Abstract: A laryngeal elevation measurement device is provided that includes first and second displacement sensors and a control unit. The first displacement sensor is attachable to a neck of a test subject. The second displacement sensor 22 attachable to a site that is part of the neck of the test subject and that is located at a predetermined distance from the first displacement sensor. The control unit acquires the displacement amounts of the first and second displacement sensors. The control unit estimates positional changes of the laryngeal prominence of the test subject based on changes over time in the displacement amount of the first displacement sensor and changes over time in the displacement amount of the second displacement sensor, and the predetermined distance. The control unit outputs a result of estimation.

Abstract: A bioanalysis system includes: an acquisition unit that obtains a plurality of two-dimensional data with different depths in a skin of a living body; a position identification unit that identifies a position of a pore part in the skin of the living body from at least one of the plurality of two-dimensional data; an extraction unit that extracts a diameter of the pore part from each of the plurality of two-dimensional data; and a type identification unit that identifies a type of the pore part, on the basis of the diameter of the pore part. According to such a bioanalysis system, it is possible to properly identify the position and the type of the pore part in the skin of the living body.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of determining a personalized skincare recommendation is provided. A computing system receives data depicting a face of a subject. The computing system determines features based on the data depicting the face of the subject. The computing system provides the features to an ageotype classifier to generate a predicted skin ageotype for the subject. The computing system generates the personalized skincare recommendation based on at least the predicted skin ageotype.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for determining anthropological type of a user is provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for measuring a periodontal condition can include generating or obtaining radiograph data for a tooth and a respective bone structure, generating or obtaining surface data for the tooth, the surface data including surface information of a gum tissue associated with the tooth, and combining the radiograph data and the surface data such that a feature of the tooth in the radiograph data substantially matches with a corresponding feature of the tooth in the surface data. The method can further include calculating a periodontal parameter from the combination of the radiograph data and the surface data, with the periodontal parameter being indicative of the periodontal condition.

Abstract: A speech analysis system that can accurately determine whether a predetermined sound in a spoken work has been correctly pronounced. The speech analysis system includes a machine learning algorithm that has been trained to consider temporal and spectral information about the frame-by-frame components of a target sound. The speech analysis system is personalized based on previous therapy recordings for a speaker's specific error and correct/mispronounced exemplars from speakers with matched vocal tracts. The speech analysis system may be integrated into an adaptive therapy program, such as Speech Motor Chaining, to provide an assessment of proper speech and personalized biofeedback in the place of a live clinician.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for quantitatively determining a clinical parameter which is indicative of the status or progression of a disease, comprises: providing a distal motor test to a user of a mobile device, the mobile device having a touchscreen display, wherein providing the distal motor test to the user of the mobile device comprises: causing the touchscreen display of the mobile device to display a test image; receiving an input from the touchscreen display of the mobile device, the input indicative of an attempt by a user to place a first finger on a first point in the test image and a second finger on a second point in the test image, and to pinch the first finger and the second finger together, thereby bringing the first point and the second point together; and extracting digital biomarker feature data from the received input wherein, either: (i) the extracted digital biomarker feature data is the clinical parameter, or (ii) the method further comprises calculating the clinical parameter from t

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for determining a personalized circadian rhythm identification and prediction from wearable data comprising: obtaining or having obtained data from one or more wearable devices during one or more daytime and nighttime cycles; using a processor and a machine learning algorithm comprising: determining a daytime threshold and a nighttime threshold from the data obtained during the one or more daytime and nighttime cycles by: temporally segmenting the data; identifying one or more daytime and nighttime boundary by: selecting from at least one of physical activity, heart rate, or sleep status data; temporally segmenting the physical activity, heart rate, or sleep status data to establish a circadian rhythm; using at least one of a 2-mean, 5-mean, or K-nearest neighbor algorithm to determine the one or more daytime and sleeptime boundaries; and identifying and predicting the personalized circadian rhythm.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting food intake events from wearable devices. The system comprises a signal bank to store physiological digital data signals collected via a wearable device comprising at least one sensor to sense at least one physiological parameter of a user. The system comprises a preprocessor module to process the physiological digital data signals stored on the data signal bank and to create a descriptive representation of the sensed at least one physiological parameter. The system also comprises a feature extractor module, with two parallel function modes, comprising features that are automatically learned while others are analytically derived from the descriptive representation. Thus, the feature extractor is configured to select at least one of the modes. The system also comprises a probability estimator module to determine whether a food intake event of the user occurs based on the extracted features.

