A flexible ultrasound transducer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a substrate having a central part and a plurality of extended parts extending from the central part; an ultrasound probe disposed at the central part of the substrate to acquire an ultrasound image of a region of interest; and a focused ultrasound output unit disposed at the extended parts of the substrate to output a focused ultrasound to the region of interest, wherein the focused ultrasound output unit disposed at the extended parts of the substrate has a flexible property and is deformable. According to the structure of an embodiment, it is possible to simultaneously achieve ultrasound imaging and ultrasonic therapy such as lesion stimulation or removal through focused ultrasound, and adjust the focal position of focused ultrasound or improve the focal sensitivity through flexible movement.

Systems and methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Devices, systems, kits and methods are provided, that simplify focused ultrasound treatment. Devices comprise a supporting structure and a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer having a central axis that is affixed to the supporting structure. Devices may further comprise an imaging ultrasound transducer and/or an x-ray aim, that may be attached to the supporting structure along the central axis of the FUS transducer. The FUS transducer is connected to a controller configured to control application of focused ultrasound by the transducer and may be associated with an imaging unit for imaging the treatment region using ultrasound and/or x-ray image data. The devices are hand held and easy to manipulate and aim correctly, utilizing coupling member(s) as well as feedback from the concurrently imaged treatment region.

Methods, systems, and treatment probes for delivering heating energy such as acoustic waves to a target tissue volume inside of a patient for medically treating the target tissue volume are disclosed. A method includes inserting a treatment probe into the patient through an exposed skin of the patient, the treatment probe including heating energy dispensing element. The method further includes applying heating energy to the target tissue volume via the dispensing element, the heating energy being applied so as to medically treat the target tissue volume. The method also includes monitoring an amount of energy absorbed by the target tissue as a result of applying the energy, and adjusting the heating energy being applied to the target tissue based on the amount of energy absorbed by the target tissue.

A dual-mode ultrasound system provides real-time imaging and therapy delivery using the same transducer elements of a transducer array. The system may use a multi-channel driver to drive the elements of the array. The system uses a real-time monitoring and feedback image control of the therapy based on imaging data acquired using the dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Further, for example, multi-modal coded excitation may be used in both imaging and therapy modes. Still further, for example, adaptive, real-time refocusing for improved imaging and therapy can be achieved using, for example, array directivity vectors obtained from DMUA pulse-echo data.

Presented herein is ultrasound visualization and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method for an ultrasound imaging, includes: transmitting an imaging ultrasound toward a target tissue; receiving ultrasound echoes of the imaging ultrasound using a first set of receiving beamformer parameters; composing a first two-dimensional (2D) B-mode image of the target tissue based on received ultrasound echoes of the imaging ultrasound; transmitting a therapy ultrasound toward a target tissue by a therapy transducer using a second set of transmitting beamformer parameters; receiving ultrasound echoes of the therapy ultrasound using the first set of receiving beamformer parameters; composing a second 2D B-mode image of the target tissue based on received ultrasound echoes of the therapy ultrasound; and comparing the first 2D B-mode image of the target tissue with the second 2D B-mode image of the target tissue.

Embodiments of a dermatological cosmetic treatment and/or imaging system and method adapted to alter placement and position of multiple (e.g., two or more) cosmetic treatment zones in tissue from ultrasound beams from a transducer, simultaneous multi-focus therapy at multiple depths, and/or dithering ultrasound beams from a transducer to alter placement and position of multiple cosmetic treatment zones in tissue. The system can include a hand wand, a removable transducer module, and a control module. In some embodiments, the cosmetic treatment system may be used in various cosmetic procedures.

Apparatus and methods for creating tissue necrosis include an energy delivery apparatus that can be positioned adjacent a target treatment site such as a vessel without direct contact with the treatment site tissue. Collimated energy is then directed to the vessel to create necrotic regions in the tissue. Exemplary use in renal vessels creates necrotic regions in adjacent nerves which can alleviate hypertension in a patient.

A method for delivering therapeutic ultrasound to a patient to ensure full treatment of targeted tissue can include performing preoperative imaging of a first volume of targeted tissue of a patient using an ultrasound probe and creating a first treatment plan. Energy can be delivered into at least a distal portion of the first volume. The amount of energy delivered can be sufficient to produce swelling of tissue in the first volume. The first volume can be reimaged to identify if any changes have occurred in at least one of a size, shape and location of the first volume of the targeted tissue. A second treatment plan can be designed to treat a second volume of tissue equivalent to the changed first volume of targeted tissue. Energy can be delivered into the second volume of the targeted tissue.

Methods for treating a human patient having a subarachnoid hematoma, such as to prevent cerebral vasospasm or to reduce the severity of cerebral vasospasm in the patient, and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. In a particular embodiment, a thrombolytic agent is introduced extravascularly into a subarachnoid region including the hematoma. A headset configured for hands-free delivery of transcranial ultrasound energy is connected to the patient and used to deliver ultrasound energy to the subarachnoid region to enhance the thrombolytic effect of the thrombolytic agent. The type and/or dosage of the thrombolytic agent can be selected based on the enhanced thrombolytic effect. For example, the enhanced thrombolytic effect can allow the therapeutically effective use of less aggressive thrombolytic agents and/or lower dosages of thrombolytic agents. In some cases, this can reduce the clinical probability of additional cerebral hemorrhage.