A device for imaging within a body of a patient is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a flexible elongate member that can be inserted into the body of the patient. The device also has an imaging assembly that is disposed at and extending a length of a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The imaging assembly may include an array (302) of imaging elements that may have an outward surface and an inward surface. The imaging assembly may further include an integrated circuit (304) adjacent to the inward surface of the array of imaging elements. The device may further include a conductive plate (375) adjacent to and extending at least a portion of a length of the imaging assembly. The conductive plate may receive heat generated by at least one of the array of imaging elements or the integrated circuit.

A method and system for optimizing RF energy delivery to a tissue ROI with a thermoacoustic system includes directing with a RF applicator, RF energy pulses into the tissue ROI having an object of interest and a reference separated by a boundary; detecting with a thermoacoustic transducer, a multi-polar thermoacoustic signal generated at the boundary in response to the RF energy pulses and processing the multi-polar acoustic signal to determine a peak-to-peak amplitude; detecting with the thermoacoustic transducer, an artifact multi-polar thermoacoustic signal generated at a location other than the boundary and processing it to determine a peak-to-peak amplitude; utilizing an electromagnetic model coupled with a model of patient anatomy to place dielectric or conducting materials near the thermoacoustic transducer or the RF applicator to optimize a signal-to-noise ratio of the multi-polar thermoacoustic signal generated at the boundary or minimize the artifact multi-polar thermoacoustic signal generated at a location other than the boundary; and directing with the RF applicator, RF energy pulses into the ROI for a thermoacoustic measurement and determine a parameter of the object of interest.

An ultrasound imaging device or probe includes a tip having a heat conducting exterior housing within which an imaging element is positioned. The imaging element is engaged with a heat sink formed of an electrically insulating material that also has high thermal conductivity. The heat sink contacts and extends through and electrically insulating enclosure within which the imaging element is disposed. As a result, the heat generated by the imaging element can be readily conducted to the ambient environment via the heat sink and heat conductive exterior housing while also enabling the imaging element and other electrical components to be electrically insulated from the housing.

A backing panel for a transducer of an ultrasound scanner probe, comprising a core layer sandwiched by a first skin layer and a second skin layer. The transducer may comprise a front portion and a rear portion, where the front portion points to a direction of a target for the ultrasound scanner probe, and the first skin layer is adjacent to the rear portion of the transducer.

The present invention relates to a piece of clothing (10) intended to be worn by a user so as to cover a part of the user's body. This piece of clothing (10) comprises a flexible clothing element (11) covering said part of the user's body as well as a generator (14) of electrical signals and at least one transducer (12) integral with said flexible clothing element (11). Said at least one transducer is arranged to convert said electrical signals from the electrical signal generator (14) into ultrasounds and to transmit the ultrasounds generated by this transducer (12) to said part of the user's body covered by this flexible clothing element. The piece of clothing is characterised in that said at least one transducer (12) is arranged to emit ultrasounds having at least two different acoustic intensities comprised in at least two distinct intensity ranges.

The present invention further relates to a method of monitoring biological cells of a user, which method uses the piece of clothing as described above. The method comprises the following steps: selecting an acoustic intensity from at least two distinct acoustic intensity ranges; energising the transducer (12) so as to emit ultrasonic waves according to the selected acoustic intensity; emitting ultrasonic waves from the transducer (12), said ultrasonic waves having an acoustic intensity within said selected intensity range.

Methods and systems for treating skin, such as stretch marks through deep tissue tightening with ultrasound are provided. An exemplary method and system comprise a therapeutic ultrasound system configured for providing ultrasound treatment to a shallow tissue region, such as a region comprising an epidermis, a dermis or a deep dermis. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, a therapeutic ultrasound system can be configured to achieve depth with a conformal selective deposition of ultrasound energy without damaging an intervening tissue. 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.

The invention has, at a distal end part thereof, an ultrasonic oscillator array in which a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators are arranged; a shielded cable including a plurality of signal lines, and a plurality of metallic shield members disposed outside the signal lines; a wiring part including a plurality of connecting parts that electrically connect the plurality of signal lines to the plurality of ultrasonic oscillators, respectively; a ground part that is electrically connected to the plurality of shield members and has heat conductivity; a sheet-like first heat-conduction member disposed on a side surface of the ultrasonic oscillator array; and a second heat-conduction member that thermally connects the first heat-conduction member to the ground part. Accordingly, an ultrasonic endoscope capable of improving diagnostic accuracy in ultrasonic diagnosis, and a method for manufacturing the ultrasonic endoscope are provided.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to techniques for facilitating personalized neuromodulation treatment protocols. In one embodiment, a predetermined treatment position of an energy application device is used to guide future treatments for the patient. In one embodiment, a position of the energy application device relative to the predetermined treatment position is determined. In one embodiment, a total dose of ultrasound energy applied to the region of interest is determined.

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.

An ultrasound imaging probe including a handle configured for handheld use; a support structure disposed within the handle and comprising a thermally-conductive material, the support structure further comprising a coupling surface and an external surface, the coupling surface disposed at a distal portion of the support structure; a continuous material layer coupled to the support structure, such that the continuous material layer is disposed on the coupling surface and the external surface, the continuous material layer thereby providing a heat transmission path between the coupling surface and the external surface; and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the support structure at the coupling surface and directly in contact with the continuous material layer at the coupling surface, such that heat from the ultrasound sensor is transmitted away to the support structure via the heat transmission path of the continuous material layer.