Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080200806 | Medical Treatment Using An Ultrasound Phased Array - A medical system and method for treating a disorder of a subject by thermal ablation, e.g., focused ultrasound thermal ablation, are provided. The method includes obtaining medical images that include at least one image of subject's chest and ribs to reconstruct a three-dimensional chest-rib distribution; and applying ultrasound waves on a target point beyond the subject's ribs by selectively activating one or more elements of an ultrasound phased array to avoid ultrasonic energy absorption or reflection by an intervening rib based on a calculation of a relationship between the three-dimensional chest-rib distribution and an acoustic emission direction. | 08-21-2008 |
20080208052 | Systems and methods for improving image-guided tissue ablation - The cryosurgical kit and method of use relates to the combined use of biodegradable, imageable, drug(s) carriers, vectors or microcapsules deposited into a target tissue region inside a body and the controlled cooling of the target tissue region. A minimally invasive method of treatment that applies a cooling device to a selected tissue region, uses a vibrating resonant frequency delivery device to inject drug(s) carriers (microcapsules) containing therapeutic and contrast agents into tissue region(s) submitted to cooling temperatures, successive real-time imaging of the microcapsule deposition and later detection of the progressive degradation of microcapsules with ultrasound imaging which provides estimation of sustained release rates and for planning re-dosing regimens. The thermosensitive microcapsules preferably contain ethiodol, a contrast agent for Ultrasound and/or X-Ray imaging, and cytotoxic drug(s). | 08-28-2008 |
20080221448 | Image-guided delivery of therapeutic tools duing minimally invasive surgeries and interventions - Imaged-guided therapy for minimally invasive surgeries and interventions is provided. An image-guided device includes an elongate tubular member, such as a catheter, an annular array of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (cMUTs) for real-time three-dimensional forward-looking acoustic imaging, and a therapeutic tool. The therapeutic tool is positioned inside an inner lumen of the elongate tubular member and can be a device for tissue ablation, such as a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device or a laser. The HIFU device is operable at high frequencies to have a sufficiently small focus spot, thus a high focal intensity. The imaging annular array is also operable at high frequencies for good acoustic imaging resolution. The high resolution forward-looking imaging array, in combination with the high frequency HIFU transducer, provides a single image-guided therapy device for precise tissue ablation and real-time imaging feedback. | 09-11-2008 |
20080234579 | Interactive Ultrasound-Based Depth Measurement For Medical Applications - A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path. | 09-25-2008 |
20080249409 | Method of Using a Combination Imaging and Therapy transducer to Dissolve Blood Clots - A combined ultrasound imaging and therapy transducer includes a linear array of imaging transducer elements. First and second linear arrays of therapy transducer elements extend longitudinally along respective first and second sides of the imaging transducer elements and are canted inwardly toward each other. The imaging and therapy transducer is used with an ultrasound imaging system to locate clots in a region of interest. After the region of interest has been perfused with a microbubble contrast agent, the therapy transducer elements are driven by an amplifier located in the transducer to dissolve the clot. The use of the imaging transducer elements and the therapy transducer elements can be interleaved so that the therapy can be conditioned on an ultrasound image showing substantial destruction of the contrast agent microbubbles, re-perfusion of microbubbles in the region of interest, or the continued presence of the clot. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255449 | Ablation Devices and Methods With Ultrasonic Imaging - Ablation apparatus such as a catheter ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080255450 | Handpiece for Ultrasonic Electro-Medical Apparatuses - The proposed handpiece ( | 10-16-2008 |
20080262349 | Ultrasonic Cancer Treatment Enhancer and Cell Killer - There is provided an ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer that can significantly improve the effect of treating cancer by ultrasonic irradiation while ensuring a high level of safety. The ultrasonic cancer treatment enhancer and cell killer comprise metal semiconductor particles and can be activated upon ultrasonic irradiation to kill or destruct cancer cells. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262350 | Ultrasound Apparatus and Method to Treat an Ischemic Stroke - An apparatus and a method are disclosed to treat a patient sustaining cerebral ischemia or an ischemic stroke in the brain. The method supplies an ultrasound emitting device | 10-23-2008 |
20080269607 | Ultrasonic Treatment Apparatus - An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a trace and follow computing unit | 10-30-2008 |
20080269608 | Non-Invasive Treatment of Fascia - Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body, and focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern. | 10-30-2008 |
20080275341 | Device for X-Ray Brachytherapy, and Method for Positioning a Probe Introduced Into a Body for X-Ray Brachytherapy - In a system and method for x-ray brachytherapy, a probe is introduced into the body of a subject, the probe carrying an x-ray source that radiates x-rays into an exposure area outside of the probe within the body of the subject. A number of markers are located in or on the probe, that are detectable in an image generated by an imaging device. The markers are located in or on the probe in a known spatial relation to the exposure area, so that the position of the exposure area can be determined by identifying the markers in the displayed image. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275342 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASOUND TREATMENT WITH A MULTI-DIRECTIONAL TRANSDUCER - A method and system for ultrasound treatment utilizing a multi-directional transducer to facilitate treatment, such as therapy and/or imaging or other tissue parameter monitoring, in two or more directions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a multi-directional transducer comprises at least two transduction elements configured to provide for ultrasound energy, such as radiation, acoustical energy, heat energy, imaging, positional information and/or tissue parameter monitoring signals in two or more directions. The transduction elements can comprise various materials for providing ultrasound energy or radiation, such as piezoelectric materials, with and without matching layers. In addition, the transduction elements can be configured for substantially uniform, focused and/or defocused radiation patterns, as well as for single, multiple-element and/or multiple-element array configurations. In addition, an exemplary multi-directional transducer can comprise multiple elements, either side by side, stacked or in an array. | 11-06-2008 |
20080275343 | Percussion assisted angiogenesis - The present invention relates to a new non-invasive method for inducing angiogenesis and more particularly coronary angiogenesis wherein an operator applies localized percussion upon the upper torso proximate an ischemic myocardial region, whereby the percussive forces penetrate to cause sheer stresses to the endothelium of the coronaries which lie thereupon, and thereby cause new coronary growth by virtue of endogenous liberation of beneficial angiogenic mediators. A pair of vibratory contacts are advantageously applied to rib-spaces to either side of the sternum (or alternatively to the upper back), where-after percussion is applied at the resonance frequency of the heart/epimyocardium at a displacement amplitude of 0.1 mm-15 mm (preferably greater than 1 mm), such as to maximize an internal oscillatory effect. The system is also adaptable for cerebral and peripheral vasculature applications. Ultrasonic imaging may optionally be utilized to direct percussive therapy. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281199 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DUAL SHOCK SOURCE LITHOTRIPSY SYSTEM - A system and method is provided for presenting a patient with lithotripsy medical treatments. The patient is placed upon a patient table for a lithotripsy treatment such that a region of the patient's body may be targeted with the lithotripsy system. The lithotripsy system may include either a first therapy head or a second therapy head. The therapy head included in the system is moveably coupled within the lithotripsy system to provide fine adjustments to shockwave projections of the therapy head. The therapy head may be adjusted such that a specific target area in a patient treatment region may be locked in for shockwave treatment. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281200 | Elevated coupling liquid temperature during HIFU treatment method and hardware - A medical procedure utilizes a high-intensity focused ultrasound instrument having an applicator surface, a liquid-containing bolus or expandable chamber acting as a heat sink, and a source of ultrasonic vibrations, the applicator surface being a surface of a flexible wall of the bolus, the source of ultrasonic vibrations being in operative contact with the bolus. The applicator surface is placed in contact with an organ surface of a patient, the source is energized to produce ultrasonic vibrations focused at a predetermined focal region inside the organ, and a temperature of liquid in the bolus is controlled while the applicator surface is in contact with the organ surface to control temperature elevation in tissues of the organ between the focal region and the organ surface to necrose the tissues to within a desired distance from the organ surface. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281201 | Non-invasive ultrasonic body contouring - A methodology and system for lysing adipose tissue including directing ultrasonic energy at a multiplicity of target volumes within the region, which target volumes contain adipose tissue, thereby to selectively lyse the adipose tissue in the target volumes and generally not lyse non-adipose tissue in the target volumes and computerized tracking of the multiplicity of target volumes notwithstanding movement of the body. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281202 | Transducer Cuff for Guidance and Application of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Control of Bleeding Due to Severed Limbs - An ultrasonic diagnostic and therapy system is described for stopping the bleeding of severely damaged blood vessels or vessels severed in a limb amputation. A cuff ( | 11-13-2008 |
20080287793 | Low frequency vibration assisted blood perfusion emergency system - A non-invasive vibrator comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz, and a phased array ultrasonic imaging transducer operatively connected to said vibration source, such as to enable targeting of vibration via an image generated on an ultrasonic display. The preferred vibrator is operable at a frequency greater than 20 Hz and an amplitude greater than 1 mm, such as to provide an effective, deeply penetrative transthoracic tool in remediation of blood flow disturbances within the thoracic cavity (such as acute myocardial infarction). In a variation, means for emitting a therapeutic low frequency ultrasonic waveform in concert with vibration in the range of 1-1000 Hz (wherein both waveforms are simultaneously directed by high frequency ultrasonic imaging) is also provided. | 11-20-2008 |
20080287794 | METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING AN IMAGING ND NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A method for implementing an imaging and navigation system to perform a medical procedure such as cardiac ablation is disclosed herein. The a method includes implementing an ultrasonic imaging device to provide a generally real time three-dimensional patient image, identifying a target site on the generally real time three-dimensional patient image, directing a medical instrument to the target site using a tracking system, and performing a medical procedure at the target site. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294044 | Treatment of breast disease with vibrating device - An elongate probe, with a suction channel extending longitudinally along the probe, is inserted into a patient so that a distal tip of the probe is in contact with a fibroid mass inside the patient. Thereafter the probe is ultrasonically vibrated so that the distal tip has an excursion amplitude or distance greater than 275 microns. During probe vibration, suction is applied to the channel at a vacuum level greater than 24″ Hg to thereby maintain the target tissue mass in engagement with the distal tip during the vibrating of the probe and enable ablation of at least a selectable portion of the target tissue mass. | 11-27-2008 |
20080319316 | Combination Imaging and Therapy Transducer - A combined ultrasound imaging and therapy transducer includes a linear array of imaging transducer elements. First and second linear arrays of therapy transducer elements extend longitudinally along respective first and second sides of the imaging transducer elements and are canted inwardly toward each other. The imaging and therapy transducer is used with an ultrasound imaging system to locate clots in a region of interest. After the region of interest has been perfused with a microbubble contrast agent, the therapy transducer elements are driven by an amplifier located in the transducer to dissolve the clot. The use of the imaging transducer elements and the therapy transducer elements can be interleaved so that the therapy can be conditioned on an ultrasound image showing substantial destruction of the contrast agent microbubbles, re-perfusion of microbubbles in the region of interest, or the continued presence of the clot. | 12-25-2008 |
20090018446 | TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND ABLATION PROBE - Transrectal ultrasound probes, systems and related methods. A probe includes an anisotropic balloon that defines a cavity for receiving a probe body that carries an ultrasound transducer. A vent tube is attached to or integral with, an outer surface of the anisotropic balloon. The balloon is structured to have inflation and elasticity characteristics that allow air bubbles between the balloon and rectal wall to be pushed away to form an improved acoustic interface while allowing bowel gas to be vented through the vent tube. | 01-15-2009 |
20090030311 | Ultrasonic end effectors with increased active length - An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion includes a proximal end segment of the end effector and a distal end segment of the end effector, and the proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion includes an insert segment of the end effector composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer. An insert segment or a pad is positioned adjacent to the blade such that it engages the blade when the surgical instrument is in a closed position and generates heat filling the nodal energy gap. | 01-29-2009 |
20090030312 | IMAGE-GUIDED INTRAVASCULAR THERAPY CATHETERS - An intravascular ultrasound catheter having an imaging array and ablation electrodes is provided. The imaging array and ablation electrodes are forward facing and the catheter can be used to ablate plaque in partially or totally occluded blood vessels under real time ultrasound visualization. The ablation electrodes are integrated into the distal face of the catheter and allow ultrasound to pass through them, which provides the ability to achieve highly accurate real time visualization of the tissue undergoing treatment. | 01-29-2009 |
20090036773 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ENGAGEMENT AND COUPLING OF AN INTRACAVITORY IMAGING AND HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND PROBE - A combined imaging/HIFU probe includes an imaging scan head, a HIFU transducer, and an outlet port that delivers a flow of fluid across the HIFU transducer. At least a portion of the body cavity is filled with fluid in which the probe is immersed. The fluid provides a coupling for transmission of ultrasound energy between the probe and the patient. A flow of fluid may also be used to flush obstructions from an area of tissue near the HIFU transducer. Further described herein is a cuff to help retain fluid in the body cavity, a regulator to regulate fluid flow with respect to the body cavity according to a desired fluid pressure, and a cover for the HIFU transducer that has at least one perforation defined therethrough to allow fluid to flow through the cover. Further disclosed herein are methods of deploying a combined imaging/HIFU probe in a body cavity. | 02-05-2009 |
20090036774 | CONTROLLED HIGH EFFICIENCY LESION FORMATION USING HIGH INTENSITY ULTRASOUND - An ultrasound system used for both imaging and delivery high intensity ultrasound energy therapy to treatment sites and a method for treating tumors and other undesired tissue within a patient's body with an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device has an ultrasound transducer array disposed on a distal end of an elongate, relatively thin shaft. In one form of the invention, the transducer array is disposed within a liquid-filled elastomeric material that more effectively couples ultrasound energy into the tumor, that is directly contacted with the device. Using the device in a continuous wave mode, a necrotic zone of tissue having a desired size and shape (e.g., a necrotic volume selected to interrupt a blood supply to a tumor) can be created by controlling at least one of the f-number, duration, intensity, and direction of the ultrasound energy administered. This method speeds the therapy and avoids continuously pausing to enable intervening normal tissue to cool. | 02-05-2009 |
20090048514 | DEVICE FOR ULTRASOUND MONITORED TISSUE TREATMENT - Apparatus is provided for lipolysis and body contouring of a subject. The apparatus includes a housing adapted for placement on tissue of the subject. The apparatus also includes a plurality of acoustic elements disposed at respective locations with respect to the housing, including at least a first and a second subset of the acoustic elements, wherein the first subset is configured to transmit energy in a plane defined by the housing, such that at least a portion of the transmitted energy reaches the second subset. Other embodiments are also described. | 02-19-2009 |
20090054772 | Focused Ultrasound Therapy System - The present invention pertains to an ultrasound therapy system and more specifically, to a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy apparatus guided by image registration and fusion method. The therapy system of the present invention comprises a central control means; an acoustic energy applicator; a mechanical driving and locating means of said acoustic energy applicator; a real-time B-mode ultrasound image guiding device. Further the therapy system of the present invention comprises an immobilization means for body position. By the help of this immobilization means for body position, real-time B-mode ultrasound images can be registered with diagnosis images, and then on the basis of registration, said B-mode ultrasound images are fused with said diagnosis images for guiding said therapy. Comparing to the existed technical solutions in this field, the present invention has effectively solved the difficult problems in high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy and particularly for tumor treatment with a low cost. And it provides a very practical technical solution, which can be easily applied to clinical treatment of tumors. | 02-26-2009 |
20090054773 | Medical Treatment Device - A medical treatment device inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel of an ultrasonic endoscope inserted into a body cavity for treating an organ in the body cavity comprises a treatment probe having an electrode portion inserted and stuck into the organ in the body cavity through the treatment instrument insertion channel of the ultrasonic endoscope for radio-frequency cautery treatment of a tissue in the organ and an ultrasonic reflection portion formed on the surface of the electrode portion of the treatment probe for reflecting an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic endoscope. | 02-26-2009 |
20090069677 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TISSUE CHANGE MONITORING DURING HIFU TREATMENT - A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the presence of tissue change due to exposure to HIFU Therapy. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069678 | Method and Apparatus for Ultrasonic Drug Delivery and Medical Diagnostic Imaging Apparatus - According to the present invention, there are provided an ultrasonic drug delivery method and an ultrasonic drug delivery apparatus each capable of performing more localized and efficient drug-delivery with the aid of ultrasonic irradiation under static pressure, which increases the effect of drug delivery to deep tissue parts in treatment by ultrasonic irradiation to a living body for delivery of drugs such as nucleic acids (such as DNA, RNA, decoys, and RNAi), proteins and pharmaceutical compounds, and there is also provided a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus. | 03-12-2009 |
20090076390 | INTEGRATED ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND ABLATION PROBE - A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. In addition, the system includes a medical imaging system operationally coupled to the catheter and having a display area and a user interface area, wherein the medical imaging system is configured to facilitate defining a therapy pathway to facilitate delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest. | 03-19-2009 |
20090088636 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND ENERGY TO A TREATMENT SITE INTERNAL TO A PATIENT'S BODY - An apparatus for delivering HIFU energy may include a probe with a plurality of leaves that provide a bowl-shaped HIFU therapy transducer. In once case, pins may slide within grooves in the leaves to deploy the leaves. In another case, spines may be configured to slide in a channel defined in each leaf. In other cases, a spring or a shape memory alloy may be used to deploy the leaves. In another implementation, a probe may be fitted with a flexible material that couples the HIFU therapy transducer to the probe and allows the transducer to be drawn to the side of the probe for insertion. In another implementation, a probe may have one or more inflatable bladders that form the HIFU therapy transducer. In yet another implementation, a probe may have an imaging component and a HIFU therapy transducer disposed thereon that rotate, as a unit, about a hinge. | 04-02-2009 |
20090131789 | DEVICE FOR X-RAY BRACHYTHERAPY, AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING A PROBE INTRODUCED INTO A BODY FOR X-RAY BRACHYTHERAPY - In a method and a device for x-ray brachytherapy, a probe is inserted into the interior of the body of a subject, the probe carrying at its distal end an x-ray source that radiates x-rays into an exposure area in the body of the subject outside of the probe. The probe also contains an x-ray array that generates an ultrasound image representing at least a portion of the exposure area. A display device displays the ultrasound image to allow identification of the exposure area in the ultrasound image. | 05-21-2009 |
20090131790 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEPLOYING ECHOGENIC COMPONENTS IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING FIELDS - Systems and devices according to the present invention providing a needle deployment and visualization device, which includes: a shaft; an ultrasound imaging transducer extendable along at least a portion of the shaft for providing an image within a field of view; and a needle coupled and deployable from the shaft within the field of view. The needle has an artifact configured to preferentially reflect at least a portion of the ultrasound energy emanating from the ultrasound transducer back to the transducer in order to enhance imaging of the needle. | 05-21-2009 |
20090143677 | FLASHLIGHT VIEW OF AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE - A method for imaging an anatomical structure on a display, including acquiring an initial spatial representation of the anatomical structure and positioning an instrument in proximity to the anatomical structure. The method further includes determining a location of the instrument, and generating, in response to the location, an image of a part of the anatomical structure. The method includes appending the image to the initial spatial representation to display a combined spatial representation. | 06-04-2009 |
20090143678 | DEVICES FOR CREATING PASSAGES AND SENSING BLOOD VESSELS - Devices and methods are disclosed for creating passages in tissue and detecting blood vessels in and around the passages. The devices may be used to create channels for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, the devices may be used to sample tissue during biopsy or other medical procedures where perforating a blood vessel could result in injury to a patient. | 06-04-2009 |
20090149753 | CATHETER-BASED ACOUSTIC RADIATION FORCE IMPULSE SYSTEM - A probe, including an ablation element which is configured to perform ablation of tissue. The probe also includes an ultrasonic transducer, located in proximity to the ablation element, which is configured to transmit acoustic radiation force impulses (ARFIs) to the tissue, and to measure a displacement of the tissue in response to the ARFIs so as to monitor the ablation of the tissue. | 06-11-2009 |
20090149754 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS, RADIOFREQUENCY WAVE CAUTERY TREATMENT DEVICE, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT SYSTEM, AND ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT APPARATUS - An ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and for receiving ultrasonic waves; an image generator unit for generating an ultrasonic image based on the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe; a display unit for displaying an ultrasonic image generated by the image generator unit; and a biopsy needle for radiating radiofrequency waves. The ultrasonic diagnosis and treatment system includes a display controller unit for displaying on the display unit an ultrasonic image at the time of non-radiation of the radiofrequency waves generated based on the echo signals received by the ultrasonic probe at the time when the radiofrequency waves are not radiated from the biopsy needle, in place of the ultrasonic image at the time of radiation of the radiofrequency waves generated based on the echo signals received by the biopsy needle at the time of radiating the radiofrequency wave from the biopsy needle. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171202 | INTEGRATION OF CONTROL SOFTWARE WITH A MEDICAL DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171203 | Cryotherapy Insertion System and Method - Methods and systems for inserting therapeutic probes into a patient are present. Embodiments include an automated probe insertion system and a probe insertion guide comprising a moveable probe guide sleeve; a positioner for positioning said probe guide sleeve; and a controller operable to receive a definition of a locus within a body of a patient and to direct positioning and orienting of said probe guide sleeve so that a probe advanced through said sleeve will advance in direction of said locus. Cryosurgery applications are presented. | 07-02-2009 |
20090177085 | HISTOTRIPSY FOR THROMBOLYSIS - Methods for performing non-invasive thrombolysis with ultrasound using, in some embodiments, one or more ultrasound transducers to focus or place a high intensity ultrasound beam onto a blood clot (thrombus) or other vascular inclusion or occlusion (e.g., clot in the dialysis graft, deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, arterial embolus, bypass graft thrombosis or embolization, pulmonary embolus) which would be ablated (eroded, mechanically fractionated, liquefied, or dissolved) by ultrasound energy. The process can employ one or more mechanisms, such as of cavitational, sonochemical, mechanical fractionation, or thermal processes depending on the acoustic parameters selected. This general process, including the examples of application set forth herein, is henceforth referred to as “Thrombolysis.” | 07-09-2009 |
20090187103 | Contrast agent destruction effectiveness determination for medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging - The effectiveness of contrast agent destruction is determined. Locations of ineffectively destroyed contrast agents are identified. The response from undestroyed contrast agents may be distinguished from response from tissue due to saturation or from rapid perfusion. The locations may be highlighted on resulting images, indicating to the user locations not associated with perfusion. The user may make a diagnosis on perfusion rather than a lack of destruction of contrast agents. | 07-23-2009 |
20090198131 | 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. | 08-06-2009 |
20090216121 | Head for imaging and treating organs of living beings and method for making same - An imaging and treatment head for imaging and treating an organ or tissue of a living being, and usable in particular for treating tumors of the prostate or the thyroid, said head comprising: imaging means ( | 08-27-2009 |
20090216122 | Method and apparatus to control therapy of moving objects in living body - The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the generation of therapeutic energy waves when aimed at a moving target object inside the living body where some energy waves can miss their target if the object moves outside the energy waves' focal zone. The apparatus comprises of a therapy controller that is designed to connect with energy waves' generators to control energy waves' generation and also to receive the object position data through connection with a real-time medical imaging system. The invention offers precise targeting of moving objects and minimizes wasted energy waves and undesired adversary effects of aiming at other healthy tissues. The energy waves' therapy is intended for objects within a living body. The object is in particular selected from a concretion, an organ, a tissue, a diseased part or a tumor, notably a malignant tumor. | 08-27-2009 |
20090240145 | PRESSING MECHANISM AND ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a pressing mechanism capable of appropriately applying a pressing force to a predetermined position on a fractured bone. The pressing mechanism includes an annular belt detachably hung around a leg in which a shinbone (i.e., a target bone) is present, a deadweight connected to a lower end of the annular belt and having a weight value corresponding to a desired pressing force, and a mobile base positioned under the deadweight and movable in an up-and-down direction. If the mobile base moves downward, the deadweight separates from the mobile base and is brought into a free state where a pressing force acts on the target bone. If the mobile base moves upward, the deadweight is supported by the mobile base and the target bone is released from the pressing force. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240146 | MECHANICAL ARM - An interchangeable transducer for use with an ultrasound medical system having a keyless adaptor and capable of operating in a wet environment. The interchangeable transducer has an adaptor for engaging a medical system, an ultrasound transducer and additional electronics to provide a self-contained insert for easy replacement and usage in a variety of medical applications. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240147 | BRAIN STIMULATION ELECTRODE LINE AND INSERTION DEVICE FOR BRAIN STIMULATION ELECTRODE LINES - The invention relates to a brain stimulation electrode line ( | 09-24-2009 |