Abstract: A system for tracking the location of an anatomical structure, the system comprising: a J-bar and electrical lead assembly comprising: a J-bar comprising a tracker, a distal electrical connector formed on the tracker, and at least one mount for mounting the tracker to tissue, wherein the tracker is configured to provide a signal representative of the position of the tracker when the tracker is supplied with electrical power; an expandable basket configured to assume (i) a radially-reduced profile when the expandable basket is radially constricted, and (ii) a radially-expanded profile when the expandable basket is not radially constricted, the expandable basket further comprising a distal electrical connector; and an electrical lead extending distally between the J-bar and the expandable basket, the electrical lead being electrically connected to (i) the distal electrical connector formed on the tracker, and (ii) the distal electrical connector of the expandable basket.

Abstract: A smart bra enables optical detection of abnormal breast tissue. A cup on the bra has an inelastic portion which is closer to a person's chest wall and an elastic portion which is farther from the chest wall. Light from light emitters on one side of the cup is transmitted through a breast to light receivers on the other side of the cup. Changes in this light caused by interaction with tissue are analyzed to detect abnormal breast tissue. Expandable chambers in the cup gently compress the breast to improve optical scanning.

Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) includes one or more sensing circuits configured to sense one or more physiological characteristics and to generate physiological data indicative of the one or more physiological characteristics. An input is configured to receive a trigger. Responsive to receiving the trigger, a continuous data collection mode (CDCM) comprising a predetermined sampling rate is enabled. Physiological data is continuously generated. The physiological data is continuously stored in a buffer memory at the predetermined sampling rate for a duration of a collection session associated with the CDCM. The amount of data stored in the buffer memory during the collection session, including the physiological data, exceeds a capacity of the buffer memory. Connect and transmit operations are performed at a periodic communication interval during the collection session to connect with the external device and transmit at least a portion of the physiological data stored in the buffer memory.

Abstract: An physiological measurement device provides a device body having a base, legs extending from the base and an optical housing disposed at ends of the legs opposite the base. An optical assembly is disposed in the housing. The device body is flexed so as to position the housing over a tissue site. The device body is unflexed so as to attach the housing to the tissue site and position the optical assembly to illuminate the tissue site. The optical assembly is configured to transmit optical radiation into tissue site tissue and receive the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a bedding sensor including a detector that detects vital signs information of a subject on bedding and an accommodation portion that accommodates the detector, and an information processing device configured to process the detected vital signs information and capable of being in an attached state in which the information processing device is attached to the bedding sensor and a separated state in which the information processing device is separated from the bedding sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for confirming cardiac events based on heart sounds. An implantable medical device includes a sensing component configured to acquire a signal, and a processing component communicatively coupled to the sensing component, the processing component configured to receive the signal from the sensing component, analyze the received signal to detect the presence or absence of at least one heart sound, and confirm whether an initial detection of a cardiac event is accurate based on the detected presence or absence of the at least one heart sound.

Abstract: A user feature value measurement method includes: generating training data of at least one user that by acquiring standard feature values and measurement feature data input multiple times by the user, wherein the training data of each user comprises a standard feature value set and a measurement feature data set; training a data calculation model of each user based on the training data; acquiring current feature data of a target user, and determining a data calculation model of the target user according to the current feature data and the measurement feature data set; and calculating a user feature value of the target user based on the current feature data and the data calculation model of the target user.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods for predicting an onset of a seizure by identifying a pro-octal state in advance of the seizure, potentially hours prior to seizure onset. One such method comprise acquiring, by a computing device, electroencephalography (EEG)-based features from brain activity electrical recordings of an individual; inputting, by the computing device, the EEG-based features into a deep neural network-based classifier; classifying, by the computing device using the deep neural network-based classifier, the EEG-based features to a real-valued principal dimension; and/or based on a value of the real-valued principal dimension, generating, by the computing device, a prediction of a seizure onset pro-ictal event.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that enable an electronic device to instruct as user how to user one or more noninvasive sensors to measure one or more physiological parameters of a patient. In one embodiment, the measured parameters are used to obtain a diagnosis, such as a diagnosis of a critical congenital heart defect.

