Abstract: A method for reducing speckle in an ultrasonic image formed from a digitized scan line including linearly arranged signal intensity data points obtained from ultrasonic energy reflected by structures within a body. The scan line is divided into intensity pixels. Each intensity pixel includes at least one data point. A raw intensity level and a feature gain factor are determined for each intensity pixel. A corrected intensity level is calculated for each intensity pixel by multiplying the raw intensity level for each intensity pixel by the corresponding feature gain factor. The corrected intensity level of each intensity pixel is displayed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic/treatment device includes a first ultrasonic wave irradiator that transmits a first ultrasonic wave signal to an organism for obtaining an image and receives a received wave signal corresponding to an echo signal of the first ultrasonic wave signal, a processor that processes the received wave signal to obtain diagnostic information, a second ultrasonic wave irradiator that irradiates the organism with a second ultrasonic wave signal for destroying medicine-containing microcapsules administered to the organism, and a controller that controls the second ultrasonic wave irradiator on the basis of the diagnostic information obtained by the first ultrasonic wave irradiator.

Abstract: An electret-based acoustic transducer array is provided and may be used in a system for examining tissue. The acoustic transducer array is formed with a substrate that has a multiple distinct cells formed therein. Within each of the distinct cells is positioned an acoustic transducing element formed of an electret material. A conductive membrane is formed over the distinct cells and may be flexible.

Abstract: Multi-element impedance probe apparatus (40), adapted to produce an image of a body tissue, having a structure, comprising: a raster of sensors (43), comprised of a substantially radiolucent, conductive material; substantially radiolucent conductive wiring (44), forming conductive connections with the sensors; and a substantially radiolucent substrate (46), on which the sensors are mounted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable microfabricated sensor device and system for measuring a physiologic parameter of interest within a patient. The implantable device is micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device and includes a substrate having an integrated inductor and at least one sensor formed thereon. A plurality of conductive paths electrically connect the integrated inductor with the sensor. Cooperatively, the integrated inductor, sensor and conductive paths defining an LC tank resonator.

Abstract: A method of tracking the position and orientation of an ultrasound beam emitted from an ultrasound probe. The method includes the steps of storing a model of the visible object in a memory of an optical tracking system; calculating the position and orientation of the visible object; and calculating the position and orientation of the ultrasound beam by applying a known geometric relationship to the deduced position and orientation of the visible object.

Abstract: In a medical treatment/examination device and method for the acquisition and presentation of a medical instrument introduced into a cavity organ of a patient to be examined or treated, particularly in the framework of a cardial examination or treatment with a catheter, intracorporeal registration of 2D ultrasound images of the cavity organ is undertaken using a catheter-like ultrasound acquisition device guided into the cavity organ with simultaneous acquisition of the spatial position and orientation of a 2D ultrasound image by a position acquisition system, a 3D ultrasound image dataset is generated from the 2D ultrasound image, following introduction of the instrument, the instrument is acquired in a coordinate system registered with the 3D ultrasound image dataset, and a 3D reconstruction image is generated on the basis of the 3D image dataset and is presented at a monitor, containing a positionally exact presentation of the instrument in the 3D reconstruction image.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system is described for assisting a surgeon in aligning a drill with the interlocking holes of an implanted intramedullary (IM) rod used for fixation of long bone fractures. With the IM rod inserted, a localizing device measures the pose of a tracked adapter attached to the rod's exposed end. Approximate AP and lateral fluoroscopic x-ray images are acquired of the end of the rod with the interlocking holes. Image processing algorithms determine the actual position of the rod and calculate an adjustment to the pose of the tracked adapter and IM rod. Using the adjusted pose information, the system displays, in three roughly orthogonal views, a representation of the drill trajectory relative to the images of the IM rod and relative to a graphic representation of the IM rod.

Abstract: Practical diagnostic ultrasound arrays invariably exhibit a degree of unwanted inter-element cross coupling or cross talk. This results in degraded beam performance that in turn results in degraded image resolution (spatial resolution and contrast performance). Current approaches to reducing inter element coupling may be costly and may make the transducer array fragile. There is a need to overcome the cross talk problem with minimal expense and impact on reliability. The approach taken here overcomes a substantial component of the cross talk with minimal expense. The approach is versatile and has applicability in both transmit and receive. The approach improves image resolution. This technique has particular applicability in the field of silicon substrate based MEMS transducers in which the continuous, low loss, silicon wafer substrate gives rise to significant unwanted cross talk.

