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.

An ultrasound device for facilitating waste clearance of the brain lymphatic system includes: a first frequency-generator generating a predetermined frequency; a first waveform modulator modulating a waveform of the frequency; a first linear amplifier amplifying the waveform; a first resonance circuit portion matching impedance of the amplified waveform; and a first ultrasound transducer coupled to the first resonance circuit portion and irradiating ultrasound toward the area of the brain of mammals, wherein the ultrasound facilitates clearance of lymphatic wastes of the brain.

The present invention relates to means and methods for modifying renal function in a subject, comprising selecting a patient requiring an increment in renal function; emitting a quantity of ultrasound radiation, enough to provide an increment in renal function, to at least one part of a kidney for a period of time from about 1 hours to about 30 days.

A method and system of neural stimulation and imaging of nervous system of a subject. The method includes the steps of providing an interface device operable to generate an ultrasonic beam for neuroniodulation and imaging of a targeted neural structure of a subject, implanting the interface device in the subject, and providing and disposing an external coil array over the targeted neural structure of the subject, wherein the external coil array is wirelessly powering and communicating with the interface device.

A multi-portal method for treating a subject's spine includes distracting adjacent vertebrae using a distraction instrument positioned at a first entrance along the subject to enlarge an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae. An interbody fusion implant can be delivered into the enlarged intervertebral space. The interbody fusion implant can be positioned directly between vertebral bodies of the adjacent vertebrae while endoscopically viewing the interbody fusion implant using an endoscopic instrument. The patient's spine can be visualized using endoscopic techniques to view, for example, the spine, tissue, instruments, and implants before, during, and after implantation, or the like. The visualization can help a physician throughout the surgical procedure to improve patient outcome.

An implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) to induce spinal cord or spinal nerves treatment, suitable for implantation in the spinal canal and comprises an elongate support member (22, 32) and an array of several treatment transducers (20) distributed along the elongate support member. The several treatment transducers (20) comprise radial transducers emitting an ultrasound treatment beam oriented radially, wherein the treatment transducers (20) have a resonant frequency comprised between 0.5 and 4 MHz. The device has articulating portions so that the implantable device can adapt its shape to a curved elongation path. Also disclosed is an apparatus including the implantable ultrasound generating treating device and methods comprising inserting the implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) inside the spinal canal of the spine of the patient.

A tapered fiber optoacoustic emitter includes a nanosecond laser configured to emit laser pulses and an optic fiber. The optic fiber includes a tip configured to guide the laser pulses. The tip has a coating including a diffusion layer and a thermal expansion layer, wherein the diffusion layer includes epoxy and zinc oxide nanoparticles configured to diffuse the light while restricting localized heating. The thermal expansion layer includes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) configured to convert the laser pulses to generate ultrasound. The frequency of the ultrasound is tuned with a thickness of the diffusion layer and a CNT concentration of the expansion layer.

A treatment system includes a generator and a fluid transfer cartridge. The fluid transfer cartridge includes a cartridge shell having a cartridge cavity. The cartridge cavity is between a front face and a rear face. A syringe barrel is disposed within the cartridge cavity, and has a syringe cavity. The fluid transfer cartridge includes a cartridge manifold in the cartridge cavity. The cartridge manifold includes a fluid transfer plate having a front fluid channel in a front plate surface, and a rear fluid channel in a rear plate surface. The cartridge manifold includes a fluid port extending through the fluid transfer plate from the front fluid channel to the rear fluid channel. The front fluid channel, the rear fluid channel, and the fluid port are in fluid communication with the syringe cavity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

An implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) to induce spinal cord or spinal nerves treatment, suitable for implantation in the spinal canal and comprises an elongate support member (22, 32) and an array of several treatment transducers (20) distributed along the elongate support member. The several treatment transducers (20) comprise radial transducers emitting an ultrasound treatment beam oriented radially, wherein the treatment transducers (20) have a resonant frequency comprised between 0.5 and 4 MHz. The device has articulating portions so that the implantable device can adapt its shape to a curved elongation path. Also disclosed is an apparatus including the implantable ultrasound generating treating device and methods comprising inserting the implantable ultrasound generating treating device (12) inside the spinal canal of the spine of the patient.

A histotripsy therapy system configured for the treatment of brain tissue is provided, which may include any number of features. In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound therapy transducer, a drainage catheter, and a plurality of piezoelectric sensors disposed in the drainage catheter. The ultrasound therapy is configured to transmit ultrasound pulses into the brain to generate cavitation that liquefies a target tissue in the brain. The drainage catheter is configured to detect the ultrasound pulses. An aberration correction algorithm can be executed by the system based on the ultrasound pulses measured by the drainage catheter to automatically correct for an aberration effect caused by the ultrasound pulses passing through a skullcap of the patient.