Abstract: The analyte concentration, such as glucose, in a human or animal body is measured with an implantable sensor that generates measurement signals. The measurement signals are compressed through statistical techniques to produced compressed measurement data that can is easier to process and communicate. A base station carries the implantable sensor along with a signal processor, memory, and a transmitter. A display device is also disclosed that can receive the compressed measurement data from the base station for further processing and display.

Abstract: This embodiment relates to portable handheld medical devices and in particular to handheld devices functioning without batteries. The medical devices connect to an external system and receive power. The external system may refer to any of everyday devices like a laptop or a mobile phone and so on. The medical devices operate once the power source i.e. the external device is connected. The medical devices can be shut down after use and connection between the external system and handheld medical devices is removed.

Abstract: A system is configured to determine cardiac output of a patient. The system may include a first sub-system configured to detect a first physiological signal, and a second sub-system configured to detect a second physiological signal that differs from the first physiological signal. The first and second sub-systems may be separate and distinct from one another. The system may also include a cardiac output determination module that is configured to determine the cardiac output based, at least in part, on the first and second physiological signals.

Abstract: In imaging an oxygen saturation level of blood, measurement light having a wavelength of 450 to 500 nm, B light, G light, and an R light are sequentially taken out of broad band light BB emitted from a xenon lamp. An internal body portion is imaged under irradiation with the measurement, B, G, and R light to obtain image data B1, B2, G2, and R2, respectively. A correlation memory stores first and second correlations, each being a correlation among the oxygen saturation level and intensity ratios between the image data B1 and G2 and between the image data R2 and G2. When a cumulative lighting time of the xenon lamp is less than a certain value, the oxygen saturation level is calculated using the first correlation. When the cumulative lighting time equals or exceeds the certain value, the oxygen saturation level is calculated using the second correlation.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, electrodes are coupled to a surface at first, second, and third locations, the first location being further from the third location than from the second location. Impedance is measured at distinct frequencies between pairs of the electrodes. As a result, impedance is measured at differing regions below the surface, one region being deeper below the surface than the other region. In a second embodiment, a microfluidic device carries out an analysis. The analysis may be within a flexible patch adhered to a surface, or may be in a solid device implanted in a body of liquid surrounded by tissue. The analysis may involve pumping a fluid or may involve drawing an analyte electrophoretically through a microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A handheld diabetes management device for managing blood glucose test data and continuous glucose monitoring data includes a port configured to receive a test strip, a wireless transceiver, a communications processor, and a user interface processor. The communications processor communicates with the wireless transceiver to periodically collect glucose measurement data from a continuous glucose monitoring device and to store the glucose measurement data in a first data storage module. The communications processor is operable to consume electrical power at a first rate. The user interface processor communicates with the communication processor to receive the glucose measurement data and operable to display the glucose measurement data on the device. The communications processor operates asynchronously from operation of the user interface processor to collect the glucose measurement data and the user interface processor operates to consume electrical power at a second rate that is higher than the first rate.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for calibrating an analyte sensor are provided. Embodiments include determining a sensitivity value associated with an analyte sensor, retrieving a prior sensitivity value associated with the analyte sensor, determining whether a variance between the determined sensitivity value and the retrieved prior sensitivity value is within a predetermined sensitivity range, determining a composite sensitivity value based on the determined sensitivity value and the retrieved prior sensitivity value, and assigning a successful calibration sensitivity value based on the retrieved prior sensitivity value when the variance is within the predetermined sensitivity range.

Abstract: A sensor may include a substrate having a sensing portion defining a sensor thereon and a circuit mounting portion defining at least one electrically conductive pad that is electrically connected to the sensor. The sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a condition of the patient. An anisotropic medium may be disposed on the circuit mounting portion and may be electrically conductive in a direction through the medium and electrically insulating in directions along the medium. An electrical circuit may be mechanically mounted to the circuit mounting portion of the first substrate via the anisotropic medium with at least one electrically conductive terminal juxtaposed over the at least one electrically conductive pad. The anisotropic medium may establish local electrical contact between the at least one electrically conductive terminal and the at least one electrically conductive pad.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify and locate lesions and/or anatomical structures within a lumen and accurately place leads and/or devices within a lumen, through determining the intralumen conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.

Abstract: A method for computing a quantitative metric indicative of pain experienced by a subject using an electrophysiological signal detection system is provided. Electrophysiological data are acquired from a subject with the electrophysiological signal detection system. Modulations in the acquired electrophysiological data that are associated with pain experienced by the subject during the acquisition of the electrophysiological data are identified. A quantitative metric indicative of the pain experienced by the subject is computed by processing the identified modulations in the acquired electrophysiological data.

