Implantable sonic windows
A sonic window includes a body sized and configured to close an opening formed through the cranium, wherein at least a part of the body is made of a sonically transparent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass.
1. A diagnostic or therapeutic ultrasonic method comprising:
forming an opening through the cranium;
closing the opening with a sonic window made of a sonically translucent material through which ultrasonic waves can pass;
securing the sonic window to the cranium using a press fit or by fusing it to the cranium such that no fasteners or adhesives are used;
closing the scalp over the sonic window; and
transmitting ultrasonic waves into the brain through the sonic window.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising imaging the brain using ultrasonic waves reflected from the brain.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic waves are focused waves and further comprising ablating target tissue within the brain with the ultrasonic waves.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising measuring tissue temperature with the ultrasonic waves.