20090240148 | ULTRASONIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME SIMULTANEOUS THERAPY AND DIAGNOSIS - For noninvasive treatment of tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound, composite imaging and therapy acoustic techniques are described. Embodiments include an integrated multi-functional confocal array and a strategy to perform both imaging and therapy simultaneously with this array by using coded excitation techniques with/without a notch filter. An exemplary array embodiment includes a triple-row phased array with one array in the center row for imaging and two arrays in the outer rows for therapy. Different types of piezoelectric materials and stack configurations may be employed to maximize the respective therapy and imaging functionalities. Reflected therapeutic signals that would otherwise corrupt the quality of imaging signals received by the center-row array can be mitigated or removed by use of the coding and/or a notch filter when B-mode images are formed during therapy. A 13-bit Barker code is preferred for implementing coded excitation, although other codes or compression techniques may be used. | 09-24-2009 |
20090240149 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR HYPERTHERMALLY TREATING CELLS IN THE EYE WITH SIMULTANEOUS IMAGING - A method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells in the eye with simultaneous imaging. The heat (temperature) production inside the eye ( target) tissue is imaged. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue in a target site applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. In one embodiment, the composition releases the dye at a temperature of 42° C. to 50° C., and preferably about 45° C. to 49° C. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream of the patient to flow through the target site. | 09-24-2009 |
20090253988 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NONINVASIVE MASTOPEXY - Methods and systems for noninvasive mastopexy through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue region, such as a region comprising muscular fascia and ligaments. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 1 mm to 4 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 1 to 15 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof. | 10-08-2009 |
20090264755 | High-Intensity Ultrasonic Vessel Ablator Using Blood Flow Signal for Precise Positioning - The present invention relates to a precise blood vessel positioning and high-intensity focused ultrasound ablator by use of one ultrasound transducer. | 10-22-2009 |
20090275832 | Lithotripsy system with automatic 3D tracking - A lithotripsy system capable of 3D tracking monitors the acoustic reflection from the stone in order to focus the shock wave on the stone regardless of shock wave displacement or stone movement. The tracking and focusing is based on a phased array concept, allowing the lithotripsy head to remain stationary and well coupled to the body. | 11-05-2009 |
20090287080 | TREATMENT INSTRUMENT FOR ENDOSCOPE AND LYMPH NODE REMOVING METHOD - A treatment instrument for endoscope of the present invention includes a puncture needle having a barb. A lymph node removing method of the present invention includes: an insertion step, wherein an endoscope has an insertable insertion portion which is inserted into an esophagus or a trachea being a lumen inside the body of a subject; the step of inserting a distal end portion arranged at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope into the lumen; a confirmation step of confirming the position of a mediastinal lymph node by performing ultrasound scanning using an ultrasound transducer arranged at the distal end portion; an anchoring step of placing an anchoring device which has been inserted through a channel inside the insertion portion of the endoscope, on the mediastinal lymph node by performing the ultrasound scanning; a incision step of cutting a wall of the lumen to make a fistula; and a drawing-in step of drawing the mediastinal lymph node into the lumen with the anchoring device. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287081 | SUBMUCOSAL FIBROID ABLATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF MENORRHAGIA - Submucosal fibroids are selectively treated by introducing a visualization and ablation instrument into a patient's uterus. Many or all of the fibroids are visualized, and the submucosal fibroids are identified. The identified submucosal fibroids are then selectively targeted, typically using a needle on the visualization and ablation instrument. In this way, the patients can be treated for menorrhagia without prolonging the time to treat intramural and subserosal fibroids which typically aren't responsible for menorrhagia. | 11-19-2009 |
20090287082 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASONIC HARMONIC IMAGING FOR THERAPY GUIDANCE AND MONITORING - An ultrasound system is provided which includes a therapy ultrasound transducer and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer and operates in accordance with a method to direct the application of the therapy ultrasound. The method includes operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer to acquire a first ultrasound image; simultaneously operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer and therapy ultrasound transducer for a second interval to acquire a second ultrasound image; and determining a difference in the first and second images indicative of the pattern of the therapy ultrasound transducer signal. The difference in the images, which result from enhanced non-linearities and propagation distortions induced by the high intensity therapy ultrasound, can be obtained by subtracting the two images. A method is also provided for monitoring the progress of high intensity therapy ultrasound which evaluates transient changes due to in-situ heating as well as permanent changes which result from cell microstructure alteration. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292204 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECOGNIZING TISSUE STRUCTURE USING DOPPLER EFFECT - An apparatus, method and system comprising an imaging tool for imaging an interventional device and its target organ using Doppler ultrasound are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an imaging tool and an interventional medical device; in some embodiments the imaging tool itself may be an interventional device or may comprise components of the interventional device. The imaging tool comprises a vibratory transducer and a vibratable element. The vibratory transducer is energized to generate a vibration motion in the vibratable element at first imaging frequency, which in turn is capable of oscillating a target organ at a second imaging frequency, the imaging frequencies being detectable by an ultrasound imaging system with Doppler mode. In certain applications the vibratory transducer may be energized to vibrate at a therapeutic frequency to effect treatment of the target organ, for example to clear a lumenal or vascular stenosis or to penetrate a vascular occlusion. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299180 | Distance-determining method and treatment apparatus which uses said method - A method of determining the real distance between an emitter/receiver face ( | 12-03-2009 |
20090306502 | Head for Imaging and Treating Organs of Living Organisms and Production Method Thereof - An imaging and treatment head for imaging and treating an organ or tissue of a living being, and usable in particular for treating tumors of the prostate or the thyroid, said head comprising: imaging means ( | 12-10-2009 |
20090312637 | ULTRASOUND MONITORING AND FEEDBACK FOR MAGNETIC HYPERTHERMIA - A method and system of magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasound thermometry, the method comprising: acquiring a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to a tissue of interest ( | 12-17-2009 |
20090318804 | Cryotherapy Planning and Control System - The present invention relates to devices and methods for planning and supervising minimally invasive surgery. Included are enhancements to systems for planning, monitoring, and controlling cryosurgery. | 12-24-2009 |
20090318805 | BREATHING CIRCUIT WITH EMBEDDED ACOUSTIC REFLECTOMETER - An instrument may continuously monitoring acoustic reflections from within and/or beyond an intubation tube positioned within the mouth of a patient while the patient is breathing. The instrument may include an acoustic reflectometer configured to detect the acoustic reflections. An acoustic flow channel may contain the acoustic reflectometer within it. The acoustic flow channel may be configured to acoustically couple the acoustic reflectometer to an end of the intubation tube, but to substantially block the free flow of expiratory gas from the end of the intubation tube through the acoustic flow channel. A gas flow channel may be separate from the acoustic flow channel and may be configured to allow the free flow of expiratory gas from the end of the intubation tube through the gas flow channel. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326372 | Compound Imaging with HIFU Transducer and Use of Pseudo 3D Imaging - A medical imaging and therapy applicator is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the medical imaging and therapy applicator is that it can image target tissue of a patient with ultrasound imaging transducers. Another feature of the medical imaging and therapy applicator is that it can display the imaging information and provide therapeutic energy to the target tissue. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy applicator are also covered. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004536 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASOUND TISSUE TREATMENT - Disclosed is a method of treatment of soft tissue where at least two ultrasound transducers are applied to a tissue protrusion and operated to emit the protrusion ultrasound radiation in pulse or continuous operation mode. At least one of the transducers receives a portion of the ultrasound power emitted by the other transducer and transmitted through the protrusion. A controller analyzes the received portion of the ultrasound and employs the data for actively monitoring the ultrasound radiation with tissue coupling. Disclosed is also an apparatus enabling implementation of the method. | 01-07-2010 |
20100022876 | Systems and Methods for Noncontact Ablation - Systems and methods for noncontact ablation of tissues or materials in/on the body using a luminal catheter and a catheter inserted into the lumen. In one embodiment, the luminal catheter is an ablation catheter and the other catheter is a recording/measurement/positioning catheter. The luminal catheter incorporates a noncontact ablation element such as an ultrasonic transducer. The luminal catheter can be inserted through the skin and into the body (e.g., into the heart) and the recording/measurement/positioning catheter can be inserted into the lumen so that the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters are simultaneously positioned to record/measure the electrical activity of the target tissue and ablate the target tissue without causing the trauma that results from the introduction of additional catheters. Either of the ablation and recording/measurement/positioning catheters can be steerable, and either may incorporate recording/measurement electrodes. | 01-28-2010 |
20100030076 | Systems and Methods for Simultaneously Treating Multiple Target Sites - The emission intensities of groupings of transducer elements of an ultrasound transducer array are controlled based on targeting criteria in such a manner as to simultaneously create multiple discontiguous foci, each corresponding to one of a plurality of target sites. | 02-04-2010 |
20100036245 | IMAGE-GUIDED THERAPY DELIVERY AND DIAGNOSTIC NEEDLE SYSTEM - An automated system for delivery of seeds or other therapeutic or diagnostic capsules to internal organs of the patient's body for radiation brachytherapy includes a needling mechanism, a 2DOF robot, an ultrasound probe driver, a 5DOF passive platform, and an easy lock cart. The needling mechanism implants radioisotope seeds by its cannula and stylet driven by two moving stages pushed by DC motors with ball screw transmission. Force sensors are included for detecting insertion forces and bending force. In another embodiment, the needle is rotated for insertion into the patient and can also be used for tissue removal for biopsy. The two embodiments are usable together or separately. | 02-11-2010 |
20100036246 | Automatic fat thickness measurements - There is provided a system for lysing of adipose tissue that includes a fat measuring device adapted to automatically measure thickness of a fat layer in a target area of a subject, a transducer adapted to transmit focused ultrasound and a controller adapted to receive a measurement from said fat measuring device and to trigger said transducer to transmit focused ultrasound to said fat layer. | 02-11-2010 |
20100041988 | FEEDBACK LOOP FOR FOCUSED ULTRASOUND APPLICATION - A method is disclosed using a feedback loop for focused ultrasound application. The method includes the steps of determining a location of a target side within a body using ultrasound waves, applying focused ultrasound waves to the target site, determining a new location of the target site using further ultrasound waves, and adjusting the focused ultrasound waves in response to the new location of the target site. | 02-18-2010 |
20100041989 | USE OF ULTRASOUND AS AN ANTIVASCULAR AGENT - A method for detecting and disrupting fragile blood vessels formed as a result of tumor angiogenesis by manipulating an extent of tissue vascularity in vivo, the method includes targeting a region in need of manipulating the extent of vascularity of the tissue by a diagnostic imaging; visualizing said fragile blood vessels in the tissue; obtaining a characteristic of the tissue; and contacting the tissue with a therapeutic ultrasound producing an unfocused or mildly focused ultrasound beam having an intensity below 2.6 W/cm2, wherein the therapeutic ultrasound is emitted from an ultrasound unit in accordance with the characteristic of the tissue and thereby reducing the extent of vascularity of the tissue and disrupting said fragile blood vessels formed to support the tumor in the region of interest. | 02-18-2010 |
20100041990 | Needle Guides for Catheter Delivery - Provided are needle locks and methods of using the same for ultrasound guided catheter insertion. The needle locks hereof substantially immobilizes a needle relative to an ultrasound probe to permit manipulation of a catheter or other device through the needle. The needle locks of the present invention may be used in nerve block, venous catheter insertion procedures or other invasive procedures. | 02-18-2010 |
20100056914 | ULTRASONIC APPARATUS, A THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF INCREASING A WORKFLOW - The invention relates to an ultrasonic apparatus ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100063392 | ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ABLATION METHOD AND ULTRASOUND-GUIDED ABLATION SYSTEM - An ultrasound-guided ablation method captures an objective area to be ablated in an ultrasound scan area of an ultrasound transducer and delineates the objective area on an ultrasound image; specifies an ablation target area to display the ablation target area with a margin necessary for ablating the objective area on the ultrasound image processed by an ultrasound observation device and displayed on a display device; ablates, by an ablation device, the ablation target area displayed on the ultrasound image; and checks, on the ultrasound image, that an ablated area ablated by the ablation device has reached the ablation target area displayed on the ultrasound image. | 03-11-2010 |
20100069753 | Method and apparatus for detecting an acoustic obstruction - A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the presence of an acoustic obstruction and for treating tissue comprising emitting ultrasound energy from an ultrasound transducer towards a targeted tissue region, sensing reflected ultrasound energy, determining whether an acoustic obstruction is present between the ultrasound transducer and the targeted tissue, and administering a HIFU Treatment if there is no acoustic obstruction present. | 03-18-2010 |
20100069754 | APPARATUS FOR 3D ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND THERAPY - An apparatus for application of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and therapy comprising a two-dimensional ultrasound imaging array of transducer elements having an image signal transmitter and receiver that forms, steers and selectively focuses ultrasound beams to a three-dimensional moving or stationary spatial volume; one or more two-dimensional ultrasound therapy arrays of transducer elements, each array having a therapy signal transmitter that forms, steers and selectively focuses and delivers ultrasound therapy to the volume; wherein the location of the array of imaging and therapy transducer elements are known relative to one another; and a controller that controls the image transmitter and receiver to provide three-dimensional images of the volume and simultaneously independently controls each of the one or more therapy transmitters to deliver therapy to the volume. Also disclosed is a method of delivering ultrasound therapy to a biological tissue in a three-dimensional moving or stationary spatial volume utilizing the apparatus. | 03-18-2010 |
20100081933 | TREATING WEAKENED VESSEL WALL SUCH AS VULNERABLE PLAQUE OR ANEURYSMS - Described is a method of stabilizing blood vessel wall abnormality. The method includes ultrasonically heating at least a portion of the blood vessel wall having the abnormality; monitoring a parameter related to a property of at least a portion of the heated portion of the blood vessel wall; and stopping the heating when the monitored parameter changes by a predetermined factor or after the monitored parameter changes in a slow enough rate. The slow enough rate may be, for instance, a predetermined fraction of a maximal rate change observed during heating. | 04-01-2010 |
20100081934 | TREATMENT OF VASCULAR OCCLUSIONS USING ULTRASONIC ENERGY AND MICROBUBBLES - In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a vascular occlusion located at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises positioning an ultrasound catheter at the treatment site. The method further comprises delivering a microbubble therapeutic compound from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a first treatment phase. The method further comprises pausing the delivery of the microbubble therapeutic compound and delivering ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound catheter to the vascular occlusion during a second treatment phase while the delivery of microbubble therapeutic compound remains paused. | 04-01-2010 |
20100106019 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FEEDBACK CONTROL OF HIFU TREATMENTS - HIFU therapy to a desired tissue site is controlled based on detected changes in one or more characteristics of a received backscatter signal resulting from exposure of the tissue to HIFU or other interrogation signals. In one embodiment, the bloom of backscatter signals outward from a treatment region (e.g., towards the HIFU transducer) is detected and monitored. Once the bloom reaches a predetermined location, treatment is stopped. Other signal characteristics such as angular distribution of frequency components in the backscatter signal, changes in reflection, power required to saturate a tissue characteristic, changes in attenuation and changes in a cumulative energy distribution function of the backscatter signal that change as a result of the application of HIFU power are also used to control the delivery of HIFU signals in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosed technology. | 04-29-2010 |
20100113927 | ULTRASONIC APPARATUS - A high-quality image pickup is performed even when there is a strong reflector, and image pickup and therapy are performed without reducing overall sound pressure even when there is a site which should not be exposed to a high sound pressure. Data for setting a desired beam is acquired, the position and intensity of a site to be avoided are detected from the data, the position and intensity are converted into a desired beam shape, focus data to form a beam along the desired beam shape is calculated, and the focus data is used to perform image generation or treatment. | 05-06-2010 |
20100113928 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF ENERGY TO TISSUE WHILE COMPENSATING FOR COLLATERAL TISSUE - A tissue ablation method for treating atrial fibrillation in a patient comprises locating an ostium of a pulmonary vein and positioning an interventional catheter adjacent the ostium. The interventional catheter has an energy source. Collateral tissue adjacent the ostium is located and tissue around the ostium is ablated with energy from the energy source so as to form a contiguous lesion circumscribing the ostium. The lesion blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the tissue so as to reduce or eliminate the atrial fibrillation. The ablating is modified so as to avoid ablating or otherwise damaging the collateral tissue. | 05-06-2010 |
20100125198 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ABLATING BODY TISSUE - A transducer subassembly with combined imaging and therapeutic capabilities is disclosed. The subassembly includes heat sinks that are configured to maintain the transducer at a low operating temperature so that the transducer operates at high efficiency and also can handle a wider range of frequencies. The subassembly is also configured to allow cooling fluid to flow past the transducer element. One heat sink in the subassembly also acts as an acoustic matching layer and another heat sink acts as a backing. Alternatively, the second heat sink which acts as a backing is optional. The transducer is configured to transmit at one power level for imaging, and at a second power level for ablating. The transducer may comprise sub-elements transmitting at different power levels. The subassembly may be operated at one power level for imaging and a second power level for ablating. | 05-20-2010 |
20100130857 | DEVICE FOR USE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOID PROLAPSE - A device for use for the treatment of a hemorrhoid prolapse, particularly by HAL surgery, attaching a tightening suture, or a rubber band ligation, using a tube having a tube shell wall and a closing device having a closure shell wall enclosing a hollow space. The tube shell wall is supported displaceably and/or rotatably in the hollow space of the closure shell wall, and the tube shell wall and the closure shell wall can be inserted into a rectum of a patient. The tube shell wall has at least one tube wall opening, and the closure shell wall has at least one closure shell opening which can be at least partially aligned with one another in an open position with a web arranged thereof protruding at least partially into the tube shell opening and/or into the closure shell opening. | 05-27-2010 |
20100152582 | HANDHELD SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING ENERGY TO TISSUE - A system for ablating tissue comprises an ergonomically shaped handpiece having a proximal end and a distal end. An energy source is near the distal end of the handpiece and is adapted to deliver energy to the tissue and create a zone of ablation that blocks abnormal electrical activity in the tissue. The system also includes a barrier near a front face of the energy source. The barrier is adapted to prevent direct contact between blood and the energy source so that the blood does not coagulate on the front face. | 06-17-2010 |
20100160779 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM FOR CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW IMAGING AND MICROBUBBLE-ENHANCED BLOOD CLOT LYSIS - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160780 | Ultrasound System for Cerebral Blood Flow Imaging and Microbubble-Enhanced Blood Clot Lysis - An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which utilizes one or more transducer arrays affixed to the head of a patient to diagnose and treat stroke victims. The transducer headset produces a two or three dimensional image of the vasculature inside the cranium, preferably assisted by a microbubble contrast agent. A vascular flow map is produced by the system which may be diagnosed for signs of a blood clot. If a blood clot is detected, a therapeutic beam is transmitted while the contrast agent is present to break up the blood clot by the disruption of microbubbles. The headset may also be used in a monitoring application to detect the recurrence of blood clots in a stroke victim. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160781 | DOPPLER AND IMAGE GUIDED DEVICE FOR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK PHASED ARRAY HIFU TREATMENT OF VASCULARIZED LESIONS - A noninvasive technique that can be used to deny blood flow to a particular region of tissue, without the inherent risks associated with invasive procedures such as surgery and minimally-invasive procedures such as embolization. Blood flow in selected portions of the vasculature can be occluded by selectively treating specific portions of the vasculature with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), where the HIFU is targeted Doppler ultrasound data, and a duration of the therapy is automatically controlled using a negative feedback loop provided by Doppler ultrasound data collected during the HIFU therapy. A portion of the vasculature providing blood flow to the undesired tissue is selected by a clinician, or automatically selected based on Doppler data, and HIFU is administered to the selected portion of the vasculature to occlude blood flow through that portion of the vasculature. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160782 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FAT REDUCTION AND/OR CELLULITE TREATMENT - A method can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat lobuli and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a surface of a fat lobuli. The lesion creates an opening in the surface of the fat lobuli, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat lobuli and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat. | 06-24-2010 |
20100168567 | Apparatus for Protecting a Cavity Wall During Ablation of Tissue Near the Cavity - The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for protecting walls of a body cavity during thermal ablation of tissues near that body cavity, while enabling ultrasound monitoring of the ablation process. Heating protective devices and cooling protective devices are provided. Heatable/coolable ultrasound probes and heatable/coolable independent protective devices compatible with ultrasound imaging by moving ultrasound probes are provided. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168568 | Combined Diagnostic and Therapeutic Device Using Aligned Energy Beams - A device for both providing therapy to a tissue and detecting a characteristic of said tissue is provided. The device includes a deformable tubular body such as a catheter or scope. An electrode is supported by the body and configured to deliver therapeutic energy to the tissue along a first path. The electrode may, for example, be used in cardiac ablation and the therapeutic energy may comprise any common ablation energy modality including radio waves or ultrasound waves. The device further includes an acoustic transducer supported by the body and configured to receive acoustic energy along a second path. The transducer may also transmit acoustic energy. The first and second paths are aligned and may be parallel or overlap, for example. The physical relationship of the electrode and transducer and the alignment of the energy paths eliminates the need to register the spatial coordinates of the therapeutic and diagnostic elements. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168569 | IMAGE-GUIDED ABLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AN ABLATION PROCEDURE - An ablation system comprises a tool including an shaft having proximal and distal end portions, a handle at the proximal end portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal end portions. The system further includes an ablation subsystem comprised of an ablation element at the distal end portion of the shaft, and an ablation source connected to the ablation element. The system further includes an imaging subsystem comprising an ultrasound imaging transducer disposed proximate the ablation element. The transducer is pivotally attached to the shaft or the ablation element to allow the transducer to articulate between stowed and deployed positions. The imaging subsystem further comprises a processor connected to the transducer configured to receive image data acquired by the transducer, and to generate an image corresponding thereto. The imaging subsystem still further includes a display connected to the processor configured to display the generated image. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168570 | Methods and Apparatus for Utilizing Impeller-Based Rotationally-Scanning Catheters - An ablation catheter includes a tubular catheter body having a lumen, a tip portion, a liquid inlet, at least one liquid outlet, a liquid flow path defined between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, and an ablation element mounted on the tip portion of the catheter body. A rotationally-scanning ultrasound assembly is disposed within the lumen of the catheter body adjacent the tip portion. The ultrasound assembly includes an ultrasound transducer having an active face, an acoustic mirror acoustically coupled to the active face of the ultrasound transducer, and an impeller positioned in the liquid flow path and operably coupled to at least one of the ultrasound transducer and the acoustic mirror to impart rotational motion thereto when a liquid flows through the impeller. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168571 | IMAGE-BASED POWER FEEDBACK FOR OPTIMAL ULTRASOUND IMAGING OR RADIO FREQUENCY TISSUE ABLATION - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and regulating radiofrequency (RF) ablation therapy to improve quality of ultrasound imaging. Feedback is provided from real-time ultrasound imaging, and RF power is altered in response to a feedback signal to improve image quality. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168572 | Apparatus and Methods for Acoustic Monitoring of Ablation Procedures - A system for ablating tissue includes a catheter having an elongate body, with at least one ablation element (e.g., RF electrode) and at least one acoustic transducer located within the body's tip region. The transducer receives acoustic signals from proximate the tip region. The system also includes a monitoring unit coupled to the transducer to interpret the received acoustic signals as data regarding at least one therapeutic parameter (e.g., pre-pop detection, lesion making progress, tissue interface detection, tissue contact force, tissue contact establishment, bubble spatial distribution, bubble depth, bubble size, bubble size distribution, tissue interface distance, tissue interface position, tissue attenuation, tissue thickness, lesion spectral fingerprint). The monitoring unit is operable to provide feedback to a practitioner, such as graphical, audible, and/or haptic output of sensed data, and may also be operable to control operation of the at least one ablation element in response thereto. | 07-01-2010 |
20100174188 | High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapeutic System Guided by an Imaging Device - A high intensity focused ultrasound therapeutic system guided by an imaging device is provided and includes an ultrasound therapeutic applicator which contains an ultrasound transducer ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100174189 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED IMPLANTABLE TRANSDUCER AND ASSOCIATED DISPLAYS AND CONTROLS - An implantable, remotely controlled medical device that incorporates an imaging/therapy ultrasound system may be minimally invasive and equipped with an anchoring portion for securing the device within a human body. Transducers for imaging/therapy may be manipulated remotely using motors and/or selectively actuated to obtain different fields of view and stereoscopic imaging. The implantable medical device can be in the shape of a disc, double disc, sphere or pellet, for example, and may be implanted during open surgery using a manipulatable tool or using a minimally invasive image-guided sheath or catheter. The imaging system comprises one or more ultrasound transducers and can be used to provide therapy to or obtain ultrasound images of a target and surrounding volumes or focal points. The device may be controlled and report data by wired or wireless means and, if wireless, permanently worn inside the body as the patient follows their normal daily routine. | 07-08-2010 |
