultrasound, VAR mediated drug delivery and blood brain barrier opening.

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE AT MULTIPLE DEPTHS

Methods and apparatus (100) are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure. Adipose tissue destroyed during the medical procedure may be removed from a treatment volume during the wound healing process, allowing the treatment volume to gradually shrink (22). The gradual shrinkage may promote better skin tone in the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.

OFFICE-BASED SYSTEM FOR TREATING UTERINE FIBROIDS OR OTHER TISSUES WITH HIFU

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.

ULTRASONIC SURGICAL APPARATUS AND SILICON WAVEGUIDE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least ...

FOCUSED ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

A focused ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer configured to emit focused ultrasound energy toward a subject and a positioning system configured to position the ultrasound transducer to localize the focused ultrasound energy within a target location. The positioning system includes a drive apparatus to translate the ultrasound transducer along at least one axis of motion and a motor controller to control the drive apparatus. The focused ultrasound system also includes a control system connected to the motor controller that is programmed to receive imaging/location data from an imaging system, determine positional coordinates of the target location based on the imaging/location data, and register the positional coordinates of the target location with the positioning system. The positional coordinates are sent to the motor controller via an input signal to cause the motor controller to control the drive apparatus so as to translate the ultrasound transducer.

HANDPIECE

TRANSDUCER CARTRIDGE FOR AN ULTRASOUND THERAPY HEAD

Therapeutic ultrasound apparatus and method

An apparatus and as method for generating ultrasound. The apparatus comprises: a signal generator arranged to generate a driving signal; and an ultrasound transducer arranged to transmit an ultrasound beam in response to the driving signal received from the signal generator. The signal generator is arranged to combine a carrier wave and a modulating wave having a lower frequency than the carrier wave to generate an amplitude modulated driving signal. The ultrasound beam is suitable for inducing cavitation in a human or animal body tissue.

INTERLEAVED BEAM PATTERN FOR SONOTHHROMBOLYSIS AND OTHER VASCULAR ACOUSTIC RESONATOR MEDIATED THERAPIES

A therapeutic ultrasound system transmits a staggered or interleaved pattern of therapy beams for use in sonothrombolysis and other Vascular Acoustic Resonators (VAR) mediated therapy. The inventive technique minimizes VAR, e.g. microbubble, destruction due to adjacent beams, ensures uniform sonication of the targeted region by filling in the spaces between the beams in subsequent passes, and further provides a means for bubble replenishment to maximize the clot lysis from ultrasound. The technique is also applicable to diagnostic ultrasound, VAR mediated drug delivery and blood brain barrier opening. 1. An ultrasound system for insonifying a region of interest containing vascular acoustic resonators (VARs) with spatially interleaved patterns of ultrasound beams comprising:an ultrasound array arranged to transmit ultrasound therapy beams into the region of interest; anda transmit controller coupled to the array and arranged to control steering of the therapy beams in a plurality of sequential patterns, wherein each subsequent in time pattern comprises of beam areas which are spatially interleaved between beam areas of the previous pattern.2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sequential patterns comprises a first pattern of ultrasound therapy beams being separated from each other by spaces according to a predetermined spacing claim 1 , anda second pattern of ultrasound therapy beams steered to the spaces separating the beams of the first beam pattern from each other.3. The ultrasound system of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of sequential patterns further comprises a third pattern of ultrasound therapy beams which are spatially interleaved between the beams of the first and second beam patterns.4. The ultrasound system of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of sequential patterns further comprises a fourth pattern of ultrasound therapy beams that are spatially interleaved between the beams of the first claim 3 , second and third beam patterns.5. ...

RENAL INJURY INHIBITING DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS EMPLOYING LOW-FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND OR OTHER CYCLICAL PRESSURE ENERGIES

Improved devices, systems, and methods treatment of patients can be used to help mitigate injury to the kidneys by applying cyclical mechanical pressure energy at low intensities. The energy often be selectively directed from non-invasive transducers disposed outside the patients. The energy will typically comprise low frequency ultrasound energy, shock wave energy, or the like, and may induce the generation and/or release of nitric oxide, thereby enhancing perfusion and ameliorating tissue damage. Superimposed micro and macro duty cycles may help avoid thermal and other injury to tissues of the patient during treatment. Bilateral treatments are facilitated by a support structure that orients at least one transducer toward each kidney. 1. A method for treating a dialysis patient , the patient including a kidney and being subjected to a plurality of dialysis procedures associated with injury of the kidney , the method comprising:transmitting cyclical mechanical pressure energy having a frequency in a range from about 20 kHz to about 500 kHz selectively to the kidney;the cyclical mechanical pressure energy being transmitted to the kidney for a plurality of treatment time periods, each of the plurality of treatment time periods overlapping with a time period of an associated dialysis procedure so that the progressive loss of kidney function is inhibited.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cyclical mechanical pressure energy is transmitted non-invasively from a transducer to the kidney while the transducer is disposed outside the patient.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cyclical mechanical pressure energy transmitted to the kidney has a frequency between about 20 kHz and about 50 kHz.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient includes a second kidney claim 1 , the method further comprising transmitting cyclical mechanical pressure energy having a frequency in a range from about 20 kHz to about 500 kHz selectively to the second kidney claim 1 , the cyclical ...

SYSTEMS FOR COSMETIC TREATMENT

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of a hand wand and a removable transducer module having an ultrasound transducer. The system can include a control module that is coupled to the hand wand and has a graphical user interface for controlling the removable transducer module, and an interface coupling the hand wand to the control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures on at least a portion of a face, head, neck, body, and/or other part of a patient for a face lift, a brow lift, a chin lift, an eye treatment, a wrinkle reduction, a scar reduction, a burn treatment, a tattoo removal, a skin tightening, a vein reduction, a treatment on a sweat gland, a treatment of hyperhidrosis, a sun spot removal, a fat treatment, a vaginal rejuvenation, and/or an acne treatment.

Focused ultrasound split-foci control using spherical-confocal-split array with dual frequency of fundamental and harmonic superimposition

A spherical-confocal-split array with dual frequency of fundamental and harmonic superimposition includes: array elements which are spherically confocal, whose quantity is an even number, wherein a half of the array elements operate with a lower frequency, and the other half of the array elements operate with a higher frequency; both the lower frequency and the higher frequency are MHz high-frequencies; each of the array elements corresponds to a frequency drive; array element beams don't superimpose outside the focal region; each of the array elements is connected to a channel amplifier (3) through corresponding impedance matching (2); and a multi-channel waveform controller (4) is connected to the channel amplifier (3) for controlling amplitudes and phases of all channels. The dual-frequency spherical sectorial split array is able to generate split multi-foci of the focal plane with the dual frequencies; and control strong interference of transient cavitation clouds at the adjacent foci ...

INTRALUMINAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ABLATING NERVE TISSUE

Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced. 1. A minimally-invasive intraluminal ablation device configured to ablate nerve tissue surrounding a bodily lumen of a subject , the minimally-invasive intraluminal ablation device comprising:a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and an interior fluid passage;a cylindrical ultrasonic transducer disposed along the distal end of the catheter, the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer comprising an integral circumferential arrangement machined into the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer to form an end region and a center region of the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer, wherein the end region is thinner than the center region of the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer; andan inflatable balloon disposed along the distal end of the catheter to surround the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer, the inflatable balloon configured to receive a cooling fluid circulating through an interior of the inflatable balloon via the interior fluid passage of the catheter when the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer is energized.2. The minimally-invasive intraluminal ablation device of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the catheter is configured to be delivered intraluminally to the bodily lumen.3. The minimally-invasive intraluminal ablation device of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer further comprises a central lumen within the cylindrical ultrasonic transducer claim 1 , the central lumen configured to receive cooling fluid introduced to the inflatable balloon through the Interior fluid passage of the catheter.4. ...

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE AT MULTIPLE DEPTHS

ULTRASONIC SURGICAL APPARATUS AND SILICON WAVEGUIDE AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF

Therapeutic ultrasound apparatus and method

An apparatus and a method for generating ultrasound are provided. The apparatus comprises a signal generator arranged to generate a driving signal and an ultrasound transducer arranged to transmit an ultrasound beam in response to the driving signal. The signal generator is arranged to combine a carrier wave 202 and a modulating wave 200 having a lower frequency than the carrier wave, to generate an amplitude-modulated driving signal 204. The ultrasound beam is suitable for inducing cavitation in a human or animal body tissue. The beam may be a continuous beam as part of a high-intensity focused ultrasound system, and the modulated beam is more closely controllable than through frequency mixing.

Systems and methods for cosmetic ultrasound treatment of skin

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted for dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, simultaneous multi-focus therapy using multi-channel signal mixing, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, configured for using imaging for improved ultrasound therapy efficacy, and/or adapted for imaging with multiple focal zone sequencing and triggering for mechanically translated and/or steered ultrasound transducers are provided herein. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

Method for heat treating biological tissues using pulsed energy sources

A method for heat treating biological tissues includes providing a pulsed energy source having energy parameters selected so as to raise a target temperature to a level to achieve a therapeutic effect, while the average temperature rise of the tissue over a prolonged period of time is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue. Application of the pulsed energy source to the target tissue induces a heat shock response and stimulates heat shock protein activation in the target tissue so as to therapeutically treat the target tissue. Page 59 ...

Ultrasound therapy head with movement control

A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Transducer cartridge for an ultrasound therapy head

A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.

Skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound

The present invention relates to a system for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound transducer, a temperature sensing unit, and a control unit. The temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being exposed to ultrasound and provides temperature data to the control unit, which controls the ultrasound transducer accordingly.

CATHETER ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER CONTAINER

A catheter US transducer container and method of manufacture thereof including a housing, one or more cooling channels oriented longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the container, a sealing cooling channel cover, one or more PE elements positioned on a floor of the cooling channel, the cooling channel having a trapezoid cross section at any point along the PE element.

Tissue treatment

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the a method of selectively treating tissue using non-focused ultrasound energy delivered intrabody comprising: selectively determining a target tissue in a wall of a lumen or cavity; selecting parameters sufficient to provide a desired effect in the target tissue; and applying the parameters to treat the target tissue using non-focused ultrasound to achieve the desired effect.

Optimization of ultrasound frequency and microbubble size in microbubble enhanced ultrasound therapy

IMAGING AND THERAPY ULTRASONIC BONDING AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING THERAPY

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COSMETIC ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF SKIN

HANDPIECE ALLOWING FOR FORWARD-BACKWARD AND VERTICAL MOVEMENTS OF ULTRASOUND CATHETER

Disclosed is a handpiece allowing for the forward-backward and vertical movement of an ultrasound catheter. The handpiece is configured such that an ultrasound catheter installed in the handpiece can be selectively moved back and forth by a certain distance in a straight line in a front-rear direction so that the ultrasound catheter can perform an ultrasound procedure at uniform intervals across a large area for the procedure. In addition, the convenience of using the handpiece is increased because the handpiece is configured such that the subcutaneous depth, at which the ultrasound generated from the ultrasound catheter installed in the handpiece is to be focused, can be freely changed, without having to exchange cartridges containing ultrasound catheters having different focal distances.

Ultrasonic surgical apparatus with silicon waveguide

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducing structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

TISSUE STABILIZATION FOR THERAPEUTIC ULTRASOUND

A device including a focused ultrasound probe, a first balloon, and a second balloon. The first balloon can be located at least partially inside the second balloon. The inner balloon can be configured to act as a fluid interface, a mechanism for cooling, and a mechanism for changing tissue depth of a focal point of the probe. The second balloon can be filed with a thermosensitive hydrogel configured to turn from a fluid at room temperature to a gel at physiologic temperatures. The first and second balloons can be configured to create a fluid interface between the probe and targeted tissue of a patient. 1. A system for delivering ultrasound therapy , the system comprising:a focused ultrasound probe including a transducer; anda balloon complex including a first balloon and a second balloon, the first balloon being located inside the second balloon and surrounding the transducer, the first balloon containing a first fluid, the first fluid being a non-gaseous fluid, the second balloon containing a second fluid, the second fluid being thermosensitive hydrogel, the thermosensitive hydrogel transforming from a fluid at room temperature to a gel at a higher temperature, the first and second balloons creating a fluid interface between the probe and targeted tissue of a patient.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the thermosensitive hydrogel immobilizes the first balloon relative to the second balloon and the second balloon relative to surrounding tissue of the patient.3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the first balloon acts as a fluid interface claim 1 , a mechanism for cooling claim 1 , and a mechanism for changing tissue depth of a focal point of the probe.4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the probe is positioned within the first balloon claim 1 , and wherein the first and second balloons stabilize the probe with respect to the targeted tissue.5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the transducer includes at least ...

