Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems can include a probe, and a cable that can be removably connected to the probe. The probes for ultrasound imaging systems may include a transducer array that emits acoustical energy and receives return reflections of the acoustical energy, a circuit board, a transmitter mounted on the circuit board and communicatively coupled to the transducer array for transmitting information relating to the return reflections, and a housing. The housing has an interior volume and the transducer array, the circuit board, and the transmitter are positioned in the interior volume. A battery pack may be removably mounted to the housing. The battery pack may provide electrical power for the transducer array.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method is described in which a probe is used in conjunction with a main unit. The probe contains at least two different transducer or transducer array types to provide an operator with a selection of transducer types for use without having to change to a different probe. Transducer types may include wide-band and narrow band transducers or transducer arrays within a single probe, and may be selected for use by a selector switch on the probe. Data collected by the probe during operation may be transmitted wirelessly back to a main unit through the use of a wireless antenna incorporated into the probe. In addition, one of the transducers at either end of the probe may be replaced by an adjunct equipment type such as a stethoscope.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a first and second ultrasound pulse are transmitted at a first sample volume within an object. A first echo signal of the first ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume and a second echo signal of the second ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume. An estimate of position displacement data of the first sample volume is computed from the first and second echo signals, and the estimate of position displacement data is compared to a predetermined position displacement data threshold indicative of moving tissue. A determination is made, based on the comparison, whether the first sample volume corresponds to moving tissue and, based on the determination, the transmitting, receiving, computing and determining is repeated for a second sample volume.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method is described in which a probe is used in conjunction with a main unit. The probe contains at least two different transducer or transducer array types to provide an operator with a selection of transducer types for use without having to change to a different probe. Transducer types may include wide-band and narrow band transducers or transducer arrays within a single probe, and may be selected for use by a selector switch on the probe. Data collected by the probe during operation may be transmitted wirelessly back to a main unit through the use of a wireless antenna incorporated into the probe. In addition, one of the transducers at either end of the probe may be replaced by an adjunct equipment type such as a stethoscope.

Abstract: An integrated ultrasound and nerve stimulation system, ultrasound probe and method are provided. The system may include a transcutaneous electrode adapted for external placement on a patient, a percutaneous electrode having an electrically-conducting tip adapted for percutaneous placement proximate a nerve in the patient and a control for causing a current to flow between the electrodes. The system may also include a probe having an ultrasound transducer that transmits ultrasound waves into the patient and receives reflected ultrasound waves from the patient. The probe also has a communication interface for transmitting a signal representative of the received reflected ultrasound waves to a main unit. The main unit is in operative communication with the communication interface and includes a display and a processor, which receives the signal from the probe and causes the display to display an image in accordance with the received signal.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging systems can include a probe, and a cable that can be removably connected to the probe.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a transducer is directed to transmit a first and second ultrasound pulse at a sample volume within a patient. The transducer receives a first and second echo signal of the first and second ultrasound pulses containing information related to the sample volume. A determination is made from the information as to the location and type of blood vessel located within the sample volume, and the located blood vessel information is processed to create an audio representation of the blood flow within the located blood vessel.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a first and second ultrasound pulse are transmitted at a first sample volume within an object. A first echo signal of the first ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume and a second echo signal of the second ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume. An estimate of position displacement data of the first sample volume is computed from the first and second echo signals, and the estimate of position displacement data is compared to a predetermined position displacement data threshold indicative of moving tissue. A determination is made, based on the comparison, whether the first sample volume corresponds to moving tissue and, based on the determination, the transmitting, receiving, computing and determining is repeated for a second sample volume.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a transducer is directed to transmit a first and second ultrasound pulse at a sample volume within a patient. A first and second echo signal of the first and second ultrasound pulses, which contain information related to the sample volume, are received from the transducer, and a location and type of blood vessel located within the sample volume is determined from the information. The located blood vessel information is then processed to create at least one of a visual representation of the blood vessel type.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of devices for covering an ultrasound probe can include a membrane, such as a sheath, having one or more ultrasonic couplers attached thereto for transferring ultrasonic energy between the ultrasound probe and a body surface of a patient.

Abstract: An integrated ultrasound and nerve stimulation system, ultrasound probe and method are provided. The system may include a transcutaneous electrode adapted for external placement on a patient, a percutaneous electrode having an electrically-conducting tip adapted for percutaneous placement proximate a nerve in the patient and a control for causing a current to flow between the electrodes. The system may also include a probe having an ultrasound transducer that transmits ultrasound waves into the patient and receives reflected ultrasound waves from the patient. The probe also has a communication interface for transmitting a signal representative of the received reflected ultrasound waves to a main unit. The main unit is in operative communication with the communication interface and includes a display and a processor, which receives the signal from the probe and causes the display to display an image in accordance with the received signal.