Abstract: The present invention provides ultrasound imaging catheters, systems and methods for their use which will be particularly useful to monitor the positioning of ablation catheters. In one embodiment, an imaging catheter (10) includes a catheter body (11) having a distal end (12), a proximal end (14) and a longitudinal axis (16). A transducer (20) is rotatably coupled to the distal end. The transducer has an axis of rotation (24) that is at a non-zero angle relative to the catheter body longitudinal axis. Such a configuration provides an exemplary side-looking imaging catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system, which includes: a transmit/receive unit for transmitting ultrasound signals toward a target object having reflectors along scan lines and receiving ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object to form receive signals based on the ultrasound echo signals; a signal processing unit for forming image signals based on the receive signals, the image signals being indicative of locations and velocities of the reflectors in the target object; and an image processing unit for forming a 3-dimensional image 3-dimensionally indicating the velocities of the reflectors based on the image signals.

Abstract: A breast scanning system configured to scan a breast of a patient includes a table configured to receive the patient thereon. The table has an aperture formed therein configured to receive the breast of the patient pendant therethrough and positionable over and into a bath configured to contain a medium. An armature is movably disposable in the bath. The armature carries transducer arrays that are disposable in the bath, and configured to transmit and receive acoustic and/or ultrasound signals. A manual control is operatively coupled to the armature to manually move the armature and thus the transducer arrays within the bath.

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated.

Abstract: An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for fast 3D ultrasound imaging. The method comprises data acquisition, desired data selection, data smoothing, table construction, ray casting, table look-up, ray synthesis and final result output. The apparatus comprises an acquisition module, a selection module, a smoothing module, a construction module, a ray casting module, a table look-up module, a synthesis module and an output module. The present invention can avoid a huge amount of unnecessary reconstruction calculations by smoothing preprocessing and constructing the reconstruction table and the gradient table as well as transforming coordinates of the points where necessary. The present invention has greater practical applicability, because the existing imaging technology demands that the radius for rotating the probe be identical to the radius of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic probe; a first transmitting/receiving device which drives the first ultrasonic probe to perform scan with an ultrasonic beam; an ultrasonic image generating device which generates an ultrasonic image, based on a signal obtained by the first transmitting/receiving device; an image displaying device which displays the ultrasonic image thereon; a contrast timer which starts clocking in response to a start signal; a second ultrasonic probe; a second transmitting/receiving device which drives the second ultrasonic probe; and a determining device which determines based on a signal obtained by the second transmitting/receiving device whether a contrast agent has flowed in or not, and transmits the start signal to the contrast timer when the contrast agent has flowed in.

Abstract: A system and method to acquire 3D ultrasound-based images during the end-systole and end-diastole time points of a cardiac cycle to allow determination of the change and percentage change in left ventricle volume at the time points.

Abstract: A compression paddle of a mammographic diagnosis apparatus is provided with an opening portion which allows an ultrasonic probe to be fitted therein and slide. This apparatus performs ultrasonic scanning on a breast compressed/fixed to the compression paddle, and reconstructs a compressed breast image by using the obtained ultrasonic image as a virtual image, thereby acquiring an ultrasonic image and volume data of the compressed/fixed breast.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an ultrasound probe are provided. The ultrasound probe having the apparatus includes a scan head configured for moveable operation within a housing and a signal control circuit within the scan head for controlling a transducer array. The signal control circuit is configured to provide multiplexing operation for controlling a plurality of transducer elements forming the transducer array.

