Abstract: A method of treatment of tissue with focussed ultrasound comprises placing adjacent the tissue to be treated a reflector of ultrasound or an ultrasound energy conversion device which converts received ultrasound energy to heat, stores the heat and then releases the heat over time into the tissue to be treated. An ultrasound transducer is then oriented with its focal point adjacent the reflector or ultrasound energy conversion device. The tissue is then irradiated with high intensity focussed ultrasound while the reflector or ultrasound energy conversion device is in place.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for non-invasively decomposing a calculus in a human body include a mechanism for, and the step of, locating the calculus, a mechanism for, and the step of, delivering to the site of the calculus a chemical species known to reduce the calculus, and a mechanism for, and the step of, generating an unfocussed beam of ultrasound radiation for insonating the calculus for enhancing the chemical dissolution of the calculus through the interaction of the calculus, the chemical species and the ultrasound radiation.

Abstract: An improved composition for dissolution of renal calculi is disclosed. The composition includes citric acid, preferably at about 10 to about 15% by weight, and an effective amount of a pharmacologically acceptable chelating agent such as EDTA in a sterile aqueous solution having a pH between about 3 and about 4.5. In vivo irrigation with the improved formulation, optionally in combination with incident ultrasound therapy promotes rapid stone dissolution with minimal complications for the patient.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing ultrasound detection of implantable or insertable devices which can be placed in bodies. The method includes the steps of providing a space in the device having a substantially gas-impermeable wall, and filling the space with a gas. A medically implantable or insertable device having an enhanced ultrasound detectability is also provided. The device includes a substantially gas-impermeable portion which defines a space. The space is filled with a gas or mixture of gases to enhance ultrasound detection, and determination of the location of the device.

Abstract: A puncturing device for insertion into the body, which has an ultrasonically coded displacement scale of gaseous inclusions regularly spaced along the length of the device. Owing to the acoustic reflectiveness of the gaseous inclusions, the precise location of the puncturing device can be directly and readily detected by an ultrasound visualization system. The acoustically reflective displacement scale enables the calibration of distances to be made directly from the ultrasound viewing screen. Located at the tip of the puncturing device is a gaseous inclusion which reveals the precise location of the tip of the device in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound visualization system which has a capability of microscopic examination of tissue within the body without the need for removal of the tissue. A transducer, capable of producing and receiving high frequency acoustical beams is positioned within a needle. The acoustical beams are directed radially from the needle and are focused on a point which is outside of the needle and in the tissue. The microscope can be operated in either the pulse echo or pulse reflection mode. The needle can be inserted into a patient, and the acoustical beams are scanned to produce highly magnified images of cellular features of internal tissue or features of tissue architecture and structure helpful to the determination of tissue pathology.

Abstract: A digital video image splitter permits the top portion of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) display to be shifted right (delayed) or left (advanced) with respect to the stationary bottom portion of the display. The user controls the vertical level (distance from top to bottom of display) at which the split is seen on the display, and the amount of shift from controls in the system. Shifting of the image permits the width of an object displayed on the display to be measured. By matching opposite edges of the object in the display, the width of the displayed object is equal to the amount of shift. A single raster line at the level of the split is available as digitized image intensity data, and represents the intensity profile of the video display, including the object being measured, along that raster line.

Abstract: A direct water coupling device for ultrasound scanning of the human breast in a supine position. A tank, which has an open top and an open bottom and has a bottom edge which is shaped so as to conform to the shape of a human body about the perimeter of the breast area, is placed in a sealed position about the breast while the patient is in a supine position. A strapping apparatus maintains the device in position while the tank is filled with water and the ultrasound scan is performed.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transmission imaging apparatus utilizing a pair of focused, large aperture transducers colinearly aligned and facing one another on opposite sides of a target. The receiving transducer and transmitting transducer are positioned to have a common focal point within the target. The transmitting transducer is energized by a continuous noncoherent noise source, and ultrasonic images are formed from the intensity modulation of the transmitted ultrasound at the receiving transducer.

Abstract: A filter for an aquarium tank and apparatus for cleaning and aerating water within the tank. A pair of spaced apart but perforated walls are located above and spaced from the bottom wall of the tank forming an enclosure. Filter material is located between the perforated walls. A cylindrical housing extends through the perforated walls having a closed but perforated top end and an open bottom end opening into the enclosure. An upstanding tube extends through the housing having an open top end. Pressurized air is directed into the upstanding tube. A tube extends into the upstanding tube allowing water within the tank to flow into the upstanding tube. The air and water then flow upwardly through the tube and through the housing with the air escaping from the housing. The water then flows downwardly between the housing and tube and eventually upward through the filter material. Means are provided for reversing the water flow for cleaning of the filter.

Abstract: Ultrasonic probe apparatus for real time B-mode sector scan examination of a cross section of a structure such as the human heart. A transducer is pivotally mounted near an end of an elongated housing, and linkage means are provided in the housing for oscillating the transducer about an axis whose plane is approximately perpendicular to the longest dimension of the housing. Means are provided for causing the transducer to produce ultrasonic pulses which are reflected by interfaces of the object under examination, and the echoes from these interfaces are returned through the transducer to a B-mode display system. A B-mode sector sweep circuit is provided to produce a B-mode display of the echo pattern received from the structure being observed.

Abstract: Ultrasonic probe apparatus for real time B-mode sector scan examination of a cross section of a structure such as the human heart. A transducer is pivotally mounted near an end of an elongated housing, and linkage means are provided in the housing for oscillating the transducer about an axis whose plane is approximately perpendicular to the longest dimension of the housing. Means are provided for causing the transducer to produce ultrasonic pulses which are reflected by interfaces of the object under examination, and the echoes from these interfaces are returned through the transducer to a B-mode display system. A B-mode sector sweep circuit is provided to produce a B-mode display of the echo pattern received from the structure being observed.