Abstract: A system measures performance activity of a user using a motion capture device, such as one or more knee sleeves each a plurality of inertial-measurement unit. Captured motion characteristic data is classified against previously captured data and then mapped to particular audio effects, which are then altered in different ways depending on the classification and provided the user. The audio feedback works to improve the user's performance of the activity by changing between negative and positive feedback depending on the user's performance. The system regularly measures the motion capture data, altering audio effects provided to the user, until the user reaches an improvement goal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an energy integrating type detector, a time data generation circuit, and a projection data generation unit. The X-ray tube emits X-rays. The energy integrating type detector has a plurality of detector units arrayed in a channel direction that accumulate electric charges corresponding to X-rays transmitted through an object. The time data generation circuit generates time data at a timing when the electric charges accumulated in the detector reach a predetermined threshold. The projection data generation unit generates projection data using the time data and energy corresponding to the threshold.

Abstract: An anatomic positioning device is described. The anatomic positioning device includes a shoulder member, a handle, and two supports disposed between the shoulder member and the handle to connect the shoulder member to the handle.

Abstract: A method for collision avoidance when positioning a medical imaging device and a patient positioning apparatus includes capturing a representation of an examination object, identifying an examination region based on representation, and identifying an initial acquisition trajectory around an initial isocenter, which enables a 3D reconstruction of the examination region. The imaging device and/or the patient positioning apparatus is positioned such that an isocenter of the medical imaging device coincides with the initial isocenter. A further acquisition trajectory is identified around one further isocenter, which enables a collision-free positioning of the imaging device and a 3D reconstruction of the examination region. The further isocenter specifies a permissible range for relative positionings of the imaging device and the patient positioning apparatus. The imaging device and/or the patient positioning apparatus is repositioned. Repositioning is limited to a permissible range of relative positionings.

Abstract: Multiple x-ray images of a skeletal portion are acquired, from which 3D image data of the skeletal portion is generated. First and second x-ray images of a tool and the skeletal portion are acquired from respective first and second views, the first and second views each being similar to a view of one of the multiple x-ray images. During the acquisition of the multiple images the tool was (i) not visible in the multiple images, or (ii) disposed at a different location than the location in which the tool is disposed during the acquisition of the first and second images. A computer processor registers the first and second images to the 3D image data, identifies a location of the tool within the first and second images, and determines the location of the tool with respect to the 3D image data. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A mobile imaging system or mini C-arm with a variable aperture assembly is disclosed. The mini C-arm includes a detector and a moveable source. The aperture assembly being operatively coupled to the moveable source. The aperture assembly including a plurality of independently controllable blades such as, for example, first, second, third, and fourth blades, to define a variable aperture through which an X-ray beam is passed from the source to the detector. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of blades is independently controlled. In one embodiment, the aperture assembly includes a PCB sensor aligned with the plurality of blades for detecting a position of each of the plurality of the blades.

Abstract: A radiation detector obtained by arranging a plurality of pixels on a semiconductor substrate configured to convert incident radiation into charges is provided. The plurality of pixels comprise a first pixel arranged along an outer edge of the semiconductor substrate and a second pixel arranged closer to a center of the semiconductor substrate than the first pixel. The first pixel comprises a plurality of first electrodes on a principal surface of the semiconductor substrate, the second pixel comprises a second electrode on the principal surface, and an area of the second electrode is larger than an area of each of the plurality of first electrodes. A plurality of capacitors configured to accumulate signals generated by the plurality of pixels are further comprised so that one capacitor is connected in correspondence with each of the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray detector of photon counting type including a plurality of detection elements and a voltage supply device configured to supply the detection elements with a voltage for reading out electric charges accumulated in the detection elements irradiated with X-rays; and processing circuitry configured to identify a target element from among the detection elements based on information acquired in advance, the target element causing a large current to flow through a circuit between the target element and the voltage supply device and compensate for a change of the voltage supplied from the voltage supply device to the target element.