Intracardiac therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound device

Systems, methods, and devices for using ultrasound for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are provided. Ultrasound signals may be transmitted and/or received by ultrasound transducers in an ultrasound device positioned within the anatomy of a patient. The ultrasound transducers may be arranged in an array such that a first segment of the array is configured to transmit ultrasound pulses and receive ultrasound echoes for diagnostic procedures and a second segment of the array is configured to transmit ultrasound pulses for therapeutic procedures. The received ultrasound echoes may be used to generate two- or three-dimensional images of the anatomy.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-FOCUS ULTRASOUND THERAPY IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue from ultrasound beams from a transducer, simultaneous multi-focus therapy at multiple depths, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE

A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)-GUIDED PROCEDURES

УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ПРЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬ И УСТРОЙСТВО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ СФОКУСИРОВАННЫМ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОМ

Группа изобретений относится к медицине. Ультразвуковой преобразователь содержит блок генерирования звука и звукоизлучающую поверхность. Блок генерирования звука выполнен с возможностью генерирования ультразвуковой волны. Звукоизлучающая поверхность представляет собой сферическую поверхность, имеющую первый срез, второй срез и третий срез, причем одна большая окружность сферы, соответствующей звукоизлучающей поверхности, представляет собой главную большую окружность, первый срез и второй срез, соответственно, расположены на двух пересечениях сферической поверхности и диаметра, перпендикулярного главной большой окружности, а третий срез соединяет первый срез со вторым срезом. В пределах определенных расстояний от главной большой окружности, соответственно, по обе стороны от главной большой окружности поперечное сечение звукоизлучающей поверхности, параллельное главной большой окружности, имеет форму дуги, отверстие дуги соответствует третьему срезу, а соответствующий дуге центральный угол составляет более 180 градусов и менее 360 градусов. Звукоизлучающая поверхность способна отражать ультразвук, а ультразвуковая волна, генерируемая блоком генерирования звука, сфокусирована на центр сферы, соответствующей звукоизлучающей поверхности. Устройство лечения сфокусированным ультразвуком содержит ультразвуковой преобразователь. Применение данной группы изобретений позволит увеличить безопасность лечения. 2 н. и 14 з.п. ф-лы, 19 ил. РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 753 279 C1 (51) МПК A61N 7/02 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК A61B 18/04 (2021.05); A61N 7/02 (2021.05); G10K 11/28 (2021.05) (21)(22) Заявка: 2020127309, 07.09.2018 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: 12.08.2021 (73) Патентообладатель(и): ЧУНЦИН ХАЙФУ МЕДИКАЛ ТЕКНОЛОДЖИ КО., ЛТД. (CN) 22.01.2018 CN 201810059389.5 (45) Опубликовано: 12.08.2021 Бюл. № 23 (56) Список документов, цитированных в отчете о ...

Catheter for atrial or auricular cardiac fibrillation has combined therapeutic and image capture components

A catheter (72) employed for e.g. atrial or auricular cardiac fibrillation has combined therapeutic (74) and image capture (78) components. The catheter (72) has therapeutic components with a number of independently controlled therapeutic components (80). The independent operation of the therapy elements (80) is employed, when several anatomical zones are treated simultaneously, or in a predetermined catheter position within the patient.

A method and apparatus for use in treatment of skin mycoses

An apparatus for use in the treatment of skin by electromagnetic and mechanical energy. The energy is applied to a nail plate and tissue normally covered by a nail plate with the help of an applicator and it is sufficient to heat the nail plate and tissue to a temperature sufficient to affect skin mycoses pathogens.

Percutaneous devices and methods to visualize, target and ablate nerves

Apparatuses for identifying nerve tissue and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus may include an elongate shaft (124) having a distal region (120) configured to be percutaneously deployed within a patient. An active imaging structure (112, 114) may be disposed on the distal region. The active imaging structure may be configured to remotely image nerve tissue by exciting a signal in nerve tissue from a percutaneous location and receiving the signal from a percutaneous location. The active imaging structure may include one or more probes (102).

NON-INVASIVE SONODYNAMIC THERAPY

Disclosed is a system for providing sonodynamic therapy. The system includes a transducer a patient interface, and a controller coupled to the transducer. The patient interface is configured to acoustically couple the transducer to a patient. The controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal at a frequency selected from a range of frequencies, modulate the drive signal, and drive the transducer with the modulated drive signal at the frequency to produce a modulated acoustic wave to produce an average acoustic intensity sufficient to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

WOUND ANALYSIS DEVICE AND METHOD

Embodiments of tissue monitoring and therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a monitoring and therapy system comprises collecting video images of a tissue site, amplifying said video images via Eulerian Video Magnification, and determining a treatment parameter from the amplified video images detectable by Eulerian Video Magnification. If the treatment parameter differs from a threshold, an alert may be generated.

TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY FOR GENERATING FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

Systems and devices are provided for generating focused ultrasound pulses based on a transducer assembly having a piezoelectric layer coupled to an acoustic lens. In some example embodiments, the piezoelectric layer is a composite piezoelectric material having an acoustic impedance configured to match the acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens. The acoustic lens may be formed from aluminum, or an alloy thereof, and may have a distal surface having a non-spherical profile for producing a focal region that is smaller than an equivalent spherical lens. The acoustic lens may have an f-number less than unity. In some embodiments, the acoustic lens is coated with a polymer acoustic impedance matching layer that is compatible with deposition via chemical vapor deposition, such as a p-xylylene based polymer. In some embodiments, the acoustic lens is formed from aluminum or an alloy thereof, and the polymer acoustic impedance matching layer is a Parylene layer.

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS

The methods and apparatus disclosed herein can be used to treat glaucoma of the eye. The methods and apparatus can be configured to apply energy to the sclera, cornea, and/or other regions of the eye in order to shrink collagenous tissue near Schlemm' s canal. Juxtacanalicular treatment of the sclera and/or cornea adjacent Schlemm' s canal can be used to dilate Schlemm' s canal, collector channels, and/or the Trabecular Meshwork. The methods and apparatus can be configured to apply energy to the sclera to generate scleral vacuoles in the sclera to improve uveoscleral outflow.

ULTRASONIC PROCESSING APPARATUS COMPRISING MEANS FOR IMAGING CAVITATION BUBBLES

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT OF ADIPOSE TISSUE AT MULTIPLE DEPTHS

REAL-TIME MONITORING AND CONTROL OF HIFU THERAPY IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS

Energy is transferred (336) to cause a mechanical property of biological tissue to change, as in ablation. An effect of the transferring is examined in more than one spatial dimension to, for example, make an ablation halting decision for a treatment region, i.e., line (312)or layer (314), or for a location (316) within the region. Halting decisions can be based on lesion-central and/or lesion-peripheral longitudinal displacement of treated tissue evaluated in real time against a characteristic curve. Steering in the azimuthal and/or elevation direction is afforded by, for example, linear, or 2D, multi-channel ultrasound arrays for therapy and imaging. Protocols includable are region-wide scanning (SI 010) and location-by-location completion for both (HIFU) therapy and tracking (acoustic-radiation-forced-based) displacement of treated tissue. Fine, location- to-location monitoring can be used for relatively inhomogeneous tissue; whereas, quicker, sparser and more generalized monitoring ...

FUNDAMENTAL CODE UNIT OF THE BRAIN: TOWARDS A NEW MODEL FOR COGNITIVE GEOMETRY

In embodiments, devices, methods and systems to analyze the different mediums of brain function in a mathematically uniform manner may be provided. For example, in an embodiment, a computer-implemented method for determining structure of living neural tissue may comprise receiving at least one signal from at least one read modality, the signal representing at least one physical condition of the living neural tissue, determining action potentials based on the signals received from the read modalities, determining frequency oscillations based on the signals received from the read modalities and the action potentials, determining neuron network structures based on the photonic signals received from the read modalities, the action potentials, and the frequency oscillations, wherein the neuron network structures are determined using a Maximum Entropy model, and mapping brain region activation by S+/R− events to observable linguistic events using the Maximum Entropy model.

APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT, AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE APPARATUS

The present disclosure in some embodiments relates to an ultrasonic medical device and to a method of operating the same. The medical device comprises a scanline information processor, comparison unit and treatment parameter setup unit. The scanline information processor acquires z-axis data from diagnosis information of a patient and processes information related to the z-axis data which represents a depth of a treatment position on a scanline image selected for treating the patient. The comparison unit makes a comparison of the z-axis data acquired in real time with positional data of an initial treatment position in a therapy site under treatment for the patient and determines whether z-axis variations deviate from a predetermined range. The treatment parameter setup unit provides setup information for adjusting the level of treatment for the patient, based on the z-axis variations.

診断イメージングのためのハイパーサーミア

... 本発明は、検査空間１１６に位置付けられた関心のある被検体１２０の少なくとも一部の画像表現を提供する磁気共鳴（ＭＲ）イメージングシステム１１０と、関心のある被検体１２０の一部の中のターゲットゾーンを局所的に加熱するハイパーサーミア装置１１１と、ＭＲイメージングシステム１１０及びハイパーサーミア装置１１１を制御する制御ユニット１２６と、を有し、診断イメージングシステム１００は、それぞれ異なる温度で得られたターゲットゾーンの画像表現を相関付けることによって、関心のある被検体１２０の一部の診断画像表現を提供するように適応され、診断画像表現は、関心のある被検体１２０の代謝の温度依存変化に関する情報を含む、診断イメージングシステム１００を提供する。本発明は更に、上述の診断イメージングシステム１００と、ターゲットゾーン内の細胞を破壊するために関心のある被検体１２０に処置を適用する処置モジュール１４６と、診断イメージングシステム１００によって得られた診断画像表現に基づいて処置を適用するために処置モジュール１４６を制御する制御モジュール１２６と、を有する処置システムを提供する。従って、関心のある被検体の代謝変化は、細胞が所望の通りにまだ破壊されていないこのような領域に処置を向けるために評価されることができる。第１及び第２の温度の間の上述の測定の差を比較することによって、処置の効率が評価されることができ、更なる処置が、代謝変化に基づいて適応されることができる。 ...

СИСТЕМЫ И СПОСОБЫ ДЛЯ КОСМЕТИЧЕСКОЙ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ КОЖИ

Instrument and method for ultrasound mediated drug delivery

An instrument suitable for ultrasound mediated transport of a therapeutic agent in a region of diseased tissue, comprising, a transmitter for transmitting at least one ultrasound radiation form beam (URF) for insonifying at least a region of tissue, wherein at least one of the scanning rate for scanning the beam across a region of tissue, a transmit focus, a transmit aperture, and a transmit frequency of said URF beam can be selected by the instrument, and a processor configured to calculate, based on an indication of a tissue type or of tissue types to be insonified and on an indication of a depth range within which ultrasound intensity and extinction of intensity is to be increased, at least one of the following transmit parameters for said at least one URF beam i) a number of URF beam transmit foci to be used; ii) respective depths of one or URF beam transmit foci; iii) a URF beam transmit aperture for the URF beam transmit focus or respective URF beam transmit apertures for each of ...

Non-invasive sonodynamic therapy

Disclosed is a system for providing sonodynamic therapy. The system includes a transducer a patient interface, and a controller coupled to the transducer. The patient interface is configured to acoustically couple the transducer to a patient. The controller is configured to generate an electrical drive signal at a frequency selected from a range of frequencies, modulate the drive signal, and drive the transducer with the modulated drive signal at the frequency to produce a modulated acoustic wave to produce an average acoustic intensity sufficient to activate a sonosensitizer in a treatment region without damaging healthy cells in the treatment region.

Method for heat treating biological tissues using pulsed energy sources

A method for heat treating biological tissues includes providing a pulsed energy source having energy parameters selected so as to raise a target temperature to a level to achieve a therapeutic effect, while the average temperature rise of the tissue over a prolonged period of time is maintained at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue. Application of the pulsed energy source to the target tissue induces a heat shock response and stimulates heat shock protein activation in the target tissue so as to therapeutically treat the target tissue.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING TISSUES WITH HIFU

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.

FOCUSED ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

A focused ultrasound system includes an ultrasound transducer configured to emit focused ultrasound energy toward a subject and a positioning system configured to position the ultrasound transducer to localize the focused ultrasound energy within a target location. The positioning system includes a drive apparatus to translate the ultrasound transducer along at least one axis of motion and a motor controller to control the drive apparatus. The focused ultrasound system also includes a control system connected to the motor controller that is programmed to receive imaging/location data from an imaging system, determine positional coordinates of the target location based on the imaging/location data, and register the positional coordinates of the target location with the positioning system. The positional coordinates are sent to the motor controller via an input signal to cause the motor controller to control the drive apparatus so as to translate the ultrasound transducer.