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe of the present invention includes an ultrasonic element unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, an oscillation mechanism for causing oscillation to the ultrasonic element unit and a detector for detecting the oscillation of the ultrasonic element unit. The detector detects the oscillation angle and the oscillation origin of the ultrasonic element unit, and when the oscillation range of the ultrasonic element unit is divided at its oscillation origin into two regions of a positive region and a negative region, the detector detects in which area the ultrasonic element unit is located. In use of the ultrasonic probe, a control of origin return for returning the ultrasonic element unit to its oscillation origin is performed on the basis of the result of the detection by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe, which is adapted to match acoustic impedances and shield undesired signals, and an ultrasound diagnostic system configured to use such a probe. The probe for conducting ultrasound diagnosis includes a transducer array for transmitting ultrasound signals to a target object and receiving the ultrasound signals reflected from the target object. The probe of the present invention also includes multiple membranes for covering the transducer array, wherein the multiple membranes include at least two membranes formed from different materials and having different thicknesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ultrasonic imaging of an organ in a patient's body through a part of the patient's respiratory tract, including: arranging an ultrasonic imaging device in or on the patient's body; introducing a flexible catheter carrying at least one inflatable member into the respiratory tract; positioning the inflatable member at a predetermined location in the respiratory tract; filling the inflatable member with an ultrasonic transmission fluid through the flexible catheter; and transmitting ultrasonic waves from the imaging device through the transmission fluid in the inflatable member to the organ to be imaged. The inflatable member is positioned in the respiratory tract by manipulating guide means that are attached to or integrated with the flexible catheter. The invention further relates to an ultrasonic imaging system for carrying out this method and to an assembly means for use in such an ultrasonic imaging system.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonic imaging system that implements imaging by distinguishing sharply and definitely the echo components generated by scattering in a microbubble contrast medium, from the tissue harmonic components generated by nonlinear propagation of a transmitted pulse.

Abstract: A method of creating a friction-ridge image is disclosed. An energy transducer is aimed at a body part having skin. The transducer is used to obtain information about the papillae beneath an outer surface of the skin. The information about the papillae is used to obtain information about valleys between the papillae, and a friction-ridge image having friction-ridge valleys that correspond with the valleys between the papillae is created.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for scanning a breast are described, the apparatus comprising a frame defining an orifice shaped to allow the breast to be received therein, a compressive member secured to the frame across the orifice that compresses the received breast toward the patient's chest wall, and a transducer positioned in acoustic communication with the compressive member for imaging the breast therethrough. The frame holds a reservoir of acoustically conductive fluid that maintains the transducer in acoustic communication with the compressive member. In different preferred embodiments having different advantages, the compressive member comprises a flexible elastic membrane, a flexible inelastic membrane, or a rigid sonolucent plastic preformed into the shape of a chestwardly-compressed breast.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for acquiring, processing, and presenting boundaries of a cavity-tissue interface within a region-of-interest in an ultrasound image based upon the strength of signals of ultrasound echoes returning from structures within the region-of-interest. The segmentation of boundaries of cavity shapes occupying the region-of-interest utilizes cost function analysis of pixel sets occupying the cavity-tissue interface. The segmented shapes are further image processed to determine areas and volumes of the organ or structure containing the cavity within the region-of-interest.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging method and ultrasound system are described for detecting abnormalities of the left ventricle of the heart. A sequence of images including the mitral valve is acquired and processed to identify the location of the mitral valve in each of the images in the sequence. A graphic is displayed with the images depicting the location of the mitral valve in the current image and in each of the preceding images of the sequence. Preferably the mitral valve location is identified by automatic detection of the mitral valve plane in each of the images. A desirable graphic color-codes each of the successively different mitral valve locations in the graphic. The image and graphic can be viewed in real time to discern the effects of conduction delay and infarction of the left ventricle.

Abstract: A probe interface assembly for an automated medical imaging system is provided. The assembly comprises a platform including and inner frame for supporting an ultrasound probe in spaced apart relationship relative to a compression paddle arranged to apply a compression load to breast tissue being scanned during a medical imaging process. The platform is adapted to contactively engage the compression paddle during the medical imaging process. The platform may include a first resilient pivot connection at each side of a first set of mutually opposite sides of said inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a first axis. The platform may further include a second resilient pivot connection at each side of a second set of mutually opposite sides of the inner frame to provide a tilt degree of freedom about a second axis positioned orthogonal relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A system is described having a JTAG diagnostic unit 2 and a serial wire diagnostic unit 4. A watcher unit 6 is connected to a data connection 14 shared between the diagnostic units 2, 4. Special patterns detected upon the shared data connection 14 serve to switch between diagnostic modes with respective ones of the diagnostic units 2, 4 becoming active.