Abstract: A system includes an x-ray source configured to emit an x-ray beam along a beam path and through an object arranged for inspection in a field of view of the x-ray source; and an object grating, an analyzer grating, a detector grating, and a detector arranged with respect to each other in the field of view, wherein the object grating includes object grating elements arranged in a first pattern, the detector grating includes detector grating elements arranged in a second pattern that is separable from the first pattern, and the analyzer grating includes analyzer grating elements that are arranged to correspond to a combination of the first pattern and second pattern, wherein the analyzer grating, and/or the object grating and detector grating, are configured to move relative to each other to different phase positions, and wherein the detector is configured to collect indirect moiré image data of the object at the different phase positions.

Abstract: Medical imaging devices, systems, and methods thereof. The medical imaging system may include a movable station and a gantry. The movable station includes a gantry mount rotatably attached to the gantry. The gantry includes an outer C-arm slidably mounted to and operable to slide relative to the gantry mount, an inner C-arm slidably coupled to the outer C-arm and, an imaging signal transmitter and sensor attached to the C-arms. The two C-arms work together to provide a full 360 degree rotation of the imaging signal transmitter. In embodiment, the imaging signal transmitter and imaging sensor are offset from a center axis of the medical imaging system such that the portable medical imaging system is operable to capture an enlarged field of view.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. More than one projection may be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an imaging agent comprising a detectable moiety covalently bound or coordinated to a “Moiety A” selected from a peptide, a chelator, or an organic compound comprising a leaving atom or a leaving group that can be substituted with a radioisotope. “Moiety A” is covalently bound to a flexible linker which is further covalently bound to a polypeptide of between 2 and 20 glycine-proline-hydroxyproline repeats. In certain embodiments, the detectable moiety comprises a radioisotope or metal. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of using the imaging agents of the present disclosure to detect collagen turnover in a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for X-Ray CT scanning of an object, such as a dental item. The apparatus includes a line array detector, such as a time-delay integration (TDI) camera. The sample to be imaged is positioned between the x-ray source and the detector. In operation, X-rays from the x-ray source are collimated into a wedge-shaped beam, which is then passed through the sample as the detector reciprocates along an arc to generate a plurality of line images. A first subset of the plurality of line images are assembled into a first 2D image, after which an nth subset of the plurality of line images are assembled into an nth 2D image, wherein a total number of subsets and corresponding 2D images is more than 2. The corresponding 2D images are processed into a 3D volumetric representation of the sample.

