Pocket-sized Ultrasound Device Designed to Relieve Arthritis and Treat Cancer

A Cornell graduate student has developed an ultrasound device that fits in the palm of the hand and creates sound waves so strong they quickly cause water to turn into steam.

George K. Lewis, a third-year PhD student in biomedical engineering, created the battery-powered device to help relieve arthritis and treat brain cancer.

Lewis creates ultrasound devices that are smaller, more powerful and much less expensive than current models. His pocket-sized devices are built using around $100.

The high-energy produced through the ultrasound is expected to be able to treat conditions like prostate tumors or kidney stones by breaking them up. Arthritis pressure can be relived through the device and in brain cancer patients drugs can be pushed at a quicker motion through the brain following surgery.

By increasing the ultrasound device’s efficiency Lewis was able to miniaturize it. The devices are being tested in a clinical setting at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Review of Scientific Instruments

One of the devices is currently being used in experiments that aim to minimize injury that occurs when tissues do not receive adequate blood flow. The journal published Lewis’ paper on one of his devices.