20100179426 | ULTRASOUND CATHETER WITH ROTATABLE TRANSDUCER - An ultrasound catheter assembly having a rotatable transducer assembly is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter assembly includes an elongate flexible shaft having a lumen and a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly further includes a drive member that engages the transducer assembly at a distal end of the catheter. Rotation of the drive member in a first direction causes the transducer assembly to rotate in an oscillatory fashion in a second direction. | 07-15-2010 |
20100185087 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PERFORMING AND MONITORING THERMAL ABLATION - A thermal ablation system is operable to perform thermal ablation using an x-ray system to measure temperature changes throughout a volume of interest in a patient. Image data sets captured by the x-ray system during a thermal ablation procedure provide temperature change information for the volume being subjected to the thermal ablation. Intermediate image data sets captured during the thermal ablation procedure may be fed into a system controller, which may modify or update a thermal ablation plan to achieve volume coagulation necrosis targets. The thermal ablation may be delivered by a variety of ablation modes including radiofrequency ablation, microwave therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, laser ablation, and other interstitial heat delivery methods. Methods of performing thermal ablation using x-ray system temperature measurements as a feedback source are also provided. Methods of assessing the post-ablation status of the patient and performance of the system are also provided. | 07-22-2010 |
20100191112 | ULTRASOUND APPARATUSES FOR THERMALLY-INDUCED RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198064 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE ULTRASOUND-GUIDED BODY CONTOURING USING SKIN CONTACT COOLING - The present invention discloses devices and methods, for non-invasive ultrasound-guided body contouring, including: a variable-frequency treatment applicator having at least one variable-frequency ultrasound emitter; and a control unit for adjusting an output frequency of at least one ultrasound emitter. Devices and methods including: a variable-frequency treatment applicator having at least one variable-frequency ultrasound emitter; a resonance sensor for determining a resonant frequency of a treatment area; and a control unit for adjusting an output frequency, of at least one ultrasound emitter, to the resonant frequency based on a signal from the resonance sensor. Devices and methods including: a variable-frequency treatment applicator having at least one variable-frequency ultrasound emitter; a cooling mechanism located in the treatment applicator; and a control unit for applying an output frequency to at least one ultrasound emitter. Preferably, the output frequency is within a frequency range from 25 kHz to 60 kHz. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198065 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASONICALLY SENSING AND ABLATING TISSUE - Echo-anatomically mapping tissue includes advancing a catheter having an ultrasound transducer toward tissue. A console adjacent the proximal end of the catheter controls catheter movement, and the ultrasound transducer senses tissue. First and second regions of the tissue are ultrasonically sensed while moving the ultrasound transducer along first, and second sensing patterns, respectively. A first 3-dimensional surface map of the first region, and a second 3-dimensional surface map of the second region are generated. The 3-dimensional surface maps are combined to form a combined surface map. Anatomical features may be identified in the first or second sensed regions. The tissue may be ultrasonically ablated while moving the ultrasound transducer along a first ablation path. The first ablation path may form a lesion around the identified anatomical features, and may be selected from a catalog of ablation paths or it may be prescribed by a physician. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198066 | Method and Device for Obtaining Tissue Samples - A method for obtaining one or more tissue samples, such as from the prostate, is provided. The method can include use of a handheld, vacuum assisted, single insertion multiple sample biopsy device to remove two spaced apart volumes of prostate tissue, one on either side of the urethra. A sleeve with multiple electrodes can be received on the biopsy device or otherwise associated with the biopsy device, to provide RF energy to the biopsy site and to cauterize tissue surfaces from which the tissue samples have been taken. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204576 | ULTRASOUND CARDIAC STIMULATOR - An ultrasound cardiac stimulation system comprising:
| 08-12-2010 |
20100204577 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING ACOUSTIC HEMOSTASIS OF DEEP BLEEDING TRAUMA IN LIMBS - An inflatable cuff having integrated ultrasound transducers is used to effect hemostasis of deep bleeding wounds in limbs. The cuff includes a chamber defined by a bladder or a series of dams into which a fluid may be introduced and pressurized. The pressure of the fluid stops or slows bleeding while high intensity focused ultrasound is applied to effect hemostasis. The fluid may also serve as an acoustic couplant between the limb and the ultrasound transducers. The transducers may be electrostrictive transducers. Diodes may be used to reduce parallel capacitive loading in the transducer array. Bypass capacitors using the electrostrictive material may also be used. | 08-12-2010 |
20100222676 | Ultrasonic Therapeutic Apparatus - An ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus according to the present invention being provided with: an ultrasonic probe ( | 09-02-2010 |
20100222677 | NEEDLE AND TINE DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM - A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228126 | ULTRASOUND TREATMENT AND IMAGING APPLICATOR - An ultrasound treatment system includes an applicator in which a therapeutic ultrasound transducer is surrounded by an annular imaging transducer. Illumination signals generated by the therapy or imaging transducer are sequentially or simultaneously delivered to tissue in a viewing space to create corresponding echo signals that are received by the elements of the annular imaging transducer. These echo signals are analyzed with a processor to produce an image of tissue in the viewing space. | 09-09-2010 |
20100234728 | ULTRASOUND GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES - A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic affect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures. | 09-16-2010 |
20100240995 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING TUMORS - Systems and methods for treating tumors on or within internal organs of mammals that have been imaged with endoscopic ultrasound are described. The system uses an expandable bipolar electrode assembly that can be imaged by ultrasound and can penetrate, e.g., the stomach, intestine or bowel wall, etc. and be positioned in or around the tumor on an internal organ while being guided by an operator who visualizes its position with ultrasound imaging. It utilizes an electrode assembly that extends down an internal cavity in the endoscope to allow the operator to spread the electrodes for pulse delivery of a nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) to the tumor. | 09-23-2010 |
20100274130 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING AND GUIDING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND BEAMS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tracking and guiding high intensity focused ultrasound beams (HIFU). More particularly, the disclosed systems and methods involve use of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging to detect the focal position of an HIFU capable transducer relative to a target area. The focal position may then be 5 compared to a desired treatment location and the orientation and focus of the transducer may be adjusted accordingly so as to reconfigure and/or refocus the HIFU beam relative to the desired treatment location. The desired treatment location may be dynamically determined using bleed detection and localization (BD&L) techniques. Thus, the desired treatment location may be determined using 3D Doppler ultrasound based techniques, wherein changes in quantitative 10 parameters extracted from the Doppler spectra, e.g., Resistance Index (RI), are used to detect and localize a bleeding site for treatment. | 10-28-2010 |
20100280373 | Feedback in medical ultrasound imaging for high intensity focused ultrasound - Feedback of position is provided for high intensity focused ultrasound. The location of a beam from a HIFU transducer is determined using ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound imaging detects tissue displacement caused by a beam transmitted from the HIFU transducer. The displacement or information derived from the displacement may be used to detect and image the location of the beam. Separate transducers may be used for HIFU and imaging. The user aims the HIFU transmissions with feedback from ultrasound imaging of displacement of tissue. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280374 | Direct Visualization Robotic Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy Applicator Device - This invention proposes a robotic applicator device to be deployed internally to a patient having a capsule (also referred to as a cassette) and aperture with a means of alternately occluding and exposing a radioactive source through the aperture. The capsule and aperture will be integrated with a surgical robot to create a robotic IORT (intra-operative radiation therapy) applicator device as more fully described below. The capsule, radiation source, and IORT applicator arm would be integrated to enable a physician, physicist or technician to interactively internally view and select tissue for exposure to ionizing radiation in sufficient quantities to deliver therapeutic radiation doses to tissue. Via the robotic manipulation device, the physician and physicist would remotely apply radiation to not only the tissue to be exposed, but also control the length of time of the exposure. Control means would be added to identify and calculate margin and depth of tissue to be treated and the proper radiation source or radioactive isotope (which can be any particle emitter, including neutron, x-ray, alpha, beta or gamma emitter) to obtain the desired therapeutic effects. The invention enables stereotactical surgery and close confines radiation therapy adjacent to radiosensitive tissue. | 11-04-2010 |
20100286518 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DELIVER THERAPY BASED ON USER DEFINED TREATMENT SPACES - An ultrasound imaging and therapy system is provided that includes an ultrasound probe and a diagnostic module to control the probe to obtain diagnostic ultrasound signals from a region of interest (ROI) of the patient. The ROI includes adipose tissue and the diagnostic module generates a diagnostic image of the ROI based on the ultrasound signals obtained. The system also includes a display to display the image of the ROI and a user interface to accept user inputs to designate a treatment space within the ROI that corresponds to the adipose tissue. The display displays the treatment space on the image. The system also includes a therapy module to control the probe to deliver, during a therapy session, a therapy to a treatment location based on a therapy parameter. The treatment location is within the treatment space defined by the user inputs. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286519 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFY AND TREAT ADIPOSE TISSUE - An ultrasound imaging and therapy system that includes an ultrasound probe and an ultrasound diagnostic module to control the probe to obtain diagnostic ultrasound signals from a region of interest (ROI). The ROI includes adipose tissue and non-adipose tissue. The diagnostic module analyzes the diagnostic ultrasound signals and automatically differentiates adipose tissue from non-adipose tissue. The system also includes an ultrasound therapy module to control the probe to deliver, during a therapy session, a therapy at a treatment location based on a therapy parameter to the adipose tissue differentiated by the ultrasound diagnostic module. A method for delivering therapy to a region of interest (ROI) in a patient is also provided. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286520 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETERMINE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF A TARGET REGION - An ultrasound system that is configured to determine whether adipose tissue of a patient received therapy at a treatment location. The system includes an ultrasound probe and a shear-wave-generating module to control the probe to provide a shear-wave beam that is configured to generate a shear wave at a first site within the patient. The shear wave is configured to propagate through the treatment location toward a second site within the patient. The system also includes a tracking module to control the probe to track the shear wave at the second site within the patient to determine if the treatment location received the therapy. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292573 | ULTRASOUND OPERATION APPARATUS, CAVITATION CONTROL METHOD, AND ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER CONTROL METHOD - An ultrasound operation apparatus comprises: an ultrasound transducer; a driving section that drives the ultrasound transducer by a drive signal; a probe having a proximal end section provided with the ultrasound transducer and a distal end section to which ultrasound oscillation is transmitted, the probe performing a treatment on a living tissue using ultrasound oscillation at the distal end section; a detecting section that detects, from a drive signal, a physical quantity which varies due to cavitation generated by ultrasound oscillation of the distal end section; and an output control section that controls an output of the driving section in accordance with the detected physical quantity. | 11-18-2010 |
20100298702 | NEEDLE INSERTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305439 | Device and Method for Three-Dimensional Guidance and Three-Dimensional Monitoring of Cryoablation - Systems and methods for three-dimensional guidance and monitoring of a cryotherapy procedure, including virtually performing the procedure. A method of virtually performing a cryotherapy procedure includes: selecting a target object from three-dimensional image data displayed in three dimensions; selecting a three-dimensional ablation zone; selecting, from a library of virtual cryoprobe needles, a cryoprobe needle with a three-dimensional ablation zone that corresponds to the selected ablation zone; comparing the location of the target object with the selected ablation zone, the location of the ablation zone encompassing the target object to the greatest extent being an optimal location, determining, via a processor, a virtual trajectory for the virtual cryoprobe needle from an entry site to the target object when the ablation zone of the virtual cryoprobe needle is in the optimal position; and calculating a result of the procedure based on the target object, the selected ablation zone, the selected needle, and a duration of treatment. Guidance may also optionally be provided during an actual cryotherapy procedure, based upon three dimensional image data and/or data from one or more sensors, for example according to the results of the virtual cryotherapy procedure. | 12-02-2010 |
20100317971 | FEEDBACK IN MEDICAL ULTRASOUND IMAGING FOR HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - Feedback of position is provided for high intensity focused ultrasound. The location of a beam from a HIFU transducer is determined using ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound imaging detects tissue displacement caused by a beam transmitted from the HIFU transducer. The displacement or information derived from the displacement may be used to determine a center line or point location (e.g., foci) of the tissues response to HIFU. The location of the line or point may be displayed in an image, such as an overlay or by color coding. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324417 | MATCHING OF VIBRATORY INHALERS TO PATIENT VOCAL TRACT FOR OPTIMIZATION OF PARTICLE DISPERSION - An optimization methodology is employed to match vibratory inhaler devices having certain characteristics to the particular anatomical and acoustic properties of a patient's vocal tract, in order to achieve the most effective dispersion of a dry powder medicament using inspiratory effort of a user of the inhaler. In embodiments, optimization involves employing one or more measurements of acoustic frequency spectrum properties as well as one or more anatomical/geometric measurements of the structures comprising the particular patient's mouth, pharynx, and upper respiratory tract and matching a vibratory inhalation device that corresponds thereto. | 12-23-2010 |
20100331686 | System for Treatment and Imaging Using Ultrasonic Energy and Microbubbles and Related Method Thereof - A method and related system for providing therapy to a treatment site, such as stenosis or other vasculature disease, at one or more locations of a subject, such as the vasculature. The method includes: advancing an ultrasound catheter to or in proximity to the subject's treatment site; infusing microbubbles into or proximal to the treatment site; and delivering ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic energy may be adapted for: imaging the treatment site, translating the microbubbles into or in the vicinity of the treatment site and/or rupturing the microbubbles. | 12-30-2010 |
20100331687 | SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS WAVE, PULSED, AND PULSED-ECHO PARAMETER MEASUREMENT - A measurement system for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a propagation medium is disclosed. The measurement system comprises two different closed-loop feedback paths. The first path includes a driver circuit ( | 12-30-2010 |
20110009748 | TRANSPERINEAL PROSTATE BIOPSY SYSTEM AND METHODS - Method and systems for performing ultrasound guided transperineal prostate biopsies. A template having a plurality of apertures and attached to a transrectal ultrasound probe is used for planning and guiding the biopsy. The template is placed against the patient's perineum and transverse ultrasound images having a projected template image are displayed. Planned biopsy locations are marked on the projected aperture image and biopsy samples are obtained through the corresponding template apertures. Sagittal ultrasounds may be viewed to ensure the correct depth of the biopsy needle during the biopsy. Information about the location of the biopsy sample can be recorded by identifying the template aperture through which the biopsy was obtained. Stored biopsy location information can be used for planning later treatments which can use a template having the same set of apertures. | 01-13-2011 |
20110021911 | ENDOVENTRICULAR INJECTION CATHETER SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CAPABILITIES - An endoventricular injection catheter with integrated echocardiographic capability enables injections into heart tissue under visualization. The catheter includes an elongated body having a distal end and an imaging core arranged to be inserted into a heart. The imaging core is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy at the distal end to provide electrical signals representing echocardiographic images to enable cardiac visualization. The catheter further includes an injector carried on the elongated body with the imaging core. The injector is arranged to inject a therapeutic agent into tissue of the heart visualized by the imaging core. | 01-27-2011 |
20110021912 | REGIONAL ANESTHESIA SYSTEM AND CART - A regional anesthesia system and a cart for aiding in the placement of a regional anesthesia block without the need of ancillary assistance. The invention includes equipment for use in the performance of a regional anesthesia block which is carried on a cart for transporting and providing a stable foundation for the equipment. The equipment includes a nerve localization means such as ultrasound or a peripheral nerve stimulator for locating a target nerve of a patient, a position assist arm for maintaining the position of the localization means over the target nerve while the operator inserts an anesthetic needle over the target nerve, and an anesthetic infusion device for infusing or aspirating through the anesthesia needle. The infusion device includes an infusion pump controlled by a foot pedal. The system may be easily transported to a patient requiring a regional anesthesia block, and allows the regional anesthesia block to be performed with minimal ancillary assistance. | 01-27-2011 |
20110021913 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - An ultrasonic applicator unit ( | 01-27-2011 |
20110028840 | HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND METHOD AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS - A medical treatment apparatus includes a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer disposable in juxtaposition to a patient, a servomechanism operatively connected to the transducer for moving the transducer along a path, a signal generator operatively connected to the transducer for energizing same to produce focused ultrasonic pressure waves in the patient continuously during motion of the transducer along the path, and a computer operatively connected to the servomechanism for determining the path and controlling the servomechanism to move the transducer along the path. The computer is operatively connected to the generator for controlling same to energize the transducer continuously during motion of the transducer along the path. | 02-03-2011 |
20110034805 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOT FORMATION - Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing changes in at least one physical property of soft tissue. A series of acoustic pulses is generated and directed into the soft tissue such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the tissue. Waves reflected off the tissue, or a flexible member that moves with the tissue, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby. Repetition of the generating, receiving and estimating steps provides characterization of the at least one physical property over time. Methods, apparatus and systems for characterizing at least one physical property of blood, by generating a series of acoustic pulses and directing the series of pulses into the blood such that at least one of the pulses is of sufficiently high intensity to induce physical displacement of the blood. Acoustic pulses and/or optical waves reflected from the blood, or a flexible member in contact with the blood that moves with the blood, are received and measured to estimate at least one characteristic of the physical displacement induced thereby. | 02-10-2011 |
20110046483 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR IMAGE GUIDED ABLATION - The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for image guided ablation. One system for image guided ablation includes an ultrasound transducer for producing a real-time ultrasound image of a target volume and of surrounding tissue. The system further includes an ablation probe for ablating the target volume. The system further includes a display for displaying an image to guide positioning of the ablation probe during ablation of the target volume. The system further includes at least one tracker for tracking position and orientation of the ablation probe during the ablation of the target volume. The system further includes a rendering and display module for receiving a pre-ablation image of the target volume and for displaying a combined image on the display, where the combined image includes a motion tracked, rendered image of the ablation probe and an equally motion tracked real-time ultrasound image registered with the pre-ablation image. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054315 | MICROMANIPULATOR CONTROL ARM FOR THERAPEUTIC AND IMAGING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS - A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can image a target tissue volume and apply ultrasound energy to the target tissue volume. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured controllably apply ultrasound energy into the prostate by maintaining a cavitational bubble cloud generated by an ultrasound therapy system within an image of the prostate generated by an imaging system. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered. | 03-03-2011 |
20110071394 | Central venous catheter kit with line gripping and needle localizing devices - A central venous catheter kit enables health care workers quickly and controllably gain ultrasound supported access to vascular tissue for catheterization. Ultrasound support requires gel for reducing acoustic impedance and reflectance loss, which gel is included in the kit, as well as at least two newly conceived devices, the first for gripping the guide wire in an otherwise gelled environment, and the second for marking the skin for proper needle localization. State of the art kit components are thus included in the kit, in addition to the scanning gel and the noted device(s). The devices each comprise certain finger- or digit-grippable structure, and textured surfacing for enhancing the frictional contact between the user's digits and the devices. | 03-24-2011 |
20110071395 | TRANSESOPHAGEAL AND TRANSNASAL, TRANSESOPHAGEAL ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEMS - A semi-invasive ultrasound imaging system for imaging biological tissue includes a transesophageal probe or a transnasal, transesophageal probe connected to a two-dimensional ultrasound transducer array, a transmit beamformer, a receive beamformer, and an image generator. The two-dimensional transducer array is disposed on a distal portion of the probe's elongated body. The transmit beamformer is connected to the transducer array and is constructed to transmit several ultrasound beams over a selected pattern defined by azimuthal and elevation orientations. The receive beamformer is connected to the transducer array and is constructed to acquire ultrasound data from the echoes reflected over a selected tissue volume. The tissue volume is defined by the azimuthal and elevation orientations and a selected scan range. The receive beamformer is constructed to synthesize image data from the acquired ultrasound data. The image generator is constructed to receive the image data and generate images that are displayed on an image display. Preferably, the image generator is constructed to generate, from the image data, several orthographic projection views over the selected tissue volume. | 03-24-2011 |
20110077514 | 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. | 03-31-2011 |
20110087098 | MAMMOGRAPHY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SONOGRAPHIC AND RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF A BREAST - A mammography device for examining a breast has a support plate and a compression plate, between which the breast is positioned and compressed during a radiographic examination. An ultrasound transducer for obtaining a sonogram of the breast is brought into direct contact with the breast either by temporary mounting in one of the support plate or the compression plate or by exchanging one of the compression plate or the support plate with another plate that contains the ultrasound transducer. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087099 | NON-INVASIVE ULTRASONIC BODY CONTOURING - An apparatus for lysing adipose tissue, the apparatus comprising a power source and modulator assembly configured to supply modulated electrical power; an ultrasonic therapeutic transducer connected to said power source and modulator assembly and configured to convert the modulated electrical power to ultrasonic energy directed at a target volume in a region of a body containing adipose and non-adipose tissue, so as to selectively generally lyse the adipose tissue and generally not lyse the non-adipose tissue; an ultrasonic imaging sub-system configured to identify changes in the target volume resulting from the ultrasonic energy; and a lipolysis control computer configured to control said power source and modulator assembly based on the changes identified by said ultrasonic imaging sub-system. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087100 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UTERINE FIBROID TREATMENT - Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle. | 04-14-2011 |
20110098564 | Method and apparatus for diagnosing and treating vascular disease - Imaging and therapy for the treatment of venous disease are integrated into the same device, such that there is a common user interface and/or display, which may be passive or interactive between image and therapy parameters. | 04-28-2011 |
20110105899 | METHOD OF TRACING THE LIKELY CONTOUR OF AN ANATOMICAL ELEMENT ON AN IMAGE OF A CROSS SECTION - A method of tracing the likely contour of an anatomical element (S, C) in a sectional image of an anatomical site, the image being composed of pixels (P | 05-05-2011 |
20110112400 | HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND CATHETER APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION - Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device that employs high intensity focused ultrasound. The high intensity focused ultrasound may be used for application of energy to modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. The ultrasound transducer for delivering the energy may be located remotely from the desired treatment area. In particular embodiments, an ultrasound transducer may apply energy at one or more focal zones or focal points that target renal nerves. | 05-12-2011 |
20110118600 | External Autonomic Modulation - In some embodiments, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118601 | Ultrasound Guided Systems and Methods - Coblation probes, systems and methods are described herein, along with tissue dilation apparatus, and kits including both. The articles may be ultrasonically echogenic to assist with guidance. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118602 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FOCUSED ULTRASOUND APPLICATION - An ultrasonic applicator unit ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110137167 | Device for Therapeutic Treatment - Device for therapeutic treatment, comprising: an acoustic transducer ( | 06-09-2011 |
20110144490 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ADIPOSE TISSUE REDUCTION AND SKIN CONTOUR IRREGULARITY SMOOTHING - In one embodiment, an ultrasound device disposed in a housing is provided. The ultrasound device comprises a first transducer for imaging a region of interest, and a second transducer that generates one or more ultrasound frequencies for cavitating fat cells in the region of interest, and one or more frequencies for thermally treating connective tissues in the region of interest. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144491 | SELF-AIMING DIRECTABLE ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY FOR INVASIVE MEDICAL DEVICE APPLICATIONS - A directable acoustic transducer assembly is presented for use in a medical insertion device (MID). In an embodiment, the assembly aims an acoustic signal in response to a sensed or detected force or load imposed on the MID. The directable acoustic transducer assembly includes a switch array and a plurality of directional acoustic transducer elements. The switch array responds to the force or load and activates the directional acoustic transducer elements closest to the source of the force or load. The switch array may include a plurality of switches, at least one of which responses to a force or load and may activate directional acoustic transducer elements having a target tissue in the field of view. The assembly includes embodiments that are responsive to various loads. A directable acoustic transducer assembly may be part of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic system, such as an RF ablation system. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144492 | Targeted Treatment Delivery System - This invention relates generally to the targeting and biopsy of tissue for medical purposes, and more particularly to a targeted biopsy system which allows planning of tissue to be sampled, targeting of specific areas of tissue in reference to the plan, capturing the tissue sample and recording the source location of the tissue sample, particularly for use in collecting tissue samples from the prostate gland. A further purpose of this invention is to provide a targeted treatment system which allows planning of tissue to be treated, targeting of specific areas of tissue in reference to the plan, and delivering the treatment to the targeted tissue. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144493 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC DEVICES - An ultrasound diagnostic and therapeutic device includes a catheter equipped with an intracorporeal ultrasound transducer at its tip, an extracorporeal ultrasound transmitter, an imaging electronic unit and a time-reversal electronic unit. The intracorporeal transducer may be used to record an image of surrounding tissues so as to identify a treatment site. The same transducer is then used as a beacon to receive an ultrasound impulse from the extracorporeal transmitter. The impulse response signal from the intracorporeal transducer is then time-reversed so that high-intensity focused ultrasound can be generated at the location of the intracorporeal transducer. The device is capable of shaping the area of focused ultrasound to correspond to that of the treatment site. | 06-16-2011 |
