Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for facilitating volumetric ultrasonic scanning of a breast are described. In one preferred embodiment, a generally cone-shaped radial scanning template having a vertex and a wide opening angle is provided, the radial scanning template having a slot-like opening extending outward from the vertex through which an ultrasound transducer scans the breast as the radial scanning template is rotated. In another preferred embodiment, a flexible membrane for compressing a skin surface of the breast is provided, the flexible membrane being mounted on a mechanical assembly such as a roller assembly to form a slot-like opening through which an ultrasound transducer directly contacts the skin surface, the flexible membrane rising and falling relative to the skin surface but not moving laterally as the slot-like opening and ultrasound transducer move laterally across the compressed breast, whereby stabilization of the breast and direct transducer-skin contact are concurrently achieved.

Abstract: A controller makes a scan part scan a three-dimensional first scanning region so as to acquire volume data in the first scanning region and makes the scan part to consecutively scan a second scanning region that is smaller than the first scanning region and is included in the first scanning region more than once so as to consecutively acquire the volume data in the second scanning region. An image generator generates ultrasound image data in the first scanning region including the second scanning region based on the volume data in the first scanning region. Further, the image generator generates new ultrasound image data by updating the volume data in the second scanning region every time volume data in the second scanning region is acquired. The display controller causes a display to update and causes to display an ultrasound image every time new ultrasound image data is generated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic sensor section and a guide section. The ultrasonic sensor section has an ultrasonic transducer device. The guide section is disposed on a sensor surface on which the ultrasonic sensor section is provided. The guide section is configured and arranged such that a resistance force with respect to a target sample when the ultrasonic probe is moved in a first direction while the sensor surface contacts a surface of the target sample as the ultrasonic sensor section faces the target sample is smaller than the resistance force with respect to the target sample when the ultrasonic probe is moved in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus includes a probe configured to irradiate ultrasonic waves to an object, receive ultrasonic echoes, and convert the ultrasonic echoes into electric signals, a scanning unit configured to cause the probe to perform back-and-forth scanning on the object, an ultrasonic control unit configured to control irradiation of ultrasonic waves, a signal processing unit configured to obtain an ultrasonic, and a combining unit configured to combine a plurality of ultrasonic images. The scanning unit causes the probe to perform back-and-forth scanning on the object such that regions subjected to ultrasonic irradiation performed by the probe in forward and backward paths in the back-and-forth scanning overlap with each other. The ultrasonic control unit employs different methods for irradiating ultrasonic waves in the forward and backward paths. The combining unit combines a plurality of ultrasonic images with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high resolution intravascular ultrasound imaging system including a catheter with a rotatable imaging assembly and an image processor. The image processor in turn features a pulser configured to energize the ultrasound transducer of the rotatable imaging assembly with a multi-frequency ultrasound waveform signal. The image processor further contains a receiver configured to decompose received ultrasound energy as reflected by the target vessel into a plurality of individual subband signals, individually process these signals and reconstitute these signals into a high resolution image of the blood vessel. The IVUS system of the invention may be useful in characterizing cap thickness of vulnerable plaques or other detailed studies of blood vessels.

Abstract: The invention generally relates systems and methods to for producing an image from a rotational intravascular ultrasound device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an imaging apparatus having a reinforced electrical signal transmission member, and method of use thereof. In certain aspects, the apparatus includes a hollow elongate body. The apparatus also includes an elongate electrical signal transmission member within the body. The elongate signal transmission member includes two or more outer jacket layers. There is an imaging device within the body and the signal transmission member is coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus including a processing unit configured to produce an ultrasound image of the target region by applying position/orientation data representative of the position and/or orientation of an ultrasound transducer on the first side of a surface during each collection cycle to echo data representative of reflected ultrasound energy received by the ultrasound transducer during each collection cycle so as to coherently focus the echo data at a plurality of points distributed within the target region.

Abstract: A fluid fillable catheter capsule assembly is provided suitable for use with an appropriate catheter in imaging applications for medical or surgical procedures. Methods of constructing such fluid fillable catheter capsule assemblies, methods of using the fluid fillable catheter capsule assemblies, and imaging systems provided with fluid fillable catheter capsule assemblies are provided.

