Open Competition 1 - Chemistry and Materials

Development of High Power Piezoelectric Ceramics and Novel Ultrasound Therapeutic Devices for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Sponsor: Piezotech, LLC

• Project Performance Period: 11/1/2002 - 4/29/2005
• Total project (est.): $2,539,533.00
• Requested ATP funds: $2,000,000.00

Many thousands of Americans develop and die from gastrointestinal and cardiovascular conditions that are difficult or impossible to treat. Piezotech plans a novel technique to use high-intensity focused ultrasound to treat these conditions by destroying targeted tissues. The three-year project will design, develop, and test miniature high-power ultrasound arrays for novel therapies that can be used inside body cavities. The company will synthesize new piezoelectric ceramics (materials possessing electric polarity due to pressure) that can generate high acoustic power when used as tiny elements in an array, achieving a four- or fivefold increase in the energy produced per unit of material beyond today's state of the art. The material will be designed to meet stringent dielectric, mechanical, electromechanical, electrical, and temperature requirements established through theoretical modeling and to have a fine, homogenous microstructure to achieve optimal, consistent array performance. Two types of high-power arrays with different dimensions and frequencies will be built and tested. The challenge lies in designing very small arrays with acceptable properties that can handle high power, dissipate the heat generated, and permit introduction through the esophagus or through a catheter. The first applications of the technology will be to treat Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous condition stemming from acid reflux), pancreatic and liver cancer, and cardiac arrhythmia. Purdue University (West Lafayette, Ind.) will characterize the materials, and Applied Concepts Inc. (Beaverton, Ore.) will be subcontracted to develop a system to electrically drive the arrays with appropriate power levels, focusing, and beam steering. The ATP funding will accelerate progress on this research by 10 to 15 years. If successfully developed and commercialized, the new technology could be used in new and improved ultrasonic transducers for minimally invasive surgery to treat at least eight target diseases and potentially provide real-time imaging to guide treatment. Further, it could save lives, reduce medical costs, and improve quality of life for many patients. In addition, the new piezoelectric ceramic materials could be used in industrial and military applications such as vibration sensors, actuators, ultrasonic cleaners, and sonar.

For project information:

Michael H. Phillips, (765) 483-2550
mphillips@piezotechnologies.com

ATP Project Manager

H. Felix Wu, (301) 975-4685
felix.wu@nist.gov