Abstract: The multifunctional polymer nano-composite sensor system for detecting various biosignals, such as EKG, includes (1) a polymer nano-composite sensor material that is flexible, elastic, soft, and conductive, (2) a sensor material fabricated into a desired shape or form, and (3) a signal capturing interface for collecting, transmitting and processing the signals.

Abstract: The ECG leadwire connector is designed in a way that allows low cost high volume manufacturing of an ECG leadwire assembly using standard continuous web converting processes and materials. The integrated ECG leadwire connector is assembled using the same printing and laminating processes that are used to construct the rest of the leadwire assembly. Patient safety requirements are met by the physical dimensions of the connector electrical contacts and by the thickness of a dielectric isolation feature which prevents inadvertent contact with potentially hazardous potentials, while still allowing the connector pins to make contact with the leadwire conductors. The connector also incorporates and RFID tag that allows multiple leadwire configurations to be accommodated and identified and authenticated during use.

Abstract: Non-tactile and non-evasive tonometer utilizing air flow with a definite amount of pressure to the eye and a mechanism to deflate the thin foil set that is placed near to eye ball such that re-bounded air hits on it. The mechanism involves acquiring or capturing then the images of the known pattern marking on thin foils both before and after deflating process due to rebounded air. On evaluating the deformation of the pattern appearing in the images obtained before and after air flow and calibrating the deformation with respect to size, translation, rotation and scaling parameters due the different pressure level that hits the eye ball and that rebounds on to thin foils, we arrive at a scheme of measuring the intraocular pressure of human eye. This intraocular pressure is used as a parameter for the ophthalmologist to diagnose glaucoma impairment of human beings.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes a first light source outputting irradiation light delivered to an object, an output unit to which the irradiation light is guided and which includes an opening smaller than a wavelength of the irradiation light, a probe detecting an acoustic wave generated when the object absorbs near-field light output by the output unit, and a signal processing unit acquiring information on an interior of the object from the acoustic wave detected by the probe.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus according to the present invention has: a light source emitting light; a holding member holding an object; a probe receiving an acoustic wave, generated by the object when the light is irradiated on the object via the holding member, and outputting a received signal; and a signal processor acquiring information extracted from the object by using the received signal, wherein a region of the holding member that comes into contact with the object is configured as a non-uniform region that is a region where a normal direction of a tangential plane between the holding member and the object is not constant.

Abstract: An imaging system, includes an imaging installation or an imaging scanner to generate raw data; a first computer that is connected with the imaging installation or the imaging scanner for controlling the imaging installation or the imaging scanner, a memory to store the generated raw data; and a second computer to calculate an image from the stored raw data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing a magnetic resonance image in which processes of generating T1 contrast for different regions of an object overlap with each other, thereby obtaining a magnetic resonance image having an improved contrast between different tissues within a short time. Therefore, a time required for obtaining a magnetic resonance image may be reduced, and a magnetic resonance image enabling improved diagnosis of a disease or other abnormal condition may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, without limitation, a method to maintain or increase brain health, wherein the method comprises a means to input information known to an individual, a means for an individual to access such information, access of the information by the individual, wherein the information evokes an episodic memory that stimulates brain health.

Abstract: A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material. The implant can be imaged in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging to more clearly reveal defects in the shell, relative to a implant having a shell without the additive material.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a breathing device comprising an air pressure generator for generating air pressure, a tube for delivering the air pressure to a patient, and a sensor configured to sense a characteristic associated with a breathing of the patient; and a processing unit configured to receive an output from the sensor, and generate a control signal for controlling a medical device based at least in part on the output from the sensor.