Abstract: With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, a pointer indicating the observation point of a beam scanning probe is superimposed upon an image of a lesion to be operated on in the head which is obtained via a TV camera or a surgery microscope, and the superimposed image information is registered as such in an image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, information of a cytological picture is also registered in the image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, the image recording device registers the two image information in a paired fashion. Through this arrangement, the beam scanning probe system for surgery can smoothly locate, for a given cytological picture, a site of a tumor to be treated from which the picture was obtained, which will ease the operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positioning a therapy device, such as an ultrasound transducer, using a tilt sensor carried by the transducer and a positioner coupled to the transducer. The positioner provides roll and pitch control as well as translating the transducer in lateral and longitudinal directions. A processor receives signals from the tilt sensor corresponding to the actual rotational orientation of the transducer and controls the positioner to adjust the orientation of the therapy device until a desired position is achieved.

Abstract: A flexible shaft is inserted through a sheath constituting an insertion portion of an ultrasonic probe connected to an ultrasonic observation apparatus, an ultrasonic transducer driven to rotate, etc., is attached at the distal end portion thereof, and an ultrasonic wave can be transmitted and received through an acoustic window arranged around thereof. By using hydrocarbon-based oil having a kinematic viscosity of 20 mm2/s as an acoustic medium for filling the surrounding of the ultrasonic transducer in the acoustic window, ultrasonic attenuation at high frequencies can be reduced, decrease of the capacity of the acoustic medium due to volatilization can be reduced, and decrease of the capacity of the acoustic medium due to volatilization is reduced.

Abstract: A method for displaying scanned ultrasound images of tissue employs an apparatus including an ultrasound probe mounted to a mechanical head. A three-dimensional positioning system mounts the head for positioning the probe in proximate orthogonal relation to the tissue. A computer controls the three-dimensional positioning system thereby moving the probe during a scan. The probe transmits high frequency ultrasound waves whose nominal frequency is included within the range from 30 to 100 MHz and with a large pass band, adapted to frequencies reflected by the tissue. The beams of ultrasound transmission are focused in a given zone of the tissue over a vertical penetration distance of between 20 and 30 mm. Reflected signals are acquired and processed for display.

Abstract: A tracking system for stone treatment by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy includes a data processing unit, a motion controller, a servo-moving platform, a stone image-processing module, a stone localization module, and a moving-mechanism control module. With the use of the stone-tracking system, the performance of an extracorporeal shock wave lithotriptor can be greatly improved, resulting in less side effect such as tissue damage.

Abstract: The scanning system of the invention includes a structure driven in rotation around a first axis, a structuremounted rotating on the structure around an axis parallel to the first axis, a structure for supporting an echographic probe mounted rotating on the structure around a third axis parallel to the axis, a coupling element between the structure and the structure and a coupling element between the support structure and the structure. This system being able to move the probe along a variable band arciform trajectory.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasound scanning of the eye is provided comprising a virtual center translocation mechanism that facilitates precise arcuate motion of an ultrasonic transducer to maintain focal distance from the eye and to maintain normality of the ultrasound beam with surfaces of the eye. The invention also provides a radius adjust mechanism for changing the radius of ultrasound scanning to facilitate positioning of the transducer focal point on selected surfaces of the eye. Centration optics are also provided, for aligning the ultrasound transducer with the Purkinje (or other optical or geometric) axis of a patient's eye. In addition the invention provides a hygiene barrier eyeseal for protection of the patient from disease propagation.

