Abstract: Using three-dimensional mapping images at different time phases obtained by mapping motion information, a peak value of motion information in a local region is retrieved in each of the time phases. On the basis of the result, a locus line or the like indicative of fluctuations with time in the local peak region is generated and displayed so as to be, for example, superimposed on a mapping image. By observing the locus line on the mapping image displayed, the observer can directly grasp the state of the space-time propagation of mechanical excitement of the heart.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time, image-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) targeting and treatment of tissue. In one embodiment, the system includes an HIFU applicator and a user interface with a touchscreen display for three-dimensional visualization of the tissue. Image frames displayed on the user interface depict real-time images of the tissue, including an image parallel to a feature of the applicator and an image orthogonal to the parallel image. Reference lines may be sketched using the touchscreen and displayed on the image frames. In one embodiment, tissue boundaries are detected and marked on the image frames, either by the user or automatically by the system. In another embodiment, the user interface includes a footswitch for the user to interact with the system. In another embodiment, the system includes an ultrasound imaging component configured to undock from the system for use as a stand-alone ultrasound imaging device.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasound transducers which perform transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves toward a target site of a subject containing a puncture needle. A method of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave uses the ultrasound transducers. The apparatus and the method form an ultrasonic beam to be transmitted from a transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers, acquire information relating to a specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam in the puncture needle, set a first receive aperture different from the transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers on the basis of the information relating to the specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam, and process an ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasound transducers using the first receive aperture.

Abstract: In this breast thickness measurement device and breast thickness measurement method, radiation is radiated from a plurality of different angles to a breast that is in a compressed state, a plurality of image data are generated by means of a radiation detector, and a plurality of tomographic images are generated by reconfiguring on the basis of each image datum after same has been generated. In each tomographic image, the thickness of the compressed breast is calculated on the basis of a tomographic image in which the focal point matches a first marker and a tomographic image in which the focal point matches a second marker.

Abstract: In tomographic image data, a reference region-setting unit (30) sets a body reference region for the body of a fetus and sets a cardiac reference region for the heart of the fetus. A body shift analysis unit (50) analyzes the movement of the fetus' body in the tomographic image data using the body reference region and obtains body shift information. A cardiac motion analysis unit (60) analyzes the movement of the fetus' heart in the tomographic image data using the cardiac reference region and obtains cardiac motion information. Once body shift information and cardiac motion information are obtained in this manner, a pulse information-processing unit (70) obtains fetal pulse information on the basis of the cardiac motion information from which the body shift information has been subtracted. The pulse information obtained by the pulse information-processing unit (70) is displayed on the display unit (80).

Abstract: A portable electronic device (e.g., smart phone or tablet computer) is provided for generating and displaying images (e.g., 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional images) of an imaging target such as a human body. The portable electronic device may include imaging elements configured to receive radiation signals transmitted through and/or reflected by the imaging target, an imaging interface, and one or more processors. The portable electronic device may display what appears to be a window into the imaging target (e.g., a human body), and/or an exploded view (e.g., 3-dimensional, upwardly projected image) of the target. The generated image may be a real-time continuous image of the internal features of the target (e.g., a human body) that is updated to track movements of the target (e.g., breathing patterns) and the relative position of the portable electronic device as the portable electronic device moves relative to a surface of the target.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for correcting translational distortion in a medical image of a lumen of a biological structure. The method facilitates vessel visualization in intravascular images (e.g. IVUS, OCT) used to evaluate the cardiovascular health of a patient. Using the methods and systems described herein it is simpler for a provider to evaluate vascular imaging data, which is typically distorted due to cardiac vessel-catheter motion while the image was acquired.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasound probe which outputs transmission ultrasound toward a subject due to a pulse signal being input and which outputs a received signal by receiving reflected ultrasound from the subject and a transmission unit which makes the ultrasound probe generate the transmission ultrasound by outputting a pulse signal whose drive waveform is formed of rectangular waves. The transmission unit outputs pulse signals whose drive waveforms are asymmetric to each other on a same scanning line for a plurality of times with a time interval therebetween. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus further includes an image generation unit which combines received signals each of which obtained from the reflected ultrasound of the transmission ultrasound generated by each output of pulse signal and generates ultrasound image data on a basis of a composite received signal.

Abstract: A control part includes a transmission angle control unit that controls a transmission angle of ultrasonic waves transmitted from three ultrasonic arrays, a first reflected wave measuring unit that measures a first arrival time of a first reflected wave which is reflected by a blood vessel and is first to arrive at the ultrasonic arrays, a second reflected wave measuring unit that measures a second arrival time of a second reflected wave which arrives at the ultrasonic arrays after a predetermined time from the first arrival time, an outside diameter computation unit that computes an outside diameter of the blood vessel based on the first arrival time of three first reflected waves, and an inside diameter of the blood vessel computation unit that computes an inside diameter based on the second arrival time of three second reflected waves.

