Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling fluid flow or perfusion, wherein gas-filled microbubbles are used as ultrasound contrast-enhancing agents, and wherein the method comprises separating the removal of the contrast agent due to flow from the removal of the contrast agent due to bubble destruction for enhanced imaging processes. By varying exposure of the microbubbles to ultrasound, the method and apparatus apply the changes observed in the images to measure flow and vascularity, to improve visualization of blood flow and blood vessels, and to guide delivery of drugs locally to the site of imaging.

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: Methods and systems are provided for identifying clinical markers in spatial compounded imaging. For example, an image responsive to less spatial compounding more likely preserves clinical markers than a steered compound image. By displaying both images, clinical markers are identified by the user from one image and other diagnostic information is obtained from the steered compound image. As another example, clinical marker information is identified and added back into or highlighted on a spatial compound image for identification by the user.

Abstract: A method of detecting a candidate abnormality in a sonographic medical image, based on determining a radial gradient index (RGI) at plural pixels, producing an RGI image, thresholding the RGI image, determining a candidate abnormality based on the thresholding step, and locating a center point of the candidate abnormality. The candidate abnormality may be classified by segmenting the candidate abnormality, including determining average radial gradients (ARDs) in the sonographic medical image based on the center point, extracting plural features from the segmented candidate abnormality, and determining a likelihood of the candidate abnormality being an actual abnormality based on the extracted plural features.

Abstract: Methods and systems for volume rendering three-dimensional ultrasound data sets in an acoustic grid using a graphics processing unit are provided. For example, commercially available graphic accelerators cards using 3D texturing may provide 256×, 256×128 8 bit volumes at 25 volumes per second or better for generating a display of 512×512 pixels using ultrasound data. By rendering from data at least in part in an acoustic grid, the amount of scan conversion processing is reduced or eliminated prior to the rendering.

Abstract: An image generation unit generates image data of a tomographic image based on an electric signal received from a send/receive unit through a control unit. An ROI setting unit sets an ROI to the generated tomographic image. A characteristic value extraction unit extracts a characteristic value (such as volume of left ventricular of a heart) to the set ROI. A synchronization generation unit generates a synchronization signal based on the extracted characteristic value. A synchronization information addition unit adds information that represents the generated synchronization signal to image data and stores the image data in an image data storage unit. A data reading unit reads out the image data to which the information that represents the synchronization signal is added from the image data storage unit. An image display unit displays a tomographic image of the read-out image data.

Abstract: An examination program is selected based on an input of an examination method or a region to be inspected on the side of an diagnostic X-ray system, and contrast conditions suitable for contrast examination which is realized by the selected examination protocol are transmitted to a contrast medium injector through a network or the like. The contrast medium injector receives the transmitted contrast conditions and performs control regarding contrast medium dosage based on the contrast conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for enhancing the ability of a surgeon to access a target site within a patient. The system includes a data file containing volumetric scan data of a region of the patient that includes the target site, a display device, and a movable imagining tool for producing on the display device, an image of visible patient structure seen by the tool. A computer in the system operates to (i) determine the position and/or orientation of the tool in the frame of reference of the patient, (ii) identify the scan-data coordinates (either x,y or x,y,z coordinates) of the target site, and (iii) project on the video image on the display device, indicia that indicate the lateral position of the target site with respect to the patient structure imaged on the display device.

Abstract: Diagnostic ultrasound is used to measure distance from a transducer to selected tissue structure. In one arrangement, the focal point of a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer is adjusted in accordance with measured distance to the selected tissue structure. In a second arrangement a transducer transport apparatus moves a transducer to maintain a selected distance from tissue structure.

Abstract: An integrated x-ray and ultrasound medical imaging system is provided, wherein a radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be disposed for scanning movement for image acquisition along either the same or substantially coincidental paths. The radiation detection means and ultrasound transducer may be advantageously located on the same side of the imaged body portion. The x-ray and ultrasound imaging operations may be sequential, partially overlapping, or synchronous. By virtue of the noted arrangement, increased accuracy and medical efficiencies can be realized.

Abstract: Method and formulations to extend the utility of ultrasound compliant adhesive hydrogel membranes from static to dynamic applications by modifying the surface of at least one face so as to transform the tactile nature of the surface from one that is adhesive and render it smooth and lubricious. Such modification thus provides one face that is smooth and lubricious and the other unmodified, hence providing one adhesive surface that can be attached to the skin of a patient, the face of an ultrasound probe or other surfaces that benefit from the adhesive/lubricious configuration of such modified adhesive hydrogels.

