Ultrasound treatment device for treatment of pathogenic material

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for disrupting pathological material. A treatment device includes an ultrasound emitter that emits an ultrasound signal. A base unit includes a fluid reservoir containing a fluid selected to undergo cavitation when exposed to the ultrasound signal. A lumen connects the fluid reservoir to an exit port associated with the treatment device.

Description

MEEI 2023-562 ULTRASOUND TREATMENT DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF PATHOGENIC MATERIALTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 719,181 filed November 12, 2024, and entitled ULTRASOUND TREATMENT DEVICE FOR TREATMENT OF PATHOGENIC MATERIAL. The entire content of this application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to medical systems, and more particularly, to an ultrasound treatment device for treatment of pathogenic material.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pathogenic material in the human body can persist during treatment of infections, often through defensive mechanisms that reduce exposure to therapeutics. For example, bacterial biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix that adheres to a surface. Biofilms can form within body cavities, such as sinuses, and are associated with increased antibiotic resistance, persistent inflammation, and recalcitrance to conventional treatments.SUMMARY

[0004] In accordance with one example, a system includes a treatment device includes an ultrasound emitter that emits an ultrasound signal. A base unit includes a fluid reservoir containing a fluid selected to undergo cavitation when exposed to the ultrasound signal. A lumen connects the fluid reservoir to an exit port associated with the treatment device.

[0005] In accordance with another example, a method includes inserting a treatment catheter comprising a transducer assembly into a region of interest. A fluid is provided from a fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on theMEEI 2023-562 treatment catheter. An ultrasound signal is generated from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the fluid within the region of interest.

[0006] In accordance with a further example, a method includes inserting a treatment catheter comprising a transducer assembly into a region of interest. Air is incorporated into a fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to provide an aerated fluid. The aerated fluid is provided from the fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on the treatment catheter. An ultrasound signal is generated from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the fluid within the region of interest.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of an ultrasound treatment system for disrupting pathogenic material;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of an ultrasound treatment system for disrupting pathogenic material;

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a treatment device, comprising an endoscopic shaft enclosing a treatment catheter, that can be used with the system of FIG. 2;

[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates a configuration of the transducer assembly as two miniature bulk piezoelectric cylinders;

[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates a configuration of the transducer assembly having multiple non-cylindrical transducers placed on the treatment catheter;

[0012] FIG. 5 is one example of a method for treating a pathogenic material using ultrasound;

[0013] FIG. 6 is another example of a method for treating a pathogenic material using ultrasound; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 700 of hardware components capable of implementing examples of the systems and methods disclosed herein..DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] As used herein, the term "includes" means includes but not limited to, the term "including" means including but not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on. Additionally, where the disclosure or claims recite "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted toMEEI 2023-562 include one or more than one such element, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0016] As used herein, a “fluid” is a liquid or a gel.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of an ultrasound treatment system 100 for disrupting pathogenic material. The system 100 includes a treatment device 102 that includes an ultrasound emitter 104 that emits an ultrasound signal. In one example, the ultrasound emitter 104 on the treatment device 102 is a distal end of a waveguide that conducts ultrasound from a transducer assembly implemented in a base unit 110. In another example, the ultrasound emitter 104 is implemented as a transducer assembly comprising one or more transducers on the treatment device 102. For example, the treatment device 102 can include a treatment catheter, and the ultrasound emitter can include a transducer that is concentrically aligned with the treatment catheter. Where a treatment catheter is present, it can be flexible, rigid, semi-rigid, or articulated, and a balloon, affixed near a distal tip of the treatment catheter can be inflatable by one of a fluid and a gas to apply pressure to tissue surrounding the treatment catheter.

[0018] In some implementations, the treatment device 102 can also include a sensor (not shown) configured to provide sensor data either a status of tissue within a region of interest associated with the sensor or a content of a pathogenic material within the region of interest. For example, the treatment device can include a light emitter and a sensor configured to detect light emitted from the emitter, with the output of the sensor being provided to a spectroscopy system. In one example, the light source provides light within the visible spectrum and the sensor can be a visible light camera. In another example, the sensor measures a concentration of one of oxygen and nitric oxide within the region of interest. In addition, the treatment device can include one or both of a sensing port that determines if tissue is in contact with the transducer assembly or an inertial measurement unit to aid navigation into a body cavity, such as a sinus.

