Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide electrical and mechanical enhancements for a modular transducer system. In one preferred embodiment, a multiplexer is provided to reduce the number of circuits required to support a given transducer configuration. The multiplexer can be integrated into the scan head or the receptacle assembly of the modular transducer system. In another preferred embodiment, a scan head is provided with circuitry operative to compensate for mismatch in electrical impedance by increasing energy transfer between the transducer array and the cable assembly. In yet another preferred embodiment, a scan head is provided with circuitry operative to form a band pass filter programmable by the medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system. With a further preferred embodiment, a scan head is provided with a non-volatile memory device. Some other preferred embodiments describe mechanical enhancements for the modular transducer system.

Abstract: Accurate tissue motion systems and methods are provided. Motion of the ultrasound transducer is accounted for in estimates at tissue motion. Correcting for transducer motion better isolates localized tissue contractions or expansions, such as motion of the myocardial muscle or fibers. Accurate motion estimation is also provided by determining an angle of motion from the ultrasound data. The angle of motion is used to adjust velocity estimates, providing two-dimensional velocity vectors (i.e. motion estimates comprising motion in at least two dimensions). Movement of tissue is determined by correlating speckle or a feature represented by two different sets of ultrasound data obtained at different times. Additional aspects include tracking the location of a tissue of interest. A characteristic of strain, such as the strain rate or strain, is calculated for the tracked tissue of interest.

Abstract: Multiple layer elements for a transducer array are provided. Each element comprises two or more layers of transducer material. Various of the elements are manufactured by one or more of: (1) stacking to form a multiple-layer, multiple-dimensional array where the layers are polymericly bonded and electrically connected through asperity contact, (2) using air or gas to separate at least two elements, (3) stacking an even number of layers where each layer is electrically connected through asperity contact, (4) using multiple-layers where each layer comprises transducer material and electrodes in a substantially same configuration, and (5) electrically isolating electrodes on layers by kerfing or cutting after bonding the layers together.

Abstract: An intraoperative or endocavity ultrasound probe for insertion into a patient is provided. An adaptable or adjustable section is provided between the handle and the transducer for rotating the transducer relative to the handle prior to insertion within the patient. The adjustable or adaptable section maintains the adjusted or rotated position while the probe is in use within the patient. The adjustable or adaptable section stays in the same pre-bent position, such as by using a memory-less device or material, and is free of user adjustment while the probe is in use.

Abstract: Improvements to a method for imaging a target, which method including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency, (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency and (c) generating an image responsive to reflected energy at the harmonic, are provided. The transmitting step includes transmitting a waveform with a positive pulse spatially defined by first and second zero values. A positive peak amplitude of the positive pulse is a first distance from the first zero value that is less than half a second distance between said first and second zero values. Thus, the waveform includes a fundamental spectral component and a harmonic spectral component at the transducer. An attenuation normalized peak of the harmonic spectral component is reduced at a region spaced from the transducer as compared to the peak at a region adjacent to the transducer. A negative peak is also shifted or pre-distorted.

Abstract: Automated determination and setting of an ultrasound system transmit power level is provided for contrast agent imaging. Low mechanical index imaging of contrast agents allows substantially continuous imaging of contrast agents without destruction. By comparing data associated with different transmit power levels, different delays between acquisition or different acquisition sequences, a contrast agent imaging transmit power generally minimizing destruction of contrast agents and maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is automatically determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic adjustment of the transmit power are provided. Excess transmit power is determined as a function of the difference between a noise level and the lower end of the dynamic range of the system as configured. Based on the excess transmit power, the transmit power is reduced from the regulated maximum default settings to about a minimum while substantially preserving the original display image. This minimizes the acoustic energy delivered to the transducer and the body, thus reducing transducer heating and satisfying the FDA's ALARA principle.

Abstract: A medical image storage system is provided that integrates a clinical information system with a medical image management system. Such an integrated system can be used in a method that uses clinical information associated with a medical image to determine when and where the medical image should be stored. Because the probability of a medical image being accessed is generally governed by the diagnostic significance of the image, this integrated system provides more efficient storage of medical images as compared to conventional systems that operate independently of diagnostic information.

Abstract: Compounding of data representing a same location is provided. The level of compounding is tuned. Different levels of compounding between averaging and selecting a maximum or minimum and/or between minimum and maximum are provided. Ultrasound data to be compounded is weighted. The weights are defined by a smoothly varying functions from a zero value to a unity value or one. The weight for each of the data to be compounded is a function of all of the data to be compounded. One or more variables in the weighting function allows selection of the level of compounding. As a result of these weighting characteristics, a compromise or tuned level of compounding between minimum and selection of a maximum value is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer assembly having a scan-head, a non-volatile means for storing data related to transducer usage, user comments, technical support, maintenace of the transducer assembly, operational imaging system software for at least one imaging system, transducer assembly identification, and settings of an ultrasound imaging apparatus coupled with the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly and ultrasound imaging apparatus may commuicate with each other.

