University of California

Acoustic Medsystems, Inc.

Other

Computerized Medical Systems, Inc.

Accoustic Medsystems, Inc.

Dana Deardorff

Everette C Burdette

Chris J Diederich

Will Nau

Alison Jacoby

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

Ultrasound device and method for treatment of a target nerve contained in intervertebral tissue

An ultrasound device and method for the treatment of intervertebral disc tissue for remediation of back pain. An applicator comprises a catheter and/or needle with a distal tip including one or more ultrasound transducer crystals. The crystals produce high-powered ultrasound energy that is transmitted and absorbed in the disc tissue. The resulting temperature elevation of the disc tissue shrinks the collagen fibers in the surrounding tissue, and/or destroying small nerves that may have invaded and innervated the surrounding degenerated tissue, and can provide increased structural integrity and disc support for the fragmented nucleus pulposus to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Ultrasound device for treatment of a tumor in a region of intervertebral disc tissue

A high-power ultrasound heating applicator for minimally-invasive thermal treatment of uterine fibroids or myomas. High-intensity interstitial ultrasound, applied with minimally-invasive laparoscopic or hysteroscopic procedures, is used to effectively treat fibroids within the myometrium in lieu of major surgery. The applicators are configured with high-power capabilities and thermal penetration to treat large volumes of fibroid tissue (&#x3e;70 cm) in short treatment times (3-20 minutes), while maintaining three-dimensional control of energy delivery to thermally destroy the target volume.

Method of thermal treatment of myolysis and destruction of benign uterine tumors

Ultrasound device for treatment of intervertebral disc

An apparatus and method for shielding non-target tissues and organs during thermotherapy, brachytherapy or other treatment of a diseased target tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter shaft having input and output lumens and at least one inflatable balloon. A plurality of input lumens within the catheter shaft allows the passage of liquid or gas through an input port and into the interior of the balloon thereby inflating the balloon. The gas or liquid can then be cycled through the inflated balloon through an output port and output lumen and out of the catheter shaft. Temperature sensors or other sensors may be attached to the balloon or catheter to monitor temperature or other conditions at the treatment site. The catheter is positioned between the target tissue or organ and sensitive non-target tissues in proximity to the target tissue and inflated causing a physical separation of tissues as well as a physical shield.

Catheter based balloon for therapy modification and positioning of tissue

An improved system and method for optimizing the planning, registration, targeting, and delivery of conformal, external beam radiation therapy of prostate cancer and other soft-tissue diseases. Real-time ultrasound imaging during planning and treatment is used forlocalization of soft tissue treatment targets and fused with radiographic or CT data for conformal treatment optimization. The fusion technique provides accurate localization of the prostate volume in real time. For treatment of prostate cancer, visualization of the prostate gland is achieved using transrectal ultrasonography and the fusion of that image in the precise location of the prostate within the pelvic region, accurately determining the location of the prostate target by transformation of the ultrasound image data on both the ultrasound and X-ray/CT images. The radiation field may be optimized to significantly reduce the volume of irradiated normal tissue, minimizing the exposure of the surrounding healthy tissues and increasing dosage delivered to the prostate treatment target.

Growing community of inventors

Oakland, CA, United States of America

Dana Deardorff