Abstract: A method for identifying and locating at least one nerve in a target region is disclosed. In the method, an image detector is used to scan the target region according to a predicted nerve trend from a nerve identification program and capture 2D cross-sectional images of subregions of the target region, and the nerve identification program is utilized to identify' whether the 2D cross-sectional images are captured of the target nerve. When the nerve identification program identifies the 2D cross-sectional images are the images of the target nerve, a 3D image showing a 3D nerve structure is constructed from the 2D cross-sectional images based on 3D image reconstruction technique.

Abstract: A device for limb detection includes a circular guide means and a carrier. The carrier is provided to carry an image detector and the circular guide means includes a slide mechanism integrated to the carrier. The slide mechanism and the carrier can move back and forth around a horizontal axis passing through the circular guide means such that they are beneficial for the image detector to detect the limb.

Abstract: Provided is a body-attachable biometric signal acquisition device. The body-attachable biometric signal acquisition device includes: a main body including a sensor acquiring a biometric signal in a state of closely adhering to a surface of a body; and a first fixing portion winding the body to fix the main body to the body, wherein the first fixing portion includes a first strap winding the body, the first strap includes a framework formed of an elastic material, and when the first strap winds the body to fasten the main body and the first fixing portion to the body, a pressure applied by the sensor to the surface of the body is generated by an elastic restoring moment generated by the framework, and a gap is present between a portion of an outer surface of the first strap, and the surface of the body, the portion being positioned between the framework and the surface of the body. An air cushion is provided to prevent wobbling of the main body caused by an excessive space formed due to body size variation.

Abstract: Example headsets and electrodes are described herein. Example electrode units described herein include a housing having a cavity defined by an opening in a side of the housing and an electrode. In some such examples, the electrode includes a ring disposed in the opening and an arm, where the arm has a first portion extending outward from the opening away from the housing and a second portion extending from an end of the first portion toward the housing and into the cavity, and the first and second portions connect at a bend.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a skin-adherable flexible patch including a flexible patch layer having one surface that can adhere to skin and configured to support a micro scale semiconductor device; and a plurality of holes passing through from one surface of the flexible patch to the other surface of the flexible patch, and a method for manufacturing the flexible patch.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for attaching to a surface of a living body, a substrate layer disposed on an upper face of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and having a stretching property, a probe disposed on the lower face of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and an electronic component mounted on the substrate layer so as to be connected to the probe, wherein a total thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the substrate layer is 1 ?m or more and less than 100 ?m.

Abstract: A physical area network for detecting head injuries described herein enables significantly improved cranial health monitoring and treatment by utilizing internal (in-body) mechanisms and information and external mechanisms and information.

Abstract: An electrode device is disclosed comprising: an elongate, implantable body comprising elastomeric material, a plurality of electrodes positioned along a length of the implantable body; an electrical connection comprising one or more conductive elements extending through the elastomeric material and electrically connecting to the electrodes; and a reinforcement device extending through the elastomeric material. The length of the implantable body is extendible by placing the implantable body under tension. The reinforcement device limits the degree by which the length of the implantable body can extend under tension. At least one of the electrodes can extend circumferentially around a portion of the implantable body. A delivery device and method of delivery for an electrode device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Implantable thin-films have a variety of uses but due to their geometry and size, they are extremely fragile. The present disclosure presents devices and apparatuses for implantable thin-film probes capable of maintaining their thin-film structure through implantation through the use of degradable sacrificial layers to plant or deposit a thin film structure via a rigid substrate and remove the rigid substrate once the sacrificial layer has dissolved. The disclosed structures and methods are in reference to biocompatible films for use in vivo, but other environments and uses may also benefit from the disclosed structures and techniques, such as prosthetic/assistive devices, chronic deep tissue electrical stimulation, electrical field-directed cell migration for wound healing, nerve/neuron rehabilitation, etc.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a sterile urine collection mechanism for medical diagnostic systems. An example device includes an initial collection component configured to collect a midstream urine sample from a patient. The device also includes a plurality of test strips configured to indicate a condition of the patient at a point of care. In addition, the device includes a sensor configured to capture an image of at least one test strip exposed to a portion of the midstream urine sample. Further, the device includes a computing device configured to analyze the image of the test strip captured by the sensor in order to determine the condition of the patient. Even further, the device includes a motor configured to position the test strip near the sensor. Yet further, the device includes an additional collection component configured to collect an additional portion of the midstream urine sample for central laboratory testing.

