Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of a biopsy needle or the like during an ultrasound imaging examination, including the steps of alternately performing one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters which are adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the needle and one or more imaging scans with ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body, in which the needle is inserted, injecting contrast agents in the region to be examined before imaging, and setting ultrasound transmit and receive parameters adapted for optimized imaging and visualization of the body.

Abstract: An imaging system and method are disclosed for monitoring a body. The system is constructed and arranged such that the method of use includes the acquisition of a first image and the acquisition of a second image. In the exemplary embodiment the first image is a volumetric three-dimensional image and the second image is a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising an array of electroacoustic transducers composed of a plurality of individual transducer elements each one being composed of an electroacoustic element. A means for defocusing a radiation pulse emitted from the transducer element is associated with each transducer element. The defocusing means is constructed and arranged to cause the radiation pulse to generate a substantially cylindrical or spherical acoustic field.

Abstract: Apparatus for ultrasound image acquisition is integrated into the casing of an ultrasound probe that includes an array of electro-acoustic transducers, which transmit and receive ultrasound pulses. The array communicate with a processing unit, to which reception signals are fed, and are connected to a unit generating signals for exciting the transmission of ultrasound waves. In one aspect of the invention, at least the processing unit is fitted into the probe casing and is configured to convert the reception signals into an image, and to generate video signals for generating an image on a display unit. The transmission between the probe and a remote unit displaying and possibly storing the images as video signals may be operated wirelessly.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of a biological tissue by ultrasounds and a device carrying out such method. The method is implemented with an ultrasound probe that emits ultrasonic pulses within a body under examination and receives echoes generated from structures of the body under examination. The probe includes an array of two or more electro-acoustic transducers and, in combination, means for processing the reception signals and means for orienting one or more lines of sight, along which the emission of the pulses and/or the reception of the echoes is focused, according to different angles with respect to an axis perpendicular to the emitting surface of the probe.

Abstract: An electronic array probe for ultrasonic imaging includes an array of transmitting and/or receiving electroacoustic transducers arranged in concentric bands in which the transducers are tangent to one other in both radial and circumferential directions. In order to minimize the number of transducers required without compromising dynamic range, a transducer arrangement geometry is provided so that the number of transducers having the same focusing delay is minimal or null.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising a plurality of transducer elements, each one composed of an electroacoustic element, arranged side by side and spaced apart along a row having a first end. Starting from transducer element proximate to the first end, adjacent transducer elements are constructed and arranged create an electroacoustic pair. A first element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only transmit acoustic pulses and a second element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only receive acoustic pulses. Each electroacoustic pair share a common connection line which branches off into a transmit branch connected to the first element and a receive branch connected to the second element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method particularly for 3D gynaecologic inspections provides an ultrasound probe having a number of transducers forming a linear array. An imaging scanning unit connected to the transducers alternatively generates electric driving signals for each transducer. The probe is oscillated in a direction transversal to the longitudinal extension of the linear array of transducers and around an axis coinciding or parallel to the longitudinal extensions of the linear array of transducers to modify the orientation of the direction of propagation of the ultrasound signals. The ultrasound beams are steered so that the linear array of transducers generates a trapezoidal scanning slice or plane diverging in the direction of propagation of the beams.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an imaging system and method for monitoring a body. The system and method provides a first image acquisition means allowing a volumetric three-dimensional image to be acquired in combination with a second two-dimensional image acquisition means.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound monitoring system having an array of electroacoustic transducers, each transducer is constructed and arranged to emit an ultrasound wave when powered with an electric excitation signal and generate an electric reception signal when impinged by a reflected ultrasound wave. The monitoring system also has a generating means for generating the electric excitation signals and a receiving means for receiving the electric reception signals. A supporting means for supporting the portable ultrasound monitoring system is also provided. The supporting means has a fastening means for temporarily fastening at least the array of electroacoustic transducers to a body under examination in a predetermined position for performing an examination.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a fundamental transmission frequency and are focused on at least one scan line. Acoustic beams reflected from the body under examination and the contrast agents are separated into harmonic and subharmonic components along with the fundamental frequency component. The amplitudes of these components compared to determine whether the reflecting material is either body tissue or the contrast agent.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of a biological tissue by ultrasounds and a device carrying out such method. The method is implemented with an ultrasound probe that emits ultrasonic pulses within a body under examination and receives echoes generated from structures of the body under examination. The probe includes an array of two or more electro-acoustic transducers and, in combination, means for processing the reception signals and means for orienting one or more lines of sight, along which the emission of the pulses and/or the reception of the echoes is focused, according to different angles with respect to an axis perpendicular to the emitting surface of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe for diagnostic images includes a set or array of electroacoustic transducers generating an ultrasonic beam and defining at least one scan plane or a predetermined scan volume, and one or more layers matching acoustic impedance characteristics of the transducers with acoustic impedance characteristics of tissues under examiantion. The layers overlap the transducers, on the face emitting/receiving acoustic pulses. Acoustic properties of the material or materials constituting the one or more layers, the geometric shape of the layers, and/or the structure of the transducers cause the ultrasonic beam to be apodized and the profile of the ultrasonic beam in a plane perpendicular to the scan plane and parallel to the ultrasonic beam to be highly homogeneous. The emitted pulse has a greater intensity uniformity in the part of the ultrasonic beam closer to the scan plane and a predetermined lower intensity in side lobes of the ultrasonic beam.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe particularly for diagnostic purposes includes a first array of ultrasound transducers that generate ultrasound waves by electric excitation and transforming ultrasound waves impinging on them into electric signals. Each transducer is provided with contact electrodes which are connected respectively to a ground potential and to electric signals feeding lines. The first array of transducers includes emitting transducers and is intended only for generating and transmitting ultrasound waves, while a second array of transducers is provided over the first array of emitting transducer and includes receiving transducers for generating the electric receipt signals. The second array of transducers is formed of a material having piezoelectric behavior.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising a plurality of transducer elements, each one composed of an electroacoustic element, arranged side by side and spaced apart along a row having a first end. Starting from transducer element proximate to the first end, adjacent transducer elements are constructed and arranged create an electroacoustic pair. A first element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only transmit acoustic pulses and a second element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only receive acoustic pulses. Each electroacoustic pair share a common connection line which branches off into a transmit branch connected to the first element and a receive branch connected to the second element.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising an array of electroacoustic transducers composed of a plurality of individual transducer elements each one being composed of an electroacoustic element. A means for defocusing a radiation pulse emitted from the transducer element is associated with each transducer element. The defocusing means is constructed and arranged to cause the radiation pulse to generate a substantially cylindrical or spherical acoustic field.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe particularly for diagnostic purposes includes a first array of ultrasound transducers that generate ultrasound waves by electric excitation and transforming ultrasound waves impinging on them into electric signals. Each transducer is provided with contact electrodes which are connected respectively to a ground potential and to electric signals feeding lines. The first array of transducers includes emitting transducers and is intended only for generating and transmitting ultrasound waves, while a second array of transducers is provided over the first array of emitting transducer and includes receiving transducers for generating the electric receipt signals. The second array of transducers is formed of a material having piezoelectric behavior.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe particularly for diagnostic purposes includes a first array of ultrasound transducers that generate ultrasound waves by electric excitation and transforming ultrasound waves impinging on them into electric signals. Each transducer is provided with contact electrodes which are connected respectively to a ground potential and to electric signals feeding lines. The first array of transducers includes emitting transducers and is intended only for generating and transmitting ultrasound waves, while a second array of transducers is provided over the first array of emitting transducer and includes receiving transducers for generating the electric receipt signals. The second array of transducers is formed of a material having piezoelectric behavior.