Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound

A method for causing hemostasis in an open and visible hemorrhage, the method comprising:

• using a transducer means, having an ultrasonic transducer having a transmitting surface emitting high frequency focused ultrasound having a frequency in the approximate range of 0.5 MHZ to 20 MHz and a depth of focus substantially immediately adjacent said transducer means, applying high intensity focused ultrasound energy directly onto outer regions of a hemorrhaging vessel adjacent to a vascular breach;
• and
• controlling energy level and duration of exposure to cause closure of fibrous sheath tissue surrounding the breach of the hemorrhaging vessel without substantially damaging wall tissue of the vessel itself.

A method for causing hemostasis of an internal hemorrhage, the method comprising:

• surgically exposing a blood vessel or parenchyma source of said hemorrhage;
• and
• directly subjecting the tissue of said source of said hemorrhage to sonic energy comprising high intensity focused ultrasound such that said hemorrhaging blood vessel or parenchyma is cauterized by said sonic energy.