A medical device includes a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) array configured to emit ultrasound to target tissue, and at least one thermoelectric cooler mechanically coupled with the CMUT array and configured to cool non-target tissue heated by the ultrasound. The medical device may be implemented in a catheter together with a solid thermal conductor coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and extending along the catheter, to conduct heat away from the thermoelectric cooler. A catheter or catheter sleeve includes a tubular wall for insertion into a body channel, and at least one thermoelectric cooler coupled to the tubular wall for cooling the body channel wall. A catheter sleeve includes tubular casing for insertion into a body channel and capable of encasing a catheter, and at least one sensor coupled to the tubular casing for sensing one or more properties of the body channel wall, such as temperature and pressure.

Systems and methods for rapid calculation of parameters for delivering ultrasound energy to selected locations in the brain. An example method for delivering ultrasound energy to a region of a blood-brain barrier may comprise generating a model of the region of the blood-brain barrier and surrounding tissues. The method may also comprise determining a plurality of intermediate parameters by simulating acoustic paths of a plurality of ultrasound beams propagating from the region of the blood-brain barrier to a plurality of locations. The method may also comprise determining transmission parameters for ultrasound beams to be emitted from a plurality of ultrasound transducers based on the intermediate parameters and measured locations of the ultrasound transducers.

An apparatus and method for improving microcirculation by suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones and computers connected to wireless networks on microcirculation. The apparatus generates frequencies that are synchronized and in opposed amplitudes to the detected electromagnetic radiation frequencies, thereby suppressing and cancelling the negative effects of the electromagnetic radiation frequencies on microcirculation.

Apparatus and methods for deactivating bronchial nerves extending along a bronchial branch of a mammalian subject to treat asthma and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (11) is inserted into the bronchus as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (10) bearing the transducer into the bronchial section to be treated. The ultrasonic transducer emits focused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout circular impact volume (13) as, for example, at least about 1 cm.sup.3 encompassing the bronchus to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual bronchial nerves.

Apparatus and methods for deactivating bronchial nerves extending along a bronchial branch of a mammalian subject to treat asthma and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (11) is inserted into the bronchus as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (10) bearing the transducer into the bronchial section to be treated. The ultrasonic transducer emits focused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout circular impact volume (13) as, for example, at least about 1 cm.sup.3 encompassing the bronchus to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual bronchial nerves.

A handheld ultrasound device and corresponding methods, including devices and methods used for rejuvenating the vulvovaginal area of the user. In general, the handheld ultrasound devices include a device body coupled to an acoustic coupler and a handle. The device body further includes internal components including an ultrasound transducer, an energy delivery element, and circuitry for controlling the ultrasound output. In particular examples, the methods of using the handheld ultrasound device include engaging the tissue in and around the vulvovaginal area with the energy delivery element, applying ultrasound energy to the vulvovaginal tissue from the energy delivery element and through the acoustic coupler, and affecting a measurable parameter associated with vulvovaginal rejuvenation.

A computer-implemented method for medical guidance of a user in the validation of a treatment dose distribution provided by a treatment planning system.

A method for directing ultrasound energy toward an organ of a subject, including: determining a location of the organ within the subject's body; and directing ultrasound energy at the location of the organ within the subject's body using a wearable ultrasound device.