Abstract: In some examples, a system comprises one or more medical devices configured to, for each of a plurality of periods, determine a respective value for each of a plurality of parameters of a patient and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can for each of the plurality of periods, execute an algorithm to determine at least one of a heart failure risk score or status for the patient based on the determined values for the period, determine a number of the determined heart failure risk scores or statuses that were false determinations, determine that the number of false determinations for the patient satisfies a false determination threshold, and modify the algorithm for the patient in response to the determination that the number of false determinations for the patient satisfies the false determination threshold.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system and/or apparatus for determining prospective heart failure event risk. Acquired from a device memory are a heart failure patient's current and preceding risk assessment periods. Counting detected data observations in the current risk assessment period for a current risk assessment total amount and counting detected data observations in the preceding risk assessment period for a preceding risk assessment period total amount. Associating the current risk assessment and preceding risk assessment total amounts with a lookup table to acquire prospective risk of heart failure (HF) event for the preceding risk assessment period and the current risk assessment period. Employing weighted sums of the prospective risk of the HF event for the preceding risk assessment period and the current risk assessment period to calculate a weighted prospective risk of the HF event for a patient. Displaying on a graphical user interface the weighted prospective risk of the HF event for the patient.

Abstract: In some examples, a method includes receiving a signal indicative of a blood pressure of a patient and identifying at least one first portion of the signal comprising a first characteristic of the signal exceeding a first threshold. The method also includes identifying at least one first portion of the signal comprising a second characteristic of the signal exceeding a second threshold, the first characteristic being different than the second characteristic. The method further includes determining a filtered signal indicative of the blood pressure of the patient by excluding the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion from the signal. The method includes determining a set of mean arterial pressure values based on the filtered signal and determining an autoregulation status of the patient based on the set of mean arterial pressure values.

Abstract: A method for operating a health parameter monitoring system is disclosed. The method involves at a removable smartphone case that is connected to a smartphone, transmitting radio waves below the skin surface of a person, at the removable smartphone case, receiving radio waves at an antenna array that includes a two-dimensional array of receive antennas, the received radio waves including a reflected portion of the transmitted radio waves, communicating digital data generated in response to the received radio waves from the removable smartphone case to the smartphone, at the smartphone, determining an alignment of the antenna array relative to a vein in the person in response to the digital data received from the removable smartphone case, and at the smartphone, outputting an indicator of alignment from the smartphone in response to the determined alignment.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods directed to evaluating a vessel of a patient are provided. The method includes outputting, to a display, a screen display including: a visual representation of a pressure ratio of pressure measurements obtained by first and second instruments positioned within a vessel while the second instrument is moved longitudinally through the vessel and the first instrument remains stationary within the vessel; and a visual representation of the vessel; receiving a user input to modify one of the visual representations of the pressure ratio and the vessel to simulate a therapeutic procedure; and updating the screen display, in response to the user input, including: modifying the selected one of the visual representation of the pressure ratio and the vessel based on the received user input; and correspondingly modifying the unselected one of the visual representation of the pressure ratio and the vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for providing real-time warnings based on continuous sensor signals. In one implementation, such a system may include at least one measuring device configured to measure at least one variable related to a user and at least one processor configured to receive the measured at least one variable related to the user for processing and display. The processing may include context recognition and inference for estimating risk. The display may include a real-time warning presented to the user or a caregiver, e.g., using a device associated with the user or caregiver.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a self-monitoring intravenous catheter system is provided. An alarm controller is provided that receives signals representing a pH value, an oxygen saturation value, and a pressure value in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. By performing a fuzzy logic analysis of the values, the alarm controller is able to detect that the catheter is about to fail or has failed, and can cause alerts to be presented. In some embodiments, an intravenous catheter is provided that has a pH sensor and an oximeter disposed at a distal end of the catheter to obtain the pH value and oxygen saturation values analyzed by the alarm controller. Embodiments of the catheter and self-monitoring intravenous catheter system may be particularly useful in treating neonates, who are sensitive to catheter failure and are not capable of detecting the signs of failure themselves.

