Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for guiding a user to acquire ultrasound image data sets that can be analyzed for the presence of atherosclerosis. In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to analyze ultrasound image data for a vessel of interest and to control a user interface that suggests how an operator should move a transducer to acquire ultrasound image data with the vessel of interest in a desired location. The processor stores multiple ultrasound image data sets taken along a length of the vessel of interest to be analyzed for the presence of an atheroma.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for guiding a user to acquire ultrasound image data sets that can be analyzed for the presence of atherosclerosis. In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to analyze ultrasound image data for a vessel of interest and to control a user interface that suggests how an operator should move a transducer to acquire ultrasound image data with the vessel of interest in a desired location. The processor stores multiple ultrasound image data sets taken along a length of the vessel of interest to be analyzed for the presence of an atheroma.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an atheroma in an artery of interest using an ultrasound apparatus can include performing a first procedure on a first day. The first procedure can include detecting one or more blood vessels in a target region of a patient's body. The procedure can include identifying, from the one or more blood vessels, an artery of interest; automatically detecting spatial boundaries of constituent layers of an arterial wall of the artery of interest and calculating, via a processor of the ultrasound apparatus, a cross-sectional intima-media area (IMA) of the artery of interest at a first location along a length of the artery of interest. The procedure can include automatically calculating, via the processor of the ultrasound apparatus, IMA of the artery of interest at a second or more locations along the length of the artery of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for guiding a user to acquire ultrasound image data sets that can be analyzed for the presence of atherosclerosis. In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to analyze ultrasound image data for a vessel of interest and to control a user interface that suggests how an operator should move a transducer to acquire ultrasound image data with the vessel of interest in a desired location. The processor stores multiple ultrasound image data sets taken along a length of the vessel of interest to be analyzed for the presence of an atheroma.

Abstract: A hydrophone for calibrating lithotripters includes a spot poled disc of piezoelectric material which is mounted on a brass cylinder backing. A coaxial cable is electrically connected to one surface of the disc through the brass backing and the opposing surface of the disc. A mixture of polymeric material and microballoons is provided to protect the interconnection of the center conductor and the opposing surface of the disc and prevent damage due to the incident ultrasonic shock waves. The brass backing is placed in a suitable housing of phenolic material. A process in fabricating the piezoelectric disc and assembling the hydrophone is disclosed.