[0019] The base unit 110 includes a fluid reservoir 112 containing a fluid selected to undergo cavitation when exposed to the ultrasound signal. In one example, the base unit 110 includes an aeration module (not shown) configured to incorporate air into the fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within the fluid. In this implementation, the fluid in the fluid reservoir 112 can include lipids that assist in the formation ofMEEI 2023-562 stable bubbles within the fluid. In another example, the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir can contain one of microbubbles, nanobubbles, or dissolved gases. A lumen 120 connects the fluid reservoir 112 to an exit port 106 associated with the treatment device 102. In addition to this lumen 120, the system 100 can also include a second lumen that connects an aspiration vacuum to an entry port (not shown) associated with the treatment device 102.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of an ultrasound treatment system 200 for disrupting pathogenic material. The system 200 includes a treatment device 210 and a base unit 230 operatively connected to the treatment device. The treatment device 210 includes a handle 211 and an endoscopic shaft 212 connected to the handle that encloses a treatment catheter 214 that can be extended from the endoscopic shaft into a body cavity. The treatment catheter 214 can include one or more internal lumens for carrying irrigation fluid and other substances to and from the body cavity. The treatment catheter 214 can further include a transducer assembly 216 comprising one or more ultrasound transducers that provide an ultrasound signal within the body cavity, which produces cavitation bubbles within the irrigation fluid to mechanically disrupt biofilms and other pathogenic materials within the body cavity.

[0021] The handle 211 can include a control for activating and deactivating the transducer assembly 216, as well as a control, such as a slider, for advancing the treatment catheter 214 from the endoscopic shaft 212. The handle 211 can include ports connected to a fluid reservoir 217 via a lumen for providing fluid to the body cavity through treatment catheter as well as a suction source 218 for aspirating material from the body cavity. It will be appreciated that the suction source 218 and the fluid reservoir 217 can be connected to a single port via a single lumen or can be connected to separate ports via separate lumens. An inflation port can also be included where a sinuplasty balloon is implemented on the treatment catheter. In one example, the handle 211 is configured to receive a cavitation generator 219 that utilizes a nebulization process to generate stable nanobubbles or microbubbles within the irrigation fluid. For example, the bubbles produced via nebulation can range from ten nanometers to one millimeter in diameter. Lipids can be added to the irrigation fluid to assist in formation of stable bubbles. When exposed to ultrasound, these bubbles oscillate and collapse creating localized cavitation events thatMEEI 2023-562 mechanically disrupt any pathogenic material within the body cavity. When the irrigation fluid contains therapeutics, this cavitation can also enhance delivery of the therapeutic to the body cavity. In one example, the handle 211 can include a modular attachment that is replaceable to allow the shape and configuration of the handle to be adjusted for different hand sizes and different procedures.

[0022] The treatment device 210 can further include a set of sensors 220 that assist in navigation of the catheter into the body cavity and monitor conditions within the body cavity. For example, the sensors 220 can include one or more cameras 222, detecting either or both of visible and infrared light, and one or more corresponding light sources 224. In one example, the camera 222 can be mounted on the endoscopic shaft and the light source 224 can be implemented as one or more micro light emitting diodes (LEDs) on the treatment catheter 214 or a guidewire associated with the treatment catheter. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) 226 can also be included to assess the position of the catheter and assist in navigation to and within the body cavity. The sensors can also include electrodes for electrochemical identification of pathogenic material and optical fiber sensors for visual analysis of pathogenic material. Impedance sensors can be included to detect contact of the catheter with tissue, with the ultrasound transducers 216 deactivating when the detected impedance does not match the expected transmission medium, such as the irrigation fluid. Temperature sensors can be included to monitor the temperature within the body cavity and avoid potential thermal damage to the tissue, and the optical sensors can be used to monitor tissue status (e.g., health or physiology).Ultrasound sensors can be used to measure the depth and profile of the body cavity, and gas sensors, such as nitric oxide and oxygen sensors, can be included to measure the health of the body cavity.

