Abstract: A method for the detection and localization of breast microcalcification through a precise method of ultrasound impacting and ultrasound frequency wave detection which will enable the system to detect not only if there is a microcalcification in the breast, but the precise location of the microcalcification and the mass of the microcalcification. The invention is also a method and system that provides bi-modal guided stimulation of a targeted mass within the breast to determine the location and nature of the microcalcification within the breast.

Abstract: Using Image-based Dynamic Ultrasound Spectrography (IDUS®) technology, the intrabody monitoring and positioning of an inserted catheter is achieved by coupling a thin micron-size polymeric wire to the catheter with 100-500 micron metallic cylinder attached to the tip of the wire. The area of interest is imaged and subsequently stimulated using specialized stimulation schemes delivered by an imaging ultrasound transducer. The targeted metallic tip is stimulated and emanates a unique acoustic response (signature) corresponding to its mechanical and material properties. Because of the fundamental structural differences between the targeted metallic tip and its surroundings, its unique resonant frequency signature can be analyzed and differentiated relative to the surrounding soft tissue, the wire and the catheter itself so that the location of the catheter in the body can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-invasive method and apparatus to determine the structural integrity of an implanted BSCC by insonifying the implanted heart valve with a megahertz frequency to cause the structural components of the heart valve to vibrate at a kilohertz frequency range to cause the individual structural components of the heart valve being investigated to vibrate at their resonant frequency. From experimental testing, the Applicants have established resonant frequency ranges of certain structural components of the BSCC which indicate that at certain resonant frequency ranges the heart valve components are intact. At other resonant frequency ranges, certain components are in danger of breaking. At other frequency ranges, the components of the heart valve are fractured. Through the present invention, the condition of the BSCC can be determined in order to provide a clinical determination as to whether or not the implanted BSCC needs to be replaced.

Abstract: Real-time Ultrasound Burst Spectrography (RUBS) is a technique in which a target is stimulated using a specialized ultrasound burst signal delivered by an imaging or non-imaging ultrasound transducer and the frequency spectrum of the resulting response is analyzed and studied. The objective of this method is to interrogate (vibrate) the target and then examine its characteristic response frequency (resonance) peaks, which are unique to its mechanical and material properties (viscosity, elasticity, plasticity, visco-elasticity, etc.). The resonances could deviate from a few Hz to several KHz and the response could be in the form of a narrow peak or a band of frequencies based on the stiffness coefficient of the target material. The primary goal is to develop a reliable and non-invasive ultrasound-based diagnostic device that can be used to identify different diseases or structural abnormalities based on the stationary or dynamic target's response frequency (resonance) to a specialized acoustic excitation.