Abstract: The present development is a device for monitoring uterine activity and sending an alert signal through a wireless communication means when uterine activity significantly changes relative to a preset standard. The device, which comprises at least one sensor, is intended to continuously monitor a prescribed activity, such as uterine contractions. The information gathered by the sensors is fed to a computer application for comparison to preset values and, if the gathered information falls outside of the range of the preset values, feeds a signal to a second application designed to send out notifications to preprogrammed devices indicating the physical location of the source data, or where the pregnant patient is located.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method is for generating image data of a field of view of an object to be examined. In the method, firstly an individual imaging protocol is determined for imaging of the object to be examined. Furthermore, first X-ray projection measurement data with a first X-ray energy spectrum and at least one set of second contrast medium-influenced X-ray projection measurement data with a second X-ray energy spectrum, are acquired from the field of view. A third X-ray energy spectrum with a third mean energy is then determined on the basis of the determined individual imaging protocol. Subsequently, preferably pseudo-monoenergetic image data, associated with the third X-ray energy spectrum, is reconstructed on the basis of the acquired first and at least second X-ray projection measurement data as well as the determined imaging protocol. An image data-generating device is also described. A computerized tomography system is described, moreover.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus for computer tomography, includes a first housing frame; a scanning section, movably disposed in an axial direction with respect to the first housing frame; and driving device(s). The scanning section includes an essentially toroidal scanning section housing including at least one uncovered axial surface, and a radiation source and a radiation detector, rotatably disposed inside of the essentially toroidal scanning section housing. The driving device(s) are configured to move the scanning section along an axial direction with respect to the first housing frame to perform a telescopic motion of the radiation source and radiation detector, during an operation of the medical imaging apparatus. The at least one uncovered axial surface of the essentially toroidal scanning section housing is movable along the axial direction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automated motion correction of nuclear images are disclosed. A method includes receiving a first set of imaging data including a plurality if annihilation events detected during an imaging period and generating a plurality of four-dimensional volumetric images from the imaging data for the imaging period. Each four-dimensional volumetric image includes a target tissue. At least one motion correction is determined for each of the plurality of four-dimensional volumetric images. The at least one motion correction is determined using target tracking data generated for the target tissue over a time period associated with the four-dimensional volumetric image. Corrected image data is generated from the first set of imaging data and the at least one motion correction and at least one static reconstruction image including the target tissue during the imaging period is generated from the corrected image data.

Abstract: A patient imaging system for creating visual representations for analysis includes an imaging source and a patient support disposed proximate the imaging source configured to receive and support the patient. An imaging device is disposed adjacent to the patient support and incorporates at least one detector, one or more slats cooperating with the at least one detector and a collimator disposed between the one or more slats and patient support having a plurality of links adjustably positionable on the collimator. The plurality of links receive and support imaging plates that may be adjusted to provide a variety of image settings such that the imaging device and imaging source define a pre-determined imaging volume in an imaging region for the patient positioned in the imaging system.