[0023] The base unit 230 can include a waveform generator 232 and a power supply 234 for generating an excitation signal for the transducer assembly 216. The signal is amplified at a radio frequency (RF) signal amplifier 236 and provided to the transducer assembly 216 via a power connection running on or through the treatment catheter 214. It will be appreciated that parameters for the ultrasound signal, such as intensity, frequency, and duty cycle, can be controlled via an associated user interface 238. A sensor control unit 240 can control the illumination at the light source 224 and the function of the sensors 220. The sensor control unitMEEI 2023-562 240 further receives and processes sensor data from the sensors 220 to provide human-comprehensible data at the user interface 238. A navigation control 242 can receive data from the camera 222 and the inertial measurement unit 226 and provide this information to the user interface 238 in human-comprehensible form to assist a user in navigating the treatment device into the body cavity. Each of the sensor control unit 240 and the navigation control 242 can be connected to one or more of the sensors 220 via a data connection running through or on the treatment catheter 214 through the handle 211.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a treatment device 300, comprising an endoscopic shaft 302 enclosing a treatment catheter 310, that can be used with the system of FIG. 2. The endoscopic shaft 300 includes a rigid catheter 304 that attaches to a handle (not shown) at a proximal end and extends to a bend 308 at the distal end of the shaft. It will be appreciated that a position and angle of the bend 308 can be selected according to the body cavity into which the endoscopic shaft will be deployed. The treatment catheter 310 is deployed via an aperture at the distal end of the endoscopic shaft 302, and during deployment, is extended beyond the endoscopic shaft into a body cavity, such as a sinus. The treatment catheter 310 can be flexible or semi-rigid to allow for navigation into the body cavity.

[0025] It will be appreciated that the treatment catheter 310 can include one or more internal lumens for allowing fluid to pass through the treatment catheter. In the illustrated implementation, the treatment catheter 310 includes two lumens, including a first lumen that is connected to an irrigation exit port 312 that allows fluid to be released into the body cavity and a second lumen that is connected to an aspiration channel 314 beginning at the tip of the catheter that allows fluid to be aspirated from the body cavity. In other implementations, a single lumen may be employed, with irrigation fluid both provided and removed via the single lumen.

[0026] A transducer assembly 316 includes one or more ultrasound transducers 318 that generate a mechanical vibration within an irrigation fluid. This vibration generates cavitation bubbles at a surface of any pathogenic material within the body cavity. The rapid expansion and collapse of these cavitation bubbles during operation of the ultrasound transducer(s) 318 disrupts the pathogenic material, exposing the bacterial cells underneath. In one implementation, the one or more ultrasound transducers 318 are implemented as bulk transducers, fabricated from aMEEI 2023-562 piezoelectric ceramic such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or lead magnesium niobate / lead titanate (PMN-PT) crystal. In another implementation, the one or more ultrasound transducers 318 are implemented as capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs), formed for example, from a material such as PZT. In a further implementation, the one or more ultrasound transducers 318 are implemented as piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducers (PMUTs), in which a thin film piezoelectric material, such as polyvinylidene difluoride, is applied to a flexible substrate, such as a polymer or a thin silicon membrane. In a still further implementation, the one or more ultrasound transducers 318 can be implemented as a PZT unimorph transducer that can be implemented in a cylindrical disposition to allow for radial or circumferential vibrations or in a ring configuration to provide radial or axial vibrations. In some implementations, the one or more ultrasound transducers 318 can be covered with an epoxy coating that enhances tissue biocompatibility, assists propagation of the ultrasound signal, and improves movement of the catheter 310 through the endoscopic shaft 300. A balloon (not shown) can be included on the catheter as well to allow for widening of inflamed or narrow regions on the path to the body cavity and provide for localized drug delivery. For example, the semilunar hiatus leading to the maxillary sinuses can be greatly narrowed by inflammation and require widening via balloon sinuplasty. The balloon 320 can be inflated by gas or fluid to exert pressure against the surrounding tissue.

[0027] In the illustrated implementation, the transducer assembly 316 is implemented as a single miniature bulk piezoelectric cylinder 318. FIG. 4A illustrates a configuration of the transducer assembly 316 as two miniature bulk piezoelectric cylinders 402 and 404. FIG. 4B illustrates a configuration of the transducer assembly 316 having multiple non-cylindrical transducers 406-409 placed on the treatment catheter. It will be appreciated that the number and placement of the transducers 406-409 can vary with the implementation.

