Abstract: A normal vector on a regression plane in a reference time phase in a three-dimensional space is defined with regard to a moving tissue typified by a myocardial wall. Orthogonal projection vectors on the regression plane at each vertex (Pij(t)) in each time phase are calculated by using the normal vector on the regression plane, and the angle defined by the orthogonal projection vectors is calculated, thereby acquiring a local rotational angle at each vertex (Pij(t)) in each time phase relative to the reference time phase.

Abstract: An imaging method using shear waves for observing a viscoelastic medium, comprising: several successive excitation steps j during which elastic shear waves are generated respectively at different excitation loci (Lj) in the viscoelastic medium by an imaging device, the different excitation loci being separated from one another by a maximum distance Dm, an imaging step corresponding to each excitation step j, in which a set j of successive raw images Imj(tk) of the viscoelastic medium at times tk are determined during propagation of the shear wave, the raw images having a resolution R which is larger than the maximum distance Dm, an averaging step in which raw images Imj(tk) corresponding to the same relative time tk are averaged to determine an average image Im?(tk).

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods (i.e., utilities) that are directed to correcting misalignments or offsets between a series or sequence of medical images. The utility corrects offsets between a series of medical images obtained where an imaging device (e.g., ultrasound probe) is supported by a positioning mechanism where there is misalignment between an imaging axis or other reference point of the imaging device and the axis of movement of the positioning device. The determination of this offset between these axis allows for calculating a transformation that allows for placing each of the series images into a common frame of reference.

Abstract: A sensor attachment for use with three dimensional ultrasound mapping devices is presented. According to the invention, one or more sensors are attached to specific locations on the body, such as the nipple and sternum, the inventive sensor attachments enabling accurate recording of target information, including location and size; the present invention especially helpful in subsequent and comparative examinations. A method of use is also presented.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a console and a key pad. The console includes a two dimensional display region having a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension, wherein the horizontal dimension is smaller than the vertical dimension. The display region includes an upper portion configured to display image data and a lower portion configured to display, concurrently with displaying the image data in the upper portion, a touch screen menu including a set of soft controls that are respectively configured to control a secondary set of ultrasound imaging functions. The key pad includes a set of physical controls that are respectively configured to control a primary set of ultrasound imaging functions, wherein the key pad has a width that is less than a width of the console. In one embodiment, the key pad is hermetically sealed, and is easily cleanable, disinfectable and/or sterilizable.

Abstract: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of producing a three-dimensional image of an object for an organ region within a range of elasticity values desired by an operator and allowing the operator to recognize the region easily, elasticity value data included in a desired elasticity value range among elasticity value data constituting a volume data are selected and rendered. Whereby, a three-dimensional elasticity image in the set elasticity value range is produced. An area corresponding to the elasticity value range is displayed on at least one of a two-dimensional elasticity image and a section image.

Abstract: An imaging part transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected waves from the subject, thereby acquiring plural volume data of the subject. A specifying part specifies a surface site included in a face corresponding to the surface of the subject, in each of the plural volume data. A synthesizer executes position matching of the subject shown in each of the plural volume data. The synthesizer couples the plural volume data after position matching, and couples the respective surface sites specified in the respective volume data, thereby generating synthesized volume data. Based on the synthesized volume data, an image generator generates morphology image data showing the morphology of the subject and surface image data showing the coupled surface sites. A display controller controls a display to display a morphology image based on the morphology image data and a surface image based on the surface image data.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: The disclosed anesthesia systems provide an integrated, extendable clinical center and clinician/anesthesia office that accommodates for physical separation of clinical and clerical functions. The disclosed anesthesia systems allow for a portion of the system to be brought closer to the patient such that clinical controls can be accessed while tending to the patient airway, without compromising office space available to the clinician or crowding the patient area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an ultrasonic image are provided. The apparatus includes a transceiver configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object, and receive an echo signal. The apparatus further includes a beam former configured to perform beamforming on the received echo signal to generate image data. The apparatus further includes a point spread function (PSF) estimator configured to update a PSF of the ultrasonic signal at each multiscale level to update the image data.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging apparatus and method are provided. The diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect a lesion from a medical image, an interpretation unit configured to acquire a shape feature value by interpreting a shape of the detected lesion in a frequency domain, and a diagnosis unit configured to determine whether the detected lesion is benign or malignant based on the acquired shape feature value.