20110160584 | Acoustic coupling for assessment and ablation procedures - Acoustic coupling systems and methods are disclosed as these can be used for assessment and ablation procedures. An exemplary acoustic assessment system for a catheter may comprise a flexible catheter shaft. At least one acoustic transducer is positioned in the flexible catheter shaft. The at least one acoustic transducer emits a generated acoustic signal for reflection by adjacent tissue. The at least one acoustic transducer receives a reflected acoustic signal from the adjacent tissue and generates electrical signals corresponding to one or more property of the tissue. An output device is electrically connected to the at least one acoustic transducer. The output device receives the electrical signals and generate output for a user for assessing the tissue. | 06-30-2011 |
20110166450 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCATING AND VISUALIZING A TARGET IN RELATION TO A FOCAL POINT OF A TREATMENT SYSTEM - A method for locating and visualizing a target (C) in relation to a focal point (F | 07-07-2011 |
20110166451 | BLOOD VESSEL ACCESS DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A device having a needle injector pivotally attached to an ultrasound transceiver is operated to place a sterilizable needle or needle/cannula unit within a blood vessel by a single user-device operator in which the blood vessel is made visible in a monitor image by ultrasound insonification. A guidance template is overlapped on at least one of a transverse, longitudinal, or three-dimensionally imaged blood vessel that illustrates a predicted path of the needle when it undergoes movement implemented by a controller. In alternate embodiments the needle injector, ultrasound transceiver, and needle or needle/cannula unit may be contained within a flexible sheath that is capable of being sterilized. | 07-07-2011 |
20110166452 | Method for Aesthetically Treating Cellulite Skin by Lipotomy, and Device for Implementing Said Method - The invention relates to a method for aesthetically treating cellulite skin by lipotomy, and to a device for implementing said method. | 07-07-2011 |
20110172526 | Feature Tracking Using Ultrasound - Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172527 | SYSTEMS FOR EXTERNALLY DELIVERED ENERGY TO MODULATE NEURAL STRUCTURES - In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172528 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT USING ULTRASONIC ENERGY - In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172529 | FLOW DIRECTED HEATING OF NERVOUS STRUCTURES - In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172530 | VISUAL IMAGING SYSTEM FOR ULTRASONIC PROBE - A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners. | 07-14-2011 |
20110178403 | METHODS AND DEVICES TO TARGET VASCULAR TARGETS WITH HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - An ultrasonic applicator unit ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110190630 | System and Method for Performing An Electrosurgical Procedure Using An Ablation Device With An Integrated Imaging Device - An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190631 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR QUANTIFICATION OF CARDIAC WALL MOTION ASYNCHRONY - A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response. | 08-04-2011 |
20110201929 | METHOD FOR USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND - A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface. | 08-18-2011 |
20110201930 | Continuous Transversus Abdominis Plane Block - A procedure and kit are provided for performing an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) procedure. The patient's abdomen is scanned with an ultrasound probe to identify and mark the external oblique, internal oblique, and TAP. An introducer sheath is placed over a fluid delivery needle such that the distal end of the needle extends beyond the distal end of the sheath, the needle having echogenic properties for ultrasound imaging. The needle and sheath are ultrasonically guided into the TAP. A local anesthetic or saline/anesthetic combination is injected through the needle to create a liquid pool in the TAP. The needle is removed from the sheath while maintaining the sheath within the TAP and a catheter is subsequently advanced through the sheath and into the pooled liquid in the TAP. The sheath is withdrawn while maintaining the catheter located within the TAP. A catheter is connected to a source of local anesthetic for providing a defined volume of anesthetic to the catheter site at a controlled delivery rate. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208054 | ABLATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CREATING AN ELONGATE LESION USING SELECTIVELY ACTUATED TRANSDUCER CONTROLLED BY LESION COMPLETION SENSOR - Device, system and method for evaluating the effectiveness of tissue ablations of a heart of a patient. The tissue is clamped between a pair of opposing jaws. A portion of the tissue is ablated at a first generally linear position on the tissue by applying ablative energy to two of a plurality of elongate electrodes, each of the two of the plurality of elongate electrodes being coupled in opposing relationship to each other and the pair of opposing jaws, respectively. An effectiveness of the ablation is sensed at a second generally linear position on the tissue with at least one of the plurality of elongate electrodes positioned on one of the pair of opposing jaws. The second linear position on the tissue is laterally distal to the first linear position on the tissue with respect to the atrium of the heart. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208055 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASOUND THERAPY - An ultrasound ablation system can include an imaging device ( | 08-25-2011 |
20110213248 | ULTRASONIC TREATMENT APPARATUS - An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a sound source, a frequency setter and a drive signal generator. The sound source emits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves are finite amplitude acoustic waves including a first signal frequency and a second signal frequency. The frequency setter sets the first signal frequency and the second signal frequency in accordance with a target position of a treatment object with respect to the sound source. The drive signal generator is configured to generate a drive signal and to drive the sound source. The drive signal is a signal which causes the sound source to emit the ultrasonic waves. | 09-01-2011 |
20110230763 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A THERAPEUTIC SITE - A targeting catheter is used to locate an arteriotomy, such as is formed during a femoral artery catheterization procedure. The targeting catheter includes one or more targeting aids, such as an inflatable balloon or sensor (e.g., Doppler or temperature sensor), to locate the arteriotomy. The targeting aid may be positioned at the arteriotomy. An ultrasonic beacon on the catheter may then be located relative to a therapeutic ultrasonic applicator (e.g., by using acoustic time-of-flight) so that the focus of ultrasonic energy from the applicator can be aligned with the arteriotomy. | 09-22-2011 |
20110251487 | Apparatus and Methods for Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging and for Crossing Severe Vascular Occlusions - An intravascular ultrasound catheter system is provided and enables a simplified, economical technique for ultrasound visualization of a blood vessel. The catheter may include a park ablation system for crossing chronic total occlusions and severe stenoses. The catheter is advanceable and is oriented entirely under manual control of the clinician and the application of radiofrequency energy for spark erosion of the stenosis also is controlled manually by the clinician. The system enables the clinician to observe an ultrasound image sufficiently to determine where to orient the ablation electrode so as to reduce the risk of dissection or perforation of the blood vessel. The ultrasound image is generated in response to manual rotation of the catheter and the ablation spark is generated only when the physician is satisfied as to the orientation of the electrode within the vessel. | 10-13-2011 |
20110257523 | FOCUSED ULTRASONIC RENAL DENERVATION - Acoustic energy is delivered to innervated vascular that contributes to renal sympathetic nerve activity, such as innervated tissue of the renal artery and abdominal aorta. Focused acoustic energy is delivered via an intravascular device of sufficient power to ablate innervated renal or aortal tissue. Focused acoustic energy may be delivered via an intravascular or extracorporeal device to image and locate target innervated renal or aortal tissue. Intravascular, extravascular, or transvascular focused ultrasound devices provide for high precision denervation of innervated vascular to terminate renal sympathetic nerve activity. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257524 | EXTERNAL AUTONOMIC MODULATION - In some embodiments, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257525 | SENSOR GUIDED CATHETER NAVIGATION SYSTEM - A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257526 | CATHETER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A catheter basically has a catheter shaft in which a catheter tip of which is provided with a joint made of a material which is more flexible than the material of the catheter shaft. The joint is disposed between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the distal end of the catheter tip. The front end consists of a material being the same or more rigid than that of the catheter shaft. | 10-20-2011 |
20110263980 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GUIDING CLINICIANS IN REAL TIME - A method of guiding a clinician using an image display device associated with an imaging system is disclosed herewith. The method comprises: obtaining patient information along with relevant clinical procedure through a user interface; and selecting a predefined workflow and at least one device setting parameter from an information library. The method further comprises: communicating the selected workflow including the steps in the workflow to the clinician in real time using the image display system, upon initiating the clinical procedure; and configuring the imaging system using the selected device setting parameter to perform the selected workflow. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270085 | ULTRASONIC IN SITU RESPIRATORY MASK TESTING PROCESS AND MASK - A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected. | 11-03-2011 |
20110288411 | Multi-Mode Induced Acoustic Imaging Systems And Methods - A multi-mode Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Imaging (EMAI) system is disclosed. The EMAI system utilizes an electromagnetic energy source to induce multiple acoustic signals in surrounding objects including a target tissue area or a transducer. The induced acoustic signals can be collected and converted to imaging data, which can be used to display a tissue area image. The collected acoustic signals can be filtered or isolated based on one or more signal proprieties including frequency. A signal's frequency can indicate a property of the target tissue including the tissue's conductivity or its density. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288412 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE - Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion. | 11-24-2011 |
20110306880 | METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY ANALYZING DISTRIBUTION VARIATION OF SCATTERERS AND APPLICATION USING THE SAME - A method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers is provided and used for dynamically analyzing changes in two or three dimensional scatterer distribution and concentration of ultrasound data by using probability density function along with a moving window technique. The present invention has advantages in low computation load and may be used for real-time analysis. A method for dynamically detecting thermal ablation area and thermal ablation level and a method for dynamically controlling thermal ablation intensity are also provided for non-invasive detection and thermal ablation. | 12-15-2011 |
20110306881 | High-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation apparatus having integrated temperature estimation and elastography for thermal lesion determination and the method thereof - The invention disclosed a high-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation apparatus having integrated temperature estimation and elastography for thermal lesion determination and the method thereof, using the different power to burn by the same focused ultrasound transducer, and then using the apparatus to measure the temperature and elasticity estimating by the relevant analysis method. | 12-15-2011 |
20110313290 | CATHETER, APPARATUS METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR APPLYING ENERGY TO AN OBJECT - The present invention relates to a catheter for applying energy to an object. The catheter ( | 12-22-2011 |
20110319757 | TISSUE RESECTION UNDER IMAGE GUIDANCE/CONTROL - An improved method and device for accurate, efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed system consists in simultaneously using an elongated member that conveys energy to a treatment site and imaging means to control position of the elongated member and monitor treatment progress in real-time. In a preferred embodiment, for BPH, a twister fiber with a fused cap is used and ultrasound image guidance is obtained using a rectal probe. The method consists in placing an ultrasound rectal probe, fixed by mechanical means, and an optical fiber inserted into urethra. Initial positioning of probe is done under endoscopic/ultrasound control. The twister fiber probe operates in contact-mode. Treatment is monitored, real-time, by the ultrasound device. Additional imaging technologies include Positron Emission Tomography(PET), Computed Tomography(CT) or Optical Coherence Tomography. Other applications include the removal of tumorous (hyperplasic) tissue. Sources include lasers, higher power LEDs or bright lamps and photodynamic therapy. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319758 | HYPERECHOGENIC NEEDLES - A hyperechogenie needle includes a rigid shaft, which can be a hollow metal cannula, having a hyperechogenic particulate material affixed on an outer surface of the shaft that provides for enhanced visualization of the needle in two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound, particularly when the needle is in a position forming a non-90° angle between the longitudinal axis and the direction of the ultrasound waves in the two-dimensional ultrasound plane. The hyperechogenic particulate material can be covered by a polymeric coating or embedded in a polymeric material to provide a hyperechogenic layer. The polymeric coating and polymeric material can be electrically non-conductive or electrically conductive The enhanced visualization improves the accuracy with which the needle tip is placed in a target position, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of a procedure that relics upon accurate placement of the needle tip and reducing pain and tissue trauma. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319759 | OPTICALLY GUIDED NEEDLE BIOPSY SYSTEM USING MULTI-MODAL SPECTROSCOPY - The present invention includes an apparatus, system and method for detection of tissues, e.g., a cancer, by optical biopsy comprising: a motorized computer-controlled probe holder; a needle-like probe connected to and controlled by the motorized computer-controlled probe holder, the probe comprising an optical and an ultrasound detector; and one or more detector units capable of a broadband light reflectance spectroscopy, an auto fluorescence lifetime measurement, and auto fluorescence spectroscopy measurement. | 12-29-2011 |
20120004546 | System and Method for Treating Hemorrhoids - A system and method for treating hemorrhoidal piles, addressing both cause and symptoms, by endoluminal/interstitial application of energy are disclosed. Inflamed dilated blood vessels (hemorrhoids/piles) are caused due to connective tissue disorder, relative increase in pressure in the superior hemorrhoidal artery and weakening of the vessels' valves. The dilated blood arteries in anal/rectal region are irradiated from inside the pile using (laser) energy for minimal pain/discomfort. The center of the pile is irradiated over a certain diameter, absorbing energy; is denatured causing volume reduction. Central vessels located in the same diameter are obliterated immediately relieving bleeding. In treatment, new connective tissue replaces the coagulated tissue. Closing inflowing arteries further shrinks piles in weeks to three months. Complications are highly diminished. A hand-piece and a fiber with a sharp distal tip are beneficial. Including an imaging system, (ultrasound imaging, optical coherence tomography) and an intelligent system to calculate necessary laser energy parameters help address each pile individually. | 01-05-2012 |
20120004547 | MONITORING APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AN ABLATION PROCEDURE - The present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus ( | 01-05-2012 |
20120004548 | NON-THERMAL ACOUSTIC TISSUE MODIFICATION - A methodology and system for modifying tissue including directing the acoustic beam for a predetermined time duration at a multiplicity of target volumes, which target volumes contain tissue, thereby to modify the tissue in the target volumes while the acoustic beam has a pressure at target volume which lies below a cavitation threshold and the predetermined time duration being shorter than a time duration over which the acoustic beam produces thermal modification of tissue in the target volume | 01-05-2012 |
20120004549 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATING PHOTOAGED TISSUE - A method and system for ultrasound treatment of photoaged tissue are provided. An exemplary method and system are configured for first, ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and third to monitor the treatment area during and after therapy to assess the results and/or provide feedback. The exemplary treatment method and system can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of photoaged tissue. | 01-05-2012 |
20120010505 | Methods for Ultrasonic Tissue Sensing and Feedback - An ultrasonic surgical instrument is presented including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly located at the distal end of the transmission member. The end effector assembly includes a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of the surgical instrument, the mechanical vibrations sensed by a laser interferometer. | 01-12-2012 |
20120016239 | 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. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022374 | PULSE WAVE GENERATOR - A pulse wave generator includes a housing having a pressure field generator from which individually controllable pressure pulses can be emitted, a pressure pulse focusing unit by which the pressure pulses can be focused at the focusing point in, or on, a body of a living being, a pressure coupler, from which the pressure pulses can be transmitted to the body, a controller for the intensity and point in time of each pressure pulse, at least one further field generator being integrated by which the individually controllable field pulses can be generated in the focusing point and the intensity and time of each pulse can be controlled. | 01-26-2012 |
20120029352 | ULTRASOUND DEVICE FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - An ultrasound device for medical application has a transducer formed by a number of transducer elements. The transducer elements are carried on a flexible support that allows the transducer elements to be configured to an examination subject. A measurement device determines, for each transducer element, a distance or a rotation thereof with respect to a reference point. The reference point can be a point that is physically a part of the ultrasound device, or can be a virtual reference point. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029353 | Systems and methods for ultrasound treatment - Various embodiments provide a method for an extended field of view treatment. The method can include the steps of imaging a region; targeting a region with directed ultrasound energy; monitoring the region; moving the imaging, treatment, and monitoring region while spatially correlating to one or more prior regions via imaging and/or position sensing; continuing the extended field of view treatment; and, achieving an ultrasound induced biological effect in the extended field of view treatment region. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029354 | TISSUE REMOVAL DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE DELIVERY SLEEVE FOR NEUROSURGICAL AND SPINAL SURGERY APPLICATIONS - A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. A delivery sleeve may be selectively provided that is configured to be disposed about the outer cannula for delivery of a variety of devices. | 02-02-2012 |
20120035473 | LAPAROSCOPIC HIFU PROBE - A high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of tissue using minimally invasive medical procedures is provided. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035474 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH ARTICULATED IMAGING TRANSDUCER - A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035475 | METHODS FOR NON-INVASIVE COSMETIC TREATMENT OF THE EYE REGION - 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. | 02-09-2012 |
20120035476 | Tissue Imaging And Treatment Method - 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. | 02-09-2012 |
20120046547 | SYSTEM AND METHOD 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. | 02-23-2012 |
20120059258 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - An ultrasonic applicator unit ( | 03-08-2012 |
20120059259 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATING A THERAPEUTIC SITE - A targeting catheter is used to locate an arteriotomy, such as is formed during a femoral artery catheterization procedure. The targeting catheter includes one or more targeting aids, such as an inflatable balloon or sensor (e.g., Doppler or temperature sensor), to locate the arteriotomy. The targeting aid may be positioned at the arteriotomy. An ultrasonic beacon on the catheter may then be located relative to a therapeutic ultrasonic applicator (e.g., by using acoustic time-of-flight) so that the focus of ultrasonic energy from the applicator can be aligned with the arteriotomy. | 03-08-2012 |
20120059260 | BIOPSY GUIDE SYSTEM WITH AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A multi-position biopsy guide system and a method of using such biopsy guide system is proposed. The biopsy guide system comprises a 2D matrix ultra-sound transducer ( | 03-08-2012 |
20120071757 | Ultrasound Registration - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for registering three-dimensional ultrasound images to an external coordinate system, such as the coordinate system attached to a camera-based imaging system or the coordinate system used to define the movements of a surgical robot. The apparatus generally comprises a tool with markers that can be accurately and repeatably located in both the ultrasound and external coordinate systems. In the case of the surgical robot frame, this tool may be a component of the surgical robot itself, such as a portion of a surgical manipulator. The method generally comprises positioning the toot upon the surface of a portion of patient tissue, imaging the tool using the ultrasound, simultaneously imaging the tool using the camera system or monitoring the current mechanical configuration of the surgical robot, localizing corresponding tool elements in both frames, and finally using the corresponding elements as registration fiducials to solve the geometric transformation that relates the two frames. | 03-22-2012 |
20120071758 | Feature Tracking Using Ultrasound - Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature. | 03-22-2012 |
20120089021 | Method and system for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of biological structures - An ultrasonic scanning apparatus that includes a unique ultrasonic array to transmit ultrasonic energy to a biological structure, such as an eye. The ultrasonic array provides specific three-dimensional (3-D) information relating to the eye and precise volumetric information relating to structures associated therewith, such as a tumor, prior, during and/or after treatment. The ultrasonic array can also be combined with a therapeutic ultrasonic unit for real-time 3-D observation of a structure and the focal point of the transmitted therapeutic beam(s) on a monitor during the treatment of a structure, e.g., treatment of a lesion. | 04-12-2012 |
20120089022 | DELIVERY CATHETER WITH FORWARD-LOOKING ULTRASOUNG IMAGING - A catheter based medical device is provided for a percutaneous surgical procedure that provides forward-looking visualization and delivery of a medical device. The catheter includes a carriage at its distal end and an ultrasonic transducer is supported by the carriage. A conduit that has its proximal end disposed within the catheter and the conduit passes through the sidewall of the catheter proximate to the distal end of the catheter so that the distal end of the conduit is disposed on an exterior of the sidewall of the catheter. A medical device is deliverable through the lumen of the conduit and the ultrasonic transducer provides visualization of the medical device distally of the transducer. | 04-12-2012 |
20120089023 | PARAMETER-SENSING ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE - A sensor-equipped endotracheal tube has a flexible body surrounding an airway lumen and includes sensors for monitoring physiological parameters such as CO | 04-12-2012 |
20120095334 | CONTROLLED INFLATION OF AN EXPANDABLE MEMBER DURING A MEDICAL PROCEDURE - Devices and methods for controlled inflation of a vessel lumen or a hollow portion of another organ located within a patient. The devices are typically catheter-based having an expandable member fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The devices and methods typically comprise deploying the expandable member percutaneously to a target location, expanding the expandable member, and performing an expansion procedure. The expandable member expands at a controlled rate of inflation during a medical procedure. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095335 | ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND USES THEREOF - A dual use ultrasonic transducer device for combined sensing and power transmission, comprises a first piezoelectric transducer sized for placement in a body lumen; a power unit enabling an ultrasonic power beam for tissue ablation in a tissue ablation region; and a sensing unit enabling an ultrasonic sensing beam for sensing at said tissue ablation region. In one example, a single piezoelectric surface is electrically connected to a mounting; and the mounting provides a first region of the piezoelectric surface with a first relatively high level of damping and a second region of said piezoelectric surface with a second relatively low level of damping, thereby to enable sensing from said first region and power transmission from said second region. Changes in efficiency of the transducer or the treatment during use may be inferred from changes in the impulse response or impedance or changes in the temperature of liquids that have flowed past the transducer. | 04-19-2012 |
20120095336 | ROBOTIC LOCALIZING AID FOR HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND DELIVERY - A holding structure holds a biopsy needle and a HIFU transducer to allow smooth and accurate delivery of the HIFU beam at the interface of the liver, where bleeding will occur. This manipulator structure performs the biopsy and HIFU through the percutaneous approach. In addition, the procedure is imaged by an imaging ultrasound probe. The imaging ultrasound probe can track the needle entry site even when needle has been removed. The HIFU transducer fires a short pulse of HIFU in the needle tract to cause coagulation and stop bleeding. | 04-19-2012 |
20120108966 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120108967 | USE OF FOCUSED ULTRASOUND FOR VASCULAR SEALING - Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116221 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMAGE-GUIDED TREATMENT OF BLOOD VESSELS - Methods and systems of treating at least one blood vessel involves the application of therapy ultrasound to the blood vessel(s) using one or more dosing conditions. An image of the region of interest is acquired responsive to the applied therapy ultrasound. A change in vascularity of the blood vessel(s) is estimated, responsive to the applied therapy ultrasound, using the acquired image to determine whether to adjust at least one of the dosing conditions. The therapy ultrasound is applied with an intensity to modify the blood vessel(s) without damaging a surrounding tissue. A method of treating a tumor comprises introducing a therapeutic agent into a bloodstream and applying therapy ultrasound to blood vessel(s). The therapy ultrasound, along with an agent, disrupts the blood vessel(s) to limit flow to and from the tumor, thereby retaining the therapeutic agent within the tumor. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116222 | ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ACTUATING THE ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SYSTEM - An ultrasound treatment system applies an ultrasound driving signal generated by an ultrasound driving signal generating section on an ultrasound treatment section, treats a treatment target living tissue with ultrasound vibration under observation by an observing section, and acquires, with an image acquiring section, an observed image of the living tissue being treated. A control section controls, for example, output of the ultrasound driving signal on the basis of a comparison result of the observed image and a reference image of the living tissue in a state in which mist does not occur. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123264 | DEVICES FOR CREATING PASSAGES AND SENSING BLOOD VESSELS - Devices and methods are disclosed for creating passages in tissue and detecting blood vessels in and around the passages. The devices may be used to create channels for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In addition, the devices may be used to sample tissue during biopsy or other medical procedures where perforating a blood vessel could result in injury to a patient. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130241 | HANDHELD VOLUMETRIC ULTRASOUND SCANNING DEVICE - An apparatus and related methods for ultrasonically scanning a tissue volume are described, the apparatus being particularly advantageous in the context of freehand ultrasound assisted biopsy of the breast although readily applied to non-biopsy contexts and other body parts. The apparatus comprises a casing configured and dimensioned for single-handed manipulation relative to a surface of the tissue, and a texturably couplant-porous material sheet extending across an opening of the casing. The texturably couplant-porous material sheet has an outer side and an inner side relative to the casing, the outer side for compressively contacting the tissue surface. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned against the inner side of the texturably couplant-porous material sheet and being mechanically translatable thereacross for volumetrically scanning the tissue volume therethrough. | 05-24-2012 |