Abstract: Dosimetrical end-to-end quality assurance devices, systems, and methods for radiation devices using X-ray imaging, optical surface imaging, and electromagnetic navigational systems to position the quality assurance device either absolute or relative in space.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: a probe that transmits and receives ultrasound; a signal analysis unit that, when the probe scans a cross section of elevation direction of a blood vessel using ultrasound, detects a center scan line echo signal having passed through a center of the blood vessel among a plurality of scan line echo signals in the cross section of elevation direction of the blood vessel received by the probe, based on a part of each of the plurality of scan line echo signals that has a relatively small amplitude that corresponds to a reflected wave from a part of the blood vessel where blood flows; and an IMT measurement unit that computes an IMT from the center scan line echo signal. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of performing wide-range IMT measurements with few errors even when a blood vessel seen from a body surface is not linear.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for applying partition-based filters when coding video data. A device comprising at least one processor may be configured to implement the techniques. The processor selects a filter to apply near a boundary of a first portion of the video data and determines at least one of the plurality of filter coefficients of the selected filter for which the video data will not be available to be filtered. Based on the determination, the processor determines a partial filter that does not include the at least one of the plurality of filter coefficients for which the video data will not be available to be filtered. The processor renormalizes the plurality of filter coefficients included within the partial filter and applies the renormalized partial filter near the boundary of the first portion of the video data to generate a filtered first portion of the video data.

Abstract: The invention aims to give uniform and stable characteristics to a cMUT-cell array and to improve acoustic characteristics. To this end, a signal blocking section is additionally provided for cells 102 located in the outermost peripheral portion or at the end positions of a two-dimensional array 101 of cMUT cells that are designed and manufactured as ones usable as an ordinary transducer capable of transmission and reception of signals. The signal blocking section is provided to prevent the displacement and the vibration of the cells, and to block the transmission and the reception of signals.

Abstract: Method for automatically measuring a fetal artery, and in particular the abdominal aorta, which comprises a step for acquiring and storing a sequence cineloop of B-mode images of the fetal abdomen by means of an ultrasonographic device; a step for the approximate identification of the abdominal aorta, by means of a bank of directional filters obtaining an approximate image; a step for the fine identification for each image of said sequence, of the walls of the abdominal aorta, starting from the aforesaid approximate image by means of a calculation model based on the active contours obtaining sequences of segmented images; a step for measuring the diameter and/or the corresponding intima-media thickness of the fetal artery and in particular of the abdominal aorta, conducted at one or more segmented images.

Abstract: A portable imaging system is presented. The system includes at least a display panel. Further, the system includes a control panel, where the display panel and the control panel include a seamless form factor of a single unit box, and where the seamless form factor is configured to aid in cleaning the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a probe control method and apparatus and an ultrasound system which apply a mounting signal used to sense a mounting status of a probe, detect the mounting signal transferred through a cable, and automatically activate/deactivate the probe according to a change in a sensed mounting status.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating and outputting a masked parametric map that reflects parameters in a first parametric map and second parametric map. First and second parametric maps are generated, and then a masked parametric map that reflects parameters in the first and second parametric maps is generated. The first parametric map may be based upon portions of two optoacoustic images created using differing wavelengths of light. The first parametric map is reflective of areas within the volume of tissue that have a differing response to the longer wavelength light event compared to the shorter one. The second parametric map is reflective of areas within the volume of tissue that have a stronger response to the longer and shorter wavelength light events than the surrounding areas. A masked parametric map is output which is reflective of a combination of information in the first and second parametric maps.

Abstract: A biometric sensing system includes discrete ultrasonic transducers, a first electrode layer disposed over a first surface of the discrete ultrasonic transducers, and a second electrode layer disposed over a second surface of the discrete ultrasonic transducers. The first electrode layer includes discrete electrode members. Each discrete electrode member spans two or more discrete ultrasonic transducers. The second electrode layer includes discrete electrode elements, with a discrete electrode element disposed over the second surface of one ultrasonic transducer. Drive circuitry is operably connected to the first electrode layer, and readout circuitry is operably connected to the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A method of imaging a blood vessel includes delivering a bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel and positioning at least one ultrasound device in the vicinity of the bubble-based contrast agent within the vessel. A first burst of low-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered to excite the bubble-based contrast agent into oscillation within the vessel, and a second burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be delivered at the excited bubble-based contrast agent. A return signal from the burst of high-frequency ultrasound energy can be received and processed to obtain one or more images.