Abstract: Steered spatial compounding is provided in ultrasound imaging. Component frames of data associated with different spatial response are processed to identify different sources of signals. Matched filtering and/or spatial variance with erosion distinguish between sources of signals, such as distinguishing between (1) anatomical structure and (2) soft tissue and/or noise. The locations in the patient are segmented by the source of signals and different compounding is applied for the different sources.

Abstract: As an ROI for display and an ROI for valve observation as well as a projecting direction are input, a volume-rendering processing unit creates a first image in the ROI for display through volume rendering processing, and the ray-tracing processing unit creates a second image in the ROI for valve observation through ray tracing processing. An image compositing unit then creates a composite image by compositing the first image and the second image, and the composite image created by the image compositing unit (13) is displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: Embodiments for performing surface rendering upon volume data in an ultrasound system are disclosed. An ultrasound data acquisition unit transmits and receives ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby acquire ultrasound data corresponding to a plurality of frames. A volume data forming unit forms volumes data corresponding to the plurality of frames based on the ultrasound data. The volume data includes a plurality of voxels. A processing unit detects edges of a region of interest (ROI) of the target object in the volume data and performs surface rendering upon voxels within the detected edges to thereby form a 3-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: Visualization of an object of interest, such as anatomy like a vessel segment or a stenosis, together with a device, such as balloon/stent markers or a wire tip, inside the object of interest may be accomplished by device detection and anatomy boosting so as to enhance both the device and surrounding anatomy within a registered anatomy referential. A displayed image is a combination of image information of the device and boosted image information of the object of interest. A processor performs the following steps: detecting and segmenting the device on the basis of image information provided by the image formation unit; either wiping out or attenuating the image information of the device; detecting the object of interest on the basis of the provided image information; boosting the image information of the object of interest; and reinserting the image information of the device.

Abstract: A color flow gain adjustment method and device, and a color ultrasound imaging system using the device are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which performs diagnosis of a subject to be examined by using an ultrasound probe which emits ultrasound waves and receives the ultrasound waves reflected by the subject, includes a measuring section which measures a motion velocity of local tissue of the subject by using an ultrasound waves transmitted/received by the ultrasound probe, an acquiring section which acquires motion information representing a strain or displacement of the tissue on the basis of the motion velocity, and a calculating section which calculates a parameter value representing a change amount of motion of the tissue with a change in load on the basis of two pieces of motion information acquired by the acquiring section in two load states in which different loads are applied to the subject.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for ocular tomography are provided. These systems and methods can be used to improve the effectiveness of a wide variety of different ophthalmic diagnostic procedures, and various surgical and non-surgical treatments. One embodiment provides a system and method for determining ocular tomography data for the eye using a plenoptic detector. For example, an ocular tomography system can comprise a set of light sources configured to illuminate an eye, a plenoptic detector configured to receive images of the light sources reflected from surfaces of the eye and generate plenoptic image data representing the images, and a processing system coupled to the plenoptic detector. The processing system is configured to analyze the plenoptic image data to determine tomography data for the eye.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that facilitate generating visual representations of characterized tissue based upon ultrasound echo information obtained from a portion of an imaged body. The system includes a first filter having a first filter band that is applied to a near range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render near range filtered echo information. A second filter, having a second filter band that covers a frequency range of the first filter band, is applied to a far range portion of the ultrasound echo information to render far range filtered echo information. The system furthermore includes a set of characterization criteria that are applied to the near and far range filtered echo information. The characterized near and far range image data are thereafter combined into a single tissue-characterization image.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasound harmonic imaging and method therefor are provided. The apparatus includes a signal transmitting unit, a signal receiving unit and an image processing unit. The signal transmitting unit transmits a linearly or non-linearly frequency modulated up-sweep signal and a linearly or non-linearly frequency modulated down-sweep signal to a reflective body. The signal receiving unit receives an inter-modulation component generated through coupling between the up-sweep and the down-sweep signal and a second harmonic component of the up-sweep or the down-sweep signal reflected by the reflective body. The image processing unit is connected to the signal receiving unit, and performs ultrasound harmonic imaging to obtain an ultrasound harmonic image according to the inter-modulation component and the second harmonic component of the up-sweep or down-sweep signal, so as to improve image quality of harmonic imaging.