Abstract: An MRI-guided interventional system for use with a patient and an interventional device includes a base, a trajectory guide frame, and a mounting device. The base is configured to be secured to a body of the patient. The trajectory guide frame includes a targeting cannula. The targeting cannula has an elongate guide bore extending axially therethrough, defining a trajectory axis, and being configured to guide placement of the interventional device. The trajectory guide frame is operable to move the targeting cannula relative to the base to position the trajectory axis to a desired intrabody trajectory to guide placement of the interventional device in vivo. A plurality of patient engagement structures are provided on the base and are configured to penetrate tissue of the body and to space the base apart from the tissue. The system further includes a plurality of fasteners configured to secure the base to the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing accurate measurements of the magnetic properties of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in both liquid media and biological matrices for providing information on their size, size distribution and concentration in these media and matrices and, resulting in parameters that influence their functionality and effectiveness.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for directing magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents to a target volume, or for guiding magnetizable particles comprising therapeutic agents from a first target volume to a second target volume, at a distance using a magnetic field, to enable the treatment of diseased areas including areas deep inside a patient's body. The methods may be used to diagnose or treat diseased areas within a patient, for example tumors of the lungs, intestines, and liver, and is also useful in enhancing the permeability of solid tumors to chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: An implantable parametric circuit enables local signal amplification and wireless transmission of RF signals in connection with magnetic resonance imaging systems. The parametric circuit detects RF signal detected during magnetic resonance imaging procedure, amplifies the detected RF signal, and transmits the amplified RF signal in a wireless manner to an external pick-up coil. The parametric amplifier is also configured to use another RF signal generated by an external source as the primary power source. As a result, implanted or catheter coils could be used as a wireless signal transducer without the need for a battery or a power connection.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for localizing lesions within a patient's body, e.g., within a breast. The system may include one or more markers implantable within or around the target tissue region, and a probe for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals to detect the one or more markers. During use, the marker(s) are into a target tissue region, and the probe is placed against the patient's skin to detect and localize the marker(s). A tissue specimen, including the lesion and the marker(s), is then removed from the target tissue region based at least in part on the localization information from the probe.

Abstract: A simultaneous imaging and particle therapy treatment system including a means for generating a particle beamline, a treatment bed to receive and support a patient having a treatment volume, a gantry to receive the particle beamline from the generating means and to redirect the beamline to the patient's treatment volume, the gantry rotating about the treatment bed with an axis of rotation substantially coplanar with the treatment bed and redirecting the beamline to encounter the treatment volume substantially perpendicular to the gantry's axis of rotation, and an image scanner having a plurality of detector arrays radially positioned around the treatment bed to capture images of the treatment volume; whereby the scanner and gantry simultaneously capture images of and treat the treatment volume with particle therapy.

Abstract: A low cost molded optical probe with astigmatic correction, fiber port, low back reflection, and highly reproducible in manufacturing quantities is provided. The molded optical probe, includes a fiber receiving portion defining a groove defined along a longitudinal axis for receiving an optical fiber; a spacer portion having a spacer portion surface non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove, the spacer portion surface configured to cooperate with a distal end of the optical fiber; a prism portion positioned adjacent the spacer portion and having a prism surface non-parallel to the spacer portion surface and non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and configured to reflect light transmit through the optical fiber off perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a lens portion positioned adjacent the prism portion and having a lens surface configured to focus light received through the optical fiber.

Abstract: A heterogeneous antenna array containing antenna elements of different antenna element sizes interleaved among one another is disclosed. Heterogeneous antenna arrays as disclosed herein can efficiently cover a broad range of frequencies without loss of optimality at higher frequencies. Also disclosed are methods of frequency-domain oriented image reconstruction which are suitable for use with heterogeneous antenna arrays.

Abstract: A method for treating a spine disorder includes providing a bone fastener including a distal portion and a proximal portion including an axial opening and defining a longitudinal passageway. At least one lateral opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The axial opening is disposed in communication with the longitudinal passageway. The distal portion is engaged with a first vertebral surface. The second vertebral surface is spaced apart from the first vertebral surface. A radiopaque biologic is introduced through the axial opening and into the longitudinal passageway and delivered to a surgical site adjacent the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Systems for treating a spine disorder are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided including obtaining ultrasound information including anatomy information representative of a portion of anatomy to be imaged and artifact information representative of a coherent interference artifact. A contrast agent has been associated with the coherent interference artifact. Due to association with the contrast agent, the coherent interference artifact appears in different realizations in a plurality of readings taking along a single line. The method also includes suppressing the artifact information to form revised ultrasound information. Suppressing the artifact information includes using the plurality of readings to suppress the artifact information. Also, the method includes reconstructing the ultrasound image using the revised ultrasound information.

Abstract: A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.

Abstract: Provided herein are dual contrast agents or nanocomposite particles designed to enhance optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging. The contrast agents or particles have a core designed to enhance response to incident transient ultrasonic pressure waves and at least two layers disposed around the core. The inner first layer is designed to effectively absorb incident transient optical waves, convert absorbed optical energy into heat and demonstrates significant thermal expansion and/or conversion of thermal energy into acoustic pressure. The outer second layer thermally insulates the inner layer from the surrounding aqueous environment and enhances the generation of transient ultrasonic pressure waves during optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and sensing. Also provided are methods of enhancing contrast in a tissue optoacoustic-ultrasonic imaging and producing enhanced optoacoustic images by contacting the tissue with the dual contrast agent or nanocomposite particles.

