IMAGE GUIDED HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT OF NERVES

• US 20110040214A1
• Filed: 09/21/2010
• Published: 02/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Washington
• Original Assignee: University of Washington
• Inventors: Little, James W., Vaezy, Shahram, Foley, Jessica L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,211,017 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 601/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320069 for ablating tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0035 adapted for acquisition of images from more than one imaging mode, e.g. combining MRI and optical tomography
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0808 for diagnosis of the brain
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/13 Tomography A61B8/10, A61B8/12 take precedence; tomography for radiation diagnosis A61B6/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4209 by using holders, e.g. positioning frames
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4254 using sensors mounted on the probe
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4272 involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4281 characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/02 Localised ultrasound hyperthermia hyperthermia in general A61F7/00

Abstract

A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversibly block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures.

Claims

1. A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to provide therapy to a peripheral nerve, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) positioning a focal point of the HIFU therapy device in proximity to the peripheral nerve; and

(b) administering a dose of HIFU to the peripheral nerve to achieve a therapeutic effect.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of verifying the position of the focal point of the HIFU therapy device relative to the peripheral nerve prior to administering the dose of HIFU to the peripheral nerve.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of verifying the position of the focal point of the HIFU therapy device comprises the step of using imaging technology to verify the position of the focal point relative to the peripheral nerve.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of using imaging technology comprises the step of using imaging ultrasound.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of using imaging technology comprises the step of using magnetic resonance imaging.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic effect is partial blockage of nerve function.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic effect is complete blockage of nerve function.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic effect is temporary.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic effect is permanent.