Process of ordering of a processor by hyperthermia using ultrasounds

Le procédé de commande d'un appareil de traitement par hyperthermie à l'aide d'ultrasons, comprenant un transducteur avec une pluralité d'éléments piézo-électriques excités chacun par un signal électrique, consiste à émettre au cours d'un tir des ultrasons focalisés sur une tache focale, et est caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste en outre à faire varier au cours du tir la position de ladite tache focale par rapport audit transducteur, par variation des phases relatives des signaux électriques excitant lesdits éléments piézo-électriques, pour à constituer une tache focale équivalente. L'invention a aussi pour objet un appareil de traitement par hyperthermie pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé.

HIFU TREATMENT HEAD AND HIFU APPARATUS HAVING SAME

Disclosed are an HIFU treatment head and an HIFU apparatus having the same. An HIFU treatment head according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a body formed into a bar-like outer shape, inserted into the human body, and translating and rotating; and a transducer located on the front end of the body, and transmitting an ultrasonic signal for three-dimensional image scanning and three-dimensional focusing on a target object while being wobbled and rotated by the motion of the body. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2017 ...

APPARATUS FOR ULTRASONIC THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT, AND METHOD FOR DRIVING THE APPARATUS

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for ultrasonic therapeutic treatment and to a method for driving the apparatus. The apparatus for ultrasonic therapeutic treatment according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a scanline information-processing unit, which acquires Z-axis data indicating the depth of the point to be treated from the scanline image selected for the treatment of a patient and from patient diagnosis information, and which processes associated information; a comparing unit, which compares the acquired Z-axis data in real time with data related to the initial treatment point in an organ of the patient to determine whether or not the deviation of the Z-axis falls outside of a predetermined range; and a treatment parameter set unit which provides set information according to the variation in the Z-axis, and adjusts the level of treatment for the patient on the basis of the set information.

Ultrasound imaging and therapy device

An ultrasound imaging and therapy device includes an array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, and an ultrasound imaging device situated inside an innermost transducer of the plurality of concentric annular ultrasound transducers, wherein it further comprises a mechanical linkage allowing a tilting movement of the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers with respect to the ultrasound imaging device and in that the ultrasound imaging device protrudes in an axial direction from the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers; whereby the ultrasound imaging device can be kept stationary and in direct or indirect contact with a patient's skin while the array of concentric annular ultrasound transducers is tilted so as to move a focal point of ultrasound waves generated by the concentric annular ultrasound transducers within an imaging region of the ultrasound imaging device.

Systems and methods for gel management

Arrangements described herein relate to systems and methods for managing gel on a subject. A system for managing gel (420) on a subject comprises a transducer (112) and a controller configured to control the transducer to move the gel to a first area (401) of the subject from a second area (413) of the subject. The system may comprise a sensor configured to output a gel sufficiency parameter for the gel on the subject. The system may further comprise robotics configured to move the transducer, wherein the controller is configured to control the transducer to move the gel by controlling the robotics to translate the transducer from the second area to the first area. The system may be used in conjunction with diagnostic ultrasound procedures, such as Transcranial Doppler, or with therapeutic ultrasound procedures.

METHOD OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF TUMORS USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

The present disclosure provides a method for diagnosing the presence of a tumor in a patient. The tumor is subjected to high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to cause the tumor cells to release cellular material that comprises at least one tumor marker when a tumor is present. Biological fluid obtained from the patient is then evaluated to determine the presence and/or level of the tumor marker. The disclosure also provides a method of treating a tumor in a patient. HIFU is delivered to the tumor to cause the tumor cells to release cellular material that provokes an immune response.

NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE TREATMENT

The present invention is directed to methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases and/or improving cognitive function, in particular those associated with protein oligomers, aggregates or deposits, using acoustic energy, such as ultrasound. An 5 example of such a neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides a method of improving cognitive function and/or memory in an individual with impaired memory and/or executive function, the method including the steps of identifying a region of the brain of the individual to be treated with acoustic energy, applying a clinically safe level of acoustic energy to the region, thereby 10 saturating or substantially saturating the region with acoustic energy, thereby improving memory in the individual.

조직 처리 장치 및 조직의 처리를 위한 이미지 안내 장치의 이미지의 작성 방법

... 본 발명은 생체 조직(8)의 처리를 위한 장치에 관한 것으로, 상기 장치는 이동 가능한 처리 헤드(1) 상에 탑재된 조직(8)을 조사하기 위한 초음파 빔을 방출하기 위한 변환기(4), 초음파 이미징 장치(2, 3), 처리 헤드(1)를 둘러싸며 결합 유체를 수용하는 선택적인 팽창 가능한 풍선(5), 및 처리 헤드(1)의 이동과 변환기(4) 및 이미징 장치(2, 3)의 동작을 제어하기 위한 제어부를 포함하되, 처리 헤드(1)는 해당 처리 헤드(1)가 변위하는 동안 조직(7, 8)의 변위를 피하기 위해 처리 위치(T), 탐색 위치(M) 및 진행 위치(S) 중 적어도 두 가지에 대하여 조정가능하며, 그에 의해 이미징 품질이 증가한다.

ABLATION PROBE WITH FLUID-BASED ACOUSTIC COUPLING FOR ULTRASONIC TISSUE IMAGING

Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging tissue and performing ablation therapy are disclosed. An ablation probe for treating and imaging body tissue includes an ablation electrode tip with a number of acoustic openings and a plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors disposed within an interior lumen of the tip. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are supported within the interior lumen via an insert equipped with a number of recesses that receive the ultrasonic imaging sensors. An acoustically transparent shell disposed between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the acoustic openings forms a fluid channel in the acoustic pathway of the sensors. During an ablation procedure, cooling fluid from an external fluid source is delivered through the fluid channel, providing an acoustic coupling effect between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the surrounding body tissue.

Device for intermittently performing care sessions to form a large skin area care

A device of guiding a multiple area dermatologic care process. The device comprises a carrier which supports a drive of a dermatologic care tool over a skin area while the dermatologic care tool intermittently performs a plurality of dermatologic care sessions each in one of a plurality of skin subareas of the skin area and a brake unit which regulates a movement of the carrier from a first skin subarea to a second skin subarea during the drive of the dermatologic care tool.

Methods for face and neck lifts

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.

System and Method for Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatment

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of a hand wand and a removable transducer module having an ultrasound transducer. The system can include a control module that is coupled to the hand wand and has a graphical user interface for controlling the removable transducer module, and an interface coupling the hand wand to the control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures on at least a portion of a face, head, neck, body, and/or other part of a patient for a face lift, a brow lift, a chin lift, an eye treatment, a wrinkle reduction, a scar reduction, a burn treatment, a tattoo removal, a skin tightening, a vein reduction, a treatment on a sweat gland, a treatment of hyperhidrosis, a sun spot removal, a fat treatment, a vaginal rejuvenation, and/or an acne treatment.

Transoesophageal device using high intensity focused ultrasounds for cardiac thermal ablation

The present invention relates to a probe that comprises a piezoelectric therapy transducer having an acoustic axis BB′, and an imaging transducer having an imaging plane, in which the therapy transducer and imaging transducer are mounted in a head which is itself connected to a guide. More particularly, the therapy transducer is in a form of a truncated cup and has a spherical concave front face for emitting ultrasonic waves focused on a focal point, a rear surface and the therapy transducer is truncated alone two parallel lanes such that a length d 1 , a width t and a longitudinal direction are provided; the therapy transducer is a 1D annular phased array transducer and the imaging transducer is a multiplane transducer having a rotation axis corresponding to the acoustic axis of the therapy transducer whereby the focal point of the therapy transducer is comprised in the imaging plane of the imaging transducer, said imaging transducer being fixed to the therapy transducer

DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF A TISSUE AND METHOD OF PREPARATION OF AN IMAGE OF AN IMAGE-GUIDED DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF A TISSUE

A device for treatment of a tissue () of a living being, including a transducer () for emitting a beam of ultrasound waves mounted on a movable treatment head (), an ultrasonic imaging device (), optionally an inflatable balloon () surrounding the treatment head () and containing a coupling fluid, and a control unit for controlling movement of the treatment head () and operation of the transducer () and the imaging device (). In order to avoid displacement of tissues () during displacement of the treatment head () and increase imaging quality, the treatment head () is adjustable to at least two of a treatment position (T), a monitoring position (M) and a travel position (S). 117-. (canceled)18. A device for treatment of a tissue of a living being , the device comprising:a transducer, for emitting a beam of ultrasound waves for irradiating the tissue, mounted on a movable treatment head, and the beam being focused on or focusable onto a focal point;an ultrasonic imaging device mounted on the treatment head having an imaging plane intersecting the focal point;an inflatable balloon at least partially surrounding the treatment head, containing a coupling fluid and defining a contact surface of the treatment head; anda control unit for controlling movement of the treatment head and operation of the transducer and the imaging device;wherein the treatment head is adjustable to a treatment position and a monitoring position,in the monitoring position, a distance between the transducer and the tissue is smaller than in the treatment position, andthe control unit is adapted to:trigger the transducer to emit at least one beam of ultrasound waves when the treatment head is in the treatment position, andperform imaging of an area, surrounding the tissue, at least when the treatment head is in the monitoring position.19. The device according to claim 18 , wherein the control unit is adapted to move the treatment head claim 18 , after emission of an ultrasound pulse from the ...

3d conformal radiation therapy with reduced tissue stress and improved positional tolerance

An approach for enhancing radiation treatment of target tissue includes identifying a target volume of the target tissue; causing disruption of vascular tissue in a region confined to the target volume so as to define the target volume; based at least in part on the disruption of the vascular tissue, determining a radiation treatment plan having a reduced radiation dose for treating the target tissue; and exposing the target volume to the reduced radiation dose based on the radiation treatment plan.

NON-INVASIVE AND OPTIMIZED SYSTEM FOR THE REJUVENATION AND REMOVAL OF WRINKLES OF THE SKIN

The invention relates to a system and method for the removal of wrinkles and/or provide the rejuvenation of the human skin by use of ultrasound. The method comprises determining a 3D image of a region of the skin using ultrasound, determining a focal depth of the ultrasonic beam for different locations of the skin based on the 3D image, performing the treatment by heating the skin at different locations using an ultrasonic beam, and adjusting the focal depth of the ultrasonic beam according to the determined focal depths during the process of heating the skin at different locations. 1. A system for treating wrinkles and rejuvenating skin on a human body , the system comprising a diagnostic component and a therapeutic component , an ultrasound probe , wherein the diagnostic component and the therapeutic component are connected to the ultrasound probe for diagnosis and therapy , a processor , and a memory , the processor running a program stored in the memory causing the system to perform the following steps:obtaining an image of a depth of the skin in a region of interest on the skin using the diagnostic component; andat each target point of a plurality of target points in the region of interest, determining how many ultrasound therapy foci to apply and the depths of each of the ultrasound therapy foci based on the image, and applying the ultrasound therapy foci at each of the depths using the therapeutic component.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound probe comprises one of:i) a single ultrasound transducer or transducer array that is used by both the diagnostic component and the therapeutic component;ii) separate transducers or transducer arrays used respectively for the diagnostic component and the therapeutic component, and angled so that diagnostic beams and therapeutic beams overlap in the skin; andiii) separate transducers or transducer arrays used respectively for the diagnostic component and the therapeutic component, the separate transducers or ...

SYSTEM FOR TREATING A VOLUME OF TISSUE WITH HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

A method and system for treating a desired volume of tissue using HIFU or other energy modality includes ablating 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 at least one embodiment, the elemental treatment volumes are arranged to form a shell which partially or wholly encapsulates the desired volume of tissue, which then necroses in situ. The elemental treatment volumes are created by distributing HIFU energy in multiple doses with repeated passes of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer in a trajectory over or along a perimeter of each elemental treatment volume. 1. A system for treating uterine fibroids or other uterine tissue , comprising:a hand-held or hand-guided HIFU applicator with a movable transducer focal zone that is configured to deliver HIFU treatment signals to a treatment site in a uterine fibroid or other uterine tissue;an imaging transducer that produces imaging signals representative of the uterine fibroids or other uterine tissue; anda processor programmed to determine a pattern in which to apply HIFU around the periphery of a fibroid or other targeted volume of uterine tissue and to control the position of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer to apply HIFU energy in this pattern.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pattern in which HIFU is applied consists of a number of elemental treatment volumes created around the periphery of the fibroid or other targeted volume of uterine tissue.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein each elemental treatment volume has size selected such that an interior region is treated by indirect heating as the treatment energy is repeatedly applied to a perimeter of the elemental treatment volume.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the processor is programmed to control the position the focal zone of the HIFU transducer in a pattern to create a number of elemental ...

