A handheld acoustic shock wave or pressure pulse applicator device has a body structure and an applicator head. The body structure has a proximal end and a distal end with a longitudinal axis extending between the ends. The applicator head is at the distal end. the head emits pressure pulses or shock waves at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body structure. The applicator head has a balloon or lens or membrane through which the emitted pressure pulses or shock waves pass. The lens or membrane is configured to be coupled directly or indirectly to an exposed soft tissue surface of a palate inside a patient's mouth to direct emitted pressure pulses or shock waves to the brain. The applicator device can be configured with the inclined obtuse angle fixed between 150 degrees and 90 degrees or can be adjustable between 180 degrees and 90 degrees.

The present invention relates to a low-intensity focused ultrasound therapeutic device. According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a low-intensity focused ultrasound therapeutic device which employs a single element ultrasound transducer having a focal region, a focal distance and output intensity that can be provide safer treatment for the deep brain of a patient.

We provide a novel technique for coupling focused ultrasound into the brain. The ultrasound beam can be used for therapy or neuro-modulation. We excite a selected Lamb wave mode in the skull that mode converts into longitudinal waves in the brain. The benefits of our approach is in improved efficiency, reduction in heating of the skull, and the ability to address regions in the brain that are close or far from the skull.

Apparatus, systems, and methods associated with microfabricated ultrasound transducer array for neural stimulation are applicable in a variety of applications. Microfabricated micro-scale ultrasound transducers can be integrated with microelectrode arrays for high spatial stimulation of neurons. Ultrasound stimulation of neurons can be combined with electrical recording to monitor neural activity. Such high spatial stimulation devices can be implemented for in-vitro and in-vivo applications. In-vivo applications can include high frequency ultrasound transducers incorporated into brain probes that are implanted at a specific area in the brain, where the high frequency ultrasound transducer can stimulate neurons at that target location.

Ultrasonic energy is used for treating degenerative dementia. A focal point of an ultrasonic transducer beam is directed at a target area of the brain to promote removal of substances that accumulate in the interstitial pathways that are at least partially responsible for the degenerative dementia. In one example, the target area of the brain may comprise the hippocampus and the degenerative dementia may be Alzheimer's disease. The ultrasonic beam may stimulate brain tissue at a frequency that corresponds to a naturally occurring deep sleep burst frequency of neurons and subsequent astrocyte activation patterns that drive a convective process responsible for brain solute disposal. For example, the transducer may generate a burst frequency of between 1-4 hertz to stimulate deep sleep brain functions that help remove amyloid plaque.

Embodiments herein provide an ultrasonic treatment device that includes a transducer holder to hold an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer holder includes multiple mounting positions for the ultrasonic transducer to enable the transducer to be held by the transducer holder at different angles. For example, in some embodiments, the transducer holder may include multiple mounting elements on an interior surface of the transducer holder. The mounting elements may be, for example, ridges or grooves on the interior surface. The transducer may include and/or be provided with one or more locking elements that interact with the mounting elements of the transducer holder to hold the transducer within the transducer holder. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

A method to treat a dry eye condition of an individual, includes: receiving a switch signal generated based on a manipulation of a control switch at a handheld device; and activating a motor in response to the switch signal to oscillate a member at an oscillation frequency, the member having an elongated configuration, and having a portion for placement outside the individual; wherein the oscillation frequency is sufficient to induce tear production when the portion of the member is applied towards a surface of a body portion of the individual.

In some aspects, the described systems and methods provide for a device wearable by or attached to a person, comprising at least one annular array transducer configured to provide ultrasound radiation to at least one region of the brain of the person. In some embodiments, the annular array transducer is configured to provide the ultrasound radiation to perform non-invasive neuromodulation or neurostimulation in the at least one region of the brain of the person.

Ultrasonic energy is used for treating degenerative dementia. A focal point of an ultrasonic transducer beam is directed at a target area of the brain to promote removal of substances that accumulate in the interstitial pathways that are at least partially responsible for the degenerative dementia. In one example, the target area of the brain may comprise the hippocampus and the degenerative dementia may be Alzheimer's disease. The ultrasonic beam may stimulate brain tissue at a frequency that corresponds to a naturally occurring deep sleep burst frequency of neurons and subsequent astrocyte activation patterns that drive a convective process responsible for brain solute disposal. For example, the transducer may generate a burst frequency of between 1-4 hertz to stimulate deep sleep brain functions that help remove amyloid plaque.

A ventilation machine is disclosed that includes a conduit interface configured to be connected to a respiratory system of a human or animal patient, an air flow generator configured to deliver air through the conduit interface into the respiratory system of the patient, a processing unit in communication with the air flow generator and configured to control the airflow generator to deliver air into the respiratory system of the patient according to a breathing scheme, and an induction device for activating a diaphragm of the patient. The induction device is in communication with the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to control the induction device to activate the diaphragm in coordination with the breathing scheme.