[0028] In view of the foregoing structural and functional features described above, example methods will be better appreciated with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the example methods of FIG. 6 are shown and described as executing serially, it is to be understood and appreciated that the present examples are not limited by the illustrated order, as some actions could inMEEI 2023-562 other examples occur in different orders, multiple times and / or concurrently from that shown and described herein. Moreover, it is not necessary that all described actions be performed to implement a method.

[0029] FIG. 5 is one example of a method 500 for treating a pathogenic material using ultrasound. At 502, a treatment catheter with a transducer assembly is inserted into a region of interest. The treatment catheter can also include sensors that sense data representing either a status of tissue within a region of interest or a content of a pathogenic material within the region of interest. At 504, a fluid is provided from a fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on the treatment catheter. In one example, air can be injected into the fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within the fluid. At 506, an ultrasound signal is generated from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the fluid within the region of interest.Once the cavitation is complete, the fluid can be aspirated from the region of interest via the catheter.

[0030] FIG. 6 is another example of a method 600 for treating a pathogenic material using ultrasound. At 602, a treatment catheter with a transducer assembly is inserted into a region of interest. At 604, air is incorporated into a fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to provide an aerated fluid. At 606, the aerated fluid is provided from the fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on the treatment catheter. At 608, an ultrasound signal is generated from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the fluid within the region of interest.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 700 of hardware components capable of implementing examples of the systems and methods disclosed herein. The system 700 can include various systems and subsystems. The system 700 can be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a workstation, a computer system, an appliance, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a server, a server BladeCenter, a server farm, etc.

[0032] The system 700 can include a system bus 702, a processing unit 704, a system memory 706, memory devices 708 and 710, a communication interface 712 (e.g., a network interface), a communication link 714, a display 716 (e.g., a video screen), and an input device 718 (e.g., a keyboard, touch screen, and / or a mouse). The system bus 702 can be in communication with the processing unit 704 and theMEEI 2023-562 system memory 706. The additional memory devices 708 and 710, such as a hard disk drive, server, standalone database, or other non-volatile memory, can also be in communication with the system bus 702. The system bus 702 interconnects the processing unit 704, the memory devices 706-710, the communication interface 712, the display 716, and the input device 718. In some examples, the system bus 702 also interconnects an additional port (not shown), such as a universal serial bus (USB) port.

[0033] The processing unit 704 can be a computing device and can include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processing unit 704 executes a set of instructions to implement the operations of examples disclosed herein. The processing unit can include a processing core.

[0034] The additional memory devices 706, 708, and 710 can store data, programs, instructions, database queries in text or compiled form, and any other information that may be needed to operate a computer. The memories 706, 708 and 710 can be implemented as computer-readable media (integrated or removable), such as a memory card, disk drive, compact disk (CD), or server accessible over a network. In certain examples, the memories 706, 708 and 710 can comprise text, images, video, and / or audio, portions of which can be available in formats comprehensible to human beings.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the system 700 can access an external data source or query source through the communication interface 712, which can communicate with the system bus 702 and the communication link 714.

[0036] In operation, the system 700 can be used to implement one or more parts of the disclosed systems and method, in particular, the user interface 238, the sensor unit control 240, and the navigation control 242. Computer executable logic for implementing the system for evaluating maintenance reports resides on one or more of the system memory 706, and the memory devices 708 and 710 in accordance with certain examples. The processing unit 704 executes one or more computer executable instructions originating from the system memory 706 and the memory devices 708 and 710. The term "computer readable medium" as used herein refers to a medium that participates in providing instructions to the processing unit 704 for execution. This medium may be distributed across multiple discreteMEEI 2023-562 assemblies all operatively connected to a common processor or set of related processors.

[0037] Specific details are given in the above description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, physical components can be shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques can be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0038] Implementation of the techniques, blocks, steps, and means described above can be done in various ways. For example, these techniques, blocks, steps, and means can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.For a hardware implementation, the processing units can be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described above, and / or a combination thereof.