Band transducer ultrasound therapy

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method can include use of transducer to create a linear thermal treatment zone at a focal depth to form a band shaped treatment area. The system can include one or more ultrasound transducers, a cylindrical transduction element, an imaging element, a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, a coated transducer may be used to provide more consistent treatment 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. Treatment may include heating of tissue for a duration to deactivate a percentage of cells in the treatment region.

Transcranial ultrasound focusing

The invention introduces a system for focusing ultrasonic energy through intervening tissue into a target site within a target tissue region, includes a transducer emitter array, a transducer receiver array, a processor receiving echo signals from the receiver to determine correction factors for the transducer elements to compensate for refraction occurring due to intervening tissue. The correction factors may include phase correction factors, and the phases of excitation signals provided to the transducer elements may be adjusted based upon the phase correction factors to focus the ultrasonic energy to the tissue at the target site.

Ultrasonic medical instrument having variable focusing depth of ultrasonic wave generating unit

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an ultrasonic medical instrument moving horizontally by adjusting a depth wise location of an ultrasonic wave generating unit while not influencing an internal volume of a cartridge and variously setting focusing depths of ultrasonic waves in skin.

METHODS FOR FACE AND NECK LIFTS

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. 1acoustically coupling an ultrasound probe system to a skin surface on a brow, the ultrasound probe system comprising an imaging element, a therapy element, and a motion mechanism;wherein the motion mechanism is controlled by a control system in communication with the ultrasound probe;using the ultrasound imaging element to image a region of interest under said skin surface at a fixed depth, the region of interest comprising a tissue comprising a portion of at least one of muscular fascia, fat, and SMAS tissue;wherein the region of interest at said fixed depth is displayed on a display system, said display system being electronically connected to said ultrasound imaging element;using the ultrasound therapy element to treat said region of interest;wherein the therapy element is coupled to the motion mechanism within the probe;wherein the therapy element is configured for targeted delivery of ablative ultrasound energy to form a thermal lesion with at least a temperature sufficient to treat at least a portion of the tissue at the fixed depth of up to about 9 mm from the skin surface; andactivating the motion mechanism within the probe to form a plurality of said thermal lesions along a line at the fixed depth into said tissue to cause any one of the group consisting of ablation, deactivation, and shrinkage of at least a portion of the tissue,wherein the plurality of thermal lesions facilitates a tightening of the tissue that leads to a brow lift.. A method of treating a sagging brow, the method comprising: This ...

Ultrasound based method and apparatus for stone detection and to facilitate clearance thereof

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.

Cancer Imaging Methods And Cancer Treatment Methods Using Thermotherapy And Drug Delivery

Cancer imaging methods and cancer treatment methods using thermotherapy and drug delivery are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the temperature of heated tissue is determined from radio-frequency data from an ultrasound transducer based upon a change in backscattered energy of acoustic harmonics. In another embodiment, a plurality of nanocarriers containing an anti-tumor medication are administered to a patient, and are excited in a first non-thermal ultrasound mode and/or a second thermal ultrasound mode using an ultrasound source. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of nanoparticles are administered to a patient, then at least some of the nanoparticles are heated along with tissue at a site of a tumor, and a photoacoustic imaging unit is used to determine a temperature of the heated tissue at the site of the tumor. 1. A non-invasive thermometry method for use in cancer treatment and/or imaging , the method comprising the steps of:heating tissue using a thermal energy source at a site of a tumor so as to damage one or more tumor cell membranes and release antigenic material in vivo that activates and stimulates an immunogenic response of the patient at the site of the tumor;imaging the heated tissue at the site of the tumor using an imaging ultrasound transducer so as to acquire radio-frequency data; anddetermining, by using an ultrasound scanner, a temperature of the heated tissue at the site of the tumor from the radio-frequency data acquired by the imaging ultrasound transducer, the temperature being determined from the radio-frequency data based upon a change in backscattered energy of acoustic harmonics.2. The non-invasive thermometry method according to claim 1 , wherein the thermal energy source for heating the tissue is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound claim 1 , laser claim 1 , an alternating magnetic field claim 1 , microwave radiation claim 1 , and radiofrequency (RF) energy.3. The non-invasive thermometry method according to claim 1 ...

ACOUSTIC ENERGY TREATMENT

The present invention relates to methods of restoring cognitive function in aged individuals that do not exhibit a clinically detectable neurodegenerative disease. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of improving cognitive function in an aged individual that does not have a neurodegenerative disease characterized by aggregation of a pathological protein, the method comprising or consisting of: applying a clinically safe level of acoustic energy to sites within a region of the brain, thereby saturating or substantially saturating the region with acoustic energy, thereby improving cognitive function in the aged individual. 1. A method of improving or restoring cognitive function in an aged individual that does not have a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of a pathological protein , the method comprising:applying a clinically safe level of acoustic energy to sites within a region of the brain, thereby saturating or substantially saturating the region with acoustic energy,thereby improving or restoring cognitive function in the aged individual.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the cognitive function is learning or memory.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the memory is short-term memory.4. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the memory is long-term memory.5. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the learning is decision-making.6. A method according to any one of to claim 2 , wherein the aged individual is at least 45 years old.7. A method according claim 6 , wherein the aged individual is at least 65 years old.8. A method according claim 6 , wherein the aged individual is at least 75 years old.9. A method according to any one of to claim 6 , wherein the individual displays cognitive impairment of at least 10% compared to an age-matched control subject.10. A method according to claim 9 , wherein the individual displays cognitive impairment of at least 50% compared to an age-matched control subject.11. A ...

System for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound

The present invention relates to a system for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound transducer, a temperature sensing unit, and a control unit. The temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being exposed to ultrasound and provides temperature data to the control unit, which controls the ultrasound transducer accordingly.

BAND TRANSDUCER ULTRASOUND THERAPY

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method can include use of transducer to create a linear thermal treatment zone at a focal depth to form a band shaped treatment area. The system can include one or more ultrasound transducers, a cylindrical transduction element, an imaging element, a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, and/or graphical user interface. In some embodiments, a coated transducer may be used to provide more consistent treatment 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. Treatment may include heating of tissue for a duration to deactivate a percentage of cells in the treatment region. 1. An ultrasound transduction system , comprising:a cylindrical transduction element; anda power source configured to drive the cylindrical transduction element,wherein the cylindrical transduction element is configured to apply ultrasonic energy to a linear focal zone at a focal depth,wherein the cylindrical transduction element comprises a first surface and a second surface,wherein the first surface comprises an electrically conductive coating fully covering the first surface,wherein the second surface comprises two electrically conductive coated regions and at least one region that is not coated with an electrically conductive coating,wherein the two coated regions on the second surface comprises a conductive material that forms an electrode when the power source is in electric communication with each coated region,wherein the conductive material comprises silver;wherein the coated regions on the second surface cover at least 60% of the second surface;wherein the coated regions on the second surface comprise a lateral edge, a medial edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge;wherein the two coated regions on the second surface is configured to ...

REJUVENATING SKIN BY HEATING TISSUE FOR COSMETIC TREATMENT OF THE FACE AND BODY

Systems and 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. Lifting sagging tissue on a face, neck, and/or body are described. Treatment with heat is provided in several embodiments. 1providing a probe that emits ultrasound energy;coupling the probe to a skin surface over a region comprising subcutaneous fat, muscle, and connective tissue; anddelivering therapeutic ultrasound energy to the region at a treatment frequency of between 4 MHz and 15 MHz,wherein the therapeutic ultrasound energy thermally treats at least one of the group consisting of subcutaneous fat, muscle, and connective tissue at a specific depth under the skin surface to reduce skin sagging.. A method of treating sagging skin, comprising: This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/740,092 filed Jun. 15, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/965,741 filed Aug. 13, 2013, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,697, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/835,635 filed Mar. 15, 2013, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,853, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/494,856 filed Jun. 12, 2012, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,562, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/857,989 filed Sep. 19, 2007, now abandoned, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional No. 60/826,199 filed Sep. 19, 2006, each of which are incorporated in its entirety by reference, herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/494,856, now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,562, is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/028,636 filed Feb. 8, 2008 and now patented as U.S. ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COSMETIC ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF SKIN

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted for dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, simultaneous multi-focus therapy using multi-channel signal mixing, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of one or multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue, configured for using imaging for improved ultrasound therapy efficacy, and/or adapted for imaging with multiple focal zone sequencing and triggering for mechanically translated and/or steered ultrasound transducers are provided herein. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures. 1. An ultrasound treatment and imaging system configured for reducing imaging misalignment , comprising:an ultrasonic probe comprising an ultrasound therapy transducer adapted to apply ultrasonic therapy to tissue, an ultrasound imaging transducer adapted for imaging the tissue, and a motion mechanism for moving the ultrasound imaging transducer in a first direction and a second direction,wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer is mechanically attached to the motion mechanism,wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction,{'sub': 1', 'N, 'wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer images with a focal zone sequence order (f, . . . , f), where N>1 when travelling in the first direction,'}{'sub': N', '1, 'wherein the ultrasound imaging transducer images with a second focal zone sequence order (f, . . . , f) when travelling in the second direction,'}wherein a spatial registration between the first direction imaging and the second direction imaging is improved by staggering a triggering location,{'sub': 1', 'N', 'N', '1, 'wherein the ultrasound treatment and imaging system employs a directionally dependent focal zone ...

NONINVASIVE TRANSVAGINAL ACOUSTIC THERMAL TREATMENT OF FEMALE STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE

Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue. 1. A system for treating stress urinary incontinence comprising: at least one transducer array;', 'an acoustic coupling balloon; and', 'a positioning balloon., 'an applicator having2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising orientation markers.3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an imaging transducer array.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one transducer array comprises a first curvilinear transducer array and a second curvilinear transducer array.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one transducer array comprises a first angular sectioned transducer array and a second angularly sectioned transducer array.6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a positioning balloon.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first transducer array and the second transducer array are positioned at about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees with respect to each other.8. The system of claim 1 , further including an imaging transducer which is pivotably positioned and configured to scan a first therapeutic zone and a second therapeutic zone.9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the imaging transducer is further configured to scan the region between the first therapeutic zone and the second therapeutic zone.10. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an acoustic coupling fluid circulation subsystem coupled to the acoustic coupling balloon.11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a multi-channel generator coupled to the at least one transducer array.12. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an ultrasound imaging system coupled to the imaging transducer.13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the applicator is selected from the group consisting of ablator claim 1 , catheter claim 1 , and interstitial needle.14. A method of treating urinary ...

Systems and methods for gel management

Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for managing gel on a subject to provide gel on a first area of the subject, including controlling a transducer to move to a second area of the subject and controlling the transducer to move the gel to the first area from the second area.

METHODS FOR LIFTING SKIN TISSUE

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 are described. 1. (canceled)2. A method of lifting skin tissue , the method comprising:positioning an ultrasound probe on a skin surface, the ultrasound probe comprising a housing and at least one piezoelectric ultrasound therapy element, and a movement mechanism connected to the piezoelectric ultrasound therapy element within the housing,using the piezoelectric ultrasound therapy element to treat a region of interest under the skin surface, the region of interest comprising a tissue comprising at least one of the group consisting of: a muscle, a fascia, a dermis, a fat tissue, and a superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue;wherein the piezoelectric ultrasound therapy element is configured for targeted delivery of ultrasound energy to form at least one thermal treatment area with at least a temperature in a range of 60-90 degrees Celsius to treat at least a portion of the tissue under the skin surface; andactivating the movement mechanism within the ultrasound probe to move the piezoelectric ultrasound therapy element to treat at least at one of the muscle, the fascia, and the SMAS resulting in a tissue lift.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein positioning the ultrasound probe on the skin surface comprises positioning the portion of the ultrasound probe on at least one of the group consisting of: a forehead claim 2 , an eyelid claim 2 , a nose claim 2 , a cheek claim 2 , an ear claim 2 , a mouth claim 2 , and a chin.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein positioning the ultrasound probe on the skin surface comprises positioning the portion of ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING KIDNEYS

A method and/or system are provided for improving kidney function and/or increasing Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of the renal system, by applying acoustic and/or ultrasonic energy to one or more of the kidneys. The method suggests either focused or non-focused (or combined) energy delivery, optionally in a noninvasive approach, which could also be implemented invasively and/or by implantable device. 168-. (canceled)69. A method of treating a kidney , modifying kidney function , preventing kidney dysfunction or preventing deterioration of kidney dysfunction , comprising:emitting a quantity of ultrasound energy to at least a portion of a kidney at a frequency, pulse shape, pulse duration, repetition rate and amplitude suitable to affect kidney function in at least a portion of said kidney;repeating said emitting for at least 30 minutes;wherein said emitting does not induce substantial thermal damage or cavitation damage to the patient's kidney.70. The method according to claim 69 , wherein most of said energy comprises a frequency higher than 5 Megahertz (MHZ).71. The method according to claim 69 , wherein most of said energy comprises a frequency from about 4 to about 7 MHz.72. The method according to claim 69 , wherein more than 80% of said ultrasound energy is emitted at said frequency.73. The method according to claim 69 , wherein said emitting is repeated for at least 1 hour.74. The method according to claim 69 , wherein said emitting comprises emitting ultrasound energy having a mechanical index below 1.0.75. The method according to claim 69 , wherein during said emitting a thermal index soft tissue or thermal index bone lower than 1.0 is kept.76. The method according to claim 69 , wherein said emitting comprises emitting at a main frequency selected to have a wavelength of a size or harmonic of a nephron structure of said kidney to be affected.77. The method according to claim 69 , wherein said pulse duration is from about 0.1 microsecond to about 100 ...