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus cancels signal delay times of transmission and reception circuits (13, 15, 22, 25), which are causes of the errors of distance detection, by receiving a transmission signal turned back directly to measure the difference between the transmission timing and the reception timing at that time, and by setting the value obtained by the measurement as a correction value at the time of obtaining the measurement distance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus and method are described in which a volumetric region of the body is imaged by biplane images. One biplane image has a fixed planar orientation to the transducer, and the plane of the other biplane image can be varied in relation to the fixed reference image. In a preferred embodiment one image can be rotated relative to the other, and can be tilted relative to the other. An image orientation icon is shown on the display screen together with the two biplane images depicting the relative orientation of the two planar images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or a device for recording ultrasonic images of an object (1) in which ultrasonic waves are radiated onto the object (1) by an ultrasonic emitter, and ultrasonic waves reflected by the object (1) are received by an ultrasonic receiver. For recording individual image partial areas (6), the ultrasonic emitter or ultrasonic receiver (18) is displaced along the object (1) or is at least partially rotated with regard to the object (1). The corresponding movement (S) of the ultrasonic transmitter or of the ultrasonic receiver (4, 18) is progressively detected by a detector (9, 23) and is assigned to the individual image partial areas (6). As a result, it is possible to record the object (1) by manually moving the ultrasonic transducer (4), whereby an incremental detector serves as a detector (9, 23) for progressively detecting the movement (S).

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic probe comprising: —a housing (20), which accommodates an ultrasonic transducer and has a contact surface for making contact with the surface (28) of a body (30) to be inspected; —at least one digital camera (36), which is allocated to the housing (20) and which is aligned in such a way that it registers the surface (28) of the body (30) and supplies a respective electronic image of sub-sections of the surface (28) of the body (30) at intervals; —a circuit for image processing (40), which has an image memory (42) for at least one electronic image that has been registered by the digital camera (36).

Abstract: An ultrasound system that utilizes a probe in conjunction with little or no specialized 3-D software/hardware to produce images having depth cues. A control unit uses the probe to produce multiple slices of data, wherein each slice has a plurality of lines of data points. The control unit oversees the combination of data points from matched lines across the slices so as to create an image on the display giving the illusion of depth.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an ultrasonic probe comprising a housing, a driven shaft rotatably supported by the housing, a transducer supported by the driven shaft to be swingable on one side of the driven shaft and operative to transduce an electric signal to and from an ultrasound, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the housing spaced apart from and in parallel relationship with the driven shaft in the predetermined direction; a drive motor supported on the housing and drivably connected to the drive shaft; and a drive belt passed on the driven shaft and the drive shaft to transmit the rotation from the drive motor to the transducer. The transducer has the ultrasound emitted therefrom and reflected thereto through the housing in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An imaging system and method provides for the automatic leveling of a hologram detector system. A detector system must be precisely oriented in a proper predetermined orientation. The present invention senses the orientation of a plate to which the detector system is mounted and adjusts driver motors to maintain the detector system at a desired predetermined orientation. In an exemplary embodiment, orientation sensors form a feedback loop to a servo controller to control the position of the motors and thus maintain the detector system at the predetermined orientation. In another aspect of the invention, the patient table may be repositioned with respect to the imaging system. The patient is positioned on a table and imaging performed. If an object of interest is detected, the patient table may be independently repositioned in three orthogonal directions such that the object of interest coincides with an axis of rotation of the patient table.

