Abstract: A low profile acoustic array (10) is configured to selectively respond to shear waves while rejecting compression wave energy in the frequency range of interest. One sensor array is configured as a linear strip with a frame segment having at least one longitudinally extending rail and a plurality of sensor elements (20) extending therefrom. These sensor elements have a resilient core and opposing PDVF outer layers configured with opposing polarities onto the core. The linear strip array also includes a pair of separate electrical signal transmission paths. The transmission lines can include a series of undulations formed thereon to help minimize undesired mechanical crossover between sensors. A carrier member can be configured to be detachably releasable carries the discrete sensors to maintain the positional alignment until they are secured to a patient.

Abstract: Methodology for determining the bounds of a patient's acoustic window is described. Medical application acoustic array designs with apertures accommodated by patient acoustic windows and merged acoustic windows are exemplified.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and/or visualizing an acoustic window suitable for passive acoustic coronary heart disease evaluations by mapping the relative SNR distribution on the channels on an array of a plurality of sensors to nominal locations on a person's chest of each sensor in the acoustic sensor array and identifying a plurality of sensor locations that correspond to the highest channel SNR's is described and/or sizing the acoustic sensor array to correspond with the identified acoustic window.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for determining an obscured contact point based on a visible portion of an acoustic sensor of a medical device contacting a patient by acquiring a first image containing an upper surface of the acoustic sensor from a first viewpoint and a second image containing the upper surface of the acoustic sensor from a second viewpoint different from the first viewpoint. The acoustic sensor is located in the first image and the second image and the centroid of the acoustic sensor is determined based on the location of the acoustic sensor in the first image and the corresponding location of the acoustic sensor in the second image. A plane of the visible portion of the acoustic sensor is also determined based on the position of the upper surface of the acoustic sensor in the first image and the corresponding position of the upper surface of the acoustic sensor in the second image.

Abstract: Methodology for determining the bounds of a patient's acoustic window is described. Medical application acoustic array designs with apertures accommodated by patient acoustic windows and merged acoustic windows are exemplified.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and/or visualizing an acoustic window suitable for passive acoustic coronary heart disease evaluations by mapping the relative SNR distribution on the channels on an array of a plurality of sensors to nominal locations on a person's chest of each sensor in the acoustic sensor array and identifying a plurality of sensor locations that correspond to the highest channel SNR's is described and/or sizing the acoustic sensor array to correspond with the identified acoustic window.

Abstract: A non-invasive methodology and instrumentation for the detection and localization of abnormal blood flow in a vessel of a patient is described. An array of sensors are positioned on an area of a patient's body above a volume in which blood flow may be abnormal. Signals detected by the sensor array are processed to display an image which may indicate the presence or absence of abnormal blood flow.

Abstract: A thin film piezoelectric polymer acoustic sensor for the passive detection of heart and blood flow sounds is described. Sensors may have initially slack film components which are tented by the mass of a housing when a sensor is positioned on acoustic medium. Enhanced sensor performance is provided by accommodation of the sensor spring constant to the spring constant of human flesh. Sensor performance may be enhanced by a combination of physical parameter ranges. A plurality of sensors may compose a linear array or an array aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for determining an obscured contact point based on a visible portion of an acoustic sensor of a medical device contacting a patient by acquiring a first image containing an upper surface of the acoustic sensor from a first viewpoint and a second image containing the upper surface of the acoustic sensor from a second viewpoint different from the first viewpoint. The acoustic sensor is located in the first image and the second image and the centroid of the acoustic sensor is determined based on the location of the acoustic sensor in the first image and the corresponding location of the acoustic sensor in the second image. A plane of the visible portion of the acoustic sensor is also determined based on the position of the upper surface of the acoustic sensor in the first image and the corresponding position of the upper surface of the acoustic sensor in the second image.

Abstract: Methodology for determining the bounds of a patient's acoustic window is described. Medical application acoustic array designs with apertures accommodated by patient acoustic windows and merged acoustic windows are exemplified.

Abstract: A sensing device for capturing acoustic heart sounds has a diaphragm formed from a piezoelectric transducer material which generates excitation signals in response to acoustic and vibratory energy outputs. The sensing device includes metallization layers on the diaphragm for receiving and transmitting the excitation signals to an output display device via associated electrical contacts and electrical leads and also includes a layer of adhesive material for coupling the sensing device to the subject. The sensing device further includes snap connectors for allowing the device to be quickly disengaged from electrical leads and discarded. A patch sensor device is disclosed which enables acoustic outputs to be triangulated and pinpointed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic sensor device for capturing internal body sounds. The acoustic sensor device is designed to sense the flexing of a patient's skin that is a result of the localized nature of internal body sounds, especially the patient's heart sounds, and generate an electrical signal analogous to the flexure of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensing device for capturing acoustic heart sounds. The sensing device has a diaphragm formed from a piezoelectric transducer material which generates excitation signals in response to acoustic and vibratory energy outputs. The sensing device includes metallization layers on the diaphragm for receiving and transmitting the excitation signals to an output display device via associated electrical contacts and electrical leads and also includes a layer of adhesive material for coupling the sensing device to the subject. The sensing device further includes snap connectors for allowing the device to be quickly disengaged from electrical leads and discarded. A patch sensor device is disclosed which enables acoustic outputs to be triangulated and pinpointed.