Abstract: A flow measurement system for performing an adjustable concurrent recalibration during a measurement operation, a computer program product which simulates operational behavior of the flow measurement system and a method for calibrating the flow measurement system that is mounted on a tube that encloses a medium, wherein the flow measurement system is provided in an active operating state and the flow measurement system includes a first flow rate sensor, where an ultrasound pulse is emitted into the tube wall via a first or second ultrasonic head of the first flow rate sensor, an ultrasound echo is received via the second ultrasonic head, the signal propagation time of the ultrasound pulse and echo are determined, a tube wall thickness is determined based on the determined signal propagation time, and a calibration parameter of the first flow rate sensor is set, where the calibration parameter includes at least the tube wall thickness.

Abstract: A heart rate monitor provides a pulse or heartbeat, but without the on-going or continuous phase signal of ECG and/or with a delay relative to the actual heartbeat. For phase determination in echocardiography, the heartbeat from the heart rate monitor is used to assist in identification of phase from acquired ultrasound data. Rather than relying on just ECG or just image processing, the worn or handheld heart rate monitor is used to simplify the image process-based identification of phase.

Abstract: A heart rate monitor provides a pulse or heartbeat, but without the on-going or continuous phase signal of ECG and/or with a delay relative to the actual heartbeat. For phase determination in echocardiography, the heartbeat from the heart rate monitor is used to assist in identification of phase from acquired ultrasound data. Rather than relying on just ECG or just image processing, the worn or handheld heart rate monitor is used to simplify the image process-based identification of phase.

Abstract: Spatially distinct Spectral Doppler information is acquired. Spatially distinct transmit beams are formed at a same time or in parallel. One or more receive beams are formed in response to each transmit beam, providing samples for a plurality of laterally spaced locations. A spectrum is determined for each of a plurality of spatial locations. In another approach, samples are acquired for different regions at different times. The scanning for each region is interleaved based on the anatomic operation. Since spectral estimation relies on a time-continuous series of transmission and reception, the scanning for a region occurs over a sufficient period for spectral estimation before the scanning for a different region occurs. By using anatomic operation, sufficient time is provided for spectral estimation. Due to anatomic operation, different regions are associated with flow at different times.

Abstract: Spatially distinct Spectral Doppler information is acquired. Spatially distinct transmit beams are formed at a same time or in parallel. One or more receive beams are formed in response to each transmit beam, providing samples for a plurality of laterally spaced locations. A spectrum is determined for each of a plurality of spatial locations. In another approach, samples are acquired for different regions at different times. The scanning for each region is interleaved based on the anatomic operation. Since spectral estimation relies on a time-continuous series of transmission and reception, the scanning for a region occurs over a sufficient period for spectral estimation before the scanning for a different region occurs. By using anatomic operation, sufficient time is provided for spectral estimation. Due to anatomic operation, different regions are associated with flow at different times.

Abstract: A volume is scanned with ultrasound for determining perfusion. A volume is scanned with a more rapid technique for tracking a sub-volume, and the tracked sub-volume is scanned for contrast agent detection with a less rapid technique. For example, a single pulse technique or B-mode scanning is used to track a region over one or more cycles, the location of the tracked region is predicted, and multiple pulse contrast agent detection is performed for the sub-volume at the predicted location. The combinations of scanning provide for real-time or higher temporal resolution reperfusion information at the appropriate tissue. Using a separate scan for motion tracking may provide a more robust prediction of the sub-volume location and a better visualization of the results (e.g., orientation within the organ). In other embodiments, tracking is based on a B mode image derived from the multi-pulse data.

Abstract: A method of imaging blood with the use of contrast agents. A sequence or ensemble of imaging pulses is transmitted into a patient. Echo signals received in response to each of the imaging pulses are received and analyzed to determine if the echoes are produced by tissue or by the contrast agent. Echoes produced by the contrast agent are detected by an echo signal that changes in amplitude or a centroid frequency that changes with each imaging pulse. Once the location of the contrast agent has been determined, an image is created whereby the contrast agent is highlighted for view by a physician or sonographer.

Abstract: In a diagnostic ultrasound imaging system, a sequence of more than two signals is transmitted into the interrogation of the patient's body. In one embodiment of the invention, the pulses are grouped as pairs that have an inverted phase, that is, one is time-domain negative of the other. In an alternative of this embodiment, the pulses need not be paired, but rather are generated with alternating phase characteristics. The return signals are then filtered to isolate (or suppress) return signal components corresponding to portions of the interrogation region with non-linear (or linear) response characteristics. In a second embodiment of the invention, three or more pulses are generated so that have non-equidistant relative phase distribution. By combining the return signals, linear return signal components are suppressed.