Abstract: A composite image generation unit of a CPU of a console combines a camera image obtained by capturing an image of a subject located in an irradiation field using a camera and a positioning index image indicating a set position of the subject, which has been set in advance with respect to an in-image cassette position that is the position of the electronic cassette in the camera image, to generate a composite image. In a case in which the in-image cassette position is changed with the movement of the electronic cassette, the composite image generation unit changes a display position of the positioning index image with the change in the in-image cassette position.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for supporting X-ray imaging. The apparatus comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving an X-radiation scatter measurement obtained by an X-ray sensor (SXi) during operation of an X-ray imager (XI) for imaging a first object (PAT). A predictor component (PC) is configured to predict, based on said measurement, whether or not: i) a second object (P) is present, or ii) there is sufficient X-ray exposure of said first object (PAT). The apparatus comprises an output interface (OUT) for outputting a predictor signal indicative of an outcome of said prediction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems relating to image guided interventions on dynamic tissue. One embodiment is a method that includes creating a dataset that includes images, one of the images depicting a non-tissue internal reference marker, being linked to non-tissue internal reference marker positional information, and being at least 2-dimensional. Another embodiment is a method that includes receiving a position of an instrument reference marker coupled to an instrument; transforming the position into image space using a position of a non-tissue internal reference marker implanted in a patient; and superimposing a representation of the instrument on an image in which the non-tissue internal reference marker appears. Computer readable media that include machine readable instructions for carrying out the steps of the disclosed methods. Apparatuses, such as integrated circuits, configured to carry out the steps of the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter includes an electrode carrying member. The catheter includes features visible in the fluoroscopic image that allow the practitioner to determine the radial position of the electrode carrying member within a blood vessel, and to confirm that the electrodes are positioned at the desired part of the vessel wall (e.g. against the posterior surface) and at the desired position along the length of the vessel, all without re-orienting the fluoroscope during the course of electrode positioning within the vascular. The features are shaped, formed in patterns, or possess other properties selected so that the appearance of the features on the fluoroscopic image differs depending on the rotational orientation of the electrodes. This can thus be used by the practitioner to determine whether, for example, an electrode carrying member having the features is positioned on the anterior or posterior wall of the blood vessel in which the array is positioned.

Abstract: An angiographic examination method for depicting a target region as an examination object using an angiography system includes capturing a volume data set of the target region with the examination object, registering the volume data set to a C-arm, and extracting information about an assumed course of the examination object in the volume data set. The method also includes generating a 2D projection image of a medical instrument in the target region, 2D/3D merging the 2D projection image and the registered volume data set for generating a 2D overlay image, and detecting the instrument in the 2D overlay image with a first projection matrix. The method includes generating a virtual 2D projection using a virtual projection matrix, 3D reconstructing the instrument, and distorting at least part of the reference image such that the current and the assumed course of vessels are made to be congruent.

Abstract: Provided are a dental treatment planning apparatus and method using image matching. The dental treatment planning apparatus includes a two-dimensional image photographing unit configured to generate a two-dimensional medical image by photographing a head of a person being treated, a three-dimensional image photographing unit configured to generate a three-dimensional medical image by photographing teeth of the person being treated, an image converting unit configured to generate a converted image by photographing the three-dimensional medical image under a photographing condition of the two-dimensional medical image, and an image matching unit configured to generate a matched image by matching the converted image to one region of the two-dimensional medical image.

Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) for X-ray imaging includes a rotationally fixed gantry (2) that is displaceable at most in the axial direction (z). A plurality of X-ray emitters (3) and X-ray detectors (4) is arranged in the gantry (2) in a fixed manner about a central geometrical axis (z), in each case opposite to one another and offset with respect to each other in the direction of the central axis (z). The X-ray emitters (3) have cathodes (5) as electron emitters, which are separately connected to emitter controls (25) and cooperate with a common extraction grid (26) connected upstream of at least one focusing electrode (27). In comparison to conventional computer tomographs having rotating or rigidly arranged technical X-ray components, the computer tomograph (1) has a light and compact design.

Abstract: Provided are a radiographic system and a radiographic method that enable appropriate correction of an area including an imaged structure in the case in which radiation detection apparatuses of different inner structures exist together and consequently achieve improvement of the image quality of a composite image. The radiographic system according to the present invention includes an image corrector that corrects an area of a composite image in which the structure of a radiation detection apparatus is imaged. The image corrector sets a correction method in accordance with a characteristic of a structural shadow of the radiation detection apparatus imaged in the composite image.