Abstract: A method for dynamically analyzing distribution variation of scatterers is provided and used for dynamically analyzing changes in two or three dimensional scatterer distribution and concentration of ultrasound data by using probability density function along with a moving window technique. The present invention has advantages in low computation load and may be used for real-time analysis. A method for dynamically detecting thermal ablation area and thermal ablation level and a method for dynamically controlling thermal ablation intensity are also provided for non-invasive detection and thermal ablation.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a region of interest setter which sets a region of interest on a B-mode image, a controller which performs transmission and reception of ultrasonic beams with forming transmission focuses at a plurality of points set on sound rays at a shallower position and a deeper position than the region of interest to acquire reception data for sound speed measurement, and a sound speed calculator which calculates an average local sound speed value in the region of interest on the basis of reception data for sound speed measurement.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method provide a workflow to acquire 3D images of the fetal heart gated by a synthetic heart gating signal. An ROI is defined in an ultrasound image which delineates the fetal heart. The ultrasound system is controlled to automatically estimate the fetal heart rate from echo signals received from the ROI. When the system has acquired a stable synthetic heart rate signal, an indication thereof is given to the user and the user then commands the system to acquire 3D fetal heart images for a number of fetal heart cycles which are gated using the synthetic heart rate signal.

Abstract: Provided are a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound system and a method for operating the 3D ultrasound system, which are capable of intuitively displaying the abnormality of an object by determining a grade by comparing measurement data obtained by measuring ultrasound data relating to the object and displaying the measurement data in a different way based on the determined grade.

Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for ascertaining at least one of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in a subject, by processing of one or more medical images of the liver, using a computing machine, to quantify nodularity of the surface of the liver and calculate a liver surface nodularity score.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting lesions in ultrasound images. The method includes acquiring an ultrasound image, generating a Fisher-tippett (FT) distribution-based edge feature map from the acquired ultrasound image, generating gradient concentration (GC) scores for pixels of the acquired ultrasound image using the FT distribution-based edge feature map, and identifying a candidate lesion region within the acquired ultrasound image based on the GC scores.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for echoperiodontal imaging. In one embodiment, a system includes a transducer configured to transmit a series of ultrasonic signals at a plurality of corresponding locations along soft tissue of a jaw and receive a plurality of echo signals; and an imaging system controller configured to obtain a plurality of echo signal data of the soft tissue and a plurality of transducer positions, where each echo signal data corresponds to one of the plurality of transducer position.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus which forms a three-dimensional bloodstream image by reference to volume data obtained from a three-dimensional space within a living organism. A modified maximum value detection method is applied along each ray. Search of a maximum value is sequentially executed from a search start point, and at a time point when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, a maximum value which is being detected at this time point is regarded as a specific maximum value. The specific maximum value is then converted into a pixel value. The specific maximum value is a first peak and is specified even if a higher peak exists after the first peak. A three-dimensional bloodstream image is formed by a plurality of pixel values. In a portion of the three-dimensional bloodstream image in which two bloodstreams cross each other, a bloodstream located on the front side is preferentially displayed.

Abstract: An image generation system is provided, the system generating an ultrasound image and a photo-acoustic image of an object and including a dual-wavelength laser source, an optical filter, and an optical-based ultrasound sensor. The laser source generates a first laser pulse with a first wavelength or a second laser pulse with a second wavelength. The optical filter almost completely absorbs the energy of the first laser pulse and by the photo-acoustic effect, generates and transmits an ultrasound to the object so the object scatters and reflects the ultrasound. The second laser pulse almost completely penetrates the optical filter and is transmitted to the object so the object absorbs the energy of the second laser pulse, generates and sends a photo-acoustic signal. The optical-based ultrasound sensor receives the ultrasound and the photo-acoustic signal to generate the ultrasound image and the photo-acoustic image of the object.

