An innovative researcher has created an ultrasound device that pushes the technology beyond diagnostics and monitoring. Ultrasound can now be used to treat some diseases. Potential uses include stabilizing a gunshot wound and drug delivery.

Built with only $100 worth of equipment, the portable system is designed to be smaller and less expensive than many current models. George Lewis, a graduate student in biomedical engineering at Cornell University, developed the prototype. “New applications are going to spin out, now that the systems [are] affordable and portable in nature,” Lewis told the Cornell Chronicle (Cornell's weekly publication). He discussed the potential uses such as cauterizing wounds, or allowing the body to immediately absorb locally injected anesthetic. The palm-sized device could also be used to fight conditions such as brain cancer or arthritis.

“People are realizing that ultrasound [can] treat as opposed to just diagnose,” says Peter Henderson, MD. “George's device is going to play a huge role in catalyzing the discovery of new and better therapeutic applications.” Henderson is a chief research fellow at Weill Cornell Medical College's Laboratory for Bioregenerative Medicine and Surgery (New York City).

The rechargeable, battery-powered prototype has an output impedance amplifier circuit of less than 0.3 Ω. Lewis made the transducer small to boost efficiency and developed a method in which the circuit transfers 95% of the battery supply energy to the transducer. When submerged, the transducer creates very strong sound waves that cause the water to spray and become steam.

This high-intensity ultrasound unit could one day replace certain plug-in medical systems as well as radio-frequency amplifiers that are used in research. Its portability opens the door to applications in the military and ambulatory fields.

Henderson is testing the device to explore how to reduce injury caused by inadequate blood flow. Researchers are assessing whether targeting low doses of hydrogen sulfide to certain parts of the body can reduce injury by slowing cellular metabolism.

Lewis's work on the device was published in a November issue of the journal Review of Scientific Instruments.

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