Abstract: Multiple language inputs may be provided to various applications programs and/or threads in a computer system. Such inputs may be directed to various software systems on the computer for further processing, wherein the software systems provide language-specific processing. Each application program and/or thread within an application program accessible by the computer may have a different selected input language. More specifically, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for this process may include: (a) determining an input language for a first application program accepting input through a computer; and (b) selecting at least one software system capable of accepting or operating on at least some of the input based, at least in part, on the input language determined for the first application program. In some examples, the input language of various software systems on the computer may be tied to the input language of another software system, such as the soft keyboard.

Abstract: A rapid range stacking for particle beam therapy includes a position and tracking module used for a patient position and locating a region of interest, and a scanning routine module used for targeting a target voxel within the region of interest by accessing a treatment plan characterization while providing a prescribed amount of dose to the target voxel. The scanning routine module determines a prescribed amount of dose for the target voxel by incrementing a position location of horizontal indexes on a single vertical index. Further, a beam delivery module used for controlling a beam device delivers ion particles to the target voxel within the region of interest. The beam delivery module controls a power supply for a horizontal magnet and a vertical magnet by retrieving information from the scanning routine module, and also controls a power supply for an accelerator energy selection.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes an impedance detecting section detecting an ultrasonic impedance value with time, and a gradual decrease detecting section detecting a gradual decrease start point to start gradual decrease of the ultrasonic impedance value. The ultrasonic treatment apparatus includes a tentative peak value holding section holding the ultrasonic impedance value at the detected gradual decrease start point as a tentative peak value, and a peak judging section judging whether the held tentative peak value is a target peak by comparing, relative to the held tentative peak value, changes with time of the ultrasonic impedance value after the gradual decrease start point.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic diagnostic device having a tilt function and turning function for a display panel, wherein a display housing provided with the display panel is supported on a main housing by a biaxial hinge mechanism in order to prevent damage or the like to each of the parts of the device. The biaxial hinge mechanism includes a tilt function for tilting the display housing about a horizontal tilt rotational shaft, and a turning function for turning the display housing about a vertical turning shaft. Provided to the tilt rotational shaft is a mechanism for restricting tilt rotation in the direction for closing the display housing in places other than a predetermined position in the direction of rotation of the turning shaft of the display housing, and releasing the restriction of the tilt rotation only at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A monitoring device (1) is provided for monitoring the presence of a skin piercing vascular access device, for example a needle (4), the monitoring device comprising: a mount having an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver therein; attachment means (3) for attaching the mount to a patient adjacent a vascular access point such that, in use, a vascular access device (4) entering the patient at the vascular access point, passes underneath a sensing section of the base; control electronics to monitor the signal received at the receiver, and wherein when the vascular access device is underneath said sensing section, ultrasound produced by said transmitter passes through the patient skin and is reflected by the patients body tissues and by the vascular access device (4), and when the vascular access device (4) is not underneath said sensing section, ultrasound produced by said transmitter passes through the patients skin and is reflected by the patients body tissue only, and wherein the control electron

Abstract: A device, method, and system for using an acoustic radiation force resulting from focused ultrasound energy in order to generate an internal force remotely and to measure quantitatively tissue elasticity in vivo and non-invasively.

Abstract: A method of detecting dislodgement of a navigational reference for a localization system includes securing a reference catheter, including at least one reference localization element, at an initial reference location within a localization field. The positions of one or more of the reference localization elements are monitored for a perceived displacement that suggests that the reference catheter has become dislodged from the initial reference location (e.g., a displacement above a certain threshold, such as about 4 mm). The direction of this perceived displacement may then be further analyzed (e.g., compared to a predicted or most likely direction of displacement) to determine whether there has been an actual dislodgement of the reference catheter, and, if so, an appropriate signal (e.g., an audible or visual warning) may be generated. Upon dislodgement, guidance may be provided to aid the practitioner in restoring the reference catheter to its initial location.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to reduce the consumption of a battery while appropriately performing operation in the case where an AC power source is disconnected and power supply is switched to the battery. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: an AC adapter connection detecting section (13) that detects whether the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is electrically connected with the AC power source; and a display section (10), wherein, when the AC adapter connection detecting section (13) detects that the AC power source is disconnected, power supply is switched to power supply from the battery (11), and an operation screen for controlling an amount of the power supply in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the display section (10).