[0039] Also, it is noted that the embodiments can be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart can describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations can be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed, but could have additional steps not included in the figure. A process can correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

[0040] Furthermore, embodiments can be implemented by hardware, software, scripting languages, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, and / or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, scripting language, and / or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks can be stored in a machine readableMEEI 2023-562 medium such as a storage medium. A code segment or machine-executable instruction can represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a script, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, and / or program statements. A code segment can be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and / or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, and / or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. can be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, ticket passing, network transmission, etc.

[0041] For a firmware and / or software implementation, the methodologies can be implemented with modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein. Any machine-readable medium tangibly embodying instructions can be used in implementing the methodologies described herein. For example, software codes can be stored in a memory. Memory can be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. As used herein the term “memory” refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other storage medium and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored.

[0042] Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term "storage medium" can represent one or more memories for storing data, including read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine readable mediums for storing information. The term "machine-readable medium" includes, but is not limited to portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and / or various other storage mediums capable of storing that contain or carry instruction(s) and / or data.

[0043] What have been described above are examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims. As used herein, the term "includes" means includes but not limited to, the term "including" means including butMEEI 2023-562 not limited to. The term "based on" means based at least in part on. Additionally, where the disclosure or claims recite "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted to include one or more than one such element, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0044] In the preceding description, specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example implementations of the invention described in the disclosure. However, it will be apparent that various implementations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the example implementations in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the examples. The description of the example implementations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an example of the invention, but it should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

MEEI 2023-562 What is claimed is:1 . A system comprising:a treatment device comprising an ultrasound emitter that emits an ultrasound signal;a base unit comprising a fluid reservoir containing a fluid selected to undergo cavitation when exposed to the ultrasound signal; anda lumen that connects the fluid reservoir to an exit port associated with the treatment device.

2. The system of claim 1 , the treatment device further comprising a sensor configured to provide sensor data representing one of a status of tissue within a region of interest or a content of a pathogenic material within the region of interest.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the treatment device includes a light emitter and the sensor comprises a sensor configured to detect light emitted from the emitter, the output of the sensor being provided to a spectroscopy system.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor measures a concentration of one of oxygen and nitric oxide within the region of interest.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the sensor comprises a visible light camera, the treatment device further comprising a light source.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device comprises a catheter that is one of rigid, semi-rigid, or articulated.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device comprises a flexible catheter.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device further comprises a sensing port that determines if tissue is in contact with the ultrasound emitter.MEEI 2023-562 9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device comprises a treatment catheter, the ultrasound emitter comprising a transducer that is concentrically aligned with the treatment catheter.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lumen is a first lumen, the system further comprising a second lumen that connects an aspiration vacuum to an entry port associated with the treatment device.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound emitter comprises a plurality of transducers implemented on the treatment device.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device comprises a treatment catheter and the treatment device further comprises a balloon affixed near a distal tip of the treatment catheter, the balloon being inflatable by one of a fluid and a gas to apply pressure to tissue surrounding the treatment catheter.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the base unit further comprises an aeration module configured to incorporate air into the fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within the fluid.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment device further comprises an inertial measurement unit.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir contains lipids that assist in the formation of stable bubbles within the fluid.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid contained in the fluid reservoir contains one of microbubbles, nanobubbles, or dissolved gases.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound emitter comprises a waveguide that conducts ultrasound from a transducer assembly in the base unit.MEEI 2023-562 18. A method comprising:inserting a treatment catheter comprising a transducer assembly into a region of interest;providing fluid from a fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on the treatment catheter; andgenerating an ultrasound signal from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the fluid within the region of interest.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising receiving data from a sensor, the data representing one of status of tissue within a region of interest and a content of a pathogenic material within the region of interest.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising injecting air into the fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within the fluid.21 . The method of claim 18, further comprising aspirating the fluid from the region of interest via the catheter.

22. A method comprising:inserting a treatment catheter comprising a transducer assembly into a region of interest;incorporating air into a fluid reservoir as to produce bubbles within fluid stored in the fluid reservoir to provide an aerated fluid;providing the aerated fluid from the fluid reservoir to the region of interest via an exit port on the treatment catheter; andgenerating an ultrasound signal from the transducer assembly to induce cavitation in the aerated fluid within the region of interest.

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