Abstract: Use of medical workflows where a first medical workflow is obtained from a plurality of medical acts performed in sequence that related to care of a patient. A set of condition-indication rules is applied to the first medical workflow to determine first condition information. The first condition information relates to a likelihood that a first medical condition exists in the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a substrate having a first opening, a second opening and a wall part partitioning the first opening and the second opening; a first vibration film and a second vibration film which close the first opening and the second opening respectively; a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element which are formed on surfaces of the first vibration film and the second vibration film opposite to the substrate; an acoustic matching layer which is disposed within the first opening and the second opening so as to come into contact with the first vibration film and the second vibration film.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a substrate, an acoustic adjustment layer, an acoustic lens and a structural member. The substrate has an element array including a plurality of thin film ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in an array form. The acoustic adjustment layer covers the element array. The acoustic lens is arranged above the acoustic adjustment layer. The structural member is in contact with the acoustic lens and fixed to the substrate. The structural member has a modulus of rigidity greater than a modulus of rigidity of the acoustic lens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for treatment of an organ or tissue of a living being. The device comprises at least one treatment transducer for emission of ultrasound waves, preferably high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) waves, focusable on a focal point within or on the surface of said organ or tissue, as well as means for rotating said treatment transducer around an axis which intersects said focal point. The device further comprises synchronization means for synchronizing the rotation of the treatment transducer with at least the emission of ultrasound waves from said treatment transducer and/or an additional imaging transducer.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging system is provided. The system includes a probe for acquiring ultrasound image data. A memory stores the acquired ultrasound image data. A processor generates an image based on the stored ultrasound image data. A presentation layer is provided for remotely accessing the generated image to display the generated image at a remote location.

Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus includes a holding member, a probe unit, a transducer, a housing, an opposing member, and a separating member. The holding member holds an object. The probe unit scans with respect to the holding member and includes a housing and a transducer positioned to form a space between the transducer and the holding member. The transducer receives an acoustic wave from the object through the holding member and is housed in the housing. The opposing member is provided at an upper position relative to an area that is scannable with the probe unit. The separating member is provided in at least one of the probe unit and the opposing member and having a shape that is changeable. The separating member reduces spreading of a matching liquid that has flowed onto the housing from the space between the transducer and the holding member.

Abstract: Methods for assessing spinal health and treatment effectiveness for spinal conditions in a patient via use of an ultrasonagraphic system are shown and described. The ultrasonagraphic system includes optical targets, a transducer probe, an optical tracker unit, an image processing system, a 3D ultrasound processor, and a display. The methods include attaching optical targets to the patient's body; detecting locations of the optical targets on the patient; detecting a location of the transducer probe; moving the transducer probe over at least a portion of the patient's body to collect spinal image data; generating 3D image data; sending 3D image data to the image processing system; processing 3D image data; displaying a real-time 3D image of the one or more vertebrae on the display to allow a healthcare provider to assess spinal health and treatment effectiveness based on the displayed real-time 3D image.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical imaging system for imaging vasculature of a patient is provided. The imaging system includes a console that has one or more processors with a medical imaging system interface running thereon, an acquisition card in communication with the one or more processors and in communication with a patient interface module (PIM), and an intravascular imaging component in communication with the PIM and disposed on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. The medical imaging system interface provides a plurality of settings groups for selection by a user, each of the settings groups having pre-acquisition parameters and post-acquisition parameters that are optimal for imaging a desired viewing target within the vasculature. Associated methods and computer-readable media are provided.

Abstract: Responsive power saving is provided for ultrasound imaging, such as in portable ultrasound systems. By reducing scan line density in response to removal of a transducer from a patient, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. By disabling the display, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. All or most electronics not associated with monitoring for the return of the transducer to the patient may be disabled or not used to conserve power.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging.

Abstract: The controller causes a display to display body marks representing the body parts of a subject to be imaged. Furthermore, the controller causes the display to display subjective symptom marks corresponding to the subjective symptoms of a subject to be examined in a location within a body mark that has been designated by an examiner. The examiner conducts ultrasonic imaging by applying an ultrasonic probe to a subject to be examined while checking the location of the subjective symptom marks. The controller links a tomographic image obtained from the imaging to the subjective symptoms and causes a storage to store the same. In the medical examination, the controller causes the display to display the tomographic image and further causes the display to display the subjective symptom marks representing the subjective symptoms linked to the tomographic image.

