Implantable sonic windows
Inventors
Manwaring, Jotham Charles • Manwaring, Kim Herbert
Assignees
University of South Florida • University of South Florida St Petersburg
Publication Number
US-9044195-B2
Publication Date
2015-06-02
Expiration Date
2034-05-02
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Abstract
A sonic window includes a body sized and configured to close an opening formed through the cranium, wherein at least a part of the body is made of a sonically transparent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a sonic window designed to close an opening formed through the cranium, wherein at least a part of the body is constructed from a sonically transparent material to allow ultrasonic waves to pass through. The sonic window protects the brain and maintains normal intracranial conditions while enabling ultrasound-based diagnostic or therapeutic procedures by facilitating the passage of ultrasonic waves into and out of the brain. In various embodiments, the sonic window is formed from strong, porous, sonically translucent polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polystyrene, acrylic, or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and can be shaped to match the cranium.
Conventional imaging modalities, such as CT and MRI, have significant drawbacks, including the risk of inducing neoplasia with CT and the high cost and need for sedation with MRI. Therefore, the disclosed invention addresses the need for an alternative approach to brain imaging, enabling the use of ultrasound through a protected cranial opening for more accessible, cost-effective, and non-ionizing imaging.
The sonic window is designed in a range of embodiments, including planar or curved bodies, various attachment strategies (using mounting holes for fasteners, adhesively or press-fit without fasteners, or bone staples), and alternative configurations such as inclusion of a metal mesh for increased strength or central openings for unimpeded ultrasound transmission. These designs allow the sonic window to be securely attached to the cranium, accommodate different clinical needs, and enable both diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasonic procedures.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim defining a method with several inventive features.
Ultrasonic method using a sonically translucent cranial window without fasteners or adhesives
The method comprises: 1. Forming an opening through the cranium. 2. Closing the opening with a sonic window made of a sonically translucent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass. 3. Securing the sonic window to the cranium using a press fit or by fusing it to the cranium, such that no fasteners or adhesives are used. 4. Closing the scalp over the sonic window. 5. Transmitting ultrasonic waves into the brain through the sonic window.
The independent claim protects a method of ultrasound-based diagnosis or therapy using a cranium-opening closed by a sonically translucent window, secured without fasteners or adhesives, and enabling ultrasonic wave transmission into the brain.
Stated Advantages
Provides an alternative way to image the brain, avoiding risks associated with CT and reducing reliance on costly and sedation-requiring MRI.
Protects the brain and prevents deformation due to pressure changes while enabling ultrasonic waves to freely pass for imaging or therapy.
Documented Applications
Diagnostic brain imaging using ultrasound via an implanted sonic window.
Therapeutic ultrasound procedures including focused ultrasound for deep tissue heating or ablation of brain tissue.
Continuous ultrasonic imaging to guide placement of devices such as catheters within brain tissue.
Continuous ultrasonic imaging to observe tissue ablation performed by other means such as electrosurgery, mechanical compression, extraction, laser, or ultrasonic disruption and aspiration.
Ultrasound thermometry for continuous monitoring of tissue temperature during therapeutic procedures.
Use of a piezoelectric transducer outside the head overlying the sonic window to target tissue for neuromodulation or altering blood-brain barrier permeability.
Treatment of depression and other mood disorders, and rehabilitation after brain injury in stroke, by ultrasonic neuromodulation.
Use of the sonic window to optimize delivery or monitoring of light frequencies such as near infrared or visible red light for monitoring blood flow, oxygen saturation, or therapeutic effects on tissue.
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