20120143055 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING - A method and system for ultrasound imaging includes tracking the position and orientation of an ultrasound probe. The method and system includes tracking the position and orientation of an instrument while moving the instrument. The method and system includes acquiring ultrasound data of a plane defined along a longitudinal axis of the instrument, where the position of the plane is determined based on the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe and the position and orientation of the instrument. The method and system includes generating a plurality of images of the plane based on the ultrasound data and displaying the plurality of images of the plane as part of a dynamic image. | 06-07-2012 |
20120143056 | Methods and systems for treating plantar fascia - Various embodiments, described herein, provide methods and systems for the treatment of plantar fascia. In some embodiments, a method of non-invasive treatment of plantar fasciacan include the steps of identifying a damage location comprising a planter fascia; directing a conformal distribution of ultrasound energy to the plantar fascia at the damage location; creating a plurality of micro lesions in the plantar fascia at the damage location; initiating healing of a plurality of micro tears in the plantar fascia at the damage location; and sparing intervening tissue between the plantar fascia and a surface of a sole of a foot. | 06-07-2012 |
20120150035 | Method and Apparatus for the Selective Treatment of Tissue - A HIFU System ( | 06-14-2012 |
20120157840 | USE OF ULTRASOUND IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS - A method of detecting, diagnosing and treating Multiple Sclerosis in a patient using ultrasound, and in particular transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. The method of diagnosis or detection involves identifying abnormal ultrasound arterial signals, and may also involve establishing one or more characteristic clinical symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis to enable a diagnosis to be made. The method of treatment may involve ultrasound insonation of the cerebral artery. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157841 | Image Guided Surgical Methodology (And System) Employing Patient Movement Detection And Correction - The invention is directed to a methodology (and corresponding system) that utilizes an imaging device that generates images of target tissue of a patient during a surgical procedure that acts on the target tissue imaged by the imaging device. The methodology enables an operator to visually detect patient movement during the surgical procedure by initially interacting with the operator to mark at least one spatial attribute of one or more common and easily identifiable features of the target tissue illustrated in an image presented in a display window. Prior to acting on the target tissue, a visual indicator of the operator-inputted spatial attribute(s) is superimposed on one or more subsequent images captured by the imaging device and displayed to the operator. The operator can visually compare position of the visual indicator to position of the operator-identified feature in order to detect movement of the patient during the procedure. The system and methodology also facilitates realignment that corrects for detected patient movement. | 06-21-2012 |
20120157842 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY IDENTIFYING AND SEGMENTING DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES IN ULTRASOUND IMAGES - A system for providing non-invasive ultrasound based treatment to a region of interest is provided. The system comprises an imaging unit for imaging one or more tissue types in the region of interest, an image processing unit that is configured to identify the one or more tissue types in the region of interest, an ultrasound transducer that is configured to focus an ultrasound beam to ablate at least a portion of the identified tissues, and a controller unit that controls a delivery of the ultrasound beam to the region of interest. | 06-21-2012 |
20120165667 | LASSO CATHETER WITH ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER - A medical device includes an insertion shaft, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion into a body of a patient. A resilient end section is fixed to the distal end of the insertion shaft and is formed so as to define an arc oriented obliquely relative to the axis and having a center of curvature on the axis. One or more electrodes are disposed along the end section. An ultrasound transducer is fixed to the distal end and is configured to image a vicinity of the arc using ultrasound waves. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165668 | Systems and methods for treating acute and/or chronic injuries in soft tissue - Various embodiments provide a method of treating fibrous soft tissue. The method can include the steps of targeting injured fibrous soft tissue located at or near an injury location; directing therapeutic ultrasound energy to the injured fibrous soft tissue; creating a conformal region of elevated temperature in the injured fibrous soft tissue; and creating at least one thermally induced biological effect in the injured fibrous soft tissue. In various embodiments the thermally induced biological effect can be one of coagulation, increased perfusion, reduction of inflammation, generation of heat shock proteins, and initiation of healing cascade. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165669 | MEDICAL ULTRASOUND DEVICE WITH FORCE DETECTION - A medical ultrasound device is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end region ( | 06-28-2012 |
20120172721 | MULTILAYER ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER DEVICES FOR HIGH POWER TRANSMISSION AND WIDE-BAND RECEPTION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Multilayer ultrasound transducer devices for high power transmission and wide-band reception and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. An ultrasound transducer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a first array of first transducers and a second array of second transducers that are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The first transducers can include a first piezoelectric material that is configured to transmit acoustic waves, and the second transducers can include a second piezoelectric material that is configured to receive echoes from the acoustic waves. The ultrasound transducer device can further include an electrical connection layer between the first and second arrays that is electrically coupled to the first and second transducers. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172722 | ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND GRAPHICAL INTERFACE FOR PROCEDURAL ASSISTANCE - A system includes an ultrasound transducer and a processing device coupled to the transducer and configured to generate to a display device a graphical user interface. The processing device is further configured to generate to a first region of the user interface an ultrasound image of a patient region of interest, generate to the first region at least one overlay image configured to indicate a specific feature associated with the region of interest, generate to a second region of the user interface a first set of selectable soft keys, the second region being exclusive of the first region, and in response to user selection of a first-set soft key, generate to a third region of the user interface a corresponding functional image. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172723 | INTRAVASCULAR CATHETER TO DELIVER UNFOCUSED ENERGY TO NERVES SURROUNDING A BLOOD VESSEL - In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources. | 07-05-2012 |
20120179035 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH MOTION SENSING - In one embodiment, a medical system includes an emitter or a detector configured to interface with a patient and integrated with a housing of a handheld medical instrument, a motion detection device integrated with the housing and configured to detect motion of the handheld medical instrument and convert the motion to motion data, and a processor configured to receive the motion data and programmed to issue a command related to control of the medical system based on a correlation between the motion data and the command. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179036 | IMAGING-GUIDED JOINT INJECTION SYSTEM - Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location. | 07-12-2012 |
20120184850 | Imaging and directed phototherapy catheter - Disclosed are systems, methods and devices for imaging and phototherapy. In one embodiment, a catheter system includes a light emitter and an ultrasound imaging system coupled to the light emitter. The ultrasound imaging system transmits an image to a display device, and the light emitter emits light energy directed at a target location. | 07-19-2012 |
20120190981 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTONOMOUS INTRAVENOUS NEEDLE INSERTION - Systems and methods for autonomous intravenous needle insertion are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system for autonomous intravenous insertion include a robot arm, one or more sensors pivotally attached to the robot arm for gathering information about potential insertion sites in a subject arm, a medical device pivotally attached to the robot arm, and a controller in communication with the sensors and the robot arm, wherein the controller receives the information from the sensors about potential insertion sites, and the controller selects a target insertion site and directs the robot arm to insert the medical device into the target insertion site. | 07-26-2012 |
20120190982 | TREATMENT DEVICE - A treatment device includes a probe to acquire an image of a target using ultrasonic waves, a needle guide provided along the probe, a needle movable along the needle guide, a measurement unit to sense a movement distance of the needle based on contact caused by movement of the needle, and a controller to calculate the movement distance of the needle based on a value measured by the measurement unit. The treatment device may further include a needle sensing unit to determine whether the needle has reached a reference position. The measurement unit is driven based on the determination of the needle sensing unit. | 07-26-2012 |
20120197119 | Treatment instrument - A treatment instrument that is inserted in a freely advancing and retracting manner into the channel of an ultrasonic endoscope, includes a treatment member that has a distal end and a proximal end and an outer surface that is a circular cylindrical shape in which a plurality of dimples are formed indenting into the outer surface. The length component that is measured in the direction of the center axis of the treatment member and which is the distance between the rear edge, which is positioned closest to the proximal end, and the deepest part of the dimple is shorter than the length component that is measured in the direction of the center axis and which is the distance between the front edge which is closest to the distal end and the deepest part. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197120 | METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SWEAT GLANDS - A method and system for ultrasound treatment of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface. | 08-02-2012 |
20120197121 | CUSTOMIZED COSMETIC TREATMENT - A method and system for controlled thermal injury of human superficial tissue based on the ability to controllably create thermal lesions of variable shape, size, and depth via precise spatial and temporal control of acoustic energy deposition. The apparatus includes a control system and probes that facilitate treatment planning, control and delivery of energy, and monitoring of treatment conditions. | 08-02-2012 |
20120209116 | Systems and Methods for Ultrasound Imaging and Insonation of Microbubbles - A catheter system including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a lumen extending through at least a portion of a length of the elongate tubular member. The distal end portion of the elongate member is dimensioned and adapted to advance to or in proximity to a treatment site of a subject. A microbubble device is in fluid communication with the lumen. The microbubble device includes at least one input port for receiving a flow of material into the device and an output port configured to output microbubbles from the microbubble device. A second tubular member is in fluid communication with one of the at least one input ports. A pressure fitting arrangement is adapted to maintain a seal between the second tubular member and the input port. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209117 | Surgical Measurement Apparatus and System - A portable measurement system is provided including a probe, a user interface control and a receiver. The probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that emit ultrasonic waveforms for creating a three-dimensional sensing space. The user interface control captures a location and position of the probe in the three-dimensional sensing space. The receiver includes a plurality of microphones to capture the ultrasonic waveforms transmitted from the probe to produce captured ultrasonic waveforms and a digital signal processor that digitally samples the captured ultrasonic waveforms and tracks a relative location and movement of the probe with respect to the receiver in the three-dimensional ultrasonic sensing space from time of flight waveform analysis. Embodiments are demonstrated with respect to hip replacement surgery, but other embodiments are contemplated. | 08-16-2012 |
20120209118 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION THROUGH ULTRASOUND RENAL DENERVATION - Non-invasive inactivation of nerve conduction in a treatment region of a mammalian subject as, for example, a region encompassing a renal artery. A therapeutic ultrasound transducer ( | 08-16-2012 |
20120215103 | Energy-Delivery Device Including Ultrasound Transducer Array and Phased Antenna Array - A medical device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes a housing, a phased antenna array disposed within the housing, and a user-interface coupled to the housing. The user-interface is adapted to enable a user to selectively adjust the radiation pattern of electromagnetic energy delivered into a tissue region by the phased antenna array. The medical device also includes an ultrasound transducer array disposed within the housing. The ultrasound transducer array is configured to acquire data representative of the tissue region during energy delivery into the tissue region by the phased antenna array. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215104 | ENERGY-DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY, AND METHODS OF ADJUSTING AN ABLATION FIELD RADIATING INTO TISSUE USING SAME - A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215105 | TREATMENT OF SUB-DERMAL REGIONS FOR COSMETIC EFFECTS - A method and system for noninvasive face lifts and deep tissue tightening are disclosed. An exemplary method and treatment system are configured for the imaging, monitoring, and thermal injury to treat the SMAS region. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary method and system are configured for treating the SMAS region by first, imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area and surrounding structures, second, delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, timing, and energy level to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, and third to monitor the treatment area before, during, and after therapy to plan and assess the results and/or provide feedback. | 08-23-2012 |
20120215106 | TISSUE TREATMENT - There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of treating a subject suffering from a nerve related disorder, the method comprising causing a damage region to one or both of a lumen wall or nearby surrounding tissues, the damage region encompassing a volume having dimensions of less than about 6.8 mm in a substantially radial direction, less than about 5.8 mm in a direction substantially tangential to the lumen, less than about 10 mm in a substantially axial direction, the damage region being located no closer than about 0.2 mm from an inner wall of the lumen, the damage region comprises of greater than about 60% of collagen denatured tissue. | 08-23-2012 |
20120232389 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ADMINISTERING LOCAL ANESTHETIC - Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described. | 09-13-2012 |
20120238873 | Ultrasound Treatment Device - The invention concerns a device for treatment of an organ or tissue of a living being. The device comprises at least one treatment transducer for emission of ultrasound waves, preferably high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves, focusable on a focal point within or on the surface of said organ or tissue, as well as means for rotating said treatment transducer around an axis which intersects said focal point. The device further comprises synchronization means for synchronizing the rotation of the treatment transducer with at least the emission of ultrasound waves from said treatment transducer and/or an additional imaging transducer. | 09-20-2012 |
20120259219 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE LUMEN OF A VESSEL - An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a reusable handheld device and a disposable cartridge. The reusable handheld device includes a imaging device attachment utilized to secure an image capturing instrument, an arm coupled to the imaging device attachment, and a depth scale coupled to the arm, wherein the depth scale provides a scale indicating an insertion depth. The disposable cartridge attaches to the reusable handheld device. The disposable cartridge includes a sheath, needle or guidewire coupled to the disposable cartridge. The sheath or needle extends to the insertion depth when fully advanced, thereby allowing the sheath, needle, or guidewire to access the lumen of a vessel. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259220 | MOTORIZED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE LUMEN OF A VESSEL - An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a main body and a disposable cartridge. The main body includes a imaging device attachment, wherein the imaging device attachment is utilized to secure an image capturing instrument to the main body; a cartridge carrier coupled to the imaging device attachment, wherein the cartridge carrier is adjustable to achieve a target insertion depth; and a first motor coupled to the cartridge carrier, wherein the first motor adjust the cartridge carrier to achieve the target insertion depth. The disposable cartridge is attached to the cartridge carrier and houses a sheath, needle, or guidewire to be inserted into the vessel to the target insertion depth. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259221 | ROBOTIC INSERTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel includes a handle providing a controller for operating the apparatus, an image capturing instrument secured to the handle, a display secured to the handle, wherein images captured by the image capturing instrument are displayed on the display, and a robotic platform coupled to the handle. The robotic platform includes a body, a first motor coupled to the body, wherein the first motor adjust the robotic platform to achieve a target insertion depth, and a cartridge carrier pivotally coupled to the body, wherein the robotic platform is adjustable to achieve the target insertion depth. The apparatus also includes a disposable cartridge attached to the cartridge carrier. The disposable cartridge includes a needle slideably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the needle slides to extend to the target insertion depth, and a sheath slideably coupled to the disposable cartridge, wherein the sheath slides to extend to the target insertion depth. | 10-11-2012 |
20120259222 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS - An ultrasound system comprises a transducer, a controller arranged to generate control signals arranged to control the transducer to generate pressure waves directed at a target volume, and sensing means arranged to sense cavitation in the target volume. The controller is arranged to receive sensing signals from the sensing means and to vary the control signals in response to the sensing signals thereby to control the cavitation. | 10-11-2012 |
20120265069 | ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER FOR PULSE-ECHO MONITORING AND CONTROL OF THERMALLY ABLATIVE LESIONING IN LAYERED AND NONLAYERED TISSUES, CATHETER CONTACT MONITORING, TISSUE THICKNESS MEASUREMENT AND PRE-POP WARNING - An ablation catheter with acoustic monitoring comprises an elongated catheter body; a distal member disposed adjacent a distal end and including an ablation element to ablate a biological member at a target region outside the catheter body; and one or more acoustic transducers each configured to direct an acoustic beam toward a respective target ablation region and receive reflection echoes therefrom. The distal member includes a transducer housing in which the acoustic transducers are disposed, the transducer housing including at least one transducer window which is the only portion in the distal member through which the acoustic beam passes, at least the at least one transducer window portion of the distal member being made of a material comprising at least 50% carbon by volume, the transducer window material having an acoustic impedance between that of the acoustic transducers and that of the biological member. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265070 | SINGLE TRANSDUCER WITH ANGULAR ORIENTATION FOR LESION FEEDBACK IN ABLATION CATHETER - An ablation catheter comprises: an elongated catheter body extending along a longitudinal axis; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body to ablate a targeted tissue region outside the catheter body; a single pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in the distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam along a centroid in a beam direction, at a transducer angle of about 30-60 degrees relative to a distal direction of the longitudinal axis at a location of intersection between the longitudinal axis and the beam direction of the centroid of the acoustic beam; and a mechanism to manipulate the distal portion in movement including rotation of at least the distal portion around the longitudinal axis. The single ultrasonic transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide lesion information in the targeted tissue region being ablated. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265071 | Medical Workstation - The invention relates to a medical work station which has a medical instrument which is intended to be inserted at least partially into the interior of a lying being for treating the latter, an imaging device which is set up to create image data records of the interior of the living being during the treatment, and a robot. The robot includes a robot arm having a plurality of members situated one after another, on which the imaging device or the medical instrument may be situated, and a control device intended for moving the robot arm, which is set up to move the robot arm in such a way that the imaging device attached to the robot arm follows a motion of the medical insrument, or the medical instrument attached to the robot arm follows a motion of the imaging device. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265072 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE ULTRASOUND GUIDED SUB-FACIAL SKELETAL MUSCLE INJECTION OF AUTOLOGOUS FAT TO PRODUCE MUSCLE VOLUME EXPANSION - The method includes novel applications for liposuction, lipectomy, liposculpting, and ultrasonic fat harvesting and emulsification devices, especially those devices that provide in situ visualization. The application includes immediately transferring harvested autologous fat from the liposuction, lipectomy, liposculpting, or ultrasonic device to an injector portion on the fat harvesting and emulsifying device or to a separate injector unit that injects it into muscle to provide a higher value, more desirable, use for and positioning of the fat in the form of muscle volume expansion. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271167 | Methods of Enhancing Delivery of Drugs Using Ultrasonic Waves and Systems for Performing The Same - Methods and systems for inducing and passively detecting stable cavitation and/or inertial cavitation for targeted drug delivery across a biological membrane are disclosed. Such methods include administering vesicles having a nucleating agent and a therapeutic drug to a vascular system of a patient, and providing an active interval of ultrasonic exposure substantially throughout a targeted treatment zone. The ultrasonic exposure is produced by a source transducer at a specified fundamental frequency, amplitude, duty cycle, and duration. The methods also include detecting a scattered ultrasonic wave, where the scattered ultrasonic wave is received by a detection transducer. Detection of the scattered ultrasonic wave is indicative of stable and/or inertial cavitation. The ultrasonic exposure is provided intermittently in the active intervals separated by rest periods, and substantially less ultrasonic exposure is provided during the rest period than during the active interval. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271168 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A COMPUTATIONAL MEDICAL DEVICE IN DYNAMIC BODY SYSTEMS - A computational catheter device including at least one lumen, pressure sensor(s), external sensor(s), a signal modeler, and a signal analyzer is provided. The pressure sensor generates a pressure signal for a dynamic body system, whereas the external sensor determines the fundamental frequency caused by cardiovascular pulsation or external oscillator. The signal modeler uses catheter location and the fundamental frequency to generate a predicted signal. This predicted signal may be compared to the actual pressure signal by the signal analyzer to generate a calibration. This calibration may include any of a measure of perivascular state, a waveform output which causes standing waves within the dynamic body system, a boundary condition for safe operations, and an indication of abnormal physiology for assistance in catheter navigation. The catheter device may also include an actuator which uses the calibration to achieve homeostasis by fluxing fluids and/or guiding catheter movements. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271169 | ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS - A sensing system for sensing the condition of an object comprises a transducer arranged to generate pressure waves directed at the object and detection means, such as a pressure wave detector, arranged to detect cavitation or other processes in the object. The system further comprises processing means arranged to receive detection signals from the detection means, to process the detection signals to measure a signal parameter of the detection signals that varies with a parameter of the object, and may generate a sensor output that varies in response to changes in the signal parameter. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271170 | CATHETER FOR INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND AND PHOTOACOUSTIC IMAGING - A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy. The second catheter design uses the micro-optics in the manner of a probe for optical coherent tomography. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271171 | ENERGETIC MODULATION OF NERVES - A system to modulate an autonomic nerve in a patient utilizing transcutaneous ultrasound energy delivery includes a processor comprising an input for receiving information regarding energy and power to be delivered to a treatment region containing the nerve, and an output for outputting a signal, wherein the processor is configured to determine a position of a reference target from outside the patient to localize the nerve relative to the reference target, a therapeutic energy device comprising a transducer for delivering ultrasound energy from outside the patient, a controller to control an aiming of the transducer based at least in part on the signal from the processor, and an imaging system coupled to the processor or the therapeutic energy device. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277586 | FEEDING TUBE HAVING ECHOGENIC TIP - A feeding tube for insertion into the jejunum of a patient. An elongated tubular member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal portions, and at least one aperture at the distal portion. The aperture is sized for passage of fluid material from the lumen into the jejunum. An inflatable balloon is disposed about a length of the elongated tubular member distal portion. The balloon is sized and configured such that upon inflation via water or saline inflation media, the balloon projects outwardly from the tubular member distal portion so as to be engageable with an interior wall of the body passageway. An echogenic material is disposed along the tubular member distal portion in conjunction with the balloon to provide an echogenic capability, so that the tubular member length is visible under ultrasound imaging. | 11-01-2012 |
20120277587 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME MONITORING OF TISSUE LAYERS - The disclosed method and apparatus employ ultrasound beams to monitor the tissue type composition of body tissue that is to be treated and the temperature at each body tissue type or layer in real time. Additionally, the disclosed method and apparatus also provides ultrasound-based thermo-control of an aesthetic body treatment session. | 11-01-2012 |
20120283564 | VASCULAR CHARACTERIZATION USING ULTRASOUND IMAGING - Ultrasound methods and/or systems provide for the motion tracking of both vessel wall motion and blood flow (e.g., with use of high frame rate ultrasound pulse echo data and speckle tracking both wall motion and flow can be tracked simultaneously). | 11-08-2012 |
20120283565 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GUIDED CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION PENETRATION - An apparatus and method for guided penetration of a chronic total occlusion in a blood vessel are disclosed. The invention is directed to an apparatus that facilitates accurate placement of a drilling tip within a body lumen using ultrasound-based detection to determine the position of the intravascular catheter relative to the vessel occlusion and vessel walls. | 11-08-2012 |
20120296211 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a light irradiator for irradiating a lattice point set in the region to be imaged with light converging to the lattice point, so as to impart heat locally to the point; an image for distortion amount calculation-generating section for generating an ultrasound image for distortion amount calculation based on a reception signal of ultrasound generated; and a distortion amount calculating section for calculating the difference between the position of the lattice point on an ultrasound image for distortion amount calculation and the absolute coordinates of the lattice point as the distortion amount. Such apparatus allows precise sound speed values in the living body to be obtained and, accordingly, an ultrasound image of high accuracy to be taken. In consequence, a more accurate diagnosis is conducted on the region to be diagnosed in a subject. | 11-22-2012 |
