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Low-cost, 3D Printed Device May Broaden Focused Ultrasound Use

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various medical conditions. It has been used to treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, and essential tremors. However, the high cost of the equipment required for focused ultrasound has limited its use in many parts of the world. A new low-cost, 3D printed device may change that.

What is Focused Ultrasound?

Before we dive into the details of the new device, let's first understand what focused ultrasound is. Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various medical conditions. The sound waves are focused on a specific area of the body, creating heat that destroys targeted tissue or stimulates nerves.

The Limitations of Focused Ultrasound

While focused ultrasound has proven to be an effective treatment for many medical conditions, its use has been limited by the high cost of the equipment required. Traditional focused ultrasound machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to many healthcare providers and patients.

The New Low-Cost Device

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston have developed a low-cost, 3D printed device that could make focused ultrasound more accessible. The device is made from off-the-shelf components and can be assembled for less than $500.

The device consists of a 3D printed housing that holds a small transducer and a cooling system. The transducer generates the high-frequency sound waves used in focused ultrasound, while the cooling system prevents overheating.

How the Device Works

The low-cost device works by attaching to an existing ultrasound machine. The ultrasound machine provides imaging guidance while the low-cost device delivers the focused ultrasound treatment.

The researchers tested the device on tissue samples and found that it was able to achieve the same level of tissue destruction as traditional focused ultrasound machines.

The Potential Impact

The low-cost, 3D printed device has the potential to make focused ultrasound more accessible to healthcare providers and patients around the world. The low cost of the device means that it could be used in low-resource settings where traditional focused ultrasound machines are not available.

The device could also be used in research settings to study the effectiveness of focused ultrasound for treating a variety of medical conditions.

Conclusion

The development of a low-cost, 3D printed device for focused ultrasound has the potential to broaden its use and make it more accessible to healthcare providers and patients around the world. The device is made from off-the-shelf components and can be assembled for less than $500. It has been shown to achieve the same level of tissue destruction as traditional focused ultrasound machines.

FAQs

1. What is focused ultrasound?

Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive medical procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to treat various medical conditions.

2. What are the limitations of traditional focused ultrasound machines?

Traditional focused ultrasound machines can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to many healthcare providers and patients.

3. How much does the new low-cost, 3D printed device cost?

The new low-cost, 3D printed device can be assembled for less than $500.

4. What is the potential impact of the new device?

The low-cost, 3D printed device has the potential to make focused ultrasound more accessible to healthcare providers and patients around the world.

5. Can the new device be used in research settings?

Yes, the new device could be used in research settings to study the effectiveness of focused ultrasound for treating a variety of medical conditions.

This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.

Most frequent words in this abstract:
focused (6), ultrasound (6), device (3), medical (3)