Abstract: An ultrasound emitting device, configured to selectively and reversibly break the blood-brain barrier of a patient, including a structure configured to be placed on at least one portion of the head of the patient, at least two ultrasound transducers coupled to the structure and configured to emit ultrasounds of diagnostic intensity. Also, a method for improving the bioavailability in brain tissue of at least one inflammation mediator in a patient. Further, a method for treating diseases of the central nervous system using the method for improving the bioavailability of inflammation mediators in a patient in need thereof, and method for treating diseases of the central nervous system using the device. Finally, the use of the device for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (10) is disclosed for creating simultaneous needle and vascular blood flow color Doppler imaging. A B mode image of an anatomical area of interest is created. A first set of Doppler image data optimized for the visualization of vascular blood flow is created along one Doppler image processing path. A second set of Doppler image data optimized for the visualization of a needle or other invasive device is created along another, parallel Doppler image processing path. A color Doppler image is created, and then displayed, by combining some or all of the B mode image, the first Doppler image data and the second Doppler image data based on a plurality of user selectable modes.

Abstract: A method for reducing speckle in an ultrasound image includes generating a transmit scan beam from a single aperture defined on a face of a transducer element array, such that the transmit scan beam originates from the single aperture, generating a first set of ultrasound response scan beams, originating from a first receive aperture, defined as a first set of transducer elements symmetrically across the center of the transmit aperture, generating at least a second set of ultrasound response scan beams, originating from at least a second receive aperture contiguous with the first receive aperture. The at least second receive aperture is defined by at least a second set of transducer elements disposed symmetrically across the center of the transmit aperture. The response scan beams are received simultaneously by the first and the at least second receive apertures, and compounded.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system uses a specially configured scanhead to provide ultrasound return signals that are processed by an imaging unit to generate a three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound image. One embodiment of the scanhead includes a first pair of apertures aligned along a first axis, and a second pair of apertures aligned along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. All of the apertures lie in a common plane. Respective signals from the apertures along each axis are processed to generate two-dimensional Doppler motion vectors. The resulting pairs of two-dimensional Doppler motion vectors are then processed to generate three-dimensional Doppler motion vectors that are used to generate a three-dimensional Doppler image. In another embodiment, three co-planar apertures are arranged equidistantly from each other about a common center, and the three-dimensional Doppler image is generated from respective signals from the apertures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system uses a specially configured scanhead to provide ultrasound return signals that are processed by an imaging unit to generate a three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound image. One embodiment of the scanhead includes a first pair of apertures aligned along a first axis, and a second pair of apertures aligned along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. All of the apertures lie in a common plane. Respective signals from the apertures along each axis are processed to generate two-dimensional Doppler motion vectors. The resulting pairs of two-dimensional Doppler motion vectors are then processed to generate three-dimensional Doppler motion vectors that are used to generate a three-dimensional Doppler image. In another embodiment, three co-planar apertures are arranged equidistantly from each other about a common center, and the three-dimensional Doppler image is generated from respective signals from the apertures.