An ultrasound applicator includes a shaft having a proximal end, a tip, and a length measured between the proximal end and the tip with respect to an axis; a plurality of channels defined in the shaft and extending from the proximal end of the shaft along at least a portion of the length of the shaft, the plurality of channels including an ultrasound channel and an optical-energy channel; one or more ultrasound transducers disposed in the ultrasound channel, the ultrasound transducer(s) configured to produce ultrasound energy in a first direction; and one or more optical fibers disposed in the optical-energy channel, the optical fiber(s) having a first end configured to be optically coupled to a laser source and a second end configured to direct laser energy at a predetermined angle relative to the first direction.

Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for aligning multi-core fibers with multi-spot laser beam patterns of laser surgical systems. In particular, certain aspects provide techniques for aligning a rotational angle, or clocking angle, of a multi-core fiber with a fixed multi-spot laser beam pattern of a laser system utilizing digital imaging and analysis.

The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of ultrasound energy. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves by means of shielding it from the effects of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.