Patent ID: 7510536
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to provide therapy to a treatment site corresponding to a portion of a nervous system of a patient, the treatment site being spaced apart from a HIFU therapy device, comprising the steps of: (a) determining an appropriate treatment site to be treated to achieve a desired therapeutic effect; (b) selecting a dose of HIFU required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, the desired therapeutic effect comprising blocking nerve conduction for at least one of the following purposes: (c) positioning the HIFU therapy device such that a focal point of the HIFU therapy device is disposed adjacent to the treatment site; (d) energizing the HIFU therapy device to administer HIFU at a relatively low power level, while producing an ultrasound image of the treatment site, for verifying that the focal point of the HIFU therapy device is properly positioned relative to the treatment site, and if not, repositioning the HIFU therapy device until the HIFU therapy device is properly positioned relative to the treatment site; and (e) energizing the HIFU therapy device to provide the dose of HIFU to the treatment site that is required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.