Abstract: An ultrasound-imaging system and method is provided that permits an operator to acquire an image of a volume-of-interest in a time critical fashion, that is capable of referencing the volume rendering to a standard two-dimensional imaging mode, and permits the operator to selectively choose a number of display-mode parameters that result in an operator directed view of the volume-of-interest. The ultrasound-imaging system comprises an input device configured to receive a plurality of imaging parameters and a controller in communication with the input device. The ultrasound-imaging system generates an operator-directed transmit-beam scan sequence in response to the imaging parameters and transmits a spatially modified transmit-beam scan sequence over a portion of the volume-scan range of the ultrasound-imaging system. Moreover, the ultrasound-imaging system provides the flexibility for an operator to direct a plurality of operator-configurable multi-dimensional views.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer probe (40) includes a support substrate (54), an integrated circuit (42) and an array of piezoelectric elements (50). The support substrate (54) has a non-linear surface (55). The integrated circuit (42) physically couples to the support substrate (54) overlying the non-linear surface (55), wherein the integrated circuit (42) substantially conforms to a shape of the non-linear surface (55). An array of piezoelectric elements (50) couples to the integrated circuit (42).