Abstract: The quality of ping-based ultrasound imaging is dependent on the accuracy of information describing the precise acoustic position of transmitting and receiving transducer elements. Improving the quality of transducer element position data can substantially improve the quality of ping-based ultrasound images, particularly those obtained using a multiple aperture ultrasound imaging probe, i.e., a probe with a total aperture greater than any anticipated maximum coherent aperture width. Various systems and methods for calibrating element position data for a probe are described.

Abstract: A diagnosis image generating apparatus including a plurality of probes, the diagnosis image generating apparatus including at least one element included in each of the plurality of probes; a selecting unit which selects a probe from among the plurality of probes; and a diagnosis image generating unit which generates a diagnosis image of the object by using the selected probe.

Abstract: A noninvasive remote parameter sensor and sensing method is provided that is particularly suited for the remote monitoring of skin temperature. The sensor and sensing method utilize luminescence-based sensors that are non-toxic and non-irritating to the skin. The sensor preferably utilizes one or more types of fluorophores that are embedded in a soft hydrogel. The sensor is illuminated with excitation light, and temperature is monitored by detecting and analyzing the emission light from the fluorophores. Because a soft hydrogel is used, the sensor can be gently wiped off the skin at the conclusion of temperature measurements.

Abstract: A method of evaluating tissue stiffness of a target area includes positioning an ultrasound elasticity imaging apparatus adjacent a surface of an area of tissue where the target area is located and applying a dynamic range of force to the tissue. A plurality of ultrasound beams can be directed at the tissue and a plurality of ultrasound echoes can be acquired from the strained tissue in the target area to calculate an amount of developed strain within the target area.

Abstract: There is provided a specimen information acquisition apparatus that can obtain an image in which an influence of a local fluence distribution in a specimen is reduced. A signal processing apparatus includes a region extraction unit and an optical constant estimation unit. The region extraction unit extracts two or more regions that have a known absorption coefficient, from an optical characteristic value distribution of the specimen. The optical constant estimation unit estimates an optical constant of a background of the specimen by using optical characteristic values of the two or more regions extracted by the region extraction unit and a local fluence distribution obtained from an optical constant which is set in advance for the specimen background.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for determining and/or estimating a nearest neighbor to a data vector in a dataset are presented. Some embodiments redistribute data vectors between clusters based upon the character of the clusters to more evenly balance the computational load. Some embodiments employ Locality Sensitive Hashing (LSH) functions as part of the clustering and remove redundant data vectors from the data set to mitigate unbalanced computation. The disclosed embodiments may facilitate the analysis of very large and/or very high dimensional datasets with reasonable runtimes.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound apparatus and a method of inputting information into the ultrasound apparatus. The method includes receiving a selection of a control item of the ultrasound apparatus from a user via a control area included in the user input unit; displaying a control window for displaying the selected control item on a screen; adjusting a configuration value of the selected control item based on a touch operation of a touch input which is received via the control area.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquiring unit and a determination unit. The acquiring unit acquires information of a relative position between a radiographic space where a subject is radiographed by an X-ray diagnosis apparatus and a scanning space where the subject is scanned by an ultrasound probe. The determination unit determines a position almost the same as the position scanned by the ultrasound probe in the radiographic space, according to the information of the relative position acquired by the acquiring unit. The acquiring unit acquires the information of the relative position based on an X-ray image radiographed by the X-ray diagnosis apparatus.

Abstract: A combined imaging apparatus in which heterogeneous imaging devices are combined and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The combined imaging apparatus includes a photoacoustic imaging unit to irradiate an energy beam to a target part, an ultrasonic imaging unit to generate an ultrasonic wave, irradiate the ultrasonic wave to the target part, and collect an echo ultrasonic wave reflected from the target part to which the ultrasonic wave is irradiated or an ultrasonic wave generated from the target part in response to energy beam irradiation of the photoacoustic imaging unit. The ultrasonic imaging unit starts or stops operation according to an operation state of the photoacoustic imaging unit.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system having an enhanced user interface is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable ultrasound system can include a hand-held base unit configured to present a graphical user interface that contains a first control area, a second control area, and an active image area. The first control area can have a number of graphical tools that can each be selectively activated by a user's finger. The second control area can include a control area having plurality of controls that can be selectively activated by the user's thumb to select a tool property of a number of tool properties associated with the selected one of the graphical tools. The active image area can display an ultrasound image, and the selected one of the graphical tools can be overlaid onto the image with the user-selected tool property.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a display configured to display the images. The image acquisition component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition component.