Abstract: An example computer-implemented method for identifying a heart condition in a non-human subject includes receiving a medical image of the non-human subject, determining by a processor executing a first machine-learning logic and based on the medical image a dimensional feature of a heart of the non-human subject, displaying the dimensional feature of the heart on a graphical user interface, receiving medical information associated with the non-human subject on the graphical user interface, determining by the processor executing a second machine-learning logic and based on the medical information and the dimensional feature of the heart a likelihood of a heart disease, and displaying the likelihood of the heart disease on the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A conversion device is operable to perform a learning-based method of generating a synthetic electron density image (sCT) of an anatomical portion based on one or more magnetic resonance (MR) images. The method is processing-efficient and capable of producing highly accurate sCT images irrespective of misalignment in the underlying training set. The conversion device receives and installs a machine-learning model trained to predict coefficients of an image transfer function. The conversion device then receives a current set of MR images of the anatomical portion, computes current coefficients of the image transfer function by operating the machine-learning model on the current set of MR images, and computes a current sCT image of the anatomical portion by operating the current coefficients, in accordance with the image transfer function, on the current set of MR images.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to: acquire a synthesized two-dimensional image including information in a depth direction of a breast, the synthesized two-dimensional image being a composite image obtained by synthesizing a plurality of radiation images of the breast imaged in a compression state by a compression member; display the synthesized two-dimensional image; acquire position information indicating a position in the displayed synthesized two-dimensional image; acquire a plurality of ultrasound images of the breast imaged in a compression state by the compression member, the compression state which is considered to be the same as that in capturing the radiation image; and display an ultrasound image for display according to the plurality of ultrasound images with depth information indicating a depth of the breast corresponding to the position indicated by the position information added thereto.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for preparing a computed tomography scan of a subject, the method comprising: receiving scan-related information including subject-related information; automatically adapting at least two imaging parameters based on seeking to optimize image quality via an optimization function, wherein the optimization function includes the scan-related information as at least one constant and the imaging parameters as variables to be optimized, and wherein optimizing image quality includes reducing scan artifacts of the computed tomography scan; and providing the adapted imaging parameters.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured: to acquire nuclear medicine data by scanning an examined subject; to specify timing of a body movement of the examined subject during the acquisition of the nuclear medicine data; and to extend an acquisition period of the scan on the basis of the timing.

Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment is an X-ray detector of photon counting type including a plurality of detection elements and a voltage supply device configured to supply the detection elements with a voltage for reading out electric charges accumulated in the detection elements irradiated with X-rays, and the X-ray detector includes processing circuitry configured to: identify target elements from among the detection elements based on information that is acquired during a CT scan using the X-ray detector, each of the target elements causing a large current to flow through a circuit between the target element and the voltage supply device; and stop voltage supply from the voltage supply device to at least some of the target elements.

Abstract: A system (SYS) and related method for facilitating collimator adjustment in X-ray imaging or a radiation therapy delivery. The system comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving input data including i) an input image and/or ii) user input data including a partial collimator setting for a collimator (COL) of an X-ray imaging apparatus (IA). A collimator setting estimator (CSE) of the system computes a complemented collimator setting for the collimator based the input data. Preferably, the system uses machine learning.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including: an imaging table having an imaging surface on which at least one marker is disposed; a compression member for putting a breast disposed on the imaging surface into a compressed state; and an ultrasound probe that obtains an ultrasound image of the breast put into the compressed state by the compression member.

Abstract: According to certain described aspects, an acoustic sensor is employed in a variety of beneficial ways to provide improved physiological monitoring, among other advantages. In various embodiments, the acoustic sensor may include an attachment sub-assembly including a deformable portion that enables improved coupling to a patient. Additionally, the acoustic sensor may include an adhesive layer that, in combination with the deformable portion, enables even, robust, and secure attachment of the sensor to the patient. In various embodiments, an acoustic coupler having a semi-spherical shape is provided to further improve coupling of acoustic signals from the patient to the sensor.

Abstract: Discloses herein is an electronic stethoscope, including a connector, wherein a membrane type auscultation head is in threaded connection with one end of the connector, a piezoelectric sheet is fixedly mounted in the membrane type auscultation head, a grip is in threaded connection with the other end of the connector, a circuit board is clamped in the grip, the circuit board is electrically connected to the membrane type auscultation head, a storage battery is electrically connected to one side of the circuit board, the storage battery is clamped in the grip, a microswitch and a loudspeaker are mounted on the other side of the circuit board in an electrically connected manner, a main silicone key body is clamped in the grip, and the main silicone key body is attached to the microswitch.

Abstract: Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) systems and methods are disclosed that measure a blood pressure, and in some examples a beat-to-beat blood pressure, of a patient without restricting blood flow. The NIBP systems determine an efficacy of administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to the patient based on the measured blood pressure and are able to optionally output the CPR efficacy or generate user prompts based on the CPR efficacy. Further, the disclosed NIBP systems can generate user instructions to administer further treatment to the patient based on the CPR efficacy.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an imaging table having an imaging surface; a compression member for putting a breast disposed on the imaging surface into a compressed state; an ultrasound unit that captures an ultrasound image of the breast put into the compressed state by the compression member, from an upper surface side of the compression member opposite to a contact surface with the breast; a first drive mechanism that moves the ultrasound unit between at least two states of an approach state in which the ultrasound unit approaches an upper surface, and a separation state in which the ultrasound unit is separated from the upper surface as compared to the approach state; and a second drive mechanism that moves the ultrasound unit put into the separation state by the first drive mechanism, in a plane direction of the upper surface.

