Abstract: An ultrasonically actuated medical implement is used in improving medical interventions and in certain instances to the generation of image data, in particular data acquired during a medical intervention or procedure. The medical implement employs a piezoelectric element which causes reciprocation between first and second mass assemblies in order to ultrasonically actuate a probe member and improve the visibility of the probe member to imaging methods. The invention also concerns the visibility of structures in target regions to be imaged and how this may be enhanced using the medical implement of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving medical interventions and in certain instances to the generation of image data, in particular data acquired during a medical intervention or procedure. The invention also concerns the visibility of structures in target regions to be imaged and how this may be enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating particles. The apparatus comprising an ultrasound source for providing a variable ultrasound signal within a region of interest, and a controller connected to the ultrasound source such that it provides a control signal to the ultrasound source. The variable ultrasound signal creates a pressure field within the region of interest, the shape and/or position of which can be altered by changing the control signal input to the ultrasound source such that a particle within the region of interest will move in response to changes in the pressure field.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer array and method of making an ultrasonic transducer array. The array comprising a plurality of individual array elements made from a piezoelectric composite which is made from a plurality of individual piezoelectric segments; a passive filler between the piezoelectric segments; and, one or more electrodes for driving the array elements formed from the piezoelectric segments; wherein the spatial pattern of the piezoelectric segments of the piezoelectric composite defines one or more non-linear, irregular channels which separate the piezoelectric segments thereby minimising interaction between the individual array elements and minimising spurious modes in the ultrasound transducer array.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ultrasound transducer array connected to a planar electronic component, the planar electronic component having one or more through hole adapted to receive a conducting element to provide an electrical connection which extends through the planar electronic component.