Abstract: The front-end conditioning structure of the invention comprises front-end circuits, namely a pulse generator, an echography probe and a preamplifier. According to one characteristic of the invention, the diplexer, as compared with a prior art diplexer, comprises three additional elements (diodes 23, 24 and a resistor 25) that make it possible to greatly attenuate the pulses from the generator when the diplexer transmits the echoes from the probe.

Abstract: Imaging method and system including thermal noise reduction for ultrasonic and magnetic resonance images. In ultrasound imaging, this method provides thermal noise reduction and a reduction of artifacts in applications with contrast agents. The method includes the computation of a simple correlation function to be applied where two or more images or vectors of the same region of the body are provided. The signals relating to the images or the vectors are: combined by a weight function which, by comparing corresponding samples of the signals or vectors, assumes values in a range between a maximum value and a minimum value depending on the mutual correlation measure between the samples. The weight function is combined with the combination of the two response signals (P1, P2, MR1, MR2). The resulting signal is transformed into image data. The signals are processed based on the peculiarities of the selected imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable gain and low noise amplifier for received signals in ultrasound or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparata. This variable gain and low noise amplifier comprises at least one amplifier unit having at least one input and at least one output and at least one feedback circuit which connects one of the output signals with a feedback input. The variable gain and low noise amplifier is characterized in that at least one feedback circuit comprises at least one capacitive divider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable gain and low noise amplifier for received signals in ultrasound or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging apparata. This variable gain and low noise amplifier comprises at least one amplifier unit having at least one input and at least one output and at least one feedback circuit which connects one of the output signals with a feedback input. The variable gain and low noise amplifier is characterized in that at least one feedback circuit comprises at least one capacitive divider.

Abstract: Imaging method and system including thermal noise reduction for ultrasonic and magnetic resonance images. In ultrasound imaging, this method provides thermal noise reduction and a reduction of artifacts in applications with contrast agents. The method includes the computation of a simple correlation function to be applied where two or more images or vectors of the same region of the body are provided. The signals relating to the images or the vectors are: combined by a weight function which, by comparing corresponding samples of the signals or vectors, assumes values in a range between a maximum value and a minimum value depending on the mutual correlation measure between the samples. The weight function is combined with the combination of the two response signals (P1, P2, MR1, MR2). The resulting signal is transformed into image data. The signals are processed based on the peculiarities of the selected imaging system.

Abstract: An intraoperative probe, specifically intended for direct-contact observations, includes a head for housing the transducers (T) and a portion of a handle or grip, as well as a cable for connecting the transducers (T) to processing and/or displaying devices. According to the invention, said portion of the handle or grip is separate from the transducer-carrying head, as said two parts are equipped with matching means of removable attachment. The invention also provides for a set of accessories that can be attached, individually or in various combinations, to said transducer-carrying head.