Abstract: A medical device installation has a number of medical and/or treatment devices of different of different types disposed at a common installation, and a medical facility has a number of medical treatment and/or examination devices respectively disposed at separate locations. In the installation or the facility, a number of patient support mechanisms are respectively individually, stationarily allocated to the medical devices. A patient bed is movable among and is respectively couplable to each of the patient support mechanisms. For this purpose, each of the patient support mechanisms has an identical coupling device for the bed.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic monitor for measuring pulse rate values in a living subject, including a module with at least one source of ultrasonic energy, a gel pad comprised of a polymer and from about 50 to about 95% by weight of an ultrasound conductive diluent, wherein the gel pad is positioned in direct contact between the module and the living subject; an ultrasonic energy detector and associated hardware and software for detecting, calculating and displaying a readout of the measured rate values.

Abstract: An improved intracorporeal device such as a guide wire or other guiding member for use within a patient's body that is at least in part visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but is not detrimentally affected by the imaging is disclosed. The intercorporeal device has a non-conductive proximal core section, an essentially non-magnetic metallic distal core section that is preferably more flexible than the proximal core section, and that has an MRI visible member or coil in the distal section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a high frequency ultrasound transducer with long focal length for making a device and for implementing a method of echographic exploration of tissue or organs of the human or animal body. More particularly, the invention relates to using an ultrasound transducer having a nominal excitation frequency greater than 20 MHz, preferably lying in the range 50 MHz to 80 MHz, with long focal length, greater than 10 mm, preferably about 25 mm, for making a device for echographic exploration of the eyeball, in particular of the posterior segment of the eyeball, and more particularly of the macular region.

Abstract: A method and system of examining tissue are provided in which a field, including at least a portion of the tissue and one or more registration fiducials, is insonified. Scattered acoustic information, including both transmitted and reflected waves, is received from the field. A representation of the field, including both the tissue and the registration fiducials, is then derived from the received acoustic radiation.

Abstract: An ultrasonic search unit includes a piezoelectric element for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave, and an acoustic matching layer for transmitting the ultrasonic wave transmitted/received by the piezoelectric element to a subject to be measured, wherein the acoustic matching layer is formed of a cured layer obtained by irradiating a resin for optical forming with laser light. It also may be possible that the acoustic matching layer is formed of a plurality of stacked layers, and different fillers are mixed in the respective layers, whereby the acoustic impedance of the respective layers is changed. A liquid resin for optical forming is supplied to a tank, and is cured to a predetermined shape by irradiation with laser light.

Abstract: Ultrasonic bone testing apparatus including a pair of spaced piezoelectric copolymer transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy through a bone-containing portion of a human or other animal disposed between the transducers, and circuitry for detecting an electrical signal generated by the receiving transducer in response to reception of ultrasonic energy. The transducers are disks of the copolymer supported by rigid rings spaced inwardly of their peripheries. A method of determining a characteristic of bone in a bone-containing portion of an animal includes positioning a pair of piezoelectric copolymer ultrasonic transducers respectively on opposite sides of, and ultrasonically coupling both transducers to, the animal portion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy through the animal portion including the bone to be tested from one transducer to the other. The animal portion may be a human heel.

Abstract: A surgical kit for inserting a biological material into a portion of the skeletal bone by a minimally invasive technique has several components which are manually operated using a universal tool. The kit includes a docking needle used as a guide for placing a cannula in a bone. The tool has a spring loaded hinged connection for temporarily attaching to the other components and which locks upon release of compression. An ultrasonic probe is inserted through the cannula for forming a cavity within the soft tissue of the bone. Treatment or support material is placed in the cannula and a plunger is inserted in the cannula. The universal tool is connected to the plunger and the material is expelled by telescopic movement of the plunger.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transducer response sensitivity in an ultrasound-imaging system are disclosed. One method includes selecting a desired transmit spectrum, quantifying the transmit channel impulse response, calculating a drive signal that when applied to the transmit channel will produce the desired transmit spectrum and applying the drive signal to the transducer. The method may be applied in principle to the receive channels. An improved ultrasound-imaging system in accordance with the invention includes a transducer and a switch controlled to apply an excitation signal to the transducer in a transmit mode of the ultrasound-imaging system. A signal shaper is configured to generate an excitation signal in response to the impulse response of the transmit channel such that a desired ultrasound energy waveform is generated by the transducer. An adaptable filter responsive to a desired echo spectrum and the impulse response of the receive channel of the system may be included.