Focussed ultrasound cardiac stimulation system, portable device and cardiac stimulation, and associated methods

A method for electrical stimulation of a given zone of a heart by generation of a beam of focussed ultrasound signals, the method comprising:

• acquiring at least one frequency of an electrocardiogram of the heart;
• determining at least one position of a targeted zone in the heart;
• generating a beam of focussed ultrasound signals and synchronised with a rhythm of the electrocardiogram of which:
• an amplitude of the pulses is configured such that an acoustic pressure applied in the focussed zone is comprised in a first range of pressures of [2-12 MPa];
• a duration of the pulses is comprised in a first range of durations of [50 μs -50 ms];
• a duration of application of the focussed beam being longer than 50 μs;
• controlling a position of the focussed zone of the beam on the position of the targeted zone calculated in real time by a positioning system;
• performing an active monitoring in real time:
• of a temperature in the focussed zone from an acquisition of image(s) not exceeding a predetermined threshold;
• of a tissue deformation after each pulse comprised in a predefined range of values from an imaging system and/or of an electrical activity and/or of a level of cavitation in the focussed zone measured after each pulse comprised in a predefined range of values;
• of a synchronisation parameter ensuring the respect of the synchronisation of the rhythm of the electrocardiogram with the rhythm of the pulses of the focussed beam.

An ultrasound cardiac stimulation system comprising:

• a measuring system configured to measure an electrical activity of a heart to acquire an electrocardiogram;
• a means for generating a beam of focussed ultrasound signals in a targeted zone, said signals being calibrated such as to generate an electrical stimulation in a zone of the heart, said beam generation being synchronised with a first selected time of the electrocardiogram, the beam generation corresponding to a pulse of which the duration is less than 80 ms;
• a means for locating the targeted zone coupled to a means for positioning the means for generating a focussed beam so as to control said beam of focussed ultrasound signals in the targeted zone, said locating means being synchronised with the means for generating a beam of focussed signals;
• a single monitoring means capable of following in real time a temperature and a tissue deformation in the targeted zone, said monitoring means taking measurements in synchronisation with the rhythm of the electrocardiogram.