20120302882 | COMBINATION CATHETER FOR FORWARD AND SIDE LESIONING WITH ACOUSTIC LESION FEEDBACK CAPABILITY - An ablation system comprises a catheter including a pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in a distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam. The transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide transducer detected information regarding the targeted tissue region being ablated. A rotation mechanism rotates at least the distal portion around a longitudinal axis of the catheter. A control and interface system processes the transducer detected information and provides feedback to a user via a user interface and/or the control and interface system to be used to control ablation. The transducer detected information includes a detected lesion depth along a beam emanation direction. The control and interface system includes a lesion depth correction module which converts the detected lesion depth along the beam direction to a corrected lesion depth in a normal direction which is perpendicular to the tissue surface in contact with the ablation element. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302883 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT AND DIAGNOSIS USING ULTRASOUND - A method and system for treatment and diagnosis using ultrasound includes irradiating ultrasound for treatment into a treatment site, inducing a shear wave around the treatment site, irradiating ultrasound for diagnosis into the treatment site, and determining a degree of treatment or necrosis of a tissue of the treatment site by using a measured displacement of the shear wave. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302884 | METHOD OF OPERATING A PATHOLOGY LABORATORY - A method of operating a pathology laboratory, which utilizes an ultrasound imaging device, adapted to automatically image tissue specimens, in the laboratory. Resected tissue specimens are received into the laboratory and the ultrasound imaging device is used to image some of the received tissue specimens, thereby creating 3-dimensional tissue specimen images of imaged tissue specimens. Locations on the imaged tissue specimens to take tissue sample, in order to make microscope slides, are determined in reliance on the tissue specimen images and the tissue samples are taken from the locations determined and the microscope slides are produced. | 11-29-2012 |
20120316439 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TISSUE IMAGING AND ANALYSIS - A method for detecting abnormal tissue in a region of healthy tissue, comprising:
| 12-13-2012 |
20120316440 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLED DEPLOYMENT OF NEEDLES IN TISSUE - Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle. | 12-13-2012 |
20120330156 | Pulmonary Embolism Therapeutic Methods Using Therapeutic Ablation Devices and Systems - Methods and devices are disclosed that, in various embodiments and permutations and combinations of inventions, diagnose and treat Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms. In one series of embodiments, the invention consists of methods and devices for identifying patients whose Pulmonary Embolism or associated symptoms are caused or exacerbated, at least in part, by blockages of one or more of the patient's internal pulmonary veins. In some instances, stenoses or other flow limiting structures or lesions in the patient's affected veins are identified. Further, in some instances the nature of such lesions and whether there is a significant disruption of blood pressure, or both, is ascertained. In some embodiments, methods and devices for applying one or more therapies to the blockages in the patient's pulmonary veins are provided. | 12-27-2012 |
20130012816 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING ACOUSTIC ENERGY DEPOSITION INTO A MEDIUM - A method and system for acoustic treatment of tissue are provided. Acoustic energy, including ultrasound, under proper functional control can penetrate deeply and be controlled precisely in tissue. In some embodiments, methods and systems are configured for acoustic tissue treatment based on creating an energy distribution function in tissue. In some embodiments, methods and systems are configured based on creating a temperature distribution function in tissue. | 01-10-2013 |
20130018261 | Ultrasonic Apparatus Comprising Therapeutic Ultrasonic Transducer Detachably Coupled to Diagnostic Ultrasonic TransducerAANM Jeong; Jong SeobAACI SeoulAACO KRAAGP Jeong; Jong Seob Seoul KRAANM Kim; SungMinAACI Goyang-siAACO KRAAGP Kim; SungMin Goyang-si KRAANM Park; Jun YoungAACI SeoulAACO KRAAGP Park; Jun Young Seoul KR - An ultrasonic apparatus including a therapeutic ultrasonic transducer and a diagnostic ultrasonic transducer which is detachably coupled to the therapeutic ultrasonic transducer is provided. Here, the therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasonic transducers can be mounted to be independently replaceable with new ones. The therapeutic ultrasonic transducer and the diagnostic ultrasonic transducer, both of which constitute the ultrasonic apparatus, can be independently exchanged, transducers having various frequency bands and focusing distances can be combined, and damage to the diagnostic ultrasonic transducer can be prevented by preventing heat generated from therapeutic ultrasonic waves from being transferred to the diagnostic ultrasonic transducer. | 01-17-2013 |
20130018262 | FATTY TISSUE IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICEAANM Matsunaka; ToshiyukiAACI TokyoAACO JPAAGP Matsunaka; Toshiyuki Tokyo JPAANM Horinaka; HiromichiAACI OsakaAACO JPAAGP Horinaka; Hiromichi Osaka JPAANM Morikawa; HiroyasuAACI OsakaAACO JPAAGP Morikawa; Hiroyasu Osaka JPAANM Ogawa; TomohiroAACI OsakaAACO JPAAGP Ogawa; Tomohiro Osaka JP - Provided is a fatty tissue image display device capable of displaying an index indicating the degree of progress of fatty change. The fatty tissue image display device is provided with a light source ( | 01-17-2013 |
20130041258 | IMAGING-GUIDED ANESTHESIA INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices and systems for injecting fluids, such as anesthetics, to or near nerve tissue or other targeted anatomical location are disclosed herein. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with a needle that is configured to be inserted into the patient's anatomy. One or more medicaments (e.g., anesthetics) and/or other materials contained within containers (e.g., vials) that are secured to the injection system can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through the needle. Nerve stimulation and/or imaging technologies (e.g., ultrasound) can be used to locate a targeted anatomical location. Aspiration can be used to confirm needle location. An overlay on the imaging display can include, in addition to real-time imaging data, data and other information relating to back pressure at or near the needle tip, volumes or other amounts of fluids delivered by and remaining within the system, stimulation level and/or the like. | 02-14-2013 |
20130041259 | PROPERTY DETERMINING APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A PROPERTY OF AN OBJECT - A monitoring apparatus for monitoring an ablation procedure applied to an object comprises an ultrasound signal providing unit for providing an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound signal is produced by sending ultrasound pulses out to the object, by subsequently receiving dynamic echo series after the ultrasound pulses have been reflected by the object, and finally by generating the ultrasound signal depending on the received dynamic echo series, whereby ultrasound scattering properties of the object are determined that represent blood perfusion. The monitoring apparatus further comprises an ablation depth determination unit for determining an ablation depth from the provided ultrasound signal. | 02-14-2013 |
20130053694 | BLOOD VESSEL SENSING CATHETER HAVING WORKING LUMEN FOR MEDICAL APPLIANCES - Devices and methods are disclosed for providing a sensing element to scan tissue and detect the presence of structures within the tissue to avoid the structures when performing a procedure on the tissue. A catheter includes a blood vessel sensing assembly and a working lumen adapted to receive a medical appliance or instrument for performing various medical procedures. | 02-28-2013 |
20130053695 | ENERGY-DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY, AND METHODS OF ADJUSTING AN ABLATION FIELD RADIATING INTO TISSUE USING SAME - A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue. | 02-28-2013 |
20130060140 | Dual-Mode Piezocomposite Ultrasonic Transducer - A compact, high power, dual mode, emitting and receiving ultrasound transducer and method for applying ultrasonic energy within a living subject and for monitoring the effects it induces in tissue comprises a set of piezoelectric polymeric transducer elements and a set of piezoelectric ceramic elements, bonded together. The polymeric transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for low power diagnostic imaging interrogation of the tissue and the ceramic transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for high power therapy applications. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060141 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY - An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens-transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency. | 03-07-2013 |
20130066205 | Ultrasound bone imaging assembly - A device for orienting a bone cutting tool with respect to a locking screw hole of an intramedullary nail inserted within a bone is provided. The device includes a device body which is configured with a cutting path for a cutting device and a distal end portion which is adapted for positioning against a surface of the bone. The device also includes an ultrasound probe holder which serves for aligning the cutting path with the screw locking feature using at least one ultrasound signal of at least one ultrasound probe attached to the device. | 03-14-2013 |
20130079635 | METHODS FOR IMAGE-GUIDED DELIVERY OF ANESTHETICS INTO THE ANATOMY - Devices and systems for injecting fluids, such as anesthetics, to or near nerve tissue or other targeted anatomical location are disclosed herein. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with a needle that is configured to be inserted into the patient's anatomy. One or more medicaments (e.g., anesthetics) and/or other materials contained within containers (e.g., vials) that are secured to the injection system can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through the needle. Nerve stimulation and/or imaging technologies (e.g., ultrasound) can be used to locate a targeted anatomical location. Aspiration can be used to confirm needle location. An overlay on the imaging display can include, in addition to real-time imaging data, data and other information relating to back pressure at or near the needle tip, volumes or other amounts of fluids delivered by and remaining within the system, stimulation level and/or the like. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085387 | RADIOTHERAPY SYSTEM ADAPTED TO MONITOR A TARGET LOCATION IN REAL TIME - The present invention provides a radiotherapy system that can monitor a target location in real time. The radiotherapy system includes a remote control system operable to actuate a real-time image capturing device to acquire images in real time for monitoring the target location. The system also includes an image registration system that can register the acquired image with an image previously captured for the treatment plan, whereby it can be determined whether the patient's tumor is in the beam's eye view of the treatment plan. By confirming that the tumor is in the range of the beam's eye view, the accuracy of the treatment can be improved, and the irradiated area can be reduced, which makes the radiation treatment safer. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085388 | TISSUE PUNCTURE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR PUNCTURING TISSUE - A tissue puncture assembly includes an elongate tubular member having a lumen, a distal portion having a side wall, a side port opening extending through the side wall and, and a guiding surface having a distal end that extends adjacent to a distal edge of the side port opening. The tissue puncture assembly further includes a flexible puncture member insertable through the lumen of the elongate tubular member. The flexible puncture member deflects upon contacting the guiding surface to exit the elongate tubular member through the side port in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongate tubular member. The tissue puncture member is capable of puncturing tissue at an oblique angle. The tissue puncture member may further adopt a pre-formed shape at its distal end to prevent inadvertent puncture of tissue and to maintain access to the puncture site. The transseptal puncture assembly may include various sensors to identify tissue structures and precisely locate the desired puncture site. | 04-04-2013 |
20130096431 | METHOD FOR USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - A plurality of concepts related to HIFU therapy are disclosed, including a technique to spatially track and display the relative positions of a HIFU focal point and an imaging plane from an ultrasound imager, so that a clinician can ensure that the HIFU focus remains in the image plane during HIFU therapy, thereby facilitating image guided HIFU therapy. Also disclosed are a plurality of transvaginal probes that include a HIFU transducer optimized for the treatment of uterine fibroids. In one embodiment, the probe includes a piezoceramic crystal bonded to an aluminum lens, to achieve a HIFU transducer having a focal length of about 4 cm. In another embodiment, the probe includes a generally spoon-shaped transducer including a plurality of individual emitter elements. Still another concept disclosed herein is a method for evaluating a quality of a coupling between a liquid-filled volume encompassing a HIFU transducer and a tissue interface. | 04-18-2013 |
20130102901 | Ultrasound Guided Probe Device and Methods of Using Same - The present invention is directed to improved devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer housing having a passage therethrough configured to accommodate a probe. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide in the passage of the transducer housing, and along a path extending from the ultrasound transducer housing to a target at a known angular relationship to the ultrasound transducer. In this manner, the path of the advancing probe and hence the location of the probe tip can be more clearly known in relation to a target imaged by the ultrasound device. In addition, the devices can include a sterile sleeve including a sterile probe guide such that the transducer housing itself, including the integral probe guide opening, can be separated from the patient by a sterile barrier. The devices can also include a clamp for clamping the probe in the probe guide. The devices can also include means and methods for imaging a virtual probe overlaying the sonogram formed by the ultrasound device such that a real time image of the probe approach to the target may be observed during and after probe placement. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116562 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING DIAGNOSTIC IMAGE AND MEDICAL IMAGE SYSTEM - A method of generating a diagnostic image of a subject including transmitting a transmission signal to the subject; acquiring a first RF frame and a second RF frame from an echo signal reflected from the subject; estimating a second directional displacement indicating a degree of movement of a first point of the subject appearing in the first RF frame in the second RF frame; generating an ultrasonic image corresponding to the second RF frame; and correcting an error of the generated ultrasonic image using the estimated second directional displacement. The first point may appear in the first RF frame and the second RF frame. | 05-09-2013 |
20130123624 | VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE CAPABLE OF IMPLANTATION OF STEM CELLS - A biologic ventricular assist device that also has the capability to capture, grow, and administer stem cells to regenerate and restore damaged myocardium in the heart. The device works in conjunction with a traditional ventricular assist device and possesses an additional external path or tube that is in-line with the path of the ventricular assist device. The external path allows for the administration of stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, as well as leading to a stem cell collecting accessory that captures circulating stem cells. The stem cell collecting accessory is also associated with a chamber for culturing the captured stem cells. The cultured stem cells can be delivered back to the heart by an electro-mechanical or ultrasound/echocardiographic delivery system that runs through the external path back into the ventricular assist device and allows for the delivery of the stem cells, or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, directly into the internal chambers of the heart. Administering the stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents, either alone or in combination, to the heart allows the myocardium to regenerate and repair itself even while the heart is attached to the ventricular assist device, ultimately allowing the heart to regenerate, recover and allow the VAD to be removed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123625 | INTEGRATED ULTRASOUND ABLATION AND IMAGING DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - Intravascular nerve modulation systems and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region and a central longitudinal axis. An ablation transducer may be disposed at the distal end region. The system may also include a rotational drive configured to rotate the ablation transducer about the central longitudinal axis. A control and power system may be operably connected to the ablation transducer and the rotational drive. In some instances, the ablation transducer may be a combined ablation and imaging transducer. | 05-16-2013 |
20130137979 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH ARTICULATED IMAGING TRANSDUCER - A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component. | 05-30-2013 |
20130137980 | CATHETERS FOR IMAGING AND ABLATING TISSUE - An ultrasound catheter includes an elongated body, a first and second ablation element each configured to ablate soft tissue and an imaging core having an ultrasound transducer. In another example, an ultrasound catheter includes an elongated body, a RF ablator configured to ablate soft tissue at a frequency less than 1 MHz, and an ultrasound transducer configured to image at a frequency greater than or equal to 10 MHz. In another example, an ultrasound catheter apparatus includes an ultrasound catheter having an ablator and an ultrasound transducer, and a graphical user interface displayed using a computer processor. The graphical user interface displays a real-time image of a treatment area and the ultrasound catheter, and a chart displaying ablation as a function of time, the chart being updated in real-time. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144163 | DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE FOR OVARIAN CANCER - A drug delivery device has been designed to directly deliver an agent to the ovaries through direct contact with the fallopian tubes. The device consists of three main components: a tubular inserter, a cylindrical chamber and a plunger. The device is a single-use applicator designed in a shape similar to a tampon to facilitate its insertion through the vagina and into the uterus. Positioning of the device centrally in the uterus is accomplished through the use of ultrasound. The chamber is inserted into the tubular inserter. Adjusting the length of the chamber inserted into the tubular inserter controls the amount of tubing released from the apertures in the tubular inserter. Ultrasound is used to ensure the proper placement of each tube at the entrance of each fallopian tube. The plunger is inserted into the chamber and adjustment of the plunger controls the amount of the agent released into the tubes. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144164 | ULTRASONIC PUNCTURE NEEDLE - An ultrasonic puncture needle used in combination with an ultrasonic endoscope including a distal-end hard part, a bendable part, and an operation part, includes: a sheath inserted into an insertion channel of the ultrasonic endoscope; a needle tube that includes an opening; a releasing mechanism that releases a substance. In a state in which the needle tube is disposed inside the bendable part, a periphery of the needle tube receives a force from an inner wall of the insertion channel while the bendable part is in a bent state by the operation part. The needle tube is rotated around a long axis of the insertion channel by the force, such that an axis line matching the direction of the opening in the needle tube protruding from the insertion channel becomes substantially parallel with an ultrasonic scanning face of the ultrasonic endoscope. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144165 | 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 | 06-06-2013 |
20130150714 | Vascular acess device ultrasound guidance system - A vascular access device ultrasound guidance system which provides a novel ultrasound imaging head interface for vessel access. The system comprises a fitted basket/VAD guide for attachment to a hand held ultrasound transducer. The VAD guide, being integrally molded to the fitted basket, comprises a releasible guide assembly for a VAD needle guide. In addition, the needle guide assembly comprises means for anchoring the VAD to a patient's skin following successful insertion. A magnetic needle guide system is disclosed. A fluid sampling device which integrates needle guidance and, safety needle capture in a single guide head is also disclosed. | 06-13-2013 |
20130150715 | Ultrasound probe head comprising an imaging transducer with a shielding element - The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe head ( | 06-13-2013 |
20130150716 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Visualizing an Occluded Vessel - Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to visualize severe blockages in a vessel and, in particular, chronic total occlusions in blood vessels. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to visualize the blockage to facilitate safe crossing of the blockage. | 06-13-2013 |
20130158401 | ULTRASONIC PERCUTANEOUS ENTERAL FEEDING TUBE - Among other things, a gastrostomy tube including a feeding tube that spans between an outer retention device and an inner retention device is disclosed. Embodiments of the inner retention device include an ultrasonic marker positioned within the inner retention device. The inner retention device and the ultrasonic marker have a variety of shapes or embodiments. The ultrasonic marker positioned in the inner retention device eliminates or reduces the use of fluoroscopy or endoscopy to position and later verify the location of the gastrostomy tube in a patient. Beneficially, the health risks associated with fluoroscopy and endoscopy are thereby eliminated or reduced with their associated disuse thereof. Moreover, the use of expensive hospital suites or operating rooms is eliminated or reduced with the use of portable ultrasound equipment that can be transported to a patient's bedside for verification of the location of the ultrasonic marker. | 06-20-2013 |
20130172742 | ABLATION PROBE WITH ULTRASONIC IMAGING CAPABILITY - Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging anatomical structures and performing ablation therapy within the body are disclosed. A combined ablation and ultrasound imaging probe includes an ablation electrode tip including an ablation electrode configured for delivering ablation energy, and a number of ultrasonic imaging sensors configured for imaging the tissue surrounding the probe. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are supported within the interior of the tip via a tip insert, and deliver ultrasonic waves through acoustic openings formed through the tip. The tip insert separates an interior lumen within the tip into a proximal fluid chamber and a distal fluid chamber. During an ablation procedure, the ultrasonic imaging sensors can be tasked to generate a number of ultrasonic images that can be displayed on a user interface. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178738 | System and Method for Tissue Ablation in a Body Cavity - A tissue ablation system and method of forming same includes an ablation device having a substrate with an outer surface and energy transport elements coupled to the outer surface. The substrate is configured to have a shape that approximates an interior shape of a uterus. The system and method further including an energy source electrically coupled to the energy transport elements and at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in a lateral region of the uterus. | 07-11-2013 |
20130178739 | METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, AND DEVICES FOR POSITIOING A CATHETER TIP USING AN ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEM - A catheter assembly includes an elongated member having an ultrasonic beacon disposed adjacent to a distal end portion of the elongated member, a power supply releasably attachable adjacent to the proximal end of the elongated member, and a catheter. The distal end portion of the elongated member with the ultrasonic transmitter is inserted into an anatomical structure of the human body, and the ultrasonic transmitter is powered by the power supply. Using conventional medical ultrasonography equipment, a technician is able to observe and/or track on a display an image of the internal structure of the human body and an image such as an illuminated bright spot representing the energized ultrasonic beacon. After locating the elongated member, the power supply is removed, and the catheter is slid onto the elongated member to locate the catheter tip. Thereafter, the elongated member is removed. | 07-11-2013 |
20130190623 | Histotripsy Therapy Transducer - A Histotripsy therapy transducer is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the transducer is sized and configured to direct Histotripsy energy through the perineal window into the prostate. The Histotripsy therapy transducer can include a notch or opening near the periphery of the transducer to accommodate a transrectal imaging probe. The notch or opening in the therapy transducer allows for movement of the therapy with respect to the imaging probe without contact or interference from the imaging probe. In some embodiments, the transducer can be “heart-shaped” or round. Methods of use are also described. | 07-25-2013 |
20130197363 | 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. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204133 | ULTRASONIC POSITIONING DEVICE FOR EPIDURAL SPACE AND METHOD USING THE SAME - An ultrasonic positioning method for real time measuring the distance between the epidural needle and the epidural space is provided. The ultrasonic positioning method at least includes a puncturing step; an advancing step; a positioning step for simultaneous detecting reflected ultrasonic signals from the ligamentum flavum (LF) and dura mater (DM); a replacement step for removing the ultrasound needle transducer and putting an injecting catheter; and an injection step for injecting an anesthetic into the epidural space via the injecting catheter. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204134 | PROPERTY DETERMINATION APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A PROPERTY OF AN OBJECT - The invention relates to a property determination apparatus ( | 08-08-2013 |
20130211257 | Ultrasonic imaging microwave therapeutic apparatus - An ultrasonic imaging microwave therapeutic apparatus includes a microwave radiation probe, a microwave generating unit, a laser generating unit, a color Doppler ultrasound imaging unit, and a microcomputer control unit. The microcomputer control unit outputs the microwave power control signal to control and adjust the power of the microwave generating unit. The microcomputer control unit outputs the laser control signal to control the switch-on/off of the laser generating unit. The advantages of using the therapeutic apparatus to treat the lower extremity varicose vein disease are as follows. The closure of the varicose vessel is accurate, firm, and thorough. The effect is definite. The traumas for patients are small. The pain of patients is light. The intraoperative bleeding is less. The recovery of patients is rapid. It is difficult to form deep vein thrombosis, can accurately treat the diseased blood vessel and simultaneously instantly verify the effect of the surgery. | 08-15-2013 |
20130211258 | 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. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218013 | Ultrasound Medical System and Method - An ultrasound medical system includes an interstitial end effector. The interstitial end effector is interstitially insertable into patient tissue, includes at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer, and includes at least one end-effector-tissue-track ablation device. One method for ultrasonically treating a lesion in a patient includes the steps of obtaining the interstitial end effector and inserting it into the patient creating a tissue track which is surrounded by patient tissue and which ends at the distal end of the inserted interstitial end effector. Other steps include ultrasonically ablating the lesion using the at-least-one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer, using the at-least-one end-effector-tissue-track ablation device to ablate the patient tissue surrounding the tissue track along substantially the entire tissue track, and withdrawing the end effector from the patient. | 08-22-2013 |
20130225994 | High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Registration with Imaging - High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is registered with imaging. The effects of transmission from a HIFU transducer, such as a rise in temperature, are detected by a separate imaging system. By using multiple transmissions, a plurality of locations of the transmissions from the HIFU transducer are determined within the imaging system coordinates. A transform relating the imaging system coordinates to the HIFU transducer coordinates is determined from the detected effects. The transform may be used to relate locations indicated in images of the imaging system with coordinates of the HIFU transducer for application of HIFU. The imaging system may not have to scan the HIFU transducer or fiducials and a fixed relationship may not be needed. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225995 | ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION APPARATUS - The invention includes: an ultrasound transducer; a holding part that holds the ultrasound transducer; an insertion portion in a rigid cylindrical shape where the holding part is installed at a distal end; and an insertion assisting instrument in a rigid rod or cylindrical shape-disposed in an extractable manner in the insertion portion; wherein: the holding part is installed at the distal end of the insertion portion to form a shape that is curved with a predetermined angle in a separating direction from a longitudinal direction from the distal end of the insertion portion; and a curvature angle of the holding part to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is set so that, when the insertion assisting instrument is inserted in the insertion portion, a straight line that contacts a distal end face of the insertion assisting instrument contacts the ultrasound transmitting/receiving face. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225996 | LUNG BIOPSY NEEDLE - Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225997 | LUNG BIOPSY NEEDLE - Systems, methods, and devices for biopsying tissue, in particular lung nodules, with a flexible needle are described herein. Preferably, the flexible needle is able to articulate or bend so as to provide access to areas previously difficult or impossible to biopsy. Further embodiments provide for steering and navigating the flexible needle to a region to be biopsied. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231562 | SENSING APPARATUS FOR SENSING AN OBJECT - The invention relates to a sensing apparatus for sensing an object. The sensing apparatus comprises an ultrasound unit ( | 09-05-2013 |
20130237822 | COMBINED RADIOTHERAPY ULTRASOUND DEVICE - In order to minimize radiation directed to a region outside of a target volume of a patient during a radiation therapy and minimize the cost of an image-guided particle therapy system, the particle therapy system includes an ultrasound device having at least one ultrasound transducer positioned abutting or adjacent to an external surface of the patient. The ultrasound device and thus the ultrasound transducer are positioned outside of a beam path of a particle beam between a radiotherapy device generating the particle beam, and the target volume. The ultrasound device is operable to generate data representing the target volume and/or a region outside of the target region while the radiotherapy device directs the particle beam to the target volume. The particle therapy system includes a processor operable to control the radiotherapy device based on a comparison between the generated data representing the target volume and a predetermined treatment plan. | 09-12-2013 |