Abstract: An arrangement is adapted to determine an estimate for mineral density related to a patient's first bone, wherein said first bone is associated with a femoral head, neck and/or a lumbar spine. The estimate determined by determining a first parameter, which is related to a property change in a measurement signal, most preferably an ultrasonic signal, launched towards some second bone of said patient other than the first bone after the measurement signal has been in interaction with said second bone. This is followed by determining an estimate for mineral density related to said patient's first bone by using said first parameter.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravascular imaging catheters and methods of making catheters for imaging systems. The invention provides a connector for an imaging catheter that includes a unitary body with very thin electrical contacts that are formed on the surface of the body. Due to the scale of the contacts, the connector operates essentially as a single unitary piece of material. Each of the leads may be less than about 100 ?m wide and less than about 8 ?m thick, and further the leads may be spaced apart by less than about 160 ?m.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. An embodiment delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, thereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. An embodiment can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a low-complexity transmitter architecture that drives phase modulators with digital signals to generate a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal that is transmitted by an antenna. In some embodiments, the system has a pre-processing element that generates first and second digital control signals from a digital baseband signal. A first phase modulation component introduces a first phase shift into a first local oscillator signal based upon the first control signal and generates a first digital signal corresponding to the first phase shift. A second phase modulation component introduces a second phase shift into the first local oscillator signal based upon the second control signal and generates a second digital signal corresponding to the second phase shift. A combination element is configured to combine the first and second digital output signals to generate an RF pulse width modulated (RF-PWM) signal.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting air, a related system, and a related method are provided. The circuit for detecting air includes a receiver connection and an air-detection circuit. The receiver connection is configured to provide a receiver signal. The air-detection circuit is in operative communication with the receiver connection to process the receiver signal to generate a processed signal corresponding to detected air. The air-detection circuit includes one or more active-rectifying elements configured to actively rectify the receiver signal to provide the processed signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating sinograms by sampling transducers acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume after a pulse of light, each transducer being associated with a channel in an optoacoustic imaging system, and processing at least two multi-channel sinograms, each corresponding to a different one of the at least two different predominant wavelengths, to create at least two processed sinograms. The processing step includes a step of sub-band acoustic compensation. Image reconstruction is performed based upon the processed sinograms to generate at least two optoacoustic images. Image post processing is performed on the optoacoustic images to generate post-processed images. A parametric map is generated based upon information contained in the post-processed images, and an ultrasound image is generated using the transducers. The parametric map and the ultrasound image are co-registered and a co-registered image is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for detecting linguistic markers as signs and indicators of mental illness, even prior to onset of symptoms of the mental illness. The linguistic markers may be detected in diachronic analysis of writing or speech samples. In particular, the present invention may identify lexical and syntactic changes in language due to mental illness. To recognize such changes the present invention may utilize complete, fully parsed texts or speech representing a number of measures. The identification of markers may provide a means of detecting mental illness early on based on a person's use of language. The language may be presented as spontaneous speech or writing, and may include samples of speech and/or writing occurring over time.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for sensing coupling of an ultrasound source to a target and for providing a constant average output of power from an ultrasound source. The systems and methods can include a frequency sweep function. The systems and methods can also include receiving reflected energy from an acoustic window and determining a feedback using the reflected energy. The systems and methods can also include comparing the feedback with a threshold level and using the comparison to determine if the ultrasound source is coupled with a target.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has a control panel formed of a top glass plate with control area graphics screened onto the bottom surface of the glass plate. Capacitive foils are attached to the are of the screened graphics, enabling a user control to be capacitively selected by touching the top surface above the screened graphics. Each control area is selectively back-illuminated by a diffuser frame with light pipes fastened below the glass plate. LEDs for illumination are mounted on a printed circuit board fastened to the diffuser frame, which are controlled by the printed circuit board. Different groups of user controls are illuminated in accordance with the context of the operating mode or imaging procedure being performed so that only needed control are illuminated while unneeded controls are invisible to the user. All of the controls can be extinguished and de-activated so that the top surface of the control panel can be cleaned without randomly activating the controls of the control panel.

Abstract: An inventive ultrasound diagnostic device is provided, which can display information on the temperature rise in a biological object under ultrasound radiation for measurement of a shear elasticity of a biological tissue of interest, thereby drawing attention of an examiner of the device and enabling him to retain the temperature rise within a predetermined safe range while performing the shear elasticity measurement. The device is adapted to measure the shear elasticity of a tissue by ultrasonic waves emitted from a probe. The device has a calculation unit configured to calculate a rise in temperature of the biological tissue irradiated with a focused ultrasonic (US) beam, and a display unit configured to display the temperature information obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the location of target regions in imaging applications are generally described. Certain embodiments relate to devices and/or methods for image-guided identification of suitable regions at which to insert needles, catheters, and the like. Such systems and methods can be used in association with a variety of imaging technologies, including ultrasound imaging. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used in association with hand-held ultrasound imaging devices.