AUTOMATED ULTRASOUND BLEEDING DETECTION AND TREATMENT

In accordance with the present disclosure, ultrasound-based techniques using a combined scanning and treatment array module are employed to find and treat anomalies corresponding to bleed events. By way of example, ultrasound data may be acquired with a scanning array at one or more locations on a patient anatomy. A treatment array may deliver heat to a targeted anomaly to provide therapy. Such a technique may be useful outside of a hospital environment. 1. An ultrasound scanning and treatment system , comprising: a scanning array configured to generate a set of scan data for a scanned volume;', 'a first treatment array and a second treatment array, wherein the first treatment array and second treatment array are configured to deliver a treatment to a portion of the scanned volume;, 'an ultrasound probe, comprisinga motor configured to incrementally move the ultrasound probe; anda processor communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe and the motor and configured to determine a location of an anomaly in the set of scan data, wherein the portion of the scanned volume contains the anomaly.2. The ultrasound scanning and treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the first treatment array and the second treatment array are configured to generate high intensity focused ultrasound as part of the treatment.3. The ultrasound scanning and treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to generate a sequence of images from the set of scan data.4. The ultrasound scanning and treatment system of claim 3 , wherein the processor is configured to construct a three dimensional image from the generated sequence of images.5. The ultrasound scanning and treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to determine a set of velocities claim 1 , flow rates and/or a set of flow directions from the set of scan data.6. The ultrasound scanning and treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to move the scanning array claim 1 , the first ...

NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE TREATMENT

The present invention is directed to methods for treating neurodegenerative diseases and/or improving cognitive function, in particular those associated with protein oligomers, aggregates or deposits, using acoustic energy, such as ultrasound. An 5 example of such a neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides a method of improving cognitive function and/or memory in an individual with impaired memory and/or executive function, the method including the steps of identifying a region of the brain of the individual to be treated with acoustic energy, applying a clinically safe level of acoustic energy to the region, thereby 10 saturating or substantially saturating the region with acoustic energy, thereby improving memory in the individual. 2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of identifying a region of the brain includes determining a volume of the brain on the basis of symptoms displayed by the individual claim 1 , typically clinically observable or biochemically detectable symptoms.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of identifying a region of the brain includes determining a volume of the brain on the basis of a known association with a neurodegenerative disease claim 1 , in particular those associated with protein oligomers claim 1 , aggregates or deposits.4. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of identifying a region of the brain includes determining a volume of the brain including a volume surrounding an site having extracellular protein in a pathogenic form claim 1 , such as oligomers claim 1 , an aggregate or deposit.5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes determining a plurality of discrete application sites for application of acoustic energy to saturate or substantially saturate the region with acoustic energy.6. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes determining a scanning path along which acoustic energy is to be ...

Transducers, systems, and manufacturing techniques for focused ultrasound therapies

A system to apply ultrasound energy to a region surrounding blood flow in a blood vessel from a position outside a patient includes: a therapeutic ultrasound transducer comprising a plurality of transducer elements; and a processor configured to control the plurality of transducer elements; wherein the processor is configured to change phase inputs to the transducer elements to move a focus of the transducer at least 1 cm in a first plane which is substantially along a plane of the transducer elements of the therapeutic ultrasound transducer and at least 1 cm in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane; and wherein the processor is further configured to position the focus of the transducer in sequential positions offset from the blood flow in the blood vessel according to a pattern pre-determined by an operator of the system.

Dual mode ultrasound transducer (dmut) system and method for controlling delivery of ultrasound therapy

A dual-mode ultrasound system provides real-time imaging and therapy delivery using the same transducer elements of a transducer array. The system may use a multi-channel driver to drive the elements of the array. The system uses a real-time monitoring and feedback image control of the therapy based on imaging data acquired using the dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Further, for example, multi-modal coded excitation may be used in both imaging and therapy modes. Still further, for example, adaptive, real-time refocusing for improved imaging and therapy can be achieved using, for example, array directivity vectors obtained from DMUA pulse-echo data.

Methods and systems for generating an occlusion using ultrasound

An intra-cavity ultrasound imaging and therapy system is provided. The system includes an intra-cavity ultrasound probe including a housing configure to be inserted into a cavity proximate to a region of interest (ROI). The housing includes a transducer array located proximate to a distal end of the housing. The system also includes a diagnostic control circuit configured to direct the transducer array to collect diagnostic ultrasound signals from the ROI. The diagnostic control circuit is configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the diagnostic ultrasound signals. The diagnostic control circuit is further configured to direct the transducer array to deliver a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy at a treatment location based on target information derived from the ultrasound image.

ULTRASONIC TREATMENT DEVICE

A probe () transmits and receives diagnostic ultrasound and therapeutic ultrasound. A transmission unit () forms a transmission beam of the therapeutic ultrasound having a higher wave number than the diagnostic ultrasound and scans the transmission beam of the therapeutic ultrasound in a therapeutic region set inside a diagnostic region by controlling the probe (). Since the therapeutic ultrasound having a higher wave number than the diagnostic ultrasound is used, the therapeutic effect is higher than when using a therapeutic ultrasound having a similar wave number to the diagnostic ultrasound, and since the transmission beam of the therapeutic ultrasound is scanned in the therapeutic region, the therapeutic effect is higher than when the transmission beam of the therapeutic ultrasound is not scanned. 1. An ultrasonic treatment device comprising:a probe that transmits and receives ultrasound;a transmission unit that scans a transmission beam of diagnostic ultrasound in a diagnostic region by controlling the probe;a receiving unit that obtains a received signal of diagnostic ultrasound along a receiving beam corresponding to the transmission beam of diagnostic ultrasound; andan image-forming unit that forms an ultrasound image of the diagnostic region based on the received signal of diagnostic ultrasound, whereinthe transmission unit forms a transmission beam of therapeutic ultrasound by controlling the probe, and scans the transmission beam of therapeutic ultrasound within a treatment region which is set to be in the diagnostic region.2. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 , whereinthe transmission unit forms a transmission beam of therapeutic ultrasound having a larger wavenumber than that of diagnostic ultrasound, and scans the transmission beam of therapeutic ultrasound within the treatment region which is set to be in the diagnostic region.3. The ultrasonic treatment device according to claim 1 , whereinthe transmission unit controls the probe ...

SYSTEM FOR SKIN CANCER TREATMENT USING LOW INTENSITY ULTRASOUND

The present invention relates to a system for skin cancer treatment using low intensity ultrasound. The system comprises an ultrasound transducer, a temperature sensing unit, and a control unit. The temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being exposed to ultrasound and provides temperature data to the control unit, which controls the ultrasound transducer accordingly. 1. A system for skin cancer treatment in a subject using low intensity ultrasound , comprising:(a) an ultrasound transducer, wherein the ultrasound transducer has a skin-contacting surface pre-formed to conform to the skin containing the cancer;(b) a temperature sensing unit coupled to the ultrasound transducer, wherein the temperature sensing unit measures the temperature of the skin being treated with ultrasound; and(c) a control unit coupled to the ultrasound transducer and the temperature sensing unit, wherein the control unit receives temperature data from the temperature sensing unit, and wherein the control unit controls the ultrasound transducer as a function of the temperature data.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls ultrasound intensity at the focal zone produced by the ultrasound transducer as a function of the temperature data.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the temperature sensing unit comprises one or more temperature sensors.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the temperature sensor is a contact-type temperature sensor.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the contact-type temperature sensor is a thermistor or a thermocouple.6. The system of claim 3 , wherein the temperature sensor is a non-contact temperature sensor.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the non-contact temperature sensor is an infrared sensor.8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer can produce ultrasound at a frequency between about 27 kHz and 2.2 MHz.9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound transducer can produce ultrasound intensity at the focal ...

Acoustic device for skin treatment and methods of using the same

Methods of treating the skin and in particular removing pigment from a tattoo are provided. In preferred embodiments, a piezoelectric transducer is placed at a plurality of locations above the skin and focused acoustic waves at 7 MHz or more are transmitted into the skin. The focal point of the focused acoustic waves is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm below the surface of the skin. The design of the piezoelectric transducer along with the frequency of operation are carefully chosen to create points of treatment with a desired size and shape. The correct amount of energy is supplied to the points of treatment to produce a lesion of a desired size and shape. The lesions are spaced and located to effect the treatment of the skin.

Method and apparatus for the treatment of tissue

A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction.

COMPOSITIONS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GAS VESICLE BASED CAVITATION

The system and process of therapeutic and effective cavitation by using ultrasound to collapse gas vesicles as well as cavitate the bubbles produced from the collapsed gas vesicles. Therapeutic effect includes, but is not limited to lysing cells by cavitation. The cells expressing the gas vesicles can optionally be used as delivery cells to preform tasks such as transporting the gas vesicles into deep tissue areas, releasing compounds at the cavitation site, and more. The gas vesicles can optionally be modified to facilitate getting the bubbles near the cavitation targets by functionalizing the gas vesicles. 1. An ultrasound pressure-based method comprising:delivering a gas vesicle (GV) to a target site, the GV having a GV type collapse threshold pressure;setting an ultrasound generation system to produce ultrasound pulses having a positive pressure set above the GV type collapse threshold pressure, a negative pressure and at least one of: a duty cycle above 0.2% or a mechanical index above 2.8; andapplying the ultrasound pulses to the target site, thus:collapsing the GV by the positive pressure of the ultrasound pulses, thereby forming gas bubbles; anddriving the cavitation of the gas bubbles by the negative pressure.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising imaging the target site before applying the ultrasound pulses.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the imaging comprises one of ultrasound imaging or MRI.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the imaging comprising using the GV as a contrast agent.5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising imaging the target site after applying the ultrasound pulse.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound pulses are applied with a center frequency no greater than 2.5 MHz.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the ultrasound pulses have a mechanical index above 0.12.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the ultrasound pulses have a mechanical index above 2.8.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the GV is a plurality of GVs.10. ...

Simplified, Interactive, Real-Time Ultrasound Biofeedback System for Speech Remediation

Systems and methods for an enhanced ultrasound biofeedback therapy for an improved speech remediation treatment for an individual include transmitting a plurality of ultrasound (US) waves toward a tongue of the individual; receiving a plurality of reflected US waves; converting the plurality of reflected US waves into a plurality of US signals to transmit to an ultrasound machine; and generating one or more enhanced images of the tongue at least partially based on the US signals in real-time, the enhanced images including identified Regions of Interest (ROIs) along tongue sub-parts comprising the tongue root, the tongue dorsum, and the tongue blade and respective ROI points identified therein. An interactive visual story is generated and updated in real-time with a tongue-mapping trajectory of the individual on a display based on the enhanced one or more images to determine a successful or unsuccessful sound production. 1. A system for an enhanced ultrasound biofeedback therapy for an improved speech remediation treatment for an individual through an improved user interface , the system comprising:one or more processors;one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors;an ultrasound machine comprising a display and communicatively coupled to the one or more memory modules;a probe device communicatively coupled to the ultrasound machine, the probe device comprising a transducer;a user interface module communicatively coupled to the display of the ultrasound machine, the improved user interface of a computing device, or both; and transmit a plurality of ultrasound (US) waves from the probe device toward a tongue of the individual along a mid-sagittal plane from below a jaw area of the individual;', 'receive, into the transducer of the probe device, a plurality of reflected US waves;', 'convert, via the probe device, the plurality of reflected US waves into a plurality of US signals;', 'transmit, via the probe device, the plurality of US ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF TISSUE

A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the success of a proposed HIFU Treatment, of an ongoing HIFU Treatment, and/or of a completed HIFU Treatment. An energy density of a given HIFU Treatment may be used as a comparison factor between the given HIFU Treatment and other HIFU Treatments and as a predictor of the success of the given HIFU Treatment. One exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the volume of the treatment region. Another exemplary energy density is the amount of energy deposited in the treatment region divided by the pre-treatment mass of the treatment region. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of focal hyperechoic features and non-focal hyperechoic features. A method and apparatus is disclosed to detect the presence of an acoustic obstruction. 147-. (canceled)48. An apparatus configured to provide treatment to a region of tissue , the apparatus comprising:a transducer configured to be positioned proximate to the tissue and to administer high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) therapy to at least a region of the tissue, the transducer being configured to operate in at least an imaging mode and in a therapy mode, in the imaging mode the transducer being configured to provide a visual representation of at least a portion of the tissue, in the therapy mode the transducer being configured to treat a plurality of treatment sites with HIFU therapy; anda controller operably coupled to the transducer, the controller being configured to operate the transducer in at least the imaging mode and the therapy mode, the controller being configured to determine prior to commencement of a HIFU treatment whether the HIFU treatment should be successful in treating the tissue based on an energy density of energy planned to be deposited into the treatment region.49. The apparatus of claim 48 , wherein the transducer is configured to provide a visual representation of at least a ...