Abstract: A method for eliminating background noises in shear waves and the respective ultrasonic imaging system, the method includes: transmitting a push pulse along a push pulse vector; transmitting a first group of focus track pulses at a first group of a plurality of locations far away from the push pulse vector; receiving a first group of focus echo signals in response to the first group of focus track pulses; and processing the first group of focus echo signals to determine a first group of tissue displacement information varying with time.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring position data from a motion sensing system on a probe while acquiring ultrasound data with the probe. The system and method includes detecting a predetermined motion pattern of the probe, accessing a subset of the ultrasound data corresponding to the predetermined motion pattern, and displaying an image based on the subset of the ultrasound data on a display device.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for imaging a volume within a patient is provided. The method includes generating an ultrasonic signal at a first selected frequency, using a first transducer located within the tissue structure; directing the ultrasonic signal on a spot in the volume within the patient; scanning the spot in a predetermined pattern about the wall of the volume within the patient; receiving an ultrasonic echo in a second transducer at a second selected frequency; converting the ultrasonic echo into a voltage; amplifying the voltage with a processing circuit; and providing an image of the volume within the patient from the voltage. In some embodiments, the method may include classifying the image according to a characterization tool; and providing a plurality of images of the volume from the voltage.

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 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, and a monitor positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongated member and configured to generate a feedback signal indicative of a position of the imaging transducer relative to the transducer's motion profile. The imaging system may also include a controller in communication with the monitor and configured to adjust a control signal based on the feedback signal in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: A single-RBC photoacoustic flowoxigraphy (FOG) device is described that delivers laser pulses of two different wavelengths separated by a pulse separation period of about 20 ?s. This separation period is sufficiently brief to enable pulses of two different wavelengths to illuminate the same single moving RBC. The acoustic signals elicited by the single RBC in response to the laser pulses of two different wavelengths may be analyzed using pulse oximetry methods similar to those described herein above to simultaneously determine a variety of functional parameters.

Abstract: Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an unit 7 for forming time series tomographic images on the basis of a reflection echo signals received by ultrasound probe 2, an unit 8 for obtaining the elasticities of body tissue on the basis of the reflection echo signals and forming elasticity images on times series, an unit 9 for forming a superimposition image on time series by superposing the tomographic image on the elasticity image, an unit 43 for inputting an instruction for controlling superimposition image formation, and an unit 10 for displaying the superimposition image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus further includes a freezing control portion (7, 8) for outputting an image, as a frozen image, selected in response to a freezing instruction for freezing the display operation on time series of any of the tomographic image or the elasticity image input into the input unit to the superimposition image forming unit.

Abstract: A method and system of producing an ultrasound image of an imaging region of a body, the image comprising pixels, the method comprising: a) transmitting time-varying ultrasound into the imaging region, over a time interval, from a surface of the body, the transmitted ultrasound simultaneously having an angular spread in the imaging region corresponding to a plurality of the pixels of the image; and b) receiving echoes of the transmitted ultrasound, and recording received signals of the echoes; c) combining the received signals at the different sub-intervals of the time interval based on said time varying, according to expected ultrasound propagation times to scatterers localized at different pixels, to find image densities at the pixels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method comprises: providing a probe that includes one or more transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves; generating a sequence of spatially distinct transmit beams which differ in one or more of origin and angle; determining a transmit beam spacing substantially based upon a combination of actual and desired transmit beam characteristics, thereby achieving a faster echo acquisition rate compared to a transmit beam spacing based upon round-trip transmit-receive beam sampling requirements; storing coherent receive echo data, from two or more transmit beams of the spatially distinct transmit beams; combining coherent receive echo data from at least two or more transmit beams to achieve a substantially spatially invariant synthesized transmit focus at each echo location; and combining coherent receive echo data from each transmit firing to achieve dynamic receive focusing at each echo location.

Abstract: A method for generating a composite image using an intravascular imaging device includes receiving reflected echo signals from at least one transducer along a first of a plurality of radial scan lines. The received echo signals are passed through a plurality of signal processing channels to form a plurality of filtered signals. The filtered signals include a high-resolution tissue structure signal and at least one first pre-blood-flow-mask signal. High-resolution tissue structure signals are processed to form a high-resolution tissue structural image. First pre-blood-flow-mask signals are cross-correlated with second pre-blood-flow-mask signals from an adjacent radial scan line to form blood-flow-mask signals. Blood-flow-mask signals are processed to form a blood-flow mask.

