Abstract: An acoustic imaging arrangement is disclosed including a longitudinal axis defining an imaging path; a source transducer configured and arranged for producing a beam of acoustic energy, the source transducer comprising a piezoelectric polymer-based material, the source transducer disposed along the imaging path; and at least one sensor disposed along the imaging path, the sensor constructed and arranged to produce electrical signals in response to acoustic energy incident thereon. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging arrangement is disclosed including a longitudinal axis defining an imaging path; a source transducer configured and arranged for producing a beam of acoustic energy, the source transducer comprising a piezoelectric polymer-based material, the source transducer disposed along the imaging path; and at least one sensor disposed along the imaging path, the sensor constructed and arranged to produce electrical signals in response to acoustic energy incident thereon. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods to obtain an ultrasonic image of a large detection area are disclosed. A system includes a source of ultrasound generating ultrasonic energy and projecting the ultrasonic energy from a projecting end and an adapter interfaced to the projecting end and ultrasonically coupling the source of ultrasound to a first surface of the structure to be imaged at an adjustable angle of incidence. A method includes ultrasonically coupling a source of ultrasonic energy to a first surface of a structure to be imaged with an adapter, the adapter adjustable to a select a first angle of incidence and a second angle of incidence, projecting ultrasonic energy into the structure, and detecting a reflected acoustic energy from the structure with an ultrasound camera. A first angle of incidence is selected to introduce a longitudinal wave into the structure, and a second angle of incidence is selected to introduce a shear wave into the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods to obtain an ultrasonic image of a large detection area are disclosed. A system includes a source of ultrasound generating ultrasonic energy and projecting the ultrasonic energy from a projecting end and an adapter interfaced to the projecting end and ultrasonically coupling the source of ultrasound to a first surface of the structure to be imaged at an adjustable angle of incidence. A method includes ultrasonically coupling a source of ultrasonic energy to a first surface of a structure to be imaged with an adapter, the adapter adjustable to a select a first angle of incidence and a second angle of incidence, projecting ultrasonic energy into the structure, and detecting a reflected acoustic energy from the structure with an ultrasound camera. A first angle of incidence is selected to introduce a longitudinal wave into the structure, and a second angle of incidence is selected to introduce a shear wave into the structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus combined with an x-ray imaging apparatus and/or an additional ultrasonic imaging apparatus performs ultrasonic sonography and/or x-ray imaging or multiple ultrasonic sonography to produce imagery that are spatially correlated. A holding means holds an object to be imaged in compression in an examination area. The x-ray source and the ultrasonic source are each relocatable from an inactive imaging position to an inactive non-imaging position. The x-ray image and ultrasonic sonography image are both taken in transmission and the resulting images contain a registry object to assist a user in spatially correlating the images. The speckle contained in the sonography image is reduced allowing for higher resolution of abnormalities in the tissue and improved concurrent biopsy procedures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus combined with an x-ray imaging apparatus and/or an additional ultrasonic imaging apparatus performs ultrasonic sonography and/or x-ray imaging or multiple ultrasonic sonography to produce imagery that are spatially correlated. A holding means holds an object to be imaged in compression in an examination area. The x-ray source and the ultrasonic source are each relocatable from an inactive imaging position to an inactive non-imaging position. The x-ray image and ultrasonic sonography image are both taken in transmission and the resulting images contain a registry object to assist a user in spatially correlating the images. The speckle contained in the sonography image is reduced allowing for higher resolution of abnormalities in the tissue and improved concurrent biopsy procedures.