Abstract: An image formed from compounded frames of ultrasound data acquired with different steering angles is displayed. Each component frame is associated with a scan of the entire displayed region. A majority of scan lines for each component frame are pointed in one direction or the same relative direction, and a minority of the scan lines are steered at different angles within each component frame to scan the rest of the display region, but with a different steering angle for the majority of scan lines of each of the component frames. As a result, the benefits of spatial compounding component frames associated with different steering angles are provided without having to apply filtering to reduce line artifacts.

Abstract: Images of the heart are formed by using multiple sets of ultrasound data. Each set of data is acquired and processed responsive to a different set of imaging parameters. The imaging parameter sets differ in at least one parameter, such as array position, temporal frequency response or transmit focal depth, so that the images formed using these data sets have, either laterally or axially, different spatial spectra. A set of images is formed responsive to a first imaging parameter set for a first cardiac cycle. Another set of images is formed responsive to a second imaging parameter set for a second cardiac cycle. The two sets of images are temporally aligned so that they correspond to the same set of phases of the cardiac cycle. Since the data acquisition and processing are distributed over multiple cycles of the motion, assuming regular periodic heart cycle, temporal resolution is maintained.

Abstract: An SNR-adaptive method for processing a plurality of post-detection medical diagnostic ultrasonic images determines a cross-correlation parameter from corresponding multi-dimensional regions of first and second post-detection ultrasonic images, and then uses the cross-correlation parameter to suppress electronic noise in ultrasonic image processing. In some cases the multi-dimensional region of the first and second images are registered prior to cross-correlation to compensate for relative movement between the transducer and the imaged tissue between the first and second images.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing speckle for two and three-dimensional images is disclosed. For two-dimensional imaging, a one and a half or a two-dimensional transducer is used to obtain sequential, parallel or related frames of elevation spaced data. The frames are compounded to derive a two-dimensional image. For three-dimensional imaging, various pluralities of two-dimensional frames of data spaced in elevation are compounded into one plurality of spaced two-dimensional frames of data. The frames of data are then used to derive a three dimensional set of data, such as by interpolation. Alternatively, the various pluralities are used to derive a three-dimensional set of data. An anisotropic filter is applied to the set of data. The anisotropic filter filters at least along the elevation dimension. In either situation, various displays may be generated from the final three-dimensional set of data. A method and system for adjustably generating two and three-dimensional representations is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an ultrasonic image of an object by use of subharmonic acoustic signals. In specific embodiments the invention provides an acoustic transducer design and a method for obtaining an image by focusing a receiving portion of the transducer on a plurality of focal points and constructing the image from the received signals. Comparison with images generated from a fundamental frequency image can be used to enhance the final image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound breast imaging is described. Breast is positioned in between an ultrasound array and a plate with embedded point or line targets. The apparatus and reflections from the targets are used 1) to improve focusing by correcting for tissue delay and amplitude aberration and 2) to improve diagnostics by constructing speed of sound and attenuation coefficient images.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein relate to voice-enhanced diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging systems and review stations as well as to voice-related user interfaces. With these preferred embodiments, a user can interact with an imaging system or review station by issuing verbal commands instead of using a mouse, keyboard, or other user interface that requires physical manipulation by the user. This provides a very user-friendly interface, especially to those users who have difficulty navigating complex window and menu hierarchies or who have trouble manipulating pointing devices. This also improves patient flow and provides a more efficient report generation system. Voice feedback can also be used to allow the imaging system or review station to better communicate with a user.

Abstract: A diagnostic medical ultrasound system having an integrated invasive medical device guidance system is disclosed. The guidance system obtains image slice geometry and other imaging parameters from the ultrasound system to optimize the guidance computations and visual representations of the invasive medical device and the imaged portion of the subject. Further, the ultrasound system obtains guidance data indicating the relative location, i.e. position and/or orientation of the invasive medical device relative to the transducer and imaging plane to optimize the imaging plane and ultrasound beam characteristics to automatically optimally image both the imaged portion of the subject and the invasive medical device.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging system acquires receive beams from spatially distinct transmit beams. The receive beams alternate in type between at least first and second types across the region being imaged. The first and second types of receive beams differ in at least one scan parameter other than transmit and receive line geometry, and can for example differ in transmit phase, transmit or receive aperture, system frequency, transmit focus, complex phase angle, transmit code or transmit gain. Receive beams associated with spatially distinct ones of the transmit beams (including at least one beam of the first type and at least one beam of the second type) are then combined. In this way, many two-pulse techniques, including, for example, phase inversion techniques, synthetic aperture techniques, synthetic frequency techniques, and synthetic focus techniques, can be used while substantially reducing the frame rate penalty normally associated with such techniques.

Abstract: An ultrasound image is obtained by subjecting an object containing an ultrasound contrast enhancement agent to a first imaging pulse burst and then to a second release pulse and then to a second imaging pulse to obtain two images and then comparing the two images to obtain an enhanced image.