20130237823 | METHODS FOR INJECTING ANESTHETICS - Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245444 | SYNCHRONOUSLY PUMPED ULTRASONIC WAVES AND SHEAR WAVE GENERATION BY SAME - Methods and apparatus for producing synchronously pumped (SP) ultrasonic bursts which can be used to create ultrasound radiation pressure. The emission of an ultrasonic burst by a piezoelement is synchronized with the reflection of another ultrasonic burst by the same piezoelement to create a combined ultrasonic burst with increased amplitude. Repeated synchronized emissions and reflections of ultrasonic bursts lead to resonant growth of a burst amplitude to equal that of a standing wave, but without formation of a nodal structure. In some embodiments, the SP ultrasonic bursts generate shear waves. In some embodiments, the shear waves are resonant shear waves. In some embodiments, the shear waves are formed in a supersonic regime. Shear waves thus formed can be used for various treatments of biological tissues, with or without RF heating. | 09-19-2013 |
20130261454 | Sonic Endovenous Catheter - A device and method to improve the ultrasound visibility of a catheter placed inside the body is described. The catheter is sonically vibrated by an external driver device that transmits the acoustic vibration down the catheter and inside the body. An ultrasound transducer is used to pick up the ultrasound vibrations directly or detects the sonic vibrations using a Doppler mode ultrasound machine. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261455 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ABLATING BODY TISSUE - A transducer subassembly with combined imaging and therapeutic capabilities is disclosed. The subassembly includes heat sinks that are configured to maintain the transducer at a low operating temperature so that the transducer operates at high efficiency and also can handle a wider range of frequencies. The subassembly is also configured to allow cooling fluid to flow past the transducer element. One heat sink in the subassembly also acts as an acoustic matching layer and another heat sink acts as a backing Alternatively, the second heat sink which acts as a backing is optional. The transducer is configured to transmit at one power level for imaging, and at a second power level for ablating. The transducer may comprise sub-elements transmitting at different power levels. The subassembly may be operated at one power level for imaging and a second power level for ablating. | 10-03-2013 |
20130267848 | PERCUTANEOUS, ULTRASOUND-GUIDED INTRODUCTION OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Described are methods and systems and system components useful for percutaneously delivering or retrieving vascular implant devices, such as filters, utilizing intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) imaging alone or in combination with external (e.g. transabdominal) ultrasound or other imaging technology. Implants deliverable by such systems, such as vena cava or other vascular filters, can have two or more echogenic markers spaced at such a distance that they are separately discernible by IVUS and/or external ultrasound imaging. | 10-10-2013 |
20130274603 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRA-HIGH FREQUENCY ULTRASOUND TREATMENT - A non-invasive ultra-high frequency ultrasound treatment method and system are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a high-frequency ultrasound transducer system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a patient such that the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of the patient can be treated. An exemplary high-frequency ultrasound transducer system comprises a control system and a transducer configured to provide treatment to the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of interest. The high-frequency ultrasound transducer may be configured to operate at higher frequencies and controlled power levels to provide treatment to the superficial and/or subcutaneous regions of interest. For example, higher frequencies within the range from approximately 20 MHz to 500 MHz or more may be utilized. | 10-17-2013 |
20130281853 | NONINVASIVE TISSUE TIGHTENING FOR COSMETIC EFFECTS - Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect. | 10-24-2013 |
20130289404 | Cover unit for use when inserting a puncture device in an anatomical structure such as a vein or an artery and for maintaining said puncture device in the anatomical structure - A cover unit for inserting a puncture device such as a cannula in an anatomical structure such as a vein or an artery and for maintaining said puncture device in said anatomical structure, comprising a flexible film having a glue provided surface, and a removable covering layer to cover said glue provided surface, wherein said cover unit comprises a patient adherent member and a barrier member connected along a connection line, which is arranged close to a puncture site in a patient; said film being made of an ultrasound transparent material; said barrier member being provided with at least one slit or weakening line extending from next to said connection line to a side edge of the cover unit and provided in said film; and said covering layer in the barrier member is removable from the film separately from the corresponding covering layer in the patient adherent member. | 10-31-2013 |
20130296699 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE - Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion. | 11-07-2013 |
20130296700 | ENERGY-BASED TISSUE TIGHTENING - Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect. | 11-07-2013 |
20130303904 | 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. | 11-14-2013 |
20130303905 | 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. | 11-14-2013 |
20130317363 | Planning System and Navigation System for an Ablation Procedure - The present disclosure is directed to an ablation planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, an ablation needle having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the ablation needle based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331696 | ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE - Provided is an ultrasonic endoscope. A treatment tool lead-out portion having an erecting base that erects a treatment tool led out of a treatment tool channel is arranged on a base end side of an ultrasonic transducer in a tip part rigid portion of an endoscope insertion section. The ultrasonic transducer and the treatment tool lead-out portion are arranged at a position shifted in the direction orthogonal to a scanning plane (scanning center plane) of an ultrasonic wave, and the erecting base is rotated around a rotational axis in a direction orthogonal to the scanning plane, and a guide surface is formed so as to guide the treatment tool in a direction intersecting the scanning plane. | 12-12-2013 |
20130338500 | CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the present invention include a laser catheter that includes a catheter body, a light guide, and a distal tip that extends beyond the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, an imaging device is disposed on the distal tip such that the imaging device is distal relative to the exit aperture of the light guide. In some embodiments, the imaging device can be gated to record images during and/or slightly beyond periods when the laser catheter is not activated. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345562 | METHODS FOR PREHEATING TISSUE FOR COSMETIC TREATMENT OF THE FACE AND BODY - Methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Methods of lifting sagging tissue on a face and/or neck are described. Pretreatment with heat is provided in several embodiments. | 12-26-2013 |
20140031686 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING IMAGE-GUIDED INTRAVASCULAR AND ENDOCARDIAL THERAPY SYSTEMS - A catheter assembly includes a catheter and a delivery element. The catheter has a distal end with a distal tip, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length. The catheter includes a body that defines a central lumen extending along the catheter to the distal end. The catheter also includes a forward-facing transducer array disposed at the distal tip of the catheter. The transducer array is configured and arranged for transforming applied electrical signals to acoustic signals and also for transforming received echo signals to electrical signals. At least one catheter conductor is electrically coupled to the transducer array and extends along the catheter. The delivery element is disposed in the lumen of the catheter. The delivery element includes a distal tip that is configured and arranged for contacting patient tissue. The distal tip of the delivery element is configured and arranged to extend beyond the distal tip of the catheter. | 01-30-2014 |
20140039314 | Remote Center of Motion Robot for Medical Image Scanning and Image-Guided Targeting - The present invention pertains to a remote center of motion robot for medical image scanning and image-guided targeting, hereinafter referred to as the “Euler” robot. The Euler robot allows for ultrasound scanning for 3-Dimensional (3-D) image reconstruction and enables a variety of robot-assisted image-guided procedures, such as needle biopsy, percutaneous therapy delivery, image-guided navigation, and facilitates image-fusion with other imaging modalities. The Euler robot can also be used with other handheld medical imaging probes, such as gamma cameras for nuclear imaging, or for targeted delivery of therapy such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). 3-D ultrasound probes may also be used with the Euler robot to provide automated image-based targeting for biopsy or therapy delivery. In addition, the Euler robot enables the application of special motion-based imaging modalities, such as ultrasound elastography. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039315 | Medical devices with visibility-enhancing features - A method and apparatus are disclosed for a medical device, including a means for enhancing visibility under imaging which, while reducing the local mechanical strength, avoids compromising the overall device effectiveness or safety. Visibility under imaging is increased by a non-uniform distribution of visibility-enhancing features as a function of the local stresses expected during use. One embodiment is for a medical device comprising an elongate member having proximal and distal regions, wherein the distal region comprises: a first echogenic region including a plurality of circumferential first region cuts, each of the first region cuts having a first region cut volume; and a second echogenic region, distal of the first echogenic region, including a plurality of circumferential second region cuts, wherein each of the second region cuts has a second region cut volume greater than said first region cut volume. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039316 | ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND ULTRASONIC IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD - According to one embodiment, an insertion area setting unit sets an insertion area in a predetermined range with a planned insertion route of a puncture needle in volume data being a central axis. An expansion image generation unit generates an expansion image expressing a brightness distribution on a side surface of the insertion area in the volume data by two-dimensional polar coordinates defined by a rotational angle around the central axis and a distance from a reference point on the central axis. A display unit displays the expansion image. | 02-06-2014 |
20140051999 | System and Methods for Nerve Monitoring - A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery. | 02-20-2014 |
20140088422 | ROBOTIC LOCALIZING AID FOR HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND DELIVERY - A holding structure holds a biopsy needle and a HIFU transducer to allow smooth and accurate delivery of the HIFU beam at the interface of the liver, where bleeding will occur. This manipulator structure performs the biopsy and HIFU through the percutaneous approach. In addition, the procedure is imaged by an imaging ultrasound probe. This imaging ultrasound probe can track the needle entry site even when needle has been removed. The HIFU transducer fires a short pulse of HIFU in the needle tract to cause coagulation and stop bleeding. | 03-27-2014 |
20140100459 | BUBBLE-INDUCED COLOR DOPPLER FEEDBACK DURING HISTOTRIPSY - A Histotripsy therapy system is provided that can include any number of features. In some embodiments, the system includes a high voltage power supply, a pulse generator electrically coupled to at least one signal switching amplifier, at least one matching network electrically coupled to the signal switching amplifier(s), and an ultrasound transducer having at least one transducer element. The Histotripsy therapy system can further include an ultrasound Doppler imaging system. The Doppler imaging system and the Histotripsy therapy system can be synchronized to enable color Doppler acquisition of the fractionation of tissue during Histotripsy therapy. Methods of use are also described. | 04-10-2014 |
20140100460 | VEIN CLOSURE AND INJECTION KITS AND METHODS - Kits, apparatus, devices and methods for treating varicose veins caused by an incompetent venous junction (e.g., the saphenofemoral and/or saphenopopliteal junctions) are disclosed. The kits may include a sheath, a vein closure device, and an injection device. Alternatively, a vein closure device may include an integral injection channel and injection device. Methods may include injecting a vein with a sclerosing agent through a needle that extends in a direction that is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of a sheath or shaft. | 04-10-2014 |
20140107482 | Method and Apparatus for Non-Invasive Treatment of Hypertension Through Ultrasound Renal Denervation - Non-invasive inactivation of nerve conduction in a treatment region of a mammalian subject as, for example, a region encompassing a renal artery. A therapeutic ultrasound transducer ( | 04-17-2014 |
20140107483 | METHOD FOR TREATING FECAL INCONTINENCE - A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region. | 04-17-2014 |
20140128734 | CATHETER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An ultrasound catheter system can be configured to provide therapeutic ultrasound and imaging. An ultrasound catheter system can comprise a catheter having a distal portion. In several embodiments, a first ultrasonic element can be disposed in the distal portion of the catheter and can be configured to emit a first ultrasonic energy to enhance delivery of a therapeutic compound. In some embodiments, a second ultrasonic element can be disposed in the distal portion of the catheter and can be configured to convert a second ultrasonic energy that is reflected from an imaging site into an electrical signal. | 05-08-2014 |
20140142430 | METHOD FOR FAT AND CELLULITE REDUCTION - A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products. | 05-22-2014 |
20140142431 | ENERGY-DELIVERY DEVICE INCLUDING ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER ARRAY AND PHASED ANTENNA ARRAY, AND METHODS OF ADJUSTING AN ABLATION FIELD RADIATING INTO TISSUE USING SAME - A method of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue includes the initial step of providing a handheld device including a phased antenna array and an ultrasound transducer array. The method includes the steps of positioning a tissue-contact surface of the handheld device adjacent to tissue, activating the phased antenna array to deliver energy through the tissue-contact surface to generate an ablation field in targeted tissue, activating the ultrasound transducer array to acquire ultrasound image data representative of the targeted tissue during energy delivery into the targeted tissue by the phased antenna array, and selectively steering the focal point of energy delivery in tissue to adjust the ablation field radiating into tissue. | 05-22-2014 |
20140155747 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER - An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals. | 06-05-2014 |
20140163371 | TUMOR TISSUE REDUCTIVE PROCEDURE UNDER ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION - A tumor reductive procedure under ultrasound observation includes observing a tissue from an inside or an outside of a body with an ultrasound observation device, dissolving, breaking up, resecting, or vaporizing a tumor inner portion under ultrasound observation by the ultrasound observation device, introducing a solvent for suspension into the tumor inner portion from a distal end of a needle tube arranged in the tumor inner portion, mixing the solvent for suspension with a tumor tissue of the dissolved, broken-up, resected, or vaporized tumor inner portion, and changing the tumor inner portion to a fluid, and collecting the tumor tissue, which is mixed with the solvent for suspension and softened, from the tumor inner portion using the needle tube or another duct after changing the tumor to the fluid under the ultrasound observation. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163372 | ABLATION APPARATUS - The invention relates to an ablation apparatus for ablating a structure ( | 06-12-2014 |
20140180098 | Tissue Penetrating Catheters Having Integral Imaging Transducers and Their Methods of Use - A catheter device that is useable to penetrate from a blood vessel in which the catheter device is positioned to a target location comprises a flexible catheter advanceable into the first blood vessel, a tissue penetrator lumen adapted to receive an operative tissue penetrator which is usable to penetrate from the blood vessel to the target location when properly aimed. Further said catheter including an imaging transducer fixedly mounted on or within the catheter body to provide an imaging signal from which an image of the target location can be obtained. The catheter device may include an imageable marker on the catheter to form on the image obtainable from the imaging signal a penetrator path indication that indicates the path that will be followed by the tissue penetrator when the tissue penetrator exits from the catheter. Alternatively, or addition thereto, the imaging transducer may comprise a plurality of imaging elements which are located so that the penetrator path indication can be obtained. A method of utilizing such a catheter device to bypass an arterial obstruction is also disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180099 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180100 | TRANSMISSIVE IMAGING AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180101 | Method of Ablating Arterial Plaque - A method of ablating plaque from an artery section, using a catheter having a longitudinal body and a distal imaging and ablation tip connected to a distal end of the longitudinal body. The tip has an ultrasound imaging array, and a distal, forward directed face, distal to the ultrasound imaging array, and including a set of electrodes arranged circumferentially about the distal face. The catheter further includes a set of conductors connected to the tip and extending through the body. The catheter is connected to an image display. In the method the tip is introduced into the artery section and images the artery section in front, thereby creating imagery of the artery, which is shown on the image display. This imagery is reviewed and in reliance thereon selectively the electrodes are selectively activated to ablate plaque, while not activating any electrode that would damage any bare arterial wall. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180102 | ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY - An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens—transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180103 | DUAL-MODE PIEZOCOMPOSITE ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER - A compact, high power, dual mode, emitting and receiving ultrasound transducer and method for applying ultrasonic energy within a living subject and for monitoring the effects it induces in tissue comprises a set of piezoelectric polymeric transducer elements and a set of piezoelectric ceramic elements, bonded together. The polymeric transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for low power diagnostic imaging interrogation of the tissue and the ceramic transducer elements have electrodes enabling their use for high power therapy applications. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180104 | ULTRASONIC PIERCING NEEDLE - An ultrasonic puncture needle for conducting puncturing while observing a puncturing condition by an ultrasonic image, includes a needle tube main body including an edge at its tip end, and a plurality of corner cube mirrors provided at a predetermined position of the needle tube main body, wherein the plurality of corner cube mirrors are provided in parallel with a center axis of the needle tube main body. | 06-26-2014 |
20140187942 | Needle Enhancement in Diagnostic Ultrasound Imaging - A needle is enhanced in a medical diagnostic ultrasound image. The image intensities associated with a needle in an image are adaptively increased and/or enhanced by compounding from a plurality of ultrasound images. Filtering methods and probabilistic methods are used to locate possible needle locations. In one approach, possible needles are found in component frames that are acquired at the same time but at different beam orientations. The possible needles are associated with each other across the component frames and false detections are removed based on the associations. In one embodiment of needle detection in an ultrasound component frame, lines are found first. The lines are then searched to find possible needle segments. In another embodiment, data from different times may be used to find needle motion and differences from a reference, providing the features in additional to features from a single component frame for needle detection. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187943 | ANGLED NEEDLE ENTRY - An angle assist block for transcutaneous insertion of a needle for a patient is provided. The angle assist block comprises a body portion having an outer surface wherein the outer surface comprises a first side and a second side. The first side is configured to engage skin tissue and the second side opposes the first side. The angle assist block further comprises at least one channel formed through the body portion from the first side to the second side. The channel is angled relative to the first side defining an angle and to allow the needle to be inserted through the channel and transcutaneously introduced at the angle. The angle assist block comprises an attachment portion attached to the outer surface. The attachment portion is configured to removably attach to an attachment receiving member of a tissue visualization device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187944 | NONINVASIVE TISSUE TIGHTENING SYSTEM - Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187945 | Ultrasound Probe - An ultrasound probe ( | 07-03-2014 |
20140200453 | Instrument including a movement sensor for determining the position of an anchoring mechanism. - An instrument defining instruments proximal and distal ends and positionable with respect to a body valve in the body of a living subject for implanting anchors into living tissue at a predetermined location relative to the body valve. The instrument includes a body. A movement sensor and an effective portion including an anchor implanting mechanism are mounted to the instrument body in the instrument distal end section in a predetermined positional relationship relative to each other. The effective portion positioner is mounted to the instrument body in the instrument proximal end section. | 07-17-2014 |
20140213903 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ULTRASOUND TREATMENT - An apparatus configured to provide ultrasound treatment, includes an applicator configured to radiate ultrasound to a subject. The apparatus further includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a coupling guiding line on a patient where the applicator is to be placed, and a computer configured to set a target location of the applicator based on the image and a current location of the applicator. The apparatus further includes a location adjusting unit configured to adjust a location of the applicator, and a control unit configured to control the location adjusting unit to adjust the location of the applicator to the target location. The applicator is configured to radiate ultrasound at the adjusted location. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213904 | INTRA-FRACTION MOTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy. In particular, the invention concerns systems and methods for monitoring intra-fraction motions of patients in connection with treatment cancer in radiation therapy system. Ultrasound waves are generated in a direction of a bone or a part of a bone of the patient being in a fixed relation to a cancer tumor to be treated by radiation therapy such that the generated ultrasound waves are reflected by the bone or part of bone using an ultrasonic transducer and sensing the reflected ultrasound waves at least one ultrasonic transducer. Time intervals between generated ultrasound waves and corresponding sensed reflected ultrasound signals are determined for the at least one ultrasonic transducer. Based on the time intervals, motions of the bone or part of bone are monitored using changes of the time intervals, wherein the motions indicate that the patient or a part of the patient has moved. | 07-31-2014 |
20140221834 | CATHETER INSERTION ASSIST DEVICE AND TREATMENT APPARATUS - Operative duration is shortened, and strain on a patient is reduced. Provided is a catheter insertion assist device comprising an ultrasonic element arranged at a tip of an insertion portion to be inserted into the body, and emitting an ultrasonic wave toward outside the insertion portion; and a guide portion for guiding a catheter so as to protrude the catheter toward a region irradiated with an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic element. | 08-07-2014 |
20140249413 | THERANOSIS OF MACROPHAGE-ASSOCIATED DISEASES WITH ULTRASMALL SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES (USPIO) - Macrophages sequester and aggregate ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) in their lysosomes. The amount of USPIO loading of macrophages depends upon the route and dose of administration, and the pharmacokinetics of accumulation and removal. Both fixed macrophages and activated macrophages associated with inflammatory diseases and cancer phagocytize USPIOs, and the loaded macrophages can serve to identify the extent of a macrophage-dependent disease as well as to direct treatment options. Furthermore, the absorption of energy from incident electromagnetic waves by the aggregated nanoparticles can be used for conformal thermotherapy. The USPIOs can further be used to carry drugs to the same activated macrophages. The co-administered drugs can be bound to the USPIO by condition-dependent releasing links that are responsive to local pH or heating. | 09-04-2014 |
20140276050 | ULTRASOUND RENAL NERVE ABLATION AND IMAGING CATHETER WITH DUAL-FUNCTION TRANSDUCERS - Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including an elongated shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. The system may further include one or more dual-function ultrasound transducers for performing imaging and tissue modulation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276051 | Device for Minimally Invasive Delivery of Treatment Substance - Systems, methods, and devices for delivering ablation fluid to a location of interest within a body (e.g., a location with the lung) are described herein. Ablation fluid delivery systems and devices can include flexible delivery needles within which a plurality of smaller flexible needles is housed. The smaller flexible needles can be configured to articulate or bend with respect to the flexible delivery needle to increase an effective delivery area for the ablation fluid. The smaller flexible needles can include apertures or other openings to facilitate delivery of the ablation fluid to the location of interest. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276052 | ABLATION CATHETER WITH ULTRASONIC LESION MONITORING CAPABILITY - An ablation probe for treating and imaging body tissue includes an ablation electrode tip including an ablation electrode configured for delivering ablation energy to body tissue. A plurality of acoustic openings are disposed through the ablation electrode tip. A plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors are positioned inside the ablation electrode tip. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are configured to transmit ultrasonic waves through the acoustic openings. A plurality of flex circuits are each electrically connected to one of the plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276053 | MULTI-ELEMENT THERAPY AND IMAGING TRANSDUCER FOR ULTRASOUND THERAPY - A transducer assembly for providing ultrasound may include a shaft operatively connected to a motor. A housing may include a receptacle for receipt of at least a portion of the shaft therein, two spaced-apart therapy elements, and an imaging element positioned between the therapy elements. The imaging element and the therapy elements may be spatially oriented in a confocal beam configuration. The assembly may be sized and shaped to pass through a trocar port. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276054 | Piezoelectric-Actuated Fluid-Delivery Devices and Associated Systems and Methods - Minimally invasive therapeutic fluid delivery devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices include at least a flexible elongate member with a chamber situated in the distal portion thereof, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet and a piezoelectric actuator that alters a volume of the chamber to eject a portion of the therapeutic fluid. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of piezoelectrically actuatable chambers that can eject a droplet of a drug orthogonally to the length of the flexible elongate member. In another embodiment, the device includes a piezoelectrically actuatable chamber that ejects along the length of the flexible elongate member. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276055 | REFLECTIVE ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY FOR DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENTS - Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and imaging system and method can include use of transducer and a reflective surface to simultaneously produce multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, a control module, a graphical user interface and/or a parabolic reflector. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in cosmetic procedures, including brow lifts, fat reduction, sweat reduction, and treatment of the décolletage. Skin tightening, lifting and amelioration of wrinkles and stretch marks are provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140288427 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TISSUE NAVIGATION - A device for use in a process that involves accessing an epidural space includes: an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end; an ultrasound component located at the distal end of the elongated member; a rigid tubular member having a tapered distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; wherein the ultrasound component is configured to emit ultrasound in a distal direction, and to receive reflected ultrasound; and wherein the elongated member is slidably disposed in the lumen of the tubular member. | 09-25-2014 |
20140316268 | PERIPHERAL NERVE IDENTIFICATION - A system for accurate identification of a targeted peripheral nerve. The system includes a computing device, a radio frequency generator, and an electromyograph. The system operates to stimulate a stimulating needle, measure signals from muscles innervated by the targeted peripheral nerve, and block electrical activity of the targeted peripheral nerve. In some embodiments the nerve identification is used as part of a nerve ablation procedure or an injection procedure, for example. | 10-23-2014 |