Abstract: A control apparatus including: at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: acquire, in an order of time, for an ultrasound unit that captures an ultrasound image of a breast put into a compressed state by a compression member, is disposed on an upper surface side of the compression member opposite to a contact surface with the breast, and has an in-plane position in a plane direction of an upper surface and a height from the upper surface, which are changeable, height information indicating the height from the upper surface; determine whether or not the height indicated by the height information satisfies a predetermined condition; and specify, in a case in which an affirmative determination is made, a first position that is the in-plane position of the ultrasound unit in a predetermined period including a point in time at which the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for anatomy-directed ultrasound are described. In some implementations, an anatomy-directed ultrasound system generates ultrasound data from an ultrasound scan of an anatomy, which is a bodily structure of an organism (e.g., human or animal). The system identifies organs represented in the ultrasound data and information associated with the organs including position and type of organ. Using this information, the system obtains or generates new ultrasound data that includes a region in which an item of interest is likely to be located. For example, the system can crop the original ultrasound data, refocus the ultrasound scan (e.g., by adjusting imaging parameters) to image the region that is likely to include the item of interest, or generate a weight map indicating the region. The anatomy-directed ultrasound system can increase accuracy and reduce the number of false positives in comparison to the number detected by conventional ultrasound systems.

Abstract: A tissue resection system and a method for determining a cutting parameter, the method comprising the following steps: acquiring a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of a target tissue; slicing the three-dimensional ultrasonic image to form a series of two-dimensional slice images, according to a preset step size; determining contour information the two-dimensional slice images; and calculating a cutting parameter on the basis of the determined contour information comprising contour information of an ablation tool and contour information of the target tissue, the cutting parameter comprising at least one of: a cutting position parameter (L), a cutting depth parameter (R), and a cutting angle parameter (?). Therefore, a cutting parameter can be calculated more efficiently, and a more reasonable and larger cutting range can be planned more precisely, thus resection efficiency, the resection area, and safety are all achieved.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for evaluating a subject for a liver disease using ultrasound images. In one example, a method includes, in response to a request to evaluate the liver disease, determining, with a measurement model, that a selected medical image frame of the subject includes a target anatomical view and has an image quality above a threshold image quality, and in response, measuring, with the measurement model, a marker for the liver disease in the selected medical image, and outputting, for display on a display device, the measurement of the marker.

Abstract: A control apparatus including at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: specify a first region of interest of a breast put into a compressed state between an imaging table and a compression member; perform control of rotating at least the compression member while the breast is put into the compressed state so that the first region of interest approaches the compression member; and perform control of capturing an ultrasound image of the first region of interest via the rotated compression member.

Abstract: A method of making a disposable ultrasound transducer interface pad includes forming a flexible, impermeable substrate layer having a first side and an opposing second side; applying a first hydrophilic material to the first side of the impermeable substrate layer to form a first hydrophilic layer, wherein the first hydrophilic material is configured to be activatable to provide an acoustic coupling between a patient and an ultrasound transducer; and curing the first hydrophilic layer to form a continuous first hydrophilic layer on the first surface of the impermeable substrate layer.

Abstract: A disposable ultrasound transducer interface pad configured to adhere to at least one of an operational portion of an ultrasound transducer or a skin surface of a patient, includes an impermeable substrate layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first hydrophilic coating layer is applied to the first surface of the impermeable substrate layer. The first hydrophilic coating layer is activatable to provide an acoustic coupling interface between the ultrasound transducer and the patient. An adhesive layer is formed on the second surface of the impermeable substrate layer and configured to adhere to the operational portion of the ultrasound transducer or the skin surface of the patient.