Abstract: Flow estimation is provided. The flow is predicted. A mathematical, logic, machine learning or other model is used to predict flow. For example, the boundary conditions associated with a previous flow, the previous flow, and current boundary conditions are used to predict the current flow. The current flow is corrected using the predicted flow. Velocities may be unaliased based on the predicted flow. The predicted flow may replace the current flow. Prediction may additionally or alternatively be used in determination of lateral or elevational flow.

Abstract: An ultrasound surgery system includes: a handpiece including an ultrasound transducer that generates ultrasound vibration and a treatment portion to which the ultrasound vibration is transmitted; a drive current output section provided in a power supply apparatus to which the handpiece is detachably connected, the drive current output section producing and outputting a drive current for driving the ultrasound transducer; a drive frequency output section that detects and outputs a drive frequency for driving the ultrasound transducer with a resonant frequency of the ultrasound transducer; a first information storage section that stores first information including a parameter unique to the handpiece; and a variable current setting section that variably sets the drive current produced by the drive current output section, based on the drive frequency detected by the drive frequency output section, in order to maintain an amplitude or a vibration velocity of the ultrasound vibration in the treatment portion at a p

Abstract: Method and system for ultrasound imaging of body tissue in which a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer (20) is oriented relative to the body such that ultrasonic waves generated by the FUS transducer (20) are directed toward the tissue being imaged. The FUS transducer (20) is operated to cause the formation of microbubbles (28) in the tissue and an ultrasound image of the tissue with the microbubbles (28) is acquired. Phase aberration in the acquired ultrasound image may be corrected, if necessary, using each microbubble (28) as a point source or point-like scatterer. Microbubble (28) formation can therefore be obtained in a non-invasive manner since FUS-induced microbubble (28) formation does not require the insertion of interventional tools into the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a Time Gain Compenstaion (TGC) feature in an ultrasound device using a touchpad or similar device, which eliminates the need for mechanical potentiometers. The touchpad is segmented into one or more rows, wherein each row is mapped to a corresponding depth of an image. In order to set a required TGC gain setting of a particular depth of the image, a user moves his/her finger across the face of the touchpad such that the desired gain curve can be set. Finer adjustments can be done by moving the finger in the desired horizontal area of the touchpad. The mapping of the effective depths is indicated by horizontal lines on the touchpad as well as on the screen.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits and receives an ultrasound wave to and from a subject; a first image data generating unit that generates first image data based on a first parameter, from a reception signal received by the transmitting and receiving unit; a second image data generating unit that generates second image data having an image taking region of which at least a part overlaps with that of the first image data and being based on a second parameter that is different from the first parameter, from a reception signal received by the transmitting and receiving unit; and an image processing unit that calculates a feature amount from at least such a part of the second image data that overlaps with the first image data and corrects the overlapping part of the first image data on a basis of the calculated feature amount.

Abstract: An examination portion information obtaining apparatus includes an opening to which a portion to be examined of the examinee is inserted, a cup-shaped maintaining member which accommodates at least part of the portion to be examined inserted through the opening, an acoustic wave detector which receives acoustic waves from the portion to be examined, and a movement mechanism which moves the maintaining member relative to the portion to be examined inserted through the opening.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing images of a subject, such as the heart of a human being. The method may comprise acquiring ultrasound images of the subject with a catheter comprising a position sensor. The method may also comprise capturing a plurality of 4D surface registration points in the acquired ultrasound images corresponding to points on the subject. The method may also comprise registering, in space and time, a high-resolution 4D model of the subject with the plurality of 4D surface registration points. The method may also comprise displaying high resolution, real-time images of the subject during a medical procedure based on the registration of the high resolution 4D model to the 4D surface registration points. Embodiments of the present invention are especially useful in left atrium ablation procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitative determination of density of vasa vasorum in an arterial wall that utilizes a detection of temporal and/or spatial displacement of blood-flow with the use of intravascular ultrasound system. Locations of extrema in the spatial distribution can be identified to detect vascular defects. The system and method support a clinically-useful application for early detection of indicators of diseases, such as coronary atherosclerosis.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of outputting an appropriate ultrasound image with no distortion regardless of a sound velocity distribution in a subject. In the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, sound velocities are calculated at two or more points in a subject, and coordinate transformation of a generated ultrasound image is performed based on the calculated sound velocities.