Abstract: Ultrasound image processing system including a processor (16) for receiving a sequence of ultrasound image frames each including an object with a border and causing the ultrasound image frames to be displayed, and a user input device (20) for designating variable local regions of the displayed ultrasound image frames. A border detection algorithm (22) detects the border of the object in the ultrasound image frames and a target additive gain (TAG) tool (24) selectively adjusts pixel intensity in at least one local region of the ultrasound image frames with an unclear or non-existent border segment in order to make the pixel intensity more uniform. A more uniform pixel intensity improves the discerning of the border of the object via the border detection algorithm (22). Once the border of the object is sufficiently discernible, the object can be reviewed or quantified. If the object is the heart, the LV volume can be determined.

Abstract: A method and a system for using redundant wire bonds for increasing the reliability of ultrasound transducers are disclosed. An ultrasound transducer assembly having an ultrasound transducer, an integrated circuit, a plurality of wires, and a plurality of bond pads is provided. The integrated circuit includes enlarged lead pads for receiving redundant wire bonds. The ultrasound transducer includes a plurality of bond pads configured to receive the redundant wire bonds. Connecting wires, forming signal paths, connect the enlarged lead pads with the bond pads.

Abstract: Ultrasound energy has been observed to rapidly destroy a large quantity of microbubbles. The duration and intensity of the contrast effect is greatly diminished by conventional imaging frame rates and power levels. Altering the imaging sequence by strategically shooting ultrasound image frames at various transmit powers and reducing the number of transmit lines per frame allows for enhancement of the contrast effect (increasing maximum intensity and duration).

Abstract: In an ultrasonic imaging system capable of generating conventional envelope detected acoustic data and/or integrated backscatter acoustic data, a mechanism is provided to select a plurality of pixels in a specified region of a two dimensional ultrasonic image. The pixel values are processed to compute the average acoustic intensity for the selected pixels. The average value is then processed to reverse any non-linearities between the calculated average value and the originally received acoustic signals which non-linearities may have been introduced by the compression, scaling and mapping of the data in order to display it on a conventional video monitor. The processed average acoustic intensity is plotted and the procedure repeated at specified time intervals to form a time-intensity curve whose characteristics are linearly related to the originally received acoustic signals.

Abstract: The median value of data values at the intersections of each of a plurality of coordinates of one type with a plurality of coordinates of another type are respectively derived and the median of the data values thus selected is used as the display value at any of the intersections.