Abstract: A dual-mode ultrasound system provides real-time imaging and therapy delivery using the same transducer elements of a transducer array. The system may use a multichannel driver to drive the elements of the array. The system uses a real-time monitoring and feedback image control of the therapy based on imaging data acquired using the dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) of transducer elements. Further, for example, multimodal coded excitation may be used in both imaging and therapy modes. Still further, for example, adaptive, real-time refocusing for improved imaging and therapy can be achieved using, for example, array directivity vectors obtained from DMUA pulse-echo data.

Abstract: Ultrasound methods and/or systems provide for the motion tracking of both vessel wall motion and blood flow (e.g., with use of high frame rate ultrasound pulse echo data and speckle tracking both wall motion and flow can be tracked simultaneously).

Abstract: Systems and/or methods provide for ultrasound imaging through the use of a dynamic non-linear post-beamforming filter (e.g., based on a pth-order Volterra model) capable of separating the linear and non-linear components of image data. A coefficient identification algorithm for deriving coefficients for filter is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods provide for ultrasound imaging through the use of a dynamic nonlinear post-beamforming filter (e.g., based on a pth-order Volterra model) capable of separating the linear and nonlinear components of image data. A coefficient identification algorithm for deriving coefficients for filter is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods provide for ultrasound imaging through the use of a dynamic non-linear post-beamforming filter (e.g., based on a pth-order Volterra model) capable of separating the linear and non-linear components of image data. A coefficient identification algorithm for deriving coefficients for filter is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods provide for ultrasound imaging through the use of a dynamic nonlinear post-beamforming filter (e.g., based on a pth-order Volterra model) capable of separating the linear and nonlinear components of image data. A coefficient identification algorithm for deriving coefficients for filter is also provided.

Abstract: A tubular anatomical structure in a mammalian subject is occluded by directing ultrasonic energy from outside of the body. For example, a male subject may be sterilized by directing ultrasonic energy through the skin of the scrotum, onto the vas deferens. The focal spot of an ultrasonic transducer may be registered with the structure to be treated by means of guide members on a probe holding the transducer. The procedure is simple and can be entirely non-invasive. Apparatus for performing this and other treatments may be provided as a disposable unit, and the guide members may be arranged to hold a fold of tissue without substantially obstructing the sonic path from the transducer to the fold.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric transducer includes a first polymeric layer of piezoelectric material having spaced apart first and second surfaces and a second polymeric layer of piezoelectric material having spaced apart first and second surfaces. A first ground layer overlies the first surface of the first polymeric layer and a second ground layer overlies the first surface of the second polymeric layer. A signal layer is sandwiched between the second surfaces of the first and second polymeric layers.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for performing relatively non-invasive cardiac ablation on a patient. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers forming a phased array that is to be located externally of the patient. The array a focused beam of sufficient energy to ablate a predetermined cardiac tissue volume. The system is capable of refocusing the beam so that acoustical aberrations encountered by the beam, as it is transmitted through inhomogeneous body tissues between the array and the treatment volume, are taken into account and will not impede operation of the system. To refocus the beam, the system includes a senor which senses the phase distribution caused by the aberrations allowing a controller to calculate a compensating driving phase distribution and accordingly drive the array. The system also allows for real time correction of the beam's position enabling the beam to follow a moving myocardial target volume.