Abstract: A method of tracking specific cells in vivo is disclosed. The method of the disclosure includes: providing fluorescent nanoparticles suitable for targeting of specific cells; administering the fluorescent nanoparticles to a subject; providing an X-ray source to irradiate the subject; and determining the distribution and growth of the specific cells by the fluorescent images from the fluorescent nanoparticles and X-ray images of the subject irradiated by the X-ray source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern sensing a first signal indicative of a plurality of different phases of a cardiac cycle with a sensor and sensing a second signal with an ultrasound sensor within the heart over different phases, the second signal indicative of the density of a section of cardiac tissue. Each phase can be associated with an indication of the density of the section of cardiac tissue during the phase based on the second signal. It can be determined whether the section of cardiac tissue compressed during the cardiac cycle based on a change in the indication of density of the cardiac tissue over the plurality of different phases. The efficacy of ablation therapy can be evaluated based on the compressibility of the section of cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media that store instructions executable by one or more processors for performing an interventional procedure are presented. One or more pulses are delivered to an intravascular region of interest (ROI) in a subject using at least one image sensor and at least one forward-looking flow sensor disposed at a distal end of an integrated intravascular device. Further, one or more images corresponding to the ROI are reconstructed using imaging signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the image sensor. Additionally, one or more flow characteristics corresponding to the ROI are determined based on the signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the flow sensor. The determined flow characteristics are used for computing one or more functional parameters corresponding to the ROI. An assessment of the subject may be provided based on the reconstructed images and/or the functional parameters.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including a user interface configured to receive user inputs from an operator during an imaging session. The user interface includes a display device having a display area and an image-processing module that is configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate ultrasound images. The system also includes a workflow module that is configured to display, concurrently, an acquired image of the ultrasound images and a user-selectable element in the display area. The acquired image includes an anatomical feature of a subject. The workflow module is configured to display an activated frame over the acquired image in the display area when the user-selectable element is selected by the operator. The activated frame appears partially transparent such that the anatomical feature is visible through the activated frame.

Abstract: A system and method of processing an ultrasound signal may include, in response to receiving a set of complex frequency samples of the ultrasound signal inclusive of content data and noise at a first noise level and being used to image an anatomical region of a body, resampling multiple subsets of complex frequency samples from the set of complex frequency samples. The resampled subsets of complex frequency samples may be resampled from a first domain into a second domain. The transformed resampled subsets of complex frequency samples may be combined in the second domain to produce a result signal with a second noise level reduced from the first noise level. An image derived from the result signal may be displayed.

Abstract: Frequency variation is used in frequency compounding. A phase inversion harmonic image is compounded with a downshift harmonic image. The depths for downshifting fractional harmonics are determined based on a signal-to-noise ratio of the harmonic information at a given harmonic. The depth for transition between one type of harmonic imaging (e.g., phase inversion) and another (e.g., downshifted harmonic) is determined based on a similarity of the one type with noise. Weights used for frequency compounding are determined based on a difference between noise and one of the types of data to be compounded, and spatially steering angles.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient's breast that is chestwardly compressed with a template that is essentially planar and rotates relative to the breast while one or more ultrasound transducers moving with the template take 2D images of the breast through one or more respective radially oriented slots in the template, preferably through a membrane that is porous to a gel. The 2D images are processed into slice images representing breast slices of desired thicknesses and orientation that are displayed alone or with some of the 2D images, preferably pairs of orthogonally disposed 2D images.

Abstract: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a probe position information obtaining section which obtains information about the position of a probe that has gotten a received signal from each point; a feature extracting and computing section which generates, based on the received signal with which the positional information has been associated, information to compose a three-dimensional image including a object of measurement; a feature data comparing section which stores information to compose a three-dimensional image that was gotten in the past and information about the position of the object of measurement, of which the characteristic was measured in the past, compares the information to compose the three-dimensional image that was gotten in the past to information to compose a three-dimensional image being gotten currently, and gets the positional information of the object of measurement, of which the characteristic was measured in the past, incorporated into the information to compose the three-dimens