METHODS FOR FACE AND NECK LIFTS

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. 1acoustically coupling an ultrasound probe system to a skin surface on a brow, the ultrasound probe system comprising an imaging element, a therapy element, and a motion mechanism;wherein the motion mechanism is controlled by a control system in communication with the ultrasound probe;using the ultrasound imaging element to image a region of interest under said skin surface at a fixed depth, the region of interest comprising a tissue comprising a portion of at least one of muscular fascia, fat, and SMAS tissue;wherein the region of interest at said fixed depth is displayed on a display system, said display system being electronically connected to said ultrasound imaging element;using the ultrasound therapy element to treat said region of interest;wherein the therapy element is coupled to the motion mechanism within the probe;wherein the therapy element is configured for targeted delivery of ablative ultrasound energy to form a thermal lesion with at least a temperature sufficient to treat at least a portion of the tissue at the fixed depth of up to about 9 mm from the skin surface; andactivating the motion mechanism within the probe to form a plurality of said thermal lesions along a line at the fixed depth into said tissue to cause any one of the group consisting of ablation, deactivation, and shrinkage of at least a portion of the tissue,wherein the plurality of thermal lesions facilitates a tightening of the tissue that leads to a brow lift.. A method of treating a sagging brow, the method comprising: This ...

Noninvasive transvaginal acoustic thermal treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Systems and methods for transvaginal high intensity concentrated ultrasound. Urinary incontinence is treated through application of high intensity ultrasound to tissue structures to affect a change in the tissue.

Methods for face and neck lifts

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.

TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY FOR GENERATING FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

Systems and devices are provided for generating focused ultrasound pulses based on a transducer assembly having a piezoelectric layer coupled to an acoustic lens. In some example embodiments, the piezoelectric layer is a composite piezoelectric material having an acoustic impedance configured to match the acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens. The acoustic lens may be formed from aluminum, or an alloy thereof, and may have a distal surface having a non-spherical profile for producing a focal region that is smaller than an equivalent spherical lens. The acoustic lens may have an f-number less than unity. In some embodiments, the acoustic lens is coated with a polymer acoustic impedance matching layer that is compatible with deposition via chemical vapor deposition, such as a p-xylylene based polymer. In some embodiments, the acoustic lens is formed from aluminum or an alloy thereof, and the polymer acoustic impedance matching layer is a Parylene layer. 1. An ultrasound transducer assembly for generating focused ultrasound , the ultrasound transducer assembly comprising:a piezoelectric layer;an acoustic lens having a proximal surface and a curved distal surface, wherein the proximal surface is attached to the piezoelectric layer; andan acoustic impedance matching layer coating the curved distal surface of the acoustic lens;wherein an acoustic impedance of the piezoelectric layer approximately matches an acoustic impedance of the acoustic lens.2. The ultrasound transducer assembly according to wherein the acoustic lens comprises aluminum.3. The ultrasound transducer assembly according to wherein the acoustic lens is formed from an aluminum alloy.4. The ultrasound transducer assembly according to wherein the acoustic lens comprises at least 85% aluminum by weight.5. The ultrasound transducer assembly according to wherein the curved distal surface of the acoustic lens is non-spherical.6. The ultrasound transducer assembly according to wherein the curved distal surface ...

Hyperthermia for diagnostic imaging

The present invention provides a diagnostic imaging system ( 100 ), comprising a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system ( 110 ) for providing an image representation of at least a portion of a subject of interest ( 120 ) positioned in an examination space ( 116 ), a hyperthermia device ( 111 ) for locally heating a target zone within the portion of the subject of interest ( 120 ), and a control unit ( 126 ) for controlling the MR imaging system ( 110 ) and the hyperthermia device ( 111 ), wherein the diagnostic imaging system ( 100 ) is adapted to provide a diagnostic image representation of the portion of the subject of interest ( 120 ) by correlating image representations obtained at different temperatures of the target zone, wherein the diagnostic image representation comprises information on temperature dependent changes of the metabolism of the subject of interest ( 120 ). The invention further provides a treatment system comprising the above diagnostic imaging system ( 100 ), a treatment module ( 146 ) for applying a treatment to the subject of interest ( 120 ) for destroying cells within the target zone, and a control module ( 126 ) for controlling the treatment module ( 146 ) for applying the treatment based on diagnostic image representations obtained by the diagnostic imaging system ( 100 ). Accordingly, changes of the metabolism of the subject of interest can be evaluated to direct a treatment to such areas, where the cells have not yet been destroyed as desired. By comparing the difference of the above measurements between the first and the second temperature, the efficiency of the treatment can be evaluated and the further treatment can be adapted based on the metabolism changes.

High-intensity focused ultrasound irradiation

The present invention provides n ultrasonic treatment device ( 10 ) for heating a portion of a subject of interest, comprising a ultrasonic irradiation unit ( 12 ) for generating high-intensity focused ultrasonic irradiation, whereby a beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation is movable along a trajectory for depositing ultrasonic energy within a target zone ( 22 ) of the subject of interest, and a control unit ( 20 ) for controlling the ultrasonic irradiation unit ( 12 ) to move the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory and to apply an ultrasonic dose to the target zone ( 22 ), wherein the control unit ( 20 ) is adapted to receive temperature information of the target zone ( 22 ) and to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit ( 12 ) based on the received temperature information, and the control unit ( 20 ) is adapted to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit ( 12 ) based on the temperature of a current ( 26 ) and at least one previous direction ( 28 ) of the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory. The invention further provides a corresponding method for ultrasonic treatment and an ultrasonic treatment system, comprising the above ultrasonic treatment device ( 10 ) and a diagnostic imaging device for providing temperature information of a target zone ( 22 ) of the subject of interest, wherein the control unit ( 20 ) of the ultrasonic treatment device ( 10 ) is adapted to receive the temperature information from the diagnostic imaging device. By looking at the temperature or a thermal dose distribution along a previous direction of the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory where the heating has been completed, an improved control of the treatment is achieved. Even if this previous sonication was different to the one currently applied, it represents a good indicator of the tissue and ultrasound system behavior.

Method and apparatus for delivery of agents across the blood brain barrier

We describe a method for opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using ultrasound and preformed microbubbles. With this method, diagnostic or therapeutic agents may be administered to the brain. This method can open a focal region of the BBB and administer agents in a targeted fashion or the method can open large regions (or the entirety) of the brain for more global administration of agents. In one embodiment, the method can be used to administer contrast agents (e.g., agents that increase or decrease the magnetic resonance imaging signal) to the brain and thereby improve the quality or information content of imaging data. In another embodiment, a standard clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanner can be used to open specific regions of the BBB and administer diagnostic or therapeutic agents. Importantly, this invention can open the BBB in a non-destructive/non-invasive fashion, allowing the subject to be awake and suffer no detectable side effects.

Energy delivery to intraparenchymal regions of the kidney

A method to apply a nerve inhibiting cloud surrounding a blood vessel includes creating a treatment plan, wherein the treatment plan prescribes application of the nerve inhibiting cloud towards at least a majority portion of a circumference of a blood vessel wall, and applying the nerve inhibiting cloud towards the majority portion of the circumference of the blood vessel wall for a time sufficient to inhibit a function of a nerve that surrounds the blood vessel wall.

Intravascular energy delivery

A method to apply a nerve inhibiting cloud surrounding a blood vessel includes creating a treatment plan, wherein the treatment plan prescribes application of the nerve inhibiting cloud towards at least a majority portion of a circumference of a blood vessel wall, and applying the nerve inhibiting cloud towards the majority portion of the circumference of the blood vessel wall for a time sufficient to inhibit a function of a nerve that surrounds the blood vessel wall.

Ultrasound based method and apparatus for stone detection and to facilitate clearance thereof

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.

Method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment of skin with ultrasound

A method and apparatus of reducing human skin wrinkles, including applying a focused ultrasound beam to a region of human skin to stimulate or irritate a dermis layer in the region of the skin without adversely damaging an epidermis layer in the region of the skin so as to cause a change in the dermis layer of the skin that results in a change in a smoothness of the epidermis layer of the skin. In particular, relatively low power, low frequency focused ultrasound is applied to the dermis layer for a period of time sufficient to cause a biological response in the body wherein the biological response causes synthesis and/or production of new connective tissue that results in reduction or elimination of human skin wrinkles.

Method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment of skin with ultrasound

A method and apparatus of reducing human skin wrinkles, including applying a focused ultrasound beam to a region of human skin to stimulate or irritate a dermis layer in the region of the skin without adversely damaging an epidermis layer in the region of the skin so as to cause a change in the dermis layer of the skin that results in a change in a smoothness of the epidermis layer of the skin. In particular, relatively low power, low frequency focused ultrasound is applied to the dermis layer for a period of time sufficient to cause a biological response in the body wherein the biological response causes synthesis and/or production of new connective tissue that results in reduction or elimination of human skin wrinkles.

Method and apparatus for therapeutic treatment of skin with ultrasound

A method and apparatus of reducing human skin wrinkles, including applying a focused ultrasound beam to a region of human skin to stimulate or irritate a dermis layer in the region of the skin without adversely damaging an epidermis layer in the region of the skin so as to cause a change in the dermis layer of the skin that results in a change in a smoothness of the epidermis layer of the skin. In particular, relatively low power, low frequency focused ultrasound is applied to the dermis layer for a period of time sufficient to cause a biological response in the body wherein the biological response causes synthesis and/or production of new connective tissue that results in reduction or elimination of human skin wrinkles.

Trigger point treatment method, system, and device for neuromusculoskeletal pain

A trigger point treatment system for treating a patient, includes a cart, including a display; a trigger point scanning device with a scanning probe, and a trigger point massage therapy device, including a pressure point tip, a pressure sensor component, and an actual pressure indicator. A method of trigger point treatment includes scanning for myofascial trigger points, including locating, mapping, and marking trigger points; measuring a pressure pain threshold; applying a massage treatment; and optionally applying an injection treatment.

System supporting treatment of a subject

The invention relates to a system 1 for planning a treatment of a subject 2. A treatment planning device 39 determines a treatment position of a treatment device like a needle or catheter which comprises an energy delivery element not completely encircling the treatment device. The determined treatment position is a position in a four-dimensional space being representable by three Cartesian coordinates and an angular coordinate defining the angular orientation of the treatment device with respect to a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The treatment device is then arranged in accordance with the treatment position. Since not only the three-dimensional position of the treatment device is determined, but also a rotational position of the treatment device with respect to a rotation of the treatment device around its longitudinal axis, the energy delivery can be very accurately planned, leading to a reduction of unwanted therapy side effects.