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

Abstract: A method can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat lobuli and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a surface of a fat lobuli. The lesion creates an opening in the surface of the fat lobuli, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat lobuli and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission and reception circuit which electronically scans with a transducer array in an ultrasound probe for acquiring two-dimensional image data; an image producer which produces a three-dimensional ultrasound image using the acquired two-dimensional image data while mechanically scanning with the transducer array in a direction substantially orthogonal to the array direction of the transducer array; and a controller which, when the internal temperature of the ultrasound probe is equal to or higher than a first set value, controls the transmission and reception circuit such that a composite scan including two different electronic scans is performed.

Abstract: Transesophageal echocardiography is implemented using a miniature transversely oriented transducer that is preferably small enough to fit in a 7.5 mm diameter probe, and most preferably small enough to fit in a 5 mm diameter probe. Signal processing techniques improve the depth of penetration to the point where the complete trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle can be obtained, despite the fact that the transducer is so small. The reduced diameter of the probe (as compared to prior art probes) reduces risks to patients, reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, and permits long term direct-visualization monitoring of patients' cardiac function.

Abstract: The ultrasonic imaging device includes the ultrasonic probe including the piezoelectric device transmitting ultrasonic waves to the sample and receives echo waves, the X axis scanner and the Y axis scanner scanning the sample and positions the probe at a scanning position, the frequency controller controlling the frequency of the received signal in accordance with the position of the scanning position, the signal processing unit processing the received signal, the image generator generating ultrasonic wave image at the frequency on the basis of the output of the signal processing unit. The frequency controller generates and supplies a burst signal having the predetermined frequency by the burst wave oscillator to the piezoelectric device of the ultrasonic probe to generate the ultrasonic waves having a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for generating hardness and/or strain information of a tissue which can be subject to a varying pressure, the method comprising: —positioning at least one signal transmitter (1) outside the tissue (10); —positioning at least one signal receiver (1) outside the tissue (10); —using the signal transmitter (1) to send signals (S) at different angles towards the tissue; —using the signal receiver (1) to receive signals from the tissue (10), wherein the received signals result from the signals that have been sent by said signal transmitter. The invention is also related to an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system uses a magnetic linear motor driven ultrasound scanner, with accurate track and hold operation and/or other motion feedback, to scan a two dimensional or three dimensional area of a sample. The scanner is implemented in a low-power and low-bandwidth handheld device and is connected with a remote image processing system that receives raw data and performs full ultrasound image analysis and creation, allowing the handheld to be used for scanning, pre-processing, and display.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and blood flow velocity measurement within a vessel using a rotational IVUS catheter are disclosed. The rotational IVUS catheter includes a transducer that is mounted to the catheter at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft, such that the imaging surface is substantially nonperpendicular to the angle of the blood flow. The IVUS imaging system includes the rotational IVUS catheter with the tilted transducer, sequencing hardware to generate a series of uniformly spaces transmit pulses and acquisitions per encoder pulse, and signal processing hardware to extract the phase from the ultrasound echo signals for velocity estimation at every pixel of the IVUS image. The system is configured to generate a hybrid IVUS image showing both structural and velocity characteristics of the vessel and the blood therein.

Abstract: Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including: a probe in which a plurality of elements transmitting an ultrasound wave to a measurement target region of an object and receiving a reflected wave is arranged in a first direction; a mechanical scanning unit that moves the probe in the first direction and a direction crossing the first direction; a transmission processor that, to each element included in a transmission aperture element row transmitting the ultrasound wave, inputs an input signal for driving the element; a received signal processor that combines received signals obtained by the elements included in a reception aperture element row receiving the ultrasound wave; a generator that generates property information on the object from the combined signal; and a controller that determines at least one of the number of elements included in the transmission aperture element row.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of embodiments includes an ultrasound probe, a scanning controller, and a display controller. The ultrasound probe is configured to be capable of ultrasound three dimensional scanning by swinging a plurality of transducer elements in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the transducer elements. The scanning controller is configured to control the ultrasound probe to scan a plurality of intersecting cross sections while swinging the transducer elements. The display controller is configured to control such that a plurality of ultrasound images based on ultrasound scanning performed on the cross sections are displayed on a given display.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module.