Abstract: An automatic injection device has piston holders holding cylinder pistons and plural systems of heads having a drive mechanism for moving the piston holders forward and backward so that the device can hold a plurality of syringes and operates injection or suction in each syringe independently. This device also has a mechanism for prohibiting the backward-moving of the piston holder of a second head when the piston holder of a first head is in a forward-moving state and the piston holder of the second head is in a stopped state. This structure effectively prevents liquid from being undesirably mixed and the injection amount thereof from becoming less accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a needle where a structure is attached to the sterile sheath to aid in coupling the needle guide to the transceiver. In one case, the needle guide is attached to the exterior of the sheath; in another, a needle guide adapter is attached to the exterior of the sheath; in still another, an adhesive is attached on the inside of the sheath to assist in attachment with the transceiver. In still another, a temporary adhesive cover is attached to the internal adhesive and is removable upon full insertion of the transceiver into the sheath.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging catheter is disclosed that includes a thermistor mounted on the catheter in the vicinity of the ultrasound transducer for monitoring the temperature in the vicinity thereof. The electrical signal from the thermistor can be used to control the output of the ultrasound transducer to thereby control the temperature of the same. In a further aspect of the invention, an isolation box is provided that is external to the ultrasound machine itself and is connected to the same by a cable. Ideally, the isolation box which houses a sufficient number of isolation transformers, is small, so it can be placed easily on or near the patient's bed.

Abstract: A method of correcting for pulse reverberations in ultrasound imaging using two-dimensional transducer arrays, and uses such reduction in element signals and beam signal before estimation of corrections for phase front aberrations of the ultrasound wave. The pulse reverberation is estimated by two transmit events, where the second event is determined by measurement and processing on measurement on echoes of the first event. In a second embodiment of the invention, the reverberation is estimated by a single transmit event, using two receive beams and processing on these. In a third embodiment of the invention the reverberation from very strong scatterers is reduced by adjustment of the active transmit aperture.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the heat of an ultrasonic transducer is disclosed. In the presently preferred embodiments, the system and method controls the temperature of the transducer by changing operating system parameters based on feedback from temperature sensing elements placed in the transducer. The chosen mutable system parameters may be preset by the construction of the ultrasonic system, under the control of the ultrasonic system user, or a combination of the two. In several exemplary embodiments, the one or more mutable system parameters are altered by an amount proportionate to the difference between the current temperature and a preferred operating temperature. In another exemplary embodiment, the system switches to a lower power imaging mode when the temperature feedback indicates a threshold temperature has been reached.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods for fabricating an ultrasound transducer assembly having a flexible circuit. Preferably, the method comprises attaching an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry to the flexible circuit during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly while the flexible circuit is in a substantially flat shape. The contacts of the transducer elements are positioned on substantially the same plane such that electrical contact with signal and ground lines on the flexible circuit is established without the need for conductive bridges to physically remote electrodes.

Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for imaging an internal anatomical structure. Ultrasound image data of the anatomical structure is acquired within a first coordinate system, and graphical data (e.g., sites of interest) is acquired in a second coordinate system. The location of an ultrasound transducer within the first coordinate system and a second coordinate system is determined, and a transformation between the first and second coordinate systems is then performed based on the location of the ultrasound transducer within the first and second coordinate systems. Using this transformation, the ultrasound image data, which has previously been acquired in the first coordinate system, can be registered and displayed within the second coordinate system, along with graphical data. Or the graphical data, which has previously been acquired in the second coordinate system, can be registered and displayed within the first coordinate system, along with the image data.

Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: In order to facilitate recognition of the correct orientation of a connector, the rear portion of a connector 24 is configured to form an elevation angle when the front portion of the connector can be correctly inserted into a receptacle 500 in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The system includes a function for generating a plurality of ultrasound scan planes, each separated by a selected angle, to produce a scan cone having an ultrasound scan cone boundary for scanning the bladder, or other organ. The amount, if any, of the scanned bladder which extends beyond the ultrasound scan cone boundary is then determined, as well as the percentage of the bladder within an inner cone boundary relative to that within the ultrasound cone boundary. A signal is provided, specifically illumination of one of four orthogonal arrows in a display, indicating the direction that the transducer should be moved in order to more accurately center the bladder within the ultrasound scan cone boundary. Re-aiming of the transducer is considered necessary when the ratio of the percentages is less than 70%, while if the percentage ratio is greater than 70%, aiming is optional.