用于聚焦超声波治疗的换能器、系统和制造技术

用于从患者外部位置施加超声波能量到环绕血管中血流的区域的系统，该系统包括：包含多个换能器元件的治疗性超声波换能器；以及被配置为控制多个换能器元件的处理器；其中该处理器被配置为改变到换能器元件的相位输入，从而将换能器的聚焦在第一平面上移动至少1cm，并且在与第一平面正交的第二平面上移动至少1cm，该第一平面基本上沿着治疗性超声波换能器的换能器元件的平面；其中该处理器进一步被配置为根据系统的操作者预先确定的图样，将换能器的聚焦定位在与血管中的血流偏移的按次序的位置。

Dual mode ultrasound transducer (dmut) system and method for controlling delivery of ultrasound therapy

이중 모드 초음파 시스템은 트랜스듀서 어레이의 동일 트랜스듀서 요소들을 이용하여 실시간 이미징 및 치료 전달을 제공한다. 시스템은 다중 채널 구동기를 이용하여 어레이의 요소들을 구동할 수 있다. 시스템은 트랜스듀서 요소들의 이중 모드 초음파 어레이(DMUA)를 이용하여 얻은 이미징 데이터에 기초하여 치료의 실시간 모니터링 및 피드백 이미지 제어를 이용한다. 또한, 예를 들어, 이미징 및 치료 모드들 양자에서 다중 모드 코딩된 여기가 이용될 수 있다. 또한, 예를 들어, 개선된 이미징 및 치료를 위한 적응성 실시간 리포커싱이 예를 들어 DMUA 펄스-에코 데이터로부터 얻어진 어레이 지향성 벡터들을 이용하여 달성될 수 있다. Dual-mode ultrasound systems provide real-time imaging and therapeutic delivery using the same transducer elements in a transducer array. The system can drive the elements of the array using a multi-channel driver. The system utilizes real-time monitoring of treatment and feedback image control based on imaging data obtained using a dual mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Also, multi-mode coded excitation can be used, for example, in both imaging and treatment modes. Also, for example, adaptive real-time re-focusing for improved imaging and treatment can be achieved using array directional vectors obtained from, for example, DMUA pulse-echo data.

Ultrasonic stimulation device used in MRI Device

MRI 장치 내부에서 피험자의 뇌에 초음파 자극을 가하는 시술을 수행함에 있어, 하나의 초점으로 집속되는 집속 초음파를 조사하는 초음파 변환기의 위치를 지정하기 위한 가이드 부재는 피험자의 안면에 얹어지는 마스크 형태의 마스크 몸체와, 상기 초음파 변환기가 삽입될 수 있도록 상기 마스크 몸체의 내면과 외면을 관통하여 형성되는 위치 지정구를 포함하고, 상기 마스크 몸체의 내면은 피험자의 안면 윤곽을 본 따 형성되고, 상기 가이드 부재를 상기 피험자의 안면에 얹은 상태에서 상기 위치 지정구에 상기 초음파 변환기가 위치하면, 상기 초점의 위치가 기설정된 상기 뇌의 자극 부위에 자연히 위치하도록 한다. 초음파 자극 장치는, 하나의 초점으로 집속되는 집속 초음파를 조사하는 초음파 변환기와, 상기 초음파 변환기의 위치를 지정하기 위한 상기 가이드 부재를 포함한다. A guide member for designating a position of an ultrasonic transducer for irradiating a focused ultrasound focused on one focus in performing an operation of applying ultrasound stimulation to the subject's brain in the MRI apparatus includes a mask- And a position designating hole formed to penetrate the inner surface and the outer surface of the mask body so that the ultrasonic transducer can be inserted. The inner surface of the mask body is formed with a contour of the subject's face, When the ultrasound transducer is positioned on the face of the subject, the position of the focal point is naturally positioned in the predetermined stimulation region of the brain. The ultrasonic stimulation apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer for irradiating a focused ultrasonic wave to be focused at one focus and the guide member for designating the position of the ultrasonic transducer.

Apparatus and method for treating a patient with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

本发明涉及在超声治疗患者身体(P)的过程中在第二循环模式成像下避免伪影的装置(1)和方法。具体地以及除其他效果外，本发明还提供了充分控制的方式、尤其是打开和关闭空腔(7)中的流体循环(12)，从而避免伪影，同时仍然实现实际成像。

Percutaneous devices and methods to visualize, target and ablate nerves

Apparatuses for identifying nerve tissue and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus may include an elongate shaft having a distal region configured to be percutaneously deployed within a patient. An active imaging structure may be disposed on the distal region. The active imaging structure may be configured to remotely image nerve tissue by exciting a signal in nerve tissue from a percutaneous location and receiving the signal from a percutaneous location. The active imaging structure may include one or more probes.

Device including RF source of energy and vacuum system

A method of a soft tissue treatment comprises placing an applicator adjacent to a surface of a body part, the applicator including at least one electrode, providing a fastening mechanism fixing the applicator in contact with the body part, providing a radiofrequency energy by the at least one electrode causing a heating of the soft tissue, providing an electric current to the soft tissue by the at least one electrode causing a muscle contraction, and controlling heating of the soft tissue by the radiofrequency energy and parameters of the electric current provided by the at least one electrode via a control unit, wherein an energy flux density of the radiofrequency energy is in a range of 0.01 mW·mm −2 to 10 W·mm −2 and a frequency of the radiofrequency energy is in a range of 0.1 MHz to 25 GHz, and wherein the body part comprises a face or a chin.

Focused ultrasound therapy apparatus and method of controlling focal point

一种控制聚焦超声波治疗装置中的焦点的方法，所述方法包括：接收向其辐射超声波以去除病灶的目标区域；取决于目标区域的外形确定焦点在目标区域中移动通过的路径；以及在所确定的路径上形成焦点，然后向目标区域辐射超声波。

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment Head

고강도 집속 초음파 치료헤드를 개시한다. 고강도 집속 초음파 트랜스듀서의 고강도 초음파 방사 프레임은 고강도 초음파 방사면을 갖는다. 멤브레인은 고강도 초음파 방사면과의 사이에 초음파 전달매질을 수용하기 위한 수용공간을 형성한다. 이미징 트랜스듀서는 고강도 초음파 방사 프레임의 중앙을 관통해서 삽입된다. 초음파 전달매질 공급부는 외부의 초음파 전달매질을 수용공간 내로 공급하며, 초음파 전달매질을 고강도 초음파 방사면의 외측으로부터 고강도 초음파 방사면의 내측으로 분사하여 고강도 초음파 방사면 부근에서 유동시킨다. 초음파 전달매질 배출부는 이미징 트랜스듀서에 인접하게 배치되어 수용공간 내의 초음파 전달매질을 외부로 배출한다. A high intensity focused ultrasound therapy head is disclosed. The high intensity ultrasound radiation frame of the high intensity focusing ultrasonic transducer has a high intensity ultrasonic radiation surface. The membrane forms a receiving space for receiving the ultrasonic transmission medium between the high intensity ultrasonic wave emitting surface. The imaging transducer is inserted through the center of the high intensity ultrasound radiation frame. The ultrasound transmission medium supply unit supplies the external ultrasound transmission medium into the receiving space and injects the ultrasound transmission medium from the outside of the high intensity ultrasound emitting plane to the inside of the high intensity ultrasound emitting plane and flows near the high intensity ultrasound emitting plane. The ultrasonic transmission medium discharge portion is disposed adjacent to the imaging transducer to discharge the ultrasonic transmission medium in the accommodation space to the outside.

Method for operating a device for treatment of a tissue and device for treatment of a tissue

본 발명은 생체 조직(6)을 처리하기 위한 장치(1)를 동작시키기 위한 방법에 관한 것이며, 상기 장치(1)는 적어도 두 개의 하위 변환기(2', 2”)를 포함하는 변환기(2)를 포함하며, 상기 하위 변환기 각각은 상기 조직을 조사하기 위한 초음파 하위 빔(8”), 바람직하게는 고강도 집속 초음파를 방출하며, 상기 하위 빔들(8”) 각각은 초점(F) 상에 집속되거나 또는 집속가능하다. 피부 화상을 줄이기 위해 하위 빔(8”) 각각으로 피부 표면(7)의 교차 면적(A si )을 평가하고, 모든 하위 변환기(2, 2”)에 대한 상기 조사의 파워(P si ) 및/또는 기간(t si )을 상기 평가된 교차 면적(A si )에 의존하는 전체 파워(P total ) 또는 기간(t total )의 비율로서 결정한다.

Percutaneous devices and methods to visualize, target and ablate nerves

Apparatuses for identifying nerve tissue and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example apparatus may include an elongate shaft (124) having a distal region (120) configured to be percutaneously deployed within a patient. An active imaging structure (112, 114) may be disposed on the distal region. The active imaging structure may be configured to remotely image nerve tissue by exciting a signal in nerve tissue from a percutaneous location and receiving the signal from a percutaneous location. The active imaging structure may include one or more probes (102).

Intraluminal methods of ablating nerve tissue

Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced.

Intraluminal method and apparatus for ablating nerve tissue

Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced.

Ultrasonic Surgical Apparatus with Silicon Waveguide

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducing structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

Ultrasonic surgical apparatus with silicon waveguide

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducer structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

Ultrasonic surgical apparatus

Ultrasonic Surgical Apparatus and Methods for Use Thereof

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducing structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

Ultrasonic surgical apparatus and methods for use thereof

Ultrasound surgical apparatus are disclosed, including: medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal guide members for control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpieces with proximally mounted ultrasound radiators configured to create a distally-focused beam of ultrasound energy, in combination with distal rolling members for manipulability and control of focal point depth; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors providing a probe with a probe dilation region configured to have an average outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the average outside diameter of a probe tip and neck; as well as junctions to an ultrasonically inactive probe sheath; medical ultrasound handpiece assemblies with coupled end effectors having positionable, ultrasonically inactive probe sheath ends slidably operable to both cover and expose at least a probe tip; and ultrasound transducer cores including a transducing structure affixed to a longitudinally elongated, generally planar, single crystal or polycrystalline material waveguide.

High density focused ultrasound irradiation

Method and apparatus for treating a diseased nail

A diseased nail is treated using electromagnetic radiation and/or other forms of energy that are applied to the diseased area to eliminate, substantially eliminate or effectively reduce the source of disease in the nail. A sensor can be used to ensure proper placement of an applicator that applies the energy to the diseased area of the nail. A temperature monitor can be employed to monitor changes or temperature levels and then adjust the energy application accordingly. In additional, manual forms of adjustment can be used to control the application of energy.

Method and apparatus employing ultrasound energy to treat body sphincters

Methods and apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflex and other luminal conditions provide for delivering acoustic energy to a body lumen to remodel tissue surrounding the body lumen. In the case of treating GERD, a catheter carrying an ultrasonic or other vibrational transducer is introduced to the lower esophageal sphincter, and acoustic energy is delivered to the sphincter in order to tighten or bulk the sphincter such that reflex is reduced.

Apparatus for scanning a position

본 발명은 고강도 집중 초음파 치료시스템용 위치인식 스캔장치에 관한 것으로, 특히 고강도 집중 초음파 치료시스템의 3차원 위치인식, 5차원 정밀 스캔장치에 관한 것이다. 위치 측정용 초음파 탐침과 집속 초음파 변환기(focused ultrasonic transducer)는 내외 부시(inner/outer bush)를 통해 치료용 헤드 내부의 5차원 정밀 스캔장치의 지지대에 설치된다. 치료용 헤드는 양측의 회전부와 풀-푸쉬(pull-push)부를 통해 암에 연결되고, 암은 회전축과 원호형 궤도를 통해 연결판에 연결되고, 연결판은 직선형 가이드레일을 통해 기둥과 연결되어 시스템의 3차원 위치인식장치를 형성한다. 상기 장치는 고강도 집중 초음파 치료시스템 집속 초음파 변환기가 위에서 아래로의 치료방식을 구현하고 3차원 위치인식 후 시스템은 치료용 헤드 내부의 5차원 정밀 스캔 운동기구를 통해 환자의 병소(nidu)에 대해 위치 정밀 인식, 스캐닝, 이미지 형성 및 치료를 하고 집속 초음파 변환기는 위에서 아래로 치료 체위에 따른 요구를 충족시키고 시스템 정밀 스캔 치료과정에서 이동 오차를 줄인다. 스캔장치, 위치인식, 하이푸

Multi-beam neuromodulation techniques

The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for neuromodulation of a tissue that include applying energy (e.g., ultrasound energy) into the tissue at multiple regions of interest, concurrently or consecutively. The neuromodulation may result in tissue displacement, which may be observed through changes in one or more molecules of interest.