Abstract: In an examination section of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic transducer (UT) unit, a shape measurement unit, and a belt conveyor for moving the UT unit and the shape measurement unit parallel to an object to be viewed are provided. The UT unit has an UT array constituted of five ultrasonic transducers UTa to UTe arranged on a curved convex surface. The UT unit performs ultrasonic scanning of the object C to be viewed. The shape measurement unit has a laser light source and a light receiver, and measures a shape of the object C to be viewed. Based on the result of the shape measurement, a main controller of a processor selectively drives the UT, which could apply the ultrasonic wave vertically to the object C to be viewed, among the UTa to UTe, according to the moved position of the UT unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a probe, an ultrasonic wave control unit, a volume data generation unit, and a three-dimensional display processing unit. The ultrasonic wave control unit controls the probe to transmit low-sound-pressure pulses to a scan region at a first pulse repetition period as well as controls the probe to receive an echo corresponding to the low-sound-pressure pulses. Further, the ultrasonic wave control unit controls the probe to transmit high-sound-pressure pulses to the scan region at a second pulse repetition period smaller than the first pulse repetition period. The volume data generation unit generates volume data based on the echo received by the probe under the control of the ultrasonic wave control unit. The three-dimensional display processing unit generates three-dimensional image data by performing a rendering process based on the volume data, and controls display of the three-dimensional image data on a monitor.

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: A catheter assembly includes an imaging core insertable into a lumen of a sheath of a catheter. The imaging core includes a rotatable driveshaft and a transducer that is coupled to the driveshaft and that rotates with the driveshaft. One or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports are defined in a distal portion of the sheath. A flow-inducing element is coupled to the driveshaft and rotates with the driveshaft. The flow-inducing element draws fluid into the lumen through the inlet port(s) from the environment external to the sheath and pushes the drawn fluid out of the lumen through the outlet port(s). One of the one or more inlet ports or the one or more outlet ports is disposed proximal to the flow-inducing element and the transducer, and the other of the inlet port(s) or the outlet port(s) is disposed distal to the flow-inducing element and the transducer.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of a biological tissue by ultrasounds and a device carrying out such method. The method is implemented with an ultrasound probe that emits ultrasonic pulses within a body under examination and receives echoes generated from structures of the body under examination. The probe includes an array of two or more electro-acoustic transducers and, in combination, means for processing the reception signals and means for orienting one or more lines of sight, along which the emission of the pulses and/or the reception of the echoes is focused, according to different angles with respect to an axis perpendicular to the emitting surface of the probe.

Abstract: A multi-focus probe that includes a motor communicatively coupled with a lead screw and configured to turn the lead screw about a lengthwise axis of the lead screw, wherein the lead screw includes a length having threads. The probe also includes a lead-screw nut positioned about the lead screw such that the lead-screw nut engages the threads and such that the lead-screw nut and the lead screw can move relative to one another via the threads, a transducer configured to move vertically with the lead screw, and an enclosure surrounding the transducer, wherein the enclosure includes a probe face configured to hold fluid and engage a wave emission target such that waves from the transducer can enter the target.

Abstract: An augmented reality ultrasound system. The augmented reality ultrasound system includes: a probe for transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving the ultrasound signal reflected from the object; an image generating unit for generating an ultrasound image from the ultrasound signal transmitted from the probe; a photographing unit for photographing the object and the probe to obtain images thereof and recognizing information corresponding to movement of the probe by using the image of the photographed probe; an image modifying unit for modifying the ultrasound image transmitted from the image generating unit so as to reflect the movement of the probe by using the movement information of the probe transmitted from the photographing unit; and a display unit for displaying the ultrasound image transmitted from the image modifying unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a 3-D image data scan method that can continuously display 3-D image data in both a pre-scan mode and a triggered entire volume mode by collecting the volume data of a plurality of volume scan regions of an object from the start of the scan. In the pre-scan mode, a plurality of 3-D sub-regions are set by dividing an object scan region along a direction vertical to the reference scan plane. In a triggered volume mode for collecting volume data, a 3-D scan of a 3-D sub-region including the reference scan plane is performed in preference to other 3-D sub-regions in order to continuously display 2-D image data acquired on the reference scan plane in the pre-scan mode and MPR image data acquired in the entire triggered volume mode from an initial scan time.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnosis, the inventor has found a characteristic that coincidence of RF data after matching addition or amplitude image data at the small opening are different between those of an isolated point (minute structure), a continuous surface, and a speckle. On the basis of the characteristic, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and method which can distinguish and extract the isolated point, the continuous surface, and the speckle and determine a tissue property are provided.

