Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking a medical device and ultrasound imaging with an optical sensor in a medical procedure are provided as described. A processor receives sensor data from a sensor coupled to the medical device. The sensor receives one or more acoustic signals in the body region and converts the acoustic signals to the sensor data. The processor determines a set of time-of-flight (ToF) data associated with the sensor based on the sensor data. The processor determines a location of the sensor based on the ToF data set and multiple sets of pre-determined ToF data associated with multiple locations in the body region.

Abstract: The medical device with an integrated ultrasound optical sensor includes a device proximal end, a body extending from the device proximal end, and at least one ultrasound sensor secured to the body. The at least one ultrasound sensor may be an optical ultrasound sensor with a sensor portion and an optical fiber in optical communication therewith. The sensor portion is positioned adjacent a distal end of the body of the medical device. A chip-based laser may be secured to the device proximal end, with the at least one ultrasound sensor being in communication with the chip-based laser.

Abstract: An Ultrasound Transmission Gel Packet Having Internal Heat Source and Method of Use. The gel packet is sized for a single use, rather than for multiple applications. The gel packets are not pre-heated, but rather are quickly heatable on demand. The gel packets may incorporate a variety of optional internal heating methods, including chemical activation, mechanical agitation and electrical activation, among others. The gel packets are sealed and therefore have extended shelf lives, and further are disposable after use.

Abstract: An Ultrasound Transmission Gel Packet Having Internal Heat Source and Method of Use. The gel packet is sized for a single use, rather than for multiple applications. The gel packets are not pre-heated, but rather are quickly heatable on demand. The gel packets may incorporate a variety of optional internal heating methods, including chemical activation, mechanical agitation and electrical activation, among others. The gel packets are sealed and therefore have extended shelf lives, and further are disposable after use.

Abstract: An Ultrasound Transmission Gel Packet Having Internal Heat Source and Method of Use. The gel packet is sized for a single use, rather than for multiple applications. The gel packets are not pre-heated, but rather are quickly heatable on demand. The gel packets may incorporate a variety of optional internal heating methods, including chemical activation, mechanical agitation and electrical activation, among others. The gel packets are sealed and therefore have extended shelf lives, and further are disposable after use.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic optimization for ultrasound medical imaging. In one approach, velocity values are unwrapped to avoid aliasing artifacts. Multi-dimensional phase unwrapping is applied to the velocity data. The unwrapped velocity information is used to optimize one or both of the velocity scale (e.g., pulse repetition frequency) and the imaging frequency. For optimizing the scale setting, the distribution of unwrapped velocities from a systolic time period of the heart cycle are used to identify the pulse repetition frequency. For optimizing the imaging frequency, a correlation as a function of depth shows the penetration depth for a given imaging frequency. In a dependent or independent approach, one or more thresholds for velocity or energy in flow imaging are adaptively selected as a function of an amount of clutter. Velocity or other energy information in addition to the clutter information may be used for selecting the thresholds.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic optimization for ultrasound medical imaging. In one approach, velocity values are unwrapped to avoid aliasing artifacts. Multi-dimensional phase unwrapping is applied to the velocity data. The unwrapped velocity information is used to optimize one or both of the velocity scale (e.g., pulse repetition frequency) and the imaging frequency. For optimizing the scale setting, the distribution of unwrapped velocities from a systolic time period of the heart cycle are used to identify the pulse repetition frequency. For optimizing the imaging frequency, a correlation as a function of depth shows the penetration depth for a given imaging frequency. In a dependent or independent approach, one or more thresholds for velocity or energy in flow imaging are adaptively selected as a function of an amount of clutter. Velocity or other energy information in addition to the clutter information may be used for selecting the thresholds.