20140316269 | 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. | 10-23-2014 |
20140323863 | ULTRASONIC IMAGE-GUIDED TISSUE-DAMAGING PROCEDURE - A method of imaging a region containing an internal target tissue of a subject, comprising: inserting an intracorporeal ultrasound device to the subject; positioning an extracorporeal ultrasound device opposite to said intracorporeal ultrasound device, such that at least a portion of the region is interposed between said intracorporeal ultrasound device and said extracorporeal ultrasound device; using said intracorporeal ultrasound device and said extracorporeal ultrasound device to transmit ultrasonic radiation through the region; scanning the region using at least one of said intracorporeal ultrasound device and said extracorporeal ultrasound device; and analyzing said ultrasonic radiation so as to generate an image of the region by transmission ultrasound computerized tomography (TUCT). | 10-30-2014 |
20140323864 | Medical System Having an Ultrasound Source and an Acoustic Coupling Medium - An ultrasound medical system has an end effector including a medical ultrasound transducer and an acoustic coupling medium. The acoustic coupling medium has a transducer-proximal surface and a transducer-distal surface. The medical ultrasound transducer is positioned to emit medical ultrasound through the acoustic coupling medium from the transducer-proximal surface to the transducer-distal surface. The end effector is adapted to change a property (such as the shape and/or the temperature) of the acoustic coupling medium during emission, and/or between emissions, of medical ultrasound from the medical ultrasound transducer during a medical procedure on a patient. In one example, such changes are used to change the focus and/or beam angle of the emitted ultrasound during the medical procedure. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330124 | FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPIC PROBE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A system for providing ultrasound includes a drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. One or more motors are positioned at or near the proximal end of the drive shaft. One or more pair of jaws or one or more joints are mounted on or near the distal end of the drive shaft. One or more transducers are configured to generate thermal or cavitational lesions with ultrasound. Each transducer is mounted to one of the jaws or is operatively connected to the joint. | 11-06-2014 |
20140350401 | CAROTID BODY ABLATION VIA DIRECTED ENERGY - Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation. | 11-27-2014 |
20140357997 | INTRALUMINAL LEAD EXTRACTION WITH IMAGING - This invention generally relates to intraluminal systems and devices for use in lead extraction procedures. According to certain aspects, an intraluminal system includes an cutting element configured to cut tissue coupled to an implantable device, and an imaging element configured to simultaneously image the tissue cutting. In certain embodiments, the cutting element is an ablation element. | 12-04-2014 |
20150011880 | METHOD USING TRANSMITTED AND RECEIVED SIGNALS FOR FORMING ULTRASONIC IMAGES FOR ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS, AND HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASONIC THERAPEUTIC DEVICE PERFORMING THE SAME - The present disclosure relates to a method for forming ultrasonic images using transmitted and received signals for ultrasonic diagnosis and a HIFU therapeutic device performing the same. The HIFU therapeutic device includes a transceiver for transmitting a diagnostic ultrasound to a subject, and receive a reflected subject ultrasonic echo signal to form a received signal; an image processor for forming a B-mode image based on the received signal and output the B-mode image through a display unit; an ultrasonic wave generator for transmitting a high intensity ultrasound to a specific area of the subject; and a control unit for enabling the transceiver and the ultrasonic wave generator to control transmission periods of the diagnostic ultrasound and the high-intensity ultrasound wave based on information on at least one of a prescribed HIFU PRF (Pulse Repetition Frequency) and duty ratio and a PRF disable signal generated by the ultrasonic wave generator. | 01-08-2015 |
20150025381 | ENDOVENTRICULAR INJECTION CATHETER SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CAPABILITIES - Methods of providing image-guided transendocardial injection of a therapeutic agent into a left ventricular wall of a heart. Some methods enable injections into heart tissue under visualization. The methods may include providing an endoventricular injection catheter having integrated echocardiographic capability. The endoventricular injection catheter may have an imaging core and an injection system carried on the elongated body with the imaging core. The method may include positioning the endoventricular injection catheter into the left ventricle of the heart, which inserts the imaging core into the heart. The method may also include transmitting ultrasonic energy via the imaging core, receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at the distal end, visualizing the left ventricular wall of the heart using the imaging core, identifying infarct regions of the left ventricle, and injecting a therapeutic agent into the visualized infarcted regions of the left ventricle using the injection system. | 01-22-2015 |
20150038843 | METHOD OF TRANSURETHRAL LOCAL ANESTHESIA - A method of transurethral local anesthesia includes: a step I of inserting a flexible ultrasound endoscope having a treatment instrument channel into a urethra or a urinary bladder; a step II of identifying a region to be anesthetized by ultrasound observation using the ultrasound endoscope; a step III of leading an injection needle out from the treatment instrument channel and injecting an anesthetic drug into the region to be anesthetized while performing ultrasound observation using the ultrasound endoscope; a step IV of extracting the ultrasound endoscope from the urethra; and a step V of inserting, after the step IV, an endoscope and/or a treatment instrument into the urethra or the urinary bladder and performing transurethral treatment. | 02-05-2015 |
20150065879 | WALL MOTION ANALYZER - A system and method for real-time quantitative analysis of heart wall motion is provided. A Doppler imaging system is used to monitor the movement of a heart, or other organ. A B-mode reference image of the target organ is made and then a region-of-interest is defined through the use of a gate. Then pulsed wave spectral tissue Doppler data of the region-of-interest is formed and used to determine the velocity of a region of the target organ. The system may be used for determining appropriate biventricular pacemaker settings for patients suffering from heart disease. | 03-05-2015 |
20150080723 | 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. | 03-19-2015 |
20150080724 | INTERCONNECTABLE ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER PROBES AND RELATED METHODS AND APPARATUS - Ultrasound devices and methods are described, including a repeatable ultrasound transducer probe having ultrasonic transducers and corresponding circuitry. The repeatable ultrasound transducer probe may be used individually or coupled with other instances of the repeatable ultrasound transducer probe to create a desired ultrasound device. The ultrasound devices may optionally be connected to various types of external devices to provide additional processing and image rendering functionality. | 03-19-2015 |
20150087977 | MONOLITHIC ULTRASONIC IMAGING DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein. | 03-26-2015 |
20150094581 | PORTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR USED FOR DISPLAY, HARDCOPY, AND CONTROL FOR OTHER DEVICES - A portable defibrillator according to embodiments of the present invention includes a defibrillator engine configured to receive defibrillator information from defibrillator sensors coupled to a patient and display the defibrillator information; an external device engine configured to receive information from medical device sensors coupled to the patient; a medical device virtual machine configured to display the patient parameter information from the external device engine; and a display screen operating a user interface through which the defibrillator engine displays the defibrillator information and the medical device virtual machine displays the patient parameter information from the external device engine. | 04-02-2015 |
20150105662 | DEVICE FIXING ADAPTOR AND ULTRASOUND PROBE SYSTEM - A device fixing adaptor according to an embodiment fixes a device disposed at a grip part of an ultrasound probe to the ultrasound probe, by having such a shape that causes the device and a cable connected to the device to be pressed against the grip part from a top face thereof and inhibits the device from shifting a position thereof around the grip part. | 04-16-2015 |
20150119713 | REFLECTANCE-FACILITATED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT AND MONITORING - Apparatus is provided for ablating cardiac tissue of a subject. The apparatus comprises an inflatable element, configured to be transthoracically placed within a pericardial region of the subject and a reflection-facilitation element, configured to deliver a fluid to the pericardial region, such that a portion of the fluid is disposed within the inflatable element, and another portion of the fluid is disposed outside of the inflatable element and inside the pericardial region. The apparatus additionally comprises at least one ultrasound transducer, configured to be transcatheterally placed in a heart chamber of the subject, and to apply ultrasound energy such that at least a portion of the applied energy is reflected by the fluid. Other embodiments are also described. | 04-30-2015 |
20150126868 | PIERCING-LIKE REFILLABLE DRUG FEEDING DEVICE - A device for delivering a drug comprising an elongate hollow body having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. The hollow body includes a radially outer peripheral wall, which surrounds a radially inner, and elongate hollow space. The peripheral wall of the hollow body has at least one drug outlet opening between the two longitudinal ends. | 05-07-2015 |
20150297176 | ULTRASOUND HEAD FRAME FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - A head frame is configured for the head of a medical patient ( | 10-22-2015 |
20150297178 | INTERVENTIONAL DEVICE, METHOD OF ASSEMBLING, AND ASSEMBLING SYSTEM - The invention relates to an interventional device ( | 10-22-2015 |
20150297807 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING FISTULAS - The invention generally relates to treatment of fistulas and abscesses and specifically to an all-in-one treatment device. The invention provides an aspiration catheter with imaging capabilities that can also deploy a blocking device, thereby providing an all-in-one treatment device for treating a fistula or an abscess. The device is inserted into an abscess and its imaging capabilities can be used to guide the device to a treatment site. A clogging device can be deployed from the device to prevent draining into, or out of, the abscess. In certain aspects, the invention provides a device for aspirating an abscess or fistula that includes a catheter having an extended body with a lumen therein, an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transducer disposed at a distal portion of the catheter, and a clogging device deployable from the catheter. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305760 | Method and Apparatus to Detect the Fragmentation of Kidney Stones by Measuring Acoustic Scatter - During shock wave therapy, a determination is made that a kidney stone has begun to fracture, and then to assess a progress of its fragmentation. This determination can reduce the number of shock waves used to disintegrate kidney stones, and thereby reduce dose-dependent tissue damage. The identification of fracture is possible through the detection and analysis of resonant acoustic scattering, which is the radiation caused by reverberations within a stone particle that is stuck by a shock wave. The scattering frequency can provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Related concepts employ displacement measurements of kidney stones/fragments to provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Such techniques can be combined with vibro-acoustography based gating that better targets the stone. | 10-29-2015 |
20150320533 | DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR NON-INVASIVE STERILIZATION OF MAMMALS AND OTHER ANIMALS - An apparatus includes at least one transducer configured to (i) generate first ultrasonic signals and receive reflected first ultrasonic signals and (ii) generate second ultrasonic signals. The apparatus also includes a diagnostic ultrasound system configured to control generation of the first ultrasonic signals and to perform image processing using the reflected first ultrasonic signals in order to generate real-time images of tissue in an animal. The apparatus further includes a therapeutic ultrasound system configured to control generation of the second ultrasonic signals in order to ablate targeted tissue in the animal and sterilize the animal. The at least one transducer could include (i) a diagnostic transducer configured to generate the first ultrasonic signals and receive the reflected first ultrasonic signals and (ii) a therapeutic transducer configured to generate the second ultrasonic signals. A portable handheld housing could contain the at least one transducer. | 11-12-2015 |
20150320964 | STERILE LIQUID DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A medical device and method for providing liquid injectable into a patient from a first liquid container via and a needle is disclosed. One and two syringe devices are disclosed. Valving between the first syringe and the first liquid container allows liquid to be drawn from the first liquid container into the first syringe and to prevent liquid flow back toward the first liquid container. Methods of injecting sterile liquids and/or visualizing them are provided. | 11-12-2015 |
20150343243 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NONINVASIVE MASTOPEXY - Methods and systems for noninvasive mastopexy through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue region, such as a region comprising muscular fascia and ligaments. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth from 1 mm to 4 cm with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue in the range of frequencies from 1 to 15 MHz. In addition, a therapeutic ultrasound can also be configured in combination with ultrasound imaging or imaging/monitoring capabilities, either separately configured with imaging, therapy and monitoring systems or any level of integration thereof. | 12-03-2015 |
20150360059 | Systems and Methods for Ultrasound Treatment - Various embodiments provide a method for an extended field of view treatment. The method can include the steps of imaging a region; targeting a region with directed ultrasound energy; monitoring the region; moving the imaging, treatment, and monitoring region while spatially correlating to one or more prior regions via imaging and/or position sensing; continuing the extended field of view treatment; and, achieving an ultrasound induced biological effect in the extended field of view treatment region. | 12-17-2015 |
20150374333 | 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. | 12-31-2015 |
20150374342 | METHOD FOR FOCAL POINT COMPENSATION, AND ULTRASONIC MEDICAL APPARATUS THEREFOR - A method and an ultrasound medical apparatus for compensating for a focal point are disclosed. A method and an ultrasound medical apparatus are provided, for transmitting a high-intensity ultrasound having an intensity lower than a predetermined output value to a target object (an affected area of a patient) in a manner that no errors are generated between a focal point on the target object and an actual ultrasound focusing location when transmitting a high-intensity focused ultrasound and compensating a distance of the focal point by using a reflected signal of the ultrasound. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375013 | FEATURE TRACKING USING ULTRASOUND - Various implementations of the invention provide techniques and supporting systems that facilitate real-time or near-real-time ultrasound tracking for the purpose of calculating changes in anatomical features during a medical procedure. More specifically, anatomical features within a patient undergoing a medical procedure are tracked by obtaining temporally-distinct three dimensional ultrasound images that include the feature of interest and obtaining a targeted subset of ultrasound images focused on the feature. Based on the targeted subset of ultrasound images, a displacement of the feature is determined and image parameters used to obtain the targeted subset of ultrasound images are adjusted based on the displacement. This results in a time-based sequence of three dimensional images and targeted ultrasound images of the feature that identify changes in the position, size, location, and/or shape of the feature. | 12-31-2015 |
20150375015 | LESION GENERATION THROUGH BONE USING HISTOTRIPSY THERAPY WITHOUT ABERRATION CORRECTION - A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. The device may include a Histotripsy transducer, a generator and controller configured to deliver Histotripsy energy from the transducer to target tissue, and an imaging system. In some embodiments, a method of treating tissue with Histotripsy energy comprises positioning a focus of a histotripsy transducer on a target tissue, delivering histotripsy energy from the histotripsy transducer through a bone aberrator, forming a histotripsy bubble cloud on the focus, and preventing the formation of secondary histotripsy bubble clouds without implementing an aberration correction algorithm. | 12-31-2015 |
20160000400 | NEEDLE DETECTION IN MEDICAL IMAGE DATA - A system for processing an image data volume acquired with a medical imaging acquisition device | 01-07-2016 |
20160007953 | System and Method for Measuring Fluidics in Arteries | 01-14-2016 |
20160008067 | Device for Ablating Arterial Plaque | 01-14-2016 |
20160015259 | MINIMALLY INVASIVE ACCESS CHANNELS INTO BODILY REGIONS - The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention. | 01-21-2016 |
20160015422 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTRAHEPATIC SHUNTS - The invention provides methods and devices for treating liver cirrhosis or portal hypertension by creating an intrahepatic shunt, or new passage, from a portal vein of a patient to a hepatic vein using a device with intravascular imaging capabilities and pressure sensing capabilities or positioning mechanisms. The integration of intravascular imaging aids in the precise placement of the shunt and pressure measurement may verify successful shunt creation. An apparatus may include a catheter with an extended body for insertion into a hepatic vein of a patient, an intravascular imaging device and a needle exit port on the distal portion of the extended body, and a needle disposed within a lumen in the catheter and configured to be pushed out of the exit port and extend away from a side of the extended body, in which the needle includes a pressure sensor. | 01-21-2016 |
20160022490 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING THERMAL KERATOPLASTY USING HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUNDS - A device for thermal keratoplasty, the device comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for emitting ultrasound waves, wherein the ultrasound waves of at least one of the transducers is focused on a corresponding area of the cornea in order to heat these area and cause collagen shrinkage and at least one of the transducers is capable of receiving ultrasound waves for ocular imaging. | 01-28-2016 |
20160022976 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR HYPERTHERMALLY TREATING CELLS - A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. | 01-28-2016 |
20160030108 | DEVICE FOR INTRAVASCULAR THERAPY AND/OR DIAGNOSIS - An elongate medical device may include an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and defining a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The elongate medical device may further include a basket assembly coupled to the distal end portion comprising a plurality of ablation elements, each of the ablation elements configured to ablate a respective target, the basket assembly disposed on a radial exterior of the elongate body. The elongate medical device may further include an imaging transmitter disposed radially-inward of the ablation elements and configured to project imaging energy towards at least one of the respective targets. | 02-04-2016 |
20160038166 | THERAPY SYSTEM - A therapy system includes a therapy source ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160051321 | TISSUE ABLATION AND MONITORING - Tissue ablation devices, systems, and methods for monitoring or analyzing one or more aspects of tissue ablation. | 02-25-2016 |
20160073860 | HOOD FOR ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE AND ULTRASONIC ENDOSCOPE - The present invention provides a hood for an ultrasonic endoscope and an ultrasonic endoscope that prevent a body wall from getting into close contact with an observation window at a time such as when an ultrasonic transducer is brought into close contact with the body wall. In a hood for an ultrasonic endoscope to be attached to the ultrasonic endoscope, a notch is formed at a front edge of the hood, and a front edge corner at an observation window side along the notch is provided as an eaves-shaped part. The eaves-shaped part protrudes in front of the observation window, and when an ultrasonic transducer is brought into close contact with the body wall, the eaves-shaped part lies between the body wall and the observation window, thereby preventing the body wall from getting into close contact with the observation window. | 03-17-2016 |
20160081536 | Endoscope Accessory - This invention relates generally to a diagnostic and therapeutic device. According to some aspects of the invention, the device may be composed of a flexible sheet that is wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube may include an inflatable positioning ring that may be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope to secure the position of the overtube within the body cavity. The overtube also may include an inflatable sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated create a seal around the endoscope shaft. According to other aspects of the invention, the device may be a catheter with an occlusion balloon at its free end portion that is carried by the overtube and extends beyond the tip of the endoscope. Inflation of the positioning ring, sealing band and occlusion balloon may define an examination compartment within the body cavity at the tip of the endoscope. The examination compartment may be filled with air, or with water, depending on applications. In addition the examination compartment can be thoroughly lavaged using the irrigation tube system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160081655 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT TO ASSESS TISSUE CHARACTERISTICS - A surgical instrument for assessing tissue characteristics such as tissue density and volume is disclosed. The surgical instrument is hand-held and includes transducers adapted for emitting and/or receiving acoustic signals. The surgical instrument utilizes pulse-echo to determine tissue characteristics. The surgical instrument may be utilized to determine such things as the size of a lesion and whether the lesion has been completely removed or filled with graft material. | 03-24-2016 |
20160081656 | Image Guided Catheters and Methods of Use - An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter having a replaceable and reusable ultrasound imaging assemble and replaceable interventional devices such as a removable introducer needle and syringe, the device having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be replaceably integrated into the device via a longitudinal slot in an expendable elongate body and may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use. An ultrasound system can be provided in the device either alone or in combination with fiber optic imaging to provide a range of forward imaging and therapeutic capabilities of the device for direct access to a target site from the skin via the removable introducer needle. | 03-24-2016 |
20160089183 | NEEDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RETRACTABLE CUTTING EDGE - The disclosure relates to a needle assembly for delivering a lead and methods of use. The needle assembly is configured to cut tissue and reduce the potential for cutting vulnerable bodily structures. The needle assembly includes an outer needle with a blunt tip and an inner needle with a sharp tip. The outer needle may be curved, and the inner needle may be curved. When the inner needle is rotated with respect to the outer needle, the inner needle protracts or retracts with respect to the outer needle. A stopping feature on the needle assembly may be included to resist over-rotation or over-extension. The needle assembly provides an initial path that may be further dilated for delivering a lead, such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead to a target site. The target site may be electrically tested with some embodiments. | 03-31-2016 |
20160106392 | ULTRASONIC ARRAY FOR BONE SONOGRAPHY - This invention relates to methods and devices for use in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasonic methods, systems and low-frequency annular transducer array devices for bone image guidance, particularly during spinal fusion surgery and the process of pedicle screw insertion are provided. | 04-21-2016 |
20160106435 | CLOSURE DEVICE AND METHOD - Apparatus and methods are provided for ligating a hemorrhoidal blood vessel for treatment of hemorrhoids. An exemplary apparatus includes a housing having a distal end insertable into the rectum, an ultrasound sensor, suction channel, and suction port on the distal end; and a compression clip, proximate to the suction port and having two clip arms displaceable from each other, the compression clip having an open configuration within the housing yet biased towards a closed configuration, and wherein the compression clip is deployable in the open configuration and configured to close and compress a tissue segment. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113621 | ABLATION DEVICE WITH ARTICULATED IMAGING TRANSDUCER - A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113633 | DEVICE FOR ABLATING ARTERIAL PLAQUE - A catheter assembly is described for providing image-guided therapy in a patient's vasculature. The distal end of an elongated catheter body, having a tubular lumen wall, is adapted for insertion into and operation within a patient's vasculature while a proximal portion remains outside said patient. An outwardly-facing set of RF electrodes and a distal-facing array of ultrasound imaging transducers are contained within the distal end of the catheter, proximal to one another. The RF electrodes are configured to transmit and receive ultrasound pulses through the ultrasound transducers, providing real-time imaging information of plaque which may be ablated by said electrodes. The RF conductive lines connected to the RF electrodes extend longitudinally through the lumen wall of the catheter body, while coaxial conductive lines, operatively connected to the ultrasound imaging transducers, extend longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. | 04-28-2016 |
20160121142 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REAL-TIME TRACKING OF A TARGET TISSUE USING IMAGING BEFORE AND DURING THERAPY DELIVERY - Described herein are systems and methods for tracking a target tissue during therapy delivery. A system for identifying an anatomical structure and tracking the motion of the anatomical structure using imaging before and during delivery of a therapy to a patient includes an imaging module and a therapy module. In some cases, the imaging module is configured to identify a region of the anatomical structure in an image, and the therapy module is configured to deliver the therapy to a target tissue. A method for imaging during delivery of a therapy includes acquiring an image, identifying a region of an anatomical structure, tracking the region of the anatomical structure, integrating the tracking, generating a unique template library, determining if a pre-existing template matches the results or if the results should be updated as a new template, and delivering the therapy to the target tissue. | 05-05-2016 |
20160151618 | TRANSDUCER PLACEMENT AND REGISTRATION FOR IMAGE-GUIDED SONOTHROMBOLYSIS | 06-02-2016 |
20160157817 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF AN EYE - There is provided an apparatus and method for ultrasound imaging a plurality of cross-sectional areas of a peripheral annular volume of an eye. The apparatus may include a mechanical device having a concave front surface designed to be located close to a front surface of a cornea of an eye, and a plurality of ultrasound emitting and receiving electronic devices associated with the mechanical device arranged in an annular manner so as to be distributed around the eye when the mechanical device is located close to the front surface of the cornea of the eye. The electronic devices may be directed toward a cross-sectional area of the peripheral annular volume of the eye. The mechanical device and electronic devices may be designed to be stationary with respect to the eye. | 06-09-2016 |
20160166231 | MONITORING APPARATUS | 06-16-2016 |
20160183912 | Apparatus and Method for Forward Facing Piezoelectric Element Ultrasound Stylus - An apparatus and method for fabricating a forward facing piezoelectric stylus is provided. In a representative device, a piezoelectric element is connected to a stylus shaft, wherein the stylus shaft provides connectivity from the piezoelectric element to a console device. The stylus have shape such that multiple can be fabricated simultaneously in certain steps. In some instances, the stylus is adapted such that it can be placed within a needle, allowing easier placement of the needle. | 06-30-2016 |
20160184614 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING ABSCESSES AND INFECTED FLUID COLLECTIONS - The present disclosure provides systems and methods for treating (e.g., reducing and/or eliminating) abscesses by applying acoustic energy, for example high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”). | 06-30-2016 |
20160192909 | ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD OF ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS | 07-07-2016 |
20160374710 | CAROTID BODY ABLATION WITH A TRANSVENOUS ULTRASOUND IMAGING AND ABLATION CATHETER - Methods and devices for assessing, and treating patients having sympathetically mediated disease, involving augmented peripheral chemoreflex and heightened sympathetic tone by reducing chemosensor input to the nervous system via carotid body ablation. The methods may be performed using an ultrasound ablation catheter. The methods may also include imaging using at least one ultrasound imaging catheter. | 12-29-2016 |
20180020926 | REAL-TIME IMAGING SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND CONTROL OF THERMAL THERAPY TREATMENTS | 01-25-2018 |
20180021083 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR UTERINE FIBROID TREATMENT | 01-25-2018 |
20190142380 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COSMETIC ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF SKIN | 05-16-2019 |
20220133261 | LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE (LAA) TRANSSEPTAL ACCESS POINT OPTIMIZATION - A method includes, using a processor, identifying a septum and a Left Atrium Appendage (LAA) of a heart of a patient in an anatomical map of at least part of the heart. An entry surface over which a medical device is defined on the anatomical map, which is to be delivered via a sheath that penetrates the septum, is to engage with the LAA. A normal to the entry surface is calculated. A plurality of curves is calculated that each (i) have one end that is tangent to the normal, (ii) have a second end touching the septum, and (iii) comply with specified mechanical properties of the sheath. Multiple candidate locations on the septum are derived from the curves, for transseptal puncture with the sheath. The multiple candidate locations are presented to a user. | 05-05-2022 |