Abstract: A handheld ultrasound probe includes force detection and feedback to permit control and/or characterization of applied forces. The probe may, for example, be operated to maintain a substantially constant applied force over a period of use independent of a user's hand position, or to measure applied forces that might contribute to deformation of an imaging subject.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for imaging the mechanical properties of a tissue region from within an endocavity of a patient. The apparatus generally comprises an ultrasound probe, a vibration assembly translationally coupled to probe and operable to vibrate the probe along a vibration plane, and a rotation assembly rotationally coupled to the vibration assembly and operable to rotate the probe and vibration assembly about a selected rotational range. The method generally comprises inserting an ultrasound probe into an endocavity of a patient, vibrating the probe along a vibration plane thereby causing deformational excitement of a tissue region contacted by the probe, capturing a first series of ultrasound images of the tissue region, rotating the vibration plane relative to the tissue region by a selected angular rotation, and capturing a second series of ultrasound images of the tissue region.

Abstract: Automated ultrasonic scanning of a chestwardly compressed breast of a supine patient uses a scanning assembly that moves down to compress the breast through a membrane that is secured to the assembly across a bottom opening. A motorized ultrasound transducer moves across the breast while the breast remains downwardly compressed against the patient's chest, sending and receiving ultrasound energy through the membrane. The membrane is porous with respect to an acoustic coupling liquid that impregnates it. The transducer outputs ultrasound information that is processed to form initial planar images and then reconstructed slice images of breast tissue.

Abstract: A sensor information acquisition unit acquires information indicating a position and an orientation of a probe that generates an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave. A cross-sectional image generation unit generates a cross-sectional image indicating at least a part of a cross-sectional surface of a subject by arranging and synthesizing a plurality of ultrasonic images, which are based on the reflected wave received by the probe at a plurality of positions around the subject, based on the position and the orientation of the probe when the probe generates the ultrasonic wave and receives the reflected wave. The present technique is applicable to, for example, an ultrasonic inspection apparatus.

Abstract: An imaging probe for use in a catheter for ultrasonic imaging is provided. The catheter may be of the type including a sheath having an opening at a distal end for conducting a fluid there through. The imaging probe includes a distal housing coupled to a drive shaft for rotation, a transducer within the distal housing for generating and sensing ultrasonic waves, and a fluid flow promoter that promotes flow of the fluid within the sheath across the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining a high-quality ultrasound image while suppressing the temperature rise in an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes receive amplification units including amplifiers for amplifying reception signals outputted from a transducer array and a power supply unit for supplying bias current to the amplifiers. The power supply unit changes the bias current it supplies to the amplifiers according to the depth of a reflection position of ultrasonic echo.

Abstract: A portable mechanical high-precision device for performing circular or helical scanning of a patient's organ or body surface for tissue diagnosis and/or treatment includes a substantially hollow housing for accommodating the organ therein and a securing unit for securing the housing to the organ or body surface during scanning so that the organ or body surface is substantially fixed relative to the housing. At least one drive unit is attached to the housing and to at least one scan head for allowing unlimited rotation of the scan head relative to the housing.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound imaging system includes a catheter that is insertable into a patient blood vessel. A flushing assembly is in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter. The flushing assembly flushes air bubbles formed in acoustically-favorable medium in the catheter lumen in response to an event other than a user-initiated flushing prompt. The flushing assembly includes a reservoir containing acoustically-favorable medium for input into the catheter lumen, and a pump coupled to the reservoir. The pump pumps the acoustically-favorable medium from the reservoir to the catheter lumen. A connector is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The connector is coupleable with the catheter lumen. A controller is coupled to the pump. The controller is configured and arranged for controlling operation of the pump.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic probe of the present invention, a probe main body that comprises a flat shaped piezoelectric element group having a plurality of strip shaped piezoelectric elements arranged in a line in the major axis direction, which is the crosswise direction of the piezoelectric elements, is formed and housed within a container main body and sealed therein with a cover. The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that, in order to mechanically and linearly scan the probe main body in the minor axis direction, which is the lengthwise direction of the piezoelectric elements, the probe main body is linearly reciprocated and mechanically scanned in the minor axis direction, by an endless belt that is driven by a drive source via another endless belt linearly in the minor axis direction, while being guided by a pair of linear guides.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with: an ultrasonic probe which is brought into contact with an object to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves; a transmission unit and a reception unit which periodically transmit and receive the ultrasonic waves to and from the object and subject a reflection echo signal from the object to reception processing; a displacement measurement unit which sequentially finds the displacements of a living organism tissue at the position of cross section at which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted to and received from the object; an elasticity image construction unit which sequentially constructs the elasticity images of the living organism tissue; and a three-dimensional image construction unit which constructs a three-dimensional elasticity image.