Abstract: A method for creating multiple planar images of a volumetric region of an object without acquiring data from the entire volumetric region. The method includes sweeping a transducer across the volumetric region. At sampling positions during the sweep, ultrasonic beams from the transducer are transmitted into the volumetric region, which intersect one or more of a plurality of surfaces to be scanned. The number of transmitted beams during the sweep is fewer than the number of beams that would be transmitted to scan the entire volumetric region. Echoes from the volumetric region are received at the transducer in response to the transmitted beams. From the received echoes, planar images corresponding to the plurality of surfaces are formed. In a variation, the method includes receiving at the transducer fewer echoes from the volumetric region than the echoes that would be received from scanning the entire volumetric region.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic mirror, an ultrasound transducer positioned to direct a scanned ultrasound beam at the acoustic mirror, wherein the scanned ultrasound beam is reflected by the acoustic mirror to form a reflected ultrasound beam, and an actuating device for moving the acoustic mirror relative to the scanned ultrasound beam so that the reflected ultrasound beam scans a three-dimensional volume. An ultrasound matching fluid may be disposed between the ultrasound transducer and the acoustic mirror. The actuating device may be configured for rotating the acoustic mirror, translating the acoustic mirror or rotating and translating the acoustic mirror. The acoustic mirror may have a single acoustically-reflecting surface of may be a polygon having a plurality of acoustically-reflective surfaces.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer including a one-twelfth wavelength impedance matching transformer and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The transducer comprises a transducer element for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves, a first impedance matching layer, and a second impedance matching layer. The transducer element has a transmitting/receiving surface, an impedance, and a thickness of substantially one-half wavelength of an ultrasound wave generated thereby. The first impedance matching layer is formed on the transmitting/receiving surface of the transducer element and has a thickness of substantially one-twelfth wavelength of the ultrasound wave travelling therein. The second impedance matching layer is formed on a selected surface of the first impedance matching layer and has a thickness of substantially one-twelfth wavelength of the ultrasound passing therethrough.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system and method for imaging human or animal tissue having a surface and including a probe comprising a platen for defining the surface in a manner supporting the human or animal tissue for imaging the same, a transducer positioned closely adjacent the supporting platen for providing an output ultrasonic beam directed on the surface so that the size of the beam at its focal point is as small as possible to maximize the resolution of the system an electrically operated motor for moving the transducer in a manner such that the ultrasonic beam is directed in a path along the surface. A fluid-tight housing extends from the tissue-supporting surface and has an interior region containing the transducer and motor which region is filled by an electrically non-conductive fluid having an acoustic impedance substantially equal to that of water and having a viscosity sufficiently low so as not to impede the movement of the transducer.

Abstract: A vascular imaging system with an automated longitudinal position translator includes a drive unit with a single motor to provide for rotational and longitudinal translation of a drive-cable and distally mounted transducer within a catheter assembly. The drive unit includes a main body casing and a pullback carriage on which the main body casing slidingly engages. The drive-cable is mechanically coupled to the motor, and an outer sheath of the catheter assembly is fixed to the pullback carriage via a rigid pullback arm. The imaging system can be made to operate in an automated longitudinal translation mode, wherein the main body casing of the drive unit is made to uniformly and longitudinally move relative to the pullback carriage by the drive unit motor, thus causing coincident longitudinal movement of the drive-cable (and distally located transducer) relative to the outer guide sheath of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus (1) for articulating a probe (3) is constructed with a reversible motor (10) and at least one tension adjusting cable (4) to articulate the probe (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging that utilizes a one, one and one-half or two dimensional scanhead for performing three dimensional imaging. The method and apparatus limits acoustic reverberations by swinging or rotating an array of ultrasound transducer elements about the longitudinal axis of the probe of an ultrasound transducer apparatus to enable the transducers to maintain a constant and concentric position with the acoustic membrane of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus for an image producing ultrasonic system has a carrier body (2) which is rotatable or pivotal about an axis of rotation (A) and a plurality of transducer elements (3) which are arranged on the carrier body (2) for the emission and reception of ultrasonic signals. At least two of the transducer elements (3) are dispacedly arranged relative to one another with respect to the peripheral direction of the carrier body (2) and with respect to the axial direction determined by the axis of rotation (A).

Abstract: In an apparatus for examining living tissue by means of X-rays and by electric impedance measurement, a control device optionally activates an X-ray source and a radiation receiver, and/or for applying current or voltage signals to the tissue to be examined and a unit for measuring induced potentials or currents. This allows an X-ray image to be produced and induced potentials and currents to be measured either simultaneously or sequentially. It is also possible to fuse the respective images produced in these ways.