Abstract: Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus (1202) including a hand-manipulable compression/scanning assembly (1208). The compression/scanning assembly (1208) comprises an ultrasound transducer (1304) and a compressive member comprising an at least partially conformable membrane (1218) in a substantially taut state, the membrane (1218) having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface. The compression/scanning assembly (1208) further comprises a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer (1304) and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across the second surface of the membrane to scan the breast while compressed in the generally chestward direction. Systemized and/or standardized ultrasonic scanning of a breast based on hand-manipulable scanners (1208, 1508) having substantially planar scanning surfaces is also described.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging a volume of tissue and defining a tissue boundary comprising: receiving a baseline dataset representative of a first set of signals interacting with a medium; receiving a reconstruction dataset representative of a second set of signals interacting with the medium and the volume of tissue present in the medium; determining a set of direct emitter-receiver pairs, each defining a direct trajectory that does not pass through the volume of tissue; from the set of direct emitter-receiver pairs, determining a set of tangential emitter-receiver pairs, each defining a bounding vector comprising a tangent point along the tissue boundary; determining a set of interior pixels, of the reconstruction dataset, characterized by a set of pixel locations within the tissue boundary; and reconstructing pixels of the set of interior pixels, thereby transforming the baseline and the reconstruction datasets into an image rendering of the volume of tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit, an extracting unit, a generating unit, a brightness information controlling unit and a display unit. The transmitting and receiving unit transmits an ultrasonic wave to and receives an ultrasonic wave from a diagnosis part including a moving body in an object. The extracting unit extracts a Doppler signal based on a reception signal obtained by the transmitting and receiving unit. The generating unit executes a frequency analysis on the basis of the Doppler signal and generates a Doppler spectrum. The brightness information controlling unit controls brightness information on the Doppler spectrum on the basis of a brightness correction value appropriate for a frequency subjected to the frequency analysis. The display unit displays, on a display device, the Doppler spectrum on which the brightness information is controlled by the brightness information controlling unit.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system. A described system includes a set of at least two biocompatible and ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects suitable for implantation in a vertebrate subject. Each micro-object of the set of micro-objects while implanted respectively returning an echo response to an applied ultrasound energy having a machine recognizable feature differentiating the micro-object over each other micro-object of the set of micro-objects (hereafter “set of micro-objects”). The system includes a conversion table correlating each digit of the conversion table base system with a respective machine recognizable feature in an echo response to an ultrasound energy applied to a micro-object of the set of micro-objects. In an embodiment, the system includes a packaging material carrying the set of micro-objects and the conversion table.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A receiver circuit receives ultrasound echoes from ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects implanted in a vertebrate subject in accordance with an implantable media format (hereafter “implanted micro-objects”). A format decoding circuit identifies the respective implantation region of the implantable media format occupied by each implanted micro-object based on their respective echoes. A micro-object recognition circuit recognizes each implanted micro-object based upon a machine recognizable feature in the respective echoes. A micro-object decoder circuit respectively decodes each recognized micro-object of the two implanted micro-objects into a unit of information pursuant to the identified implantation region of the recognized micro-object and a conversion table. An aggregator circuit collects the decoded units of information into a decoded information set. A computer storage media saves the decoded information set.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A receiver circuit receives ultrasound echoes from at least two ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects implanted in a vertebrate subject (hereafter “implanted micro-objects”). A recognition circuit recognizes each implanted micro-object based upon a machine recognizable feature in the received echoes. A decoder circuit decodes pursuant to a conversion table each recognized implanted micro-objects into a digit of the base system of the conversion table. An aggregator circuit collects the decoded digits into a decoded data set. A computer storage media saves the decoded data set.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A conversion table correlates each digit of the conversion table base system to a respective machine recognizable feature in an ultrasound echo response by a respective micro-object of a set at least two ultrasound-differentiable micro-objects (hereafter “set of micro-objects). An encoding apparatus encodes a data set into machine recognizable features of at least two micro-objects of the set of micro-objects pursuant to the conversion table. A selector apparatus picks from a physical set of the micro-objects at least two micro-objects having the machine recognizable features corresponding to the encoded data set. Each micro-object of the physical set of micro-objects is biocompatible and suitable for implantation in a vertebrate subject. Each micro-object while implanted returns an ultrasound echo having a machine recognizable feature differentiating the micro-object over each other micro-object of the set of micro-objects.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device includes a substrate, a vibrating film, a piezoelectric element, an input section and a detection section. The substrate has a plurality of openings. The vibrating film provided in each of the openings to cover a corresponding one of the openings. The piezoelectric element is provided in each of the openings on the vibrating film. The input section is configured and arranged to input a drive signal to a part of piezoelectric elements among the piezoelectric elements. The detection section is configured and arranged to detect vibration of the piezoelectric elements, in which the drive signal is not inputted, among the piezoelectric elements while the drive signal is inputted to the part of the piezoelectric elements among the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: An attachment for an ultrasonic probe is adapted to be mounted onto an ultrasonic probe body of the ultrasonic probe. The attachment for an ultrasonic probe includes a cover member and a protective member. The cover member is configured and arranged to cover an ultrasonic wave emission surface of a head section of the ultrasonic probe body when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body. The protective member is provided to a surface of the cover member facing the ultrasonic wave emission surface, and configured and arranged to be in contact with the ultrasonic wave emission surface when the attachment is mounted onto the ultrasonic probe body.