Multibeam neuromodulation techniques

本公开的主题主要涉及用于组织的神经调节的技术，所述技术包括并行或相继地在多个关注区域将能量(例如，超声能量)施加到组织中。神经调节可引起组织移位，这可以通过一种或多种关注分子的变化来观察。

HIFU system using by handheld type therapy ultrasonic transducer

본 발명은 소형 초음파용 고출력 다채널 위상 어레이(phased array) 트랜스듀서를 이용한 HIFU 시스템에 관한 것으로, 보다 상세히는, 소형 초음파용 고출력 다채널 위상 어레이 트랜스듀서를 위한 빔포밍 방법 및 상기 빔포밍 방법이 구현되는 다채널 트랜스듀서 드라이빙 시스템을 구비하며, 소형 초음파용 고출력 다채널 위상 어레이 트랜스듀서를 사용하여, 시술자가 HIFU 시스템을 휴대한 상태로 수술할 수 있도록 이루어져, 암 세포가 어디에 위치하던, 어떤 형태로 존재하던, 효과적으로 접근이 가능하도록 이루어진 HIFU 시스템에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은, 영상 트랜스듀서와 HIFU 트랜스듀서를 일체화된 초음파 트랜스듀서를 구비하는 HIFU 시스템에 있어서, HIFU 트랜스듀서는 초음파 트랜스듀서의 보드의 외곽부분에 위치되며, 영상 트랜스듀서는 초음파 트랜스듀서의 보드에서 상기 HIFU 트랜스듀서가 위치된 부분을 제외한 내측부분에 위치되는 초음파 트랜스듀서; 상기 영상 트랜스듀서의 각 소자들에 적용될 시간지연을 빔 스티어링(beamsteering) 공식을 통해서 구하여 초음파 빔신호를 생성하며, 상기 HIFU 트랜스듀서를 위해, 빔포커싱(beamfocusing) 공식을 이용하여 특정위치에 상기 HIFU 트랜스듀서의 초점을 형성하도록 HIFU 빔제어신호를 생성하는 빔형성기 제어부;를 포함하는 것을 특징으로 한다.

Mri-based feedback control of ultrasound based mechanical fractionation of biological tissue

Disclosed herein are example embodiments of devices, systems, and methods for mechanical fractionation of biological tissue using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feedback control. The examples may involve displaying an image representing first MRI data corresponding to biological tissue, and receiving input identifying one or more target regions of the biological tissue to be mechanically fractionated via exposure to first ultrasound waves. The examples may further involve applying the first ultrasound waves and, contemporaneous to or after applying the first ultrasound waves, acquiring second MRI data corresponding to the biological tissue. The examples may also involve determining, based on the second MRI data, one or more second parameters for applying second ultrasound waves to the biological tissue, and applying the second ultrasound waves to the biological tissue according to the one or more second parameters.

System for enhancing radiation therapy of target tissue

一种用于增强目标组织的放射治疗的系统包括识别目标组织的目标体积；引起限定至目标体积的区域中的血管组织的破坏从而限定目标体积；至少部分地基于血管组织的破坏，确定用于治疗目标组织的具有减小的辐射剂量的放射治疗方案目标；以及基于该放射治疗方案将目标体积暴露至减小的辐射剂量。

Method for operating a device for treatment of a tissue and device for treatment of a tissue

본 발명은 생체 조직(6)을 처리하기 위한 장치(1)를 동작시키기 위한 방법에 관한 것이며, 상기 장치(1)는 적어도 두 개의 하위 변환기(2', 2”)를 포함하는 변환기(2)를 포함하며, 상기 하위 변환기 각각은 상기 조직을 조사하기 위한 초음파 하위 빔(8”), 바람직하게는 고강도 집속 초음파를 방출하며, 상기 하위 빔들(8”) 각각은 초점(F) 상에 집속되거나 또는 집속가능하다. 피부 화상을 줄이기 위해 하위 빔(8”) 각각으로 피부 표면(7)의 교차 면적(A si )을 평가하고, 모든 하위 변환기(2, 2”)에 대한 상기 조사의 파워(P si ) 및/또는 기간(t si )을 상기 평가된 교차 면적(A si )에 의존하는 전체 파워(P total ) 또는 기간(t total )의 비율로서 결정한다. The present invention relates to a method for operating a device (1) for processing living tissue (6), said device (1) comprising a transducer (2) comprising at least two sub-transducers (2', 2") wherein each of the sub-transducers emits an ultrasound sub-beam 8 ″, preferably a high-intensity focused ultrasound wave, for irradiating the tissue, and each of the sub-beams 8 ″ is focused on a focal point F or or concentrating. Estimate the area of intersection (A si ) of the skin surface 7 with each of the sub-beams 8” to reduce skin burns, the power of the irradiation P si for all sub-transducers 2, 2” and/ or determine the duration t si as a proportion of the total power P total or duration t total that depends on the estimated crossover area A si .

Ablation array with independently operated ablation elements

Therapeutic ultrasound device and uses thereof

本发明揭示一种治疗型超声波装置，其由至少一可组装的弧形超声波换能器所组成，该可组装的弧形超声波换能器包含一突出部、一凹部及多个压电振动部，该突出部及该凹部分别位于该可组装的弧形超声波换能器的两端，且所述多个压电振动部位于该可组装的弧形超声波换能器的内侧弧面；通过不同数量的该可组装的弧形超声波换能器搭配使用，或于相互组接后获得一环形超声波换能器，即可因应各种不同组织相应的躯体大小及焦区需求，而广泛应用在各种不同适应症的治疗上。

Medical combined stimulator

A combination type medical stimulator is provided to control automatically physical stimulation according to the skin state of a user and to prevent overcurrent by properly restraining the magnitude of current. In a combination type medical stimulator, an ultrasonic scan unit(320) finds out a spot where current flows intensively, automatically scans frequency at predetermined intervals within a range of 20~30kHz by using the series resonance characteristic that the maximum current flows in a maximum resonant point, according to a control signal, memorizes the scanned frequency as tuned frequency, and performs ultrasonic treatment by the tuned frequency. A sequential scan unit(330) automatically inspects the resistance characteristic of ionic materials coming into contact with resistance of the skin according to the control signal, scans the magnitude of the current penetrating through the skin at 20~1000muA and fixes the scanned current as proper current, and keeps a fixed value constant. A main control unit(110) performs the correspondent operation by outputting the control signal to the ultrasonic scan unit or the sequential scan unit according to a user's choice, shows the operation state in real time through a display device, and executes the entire control operation.

It focuses ultrasonic wave and applies art device

本实用新型公开聚焦超声波施术装置，上述聚焦超声波施术装置包括：施术手持件，被用作施术人员的把手；匣盒，形成有产生聚焦超声波的超声波治疗部，呈圆柱或杆形状，以拆装的方式与上述施术手持件相结合；窗，形成于上述匣盒，用于通过从上述好声波治疗部产生的聚焦超声波；以及驱动器，以使超声波治疗部进行前后运动的方式使超声波治疗部驱动，匣盒还包括如下部件中的至少一个：检测器，用于检测匣盒是否在阴道内部位于正常位置；图像探针，使从阴道皮肤表面规定深度的皮肤组织影像化；以及缓冲部，由柔性材质形成。

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN ACOUSTIC COUPLING DEFECT BETWEEN AN ULTRASOUND DEVICE AND A TISSUE TO BE TREATED

La présente invention concerne appareil de traitement d’une pathologie comprenant : un dispositif de génération d’ultrasons (1), une unité de commande (2) distante pour délivrer de l’électricité au dispositif (1), des moyens de connexion électrique (31, 32) entre le dispositif (1) et l’unité de commande (2), remarquable en ce que l’unité de commande (2) est programmée pour évaluer une qualité de couplage acoustique entre le dispositif ultrasonore (1) et un tissu à traiter. The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a pathology comprising: an ultrasound generation device (1), a remote control unit (2) for delivering electricity to the device (1), electrical connection means ( 31, 32) between the device (1) and the control unit (2), remarkable in that the control unit (2) is programmed to evaluate a quality of acoustic coupling between the ultrasonic device (1) and a tissue to be treated.

Ultrasound therapy head with movement control

公开一种用于HIFU治疗的治疗头。该治疗头具有带一窗的壳体，一能量施放器，用于在壳体里移动能量施放器的装置。该治疗头使用马达和致动器以在壳体里移动能量施放器、通常的超声换能器。在内部或外部提供一控制器，以允许治疗头识别和区别治疗头应该辐射能量至病人的位置。该控制器使用马达和致动器，以便将能量施放器移动至理想的位置。

Therapeutics reservoir

A method and system of forming at least one therapeutic reservoir in a target tissue by trapping therapeutics in at least a portion of said target tissue by selectively applying energy to said target tissue. Optionally, trapping comprises preventing said therapeutics in said target tissue from being carried away by a circulation. The system can include a catheter with both an ultrasonic element and a drug delivery port, optionally connected to control circuitry.

Dual mode ultrasound transducer (dmut) system and method for controlling delivery of ultrasound therapy

이중 모드 초음파 시스템은 트랜스듀서 어레이의 동일 트랜스듀서 요소들을 이용하여 실시간 이미징 및 치료 전달을 제공한다. 시스템은 다중 채널 구동기를 이용하여 어레이의 요소들을 구동할 수 있다. 시스템은 트랜스듀서 요소들의 이중 모드 초음파 어레이(DMUA)를 이용하여 얻은 이미징 데이터에 기초하여 치료의 실시간 모니터링 및 피드백 이미지 제어를 이용한다. 또한, 예를 들어, 이미징 및 치료 모드들 양자에서 다중 모드 코딩된 여기가 이용될 수 있다. 또한, 예를 들어, 개선된 이미징 및 치료를 위한 적응성 실시간 리포커싱이 예를 들어 DMUA 펄스-에코 데이터로부터 얻어진 어레이 지향성 벡터들을 이용하여 달성될 수 있다. Dual-mode ultrasound systems provide real-time imaging and therapeutic delivery using the same transducer elements in a transducer array. The system can drive the elements of the array using a multi-channel driver. The system utilizes real-time monitoring of treatment and feedback image control based on imaging data obtained using a dual mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Also, multi-mode coded excitation can be used, for example, in both imaging and treatment modes. Also, for example, adaptive real-time re-focusing for improved imaging and treatment can be achieved using array directional vectors obtained from, for example, DMUA pulse-echo data.

Ultrasound therapy head with movement control

HIFU 절차에서 사용되는 치료 헤드가 개시된다. 치료 헤드는, 창을 가진 엔클로져와, 에너지 어플리케이터 및 상기 엔클로져 내에서 상기 에너지 어플리케이터를 이동시키기 위한 수단을 구비한다. 치료 헤드는 엔클로져 내에서 에너지 어플리케이터, 보통 초음파 트랜스듀서를 이동시키기 위하여 모터 및 액츄에이터를 사용한다. 컨트롤러는 치료 헤드가 위치를 확인하고 구별하도록 내부 또는 외부에 제공되어, 치료 헤드는 환자에게 에너지를 방사하도록 되어야 한다. 에너지 어플리케이터를 요구되는 위치로 이동시키기 위하여 컨트롤러는 모터 및 액츄에이터를 사용한다. A treatment head for use in a HIFU procedure is disclosed. The treatment head includes an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator, and means for moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The treatment head uses a motor and actuator to move an energy applicator, usually an ultrasonic transducer, within the enclosure. The controller must be provided internally or externally so that the treatment head can identify and distinguish the position so that the treatment head can radiate energy to the patient. The controller uses a motor and actuator to move the energy applicator to the required position.

High-intensity focused ultrasound irradiation

The present invention provides n ultrasonic treatment device (10) for heating a portion of a subject of interest, comprising a ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) for generating high-intensity focused ultrasonic irradiation, whereby a beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation is movable along a trajectory for depositing ultrasonic energy within a target zone (22) of the subject of interest, and a control unit (20) for controlling the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) to move the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory and to apply an ultrasonic dose to the target zone (22), wherein the control unit (20) is adapted to receive temperature information of the target zone (22) and to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) based on the received temperature information, and the control unit (20) is adapted to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) based on the temperature of a current (26) and at least one previous direction (28) of the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory. The invention further provides a corresponding method for ultrasonic treatment and an ultrasonic treatment system, comprising the above ultrasonic treatment device (10) and a diagnostic imaging device for providing temperature information of a target zone (22) of the subject of interest, wherein the control unit (20) of the ultrasonic treatment device (10) is adapted to receive the temperature information from the diagnostic imaging device. By looking at the temperature or a thermal dose distribution along a previous direction of the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory where the heating has been completed, an improved control of the treatment is achieved. Even if this previous sonication was different to the one currently applied, it represents a good indicator of the tissue and ultrasound system behavior.

Device including rf source of energy and vacuum system

Systems and methods for a soft tissue treatment of a patient are provided herein. The device for a soft tissue treatment may include an applicator having at least one electrode, a fastening mechanism to fix the applicator to a body part of the patient, and a control unit having a microprocessor to control the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode may provide radiofrequency energy and pulsed electric current. The radiofrequency energy may cause a heating of a soft tissue. The electric current may cause contraction of a muscle within the body part. The body part may be a face.