Abstract: A device for non-invasively locating and marking blood carrying vessels in a live human body includes a housing having a control panel for user selection of functions, a central processing unit controlling said functions. The device includes motorized legs for regulating the height of the housing above a patient's skin according to data received from a proximity sensor. The device includes an upper carriage driven in a first direction and a lower carriage driven in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The lower carriage is coupled to the upper carriage such that the lower carriage can be positioned at any position within an x-y plane. The device further includes a transducer for locating the position of a blood vessel through the transmission and receipt of ultrasonic waves. The transducer is mounted to the lower carriage such that the path of a blood vessel can be tracked through carriage movements according to signals received by the transducer.

Abstract: A vascular imaging system with an automated longitudinal position translator includes a drive unit with a single motor to provide for rotational and longitudinal translation of a drive-cable and distally mounted transducer within a catheter assembly. The drive unit includes a main body casing and a pullback carriage on which the main body casing slidingly engages. The drive-able is mechanically coupled to the motor, and an outer sheath of the catheter assembly is fixed to the pullback carriage via a rigid pullback arm. The imaging system can be made to operate in an automated longitudinal translation mode, wherein the main body casing of the drive unit is made to uniformly and longitudinally move relative to the pullback carriage by the drive unit motor, thus causing coincident longitudinal movement of the drive-cable (and distally located transducer) relative to the outer guide sheath of the catheter assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system for imaging an object. The system includes a mechanism for designating an ultrasonic probe swiveling angle threshold beyond which the ultrasonic probe does not adequately image the scanned object, and an echo amplitude correction apparatus for correcting the amplitude of a received echo by normalizing such amplitude to the value of a previously recorded echo of higher amplitude. Furthermore, the system includes a mechanism for monitoring acoustic coupling, which includes a low frequency noise level selection apparatus for manually selecting the power at which a low frequency reference noise is generated by a vibrator, and a low frequency noise receiving crystal located in the probe holder of the ultrasonic probe, for receiving the low frequency reference noise signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for interpolating image lines from ultrasonically obtained scanlines of an image region. The interpolated lines are preferably formed one-quarter and three-quarters of the distance between each pair of received scanlines by combining weighted samples of the adjacent scanlines in proportion to their distances from the interpolated lines. The received scanlines are preferably formed by a beamformer which samples the received lines at quadrature phases of the scanhead center frequency and filters the samples by combining successive samples of a related phase. The image lines are scan converted by computing a grid of weighted values between each pair of image lines, and using the closest value for each pixel in the ultrasound image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system and method for imaging human or animal tissue having a surface and including a probe comprising a platen for defining the surface in a manner supporting the human or animal tissue for imaging the same, a transducer positioned closely adjacent the supporting platen for providing an output ultrasonic beam directed on the surface so that the size of the beam at its focal point is as small as possible to maximize the resolution of the system an electrically operated motor for moving the transducer in a manner such that the ultrasonic beam is directed in a path along the surface. A fluid-tight housing extends from the tissue-supporting surface and has an interior region containing the transducer and motor which region is filled by an electrically non-conductive fluid having an acoustic impedance substantially equal to that of water and having a viscosity sufficiently low so as not to impede the movement of the transducer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus comprises a probe having a plurality of transducers for performing transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves; a selection circuit for sequentially selecting the transducers for performing transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves; and an A/D converter for converting a reception waveform signal from the transducer selected by the selection circuit into a digital waveform signal. The apparatus also includes a memory for storing the digital waveform signal converted by the A/D converter in correspondence with the selected transducer; and a read control circuit having a wavefront locus address generator for generating a wavefront locus data corresponding to time-of-flight data between each point in an ultrasonic scanning region and respective transducers to synthesize a wavefront converging on a point in the ultrasonic scanning region (including points which are not located on lines normal to the radiating surfaces of the transducers).