Abstract: In a radiographing apparatus, a buffer material is arranged between a support base and a side wall portion to which an incidence surface (first surface) of a casing that is positioned on an incident side of radiation R, and a back surface (second surface) of the casing that is opposite to the incidence surface are bonded, the support base is provided with a first protruding portion protruding toward the back surface, the casing is provided with a second protruding portion protruding from the back surface toward the support base, and the following relationship is satisfied: distance X<distance Y, where a distance between the buffer material and the support base is a distance X, and a distance between the first protruding portion of the support base and the second protruding portion of the casing is a distance Y.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus may include a base column, a mobile column, a sliding component, a supporting arm, a lifting system, and a move-coordination system. The mobile column connected to the base column may be vertically movable relative to the base column. The lifting system may be configured to cause the movement of the mobile column. The sliding component connected to the mobile column may be vertically movable relative to the mobile column. The mobile column and the sliding component may be connected via the move-coordination system, which enables the sliding component and the mobile column to move simultaneously according to a predetermined relative motion relationship. The supporting arm may be connected to the sliding component.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a table and an imaging system and method for PET/CT imaging. The table may include a base, a bracket, and a plate movable relative to the bracket. The bracket may include a releasing position, a CT scan position, and a PET scan position. The table may extend the scan range of the CT scanner without changing the size of the imaging system.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a gantry, a display device, and a control circuit. The gantry includes detector arms circumferentially spaced apart along a perimeter of a bore and radially movable towards and away from a subject. The control circuit generates a subject shape outline of the subject within the bore based on obtained contour image data of the subject. The control circuit determines designated scan positions of the detector arms based on the subject shape outline. The control circuit displays the subject shape outline on the display device within a gantry visualization that is a graphical representation of the gantry showing the bore. The control circuit displays a set of graphical detector arms on the display screen within the gantry visualization. The graphical detector arms are displayed at the designated scan positions relative to the gantry of the gantry visualization to show a subject-gantry geometric relationship.

Abstract: A portable x-ray device for producing x-rays may include a housing; an exposure device enclosed by the housing to generate x-rays; a slide switch connected to the exposure device being movable between a first position and a second position; a first trigger to activate the exposure device when the slide switch is in the first position being positioned on a first side of the housing; a second trigger to activate the exposure device when the slide switch is in the second position being positioned on a second opposed side of the housing.

Abstract: A detection apparatus and a method are provided for detecting a respiratory movement of a patient. The detection apparatus includes at least two metallic U-shaped signal coupling elements that are interleaved so that between the signal coupling elements arises at least one coupling point at which a signal may be transferred between the two signal coupling elements. Analysis electronics are configured to detect a change in a receive signal produced in a second of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a receiver in the near-field region of the first signal coupling elements as a result of a signal given for one of the signal coupling elements that is acting as a transmitter being coupled into the second of the signal coupling elements, which change indicates the respiratory movement.

Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a substrate, plural signal lines, plural scan lines, plural sensing units, and a first active device. The signal lines are disposed on the substrate. The scan lines are disposed on the substrate and intersecting with the signal lines. The sensing units are electrically connected to the signal lines and the scan lines. The first active device has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal configured to modulate a conduction between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first terminal of the first active device is connected to a first one of the signal lines, and the second terminal of the first active device is connected to a second one of the signal lines.

Abstract: In an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a control unit configured to control irradiation of an X-ray, an X-ray image processing unit configured to operate independently of the control unit, and a storage battery for the X-ray image processing unit and the control unit are provided. The X-ray image processing unit is configured to acquire information on a remaining amount of the storage battery from the control unit and perform processing of reducing power consumption of the X-ray image processing unit when the remaining amount of the storage battery is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Provided are an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray detector, and an X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray radiation device configured to emit X-rays; a receptor into which a first X-ray detector configured to detect the emitted X-rays is inserted; an X-ray detector sensing interface configured to detect whether the first X-ray detector has been inserted into the receptor, acquire first identification information of the first X-ray detector inserted into the receptor, and generate first position information indicating that the first X-ray detector has been inserted into the receptor; an output interface configured to output information about the first X-ray detector; and a controller configured to control the output interface to output the first position information and the first identification information, wherein the first identification information is identification information set by a workstation of an X-ray imaging system including the X-ray imaging apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to beam hardening correction in X-ray Dark-Field imaging of a subject including a first material and a second material, the first and second material having different beam hardening properties. As the X-ray imaging data includes information on the internal structure of the imaged subject, such information may be used, together with appropriate calibration data to identify the beam hardening contributions occurring in the imaged area of the subject, so to allow for a correction of artifacts due to beam hardening in X-ray Dark-Field imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diaphragm, and stethoscopes provided with the same. The diaphragm having a plate-shaped vibratable portion, and the vibratable portion has a first surface. The diaphragm further comprises a compliant structural layer disposed on the first surface. When the diaphragm is assembled with a sound collecting head, the compliant structural layer is in contact with the sound collecting head to enhance the airtightness between the diaphragm and the sound collecting head to prevent the acoustic vibration energy from dissipating. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the diaphragm which can quickly produce a large number of diaphragms by simple processes.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a probe configured to transmit ultrasound signals to an object and receive echo signals corresponding to the ultrasound signals; a memory; and at least one processor configured to obtain a real-time ultrasound image of the object from the echo signals, detect a predefined first movement of a needle inserted into the object, and automatically store in a memory a first ultrasound image of the object including an ultrasound image captured at a time point when the first movement of the needle is detected.

