Open-LIFU
Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Open-LIFU:
(LOW-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND)
Openwater’s Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) platform for research. The platform is flexible, easy-to-use, and can deliver LIFU to targets located nearly anywhere in the head or body. While Open-LIFU 2.0 devices are ready to set up “out of the box”, their open-source design allows customization and modification to support clinical research across diverse users and applications. At the same time, Open-LIFU 2.0’s controlled design features make it an effective solution for developing regulated medical devices that are portable and low-cost. By filling the gap between expensive research hardware available for proof-of-concept studies and commercially manufacturable hardware suitable for regulated medical devices, Open-LIFU 2.0 greatly facilitates the translation of novel therapies from bench to bedside.
Applications in:
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Clinical Research
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- Neuromodulation
- Depression
- Addiction
- Oncology
- Vascular
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Neuroscience Research
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychophysiology
- Neuromodulation
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Veterinary Science
- Oncology
- Neuromodulation
- Pain Management
Research Spotlight
Webinar: Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation of the Default Mode Network in the Treatment of Depression and Promotion of Wellness
Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT)—including rumination and worry—is a transdiagnostic cognitive process central to major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Elevated RNT is linked to increased connectivity within the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN), which supports self-referential thought and is often hyperactive in these conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that low-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (litFUS) may reduce Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) and mood-related symptoms in clinical populations, and also promote emotional wellness in nonclinical groups.
Product Overview
Open-LIFU is Openwater's flexible, easy-to-use Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) platform designed for researching various medical and physiological applications. It allows for customized deployment and supports the development of regulated, portable, and low-cost medical devices. It bridges the gap between research hardware and commercially manufacturable devices, facilitating the translation of novel therapies from bench to bedside.
Key Features
- Transducers in various form factors with steerable matrix arrays.
- Sonications controlled by PC software via a USB-connected console.
- Two-stage targeting for precise LIFU focusing.
- Open-source design for innovation and modification.
- Quality controls for regulatory approval compatibility.
- Modules usable for both research and commercial products.
Intended Use Statement
Open-LIFU 2.0 is for research purposes only, to study the effects of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) in laboratory, pre-clinical, and clinical settings. It is flexible and re-programmable for various sonication and targeting parameters. It is not FDA evaluated and is for research use only.
Open Source
Hardware and software are released under an aGPLv3 open-source license or the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.
Safety
This is a safety disclosure for Open-LIFU 2.0 and Open-Motion medical components intended for research purposes. The device has not been FDA reviewed or approved for commercial use. Researchers are advised to exercise caution and obtain informed consent. Adverse events should be reported to safety@openwater.cc.
Target Specifications
Sonication ParametersTransmit Modules
Parameter |
Value |
|---|---|
Center frequencies |
100-500 kHz |
Mechanical Index at focus |
0-1.9 MI |
Pulse length |
0-100 ms |
Duty Cycle |
0-50% |
Duration |
0-15 minutes |
Focusing range (1 module) |
3cm (150kHz), 6cm (400kHz) |
Focusing range (multi-module) |
11cm (deeper possible with more modules) |
Apodization |
Binary |
Focal Patterns |
Single, Multi (rastered) |
Parameter |
Value |
|---|---|
Number of Elements |
64 (8x8 grid) per single transducer |
Transmit Electronics |
On-module |
Center frequencies |
158kHz, 400kHz |
Footprint |
4x4 cm |
Communication |
I2C, TTL |
Expansion ports |
I2C |
Receive Channels |
Expansion header |
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