Abstract: A transducer assembly (10) is provided that includes a housing (12), a lens (14), an array of transducer elements (18), an interposer assembly (22), a transducer array 5 control assembly (30), and a heat sink assembly (32). The interposer assembly (22) includes a plurality of signals tracks (56) that provide electrical connections between the array of transducer elements (18) and the transducer array control assembly (30). The interposer assembly (22) further includes heat transporter bars (50) for transporting heat within the interposer (22) to the heat sink assembly (32). A flexible interconnection 10 assembly (28) is disposed between the interposer assembly (22) and the transducer array control assembly (30) providing re-workable electrical connections between the signal tracks (56) of the interposer assembly (22) and the transducer array control assembly (30).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging probe having an array of transducer elements that is flat and relatively elongated in the azimuth direction and is curved outwardly in the elevation direction. As a result, when the transducer elements are scanned in a step-wise manner, the acoustic pattern of the probe diverges in the elevation direction. The probe therefore provides a large field of view in the near field despite using relatively few transducer elements. The probe also includes sub-array beamformers to delay signals transmitted and received from the transducer elements in respective sub-arrays. The received signals are coupled to an imaging system which includes a signal path that processes the received signals into signals corresponding to a volumetric image. A display coupled to the signal path can then show a volumetric image of anatomical features in a volumetric region adjacent the array of transducer elements.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes one or more microbeamformer integrated circuit chips, an array of acoustic elements, and a redistribution interconnect coupled via conductive elements between the one or more integrated circuit chips and the array of acoustic elements. The one or more microbeamformer integrated circuit chips each include a plurality of bond pads separated from adjacent ones thereof by a first pitch set. The acoustic elements of the array are separated from adjacent ones thereof by a second pitch set, the second pitch set being different from the first pitch set. In addition, the redistribution interconnect couples on a first side of the redistribution interconnect to the one or more microbeamformer integrated circuit chips via conductive elements. The redistribution interconnect couples on a second side to the array of transducer elements via conductive elements.

Abstract: Backing block (16) for interconnecting a transducer array (12) and interconnection cables (18) connecting the transducer array (12) to a main system processing unit of an ultrasound imaging system which includes at least one base electronic component (24) electrically connected to the interconnection cable(s) (18) and which provides a pattern of interconnection structures (28), a redistribution interposer (22) electrically coupled on one side (40) to the base components) (24) and on an opposite side (38) to transducer array (12), and at least one subsidiary electronic component (26) supported by the base component(s) (24). The subsidiary components (26) can be arranged alongside the redistribution interposer (22), i.e., on a common side of the base component(s) (24) therewith, since the redistribution interposer (22) tapers in at least one dimension so that it has a smaller pitch on the side (40) connected to the base component(s) (24) than on the side (38) connected to the transducer array (12).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging probe having an array of transducer elements that is flat and relatively elongated in the azimuth direction and is curved outwardly in the elevation direction. As a result, when the transducer elements are scanned in a step-wise manner, the acoustic pattern of the probe diverges in the elevation direction. The probe therefore provides a large field of view in the near field despite using relatively few transducer elements. The probe also includes sub-array beamformers to delay signals transmitted and received from the transducer elements in respective sub-arrays. The received signals are coupled to an imaging system which includes a signal path that processes the received signals into signals corresponding to a volumetric image. A display coupled to the signal path can then show a volumetric image of anatomical features in a volumetric region adjacent the array of transducer elements.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes one or more microbeam-former integrated circuit chips, an array of acoustic elements, and a redistribution interconnect coupled via conductive elements between the one or more integrated circuit chips and the array of acoustic elements. The one or more microbeamformer integrated circuit chips each include a plurality of bond pads separated from adjacent ones thereof by a first pitch set. The acoustic elements of the array are separated from adjacent ones thereof by a second pitch set, the second pitch set being different from the first pitch set. In addition, the redistribution interconnect couples on a first side of the redistribution interconnect to the one or more microbeamformer integrated circuit chips via conductive elements. The redistribution interconnect couples on a second side to the array of transducer elements via conductive elements.

Abstract: A two dimensional ultrasonic transducer array stack is described which has a backing block of acoustically absorbent material formed of alternating plates of backing material and flex circuits adhesively bonded together. The thickness of the plates establishes the elevational dimension between the flex circuits and corresponds to the elevational pitch of the two dimensional array. The backing block may also be formed by photoetching conductive traces directly on the plates of backing material, which are then adhesively bonded together to form the backing block.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.