Abstract: A method of assessing uterine parameters via a apparatus including a processor includes determining, by the processor, at least one uterine parameter based on one or more ultrasound images of a uterus of a subject, the one or more ultrasound images being obtained on predefined days within an IVF cycle of the subject, tracking, by the processor, a change in the at least one uterine parameter, and predicting, by the processor, success of embryo implantation based on the change in the at least one uterine parameter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires a plurality of pieces of volume data obtained through image capturing of a region including the cardiac ventricle of a subject for a predetermined duration. The processing circuitry estimates motion of tissue of the cardiac ventricle by using the pieces of volume data. The processing circuitry calculates, based on a result of the estimation, cardiac ventricle information indicating at least one of wall motion information and volume information related to the cardiac ventricle. The processing circuitry calculates, based on a result of the estimation, annulus information related to the size or shape of an annulus position of a valve related to inflow or outflow of blood current at the cardiac ventricle. The processing circuitry outputs the cardiac ventricle information and the annulus information.

Abstract: A 3D echocardiography probe (20) (e.g., a 3D transesophageal echocardiography probe or a 3D intracardiac echocardiography probe) can be adapted into a 3D laparoscopic ultrasound probe (10a) for laparoscopic procedures. The 3D echocardiography probe includes a flexible shaft (22d, 22p) to which a laparoscopic adapter (30a) can be coupled. The laparoscopic adapter comprises a laparoscopic sleeve (31) configured to partially encircle a portion of the flexible shaft of the 3D echocardiography probe and a probe handle (33a) mountable to the laparoscopic sleeve (31).

Abstract: An ultrasound signal processor uses an excitation generator to cause displacement of a tympanic membrane while a series of ultrasound pulses are applied to the tympanic membrane. Phase differences between a transmitted signal and received signal are examined to determine the movement of the tympanic membrane in response to the applied excitation. An examination of the phase response of the tympanic membrane provides a determination as to whether the fluid type behind the tympanic membrane is one of: no fluid, serum fluid, or purulent fluid.

Abstract: A mounting device for reversibly mounting at least one electromagnetic field generator on an ultrasonic probe for orientating the electromagnetic field generator with respect to the ultrasonic probe in at least one mounting position is disclosed. The mounting device comprises at least one first fastening structure. The mounting device is connectable to the electro-magnetic field generator via the first fastening structure.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for an enhanced ultrasound system. A system may include an ultrasound probe. The system may include processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe. The system may also include an AR device receiving image information from the processing circuitry and displaying one or more ultrasound images from the ultrasound probe in a field of view of an operator.

Abstract: A gel application system includes an applicator body having a first surface, a second surface and at least one opening extending through the applicator body from the first surface to the second surface. At least one gel packet is attached to the first surface of the applicator and defines an interior volume containing gel. The interior volume of the gel packet is in fluid flow communication with the at least one opening. The at least one gel packet is made of a material that has sufficient flexibility to allow a user to squeeze and compress the interior volume and expel gel through the at least one opening, by applying a compression force on the gel packet.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes: a tube; a transducer cable which is fixed to an end portion side of the tube and close to an outer periphery of the tube; a plurality of piezoelectric elements which are arranged along a circumferential direction surrounding a central axis of the tube to face an outer peripheral surface of the tube, each piezoelectric element being configured to output an ultrasound wave according to an electric signal input from the transducer cable, and convert an ultrasound wave input from an external portion into an electric signal; and a plurality of relays which are electrically connected respectively to a plurality of signal lines included in the transducer cable and the plurality of piezoelectric elements, the relays being configured to relay the plurality of signal lines and the plurality of piezoelectric elements.