Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring breathing movements and determining breathing patterns, by measuring the simultaneous movement of a plurality of points of a human subject, such that a breathing pattern may be determined based on data obtained in a single acquisition. The method provides a symmetry breathing pattern parameter.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine is disclosed that displays a color representation of moving structure, such as a cardiac wall tissue, within a region of interest on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying color hues corresponding to a movement parameter of the structure, such as velocity or strain rate in such a manner as to provide for quantitative visualization of movement parameter gradients. The movement parameter is mapped to the color hues by apparatus comprising a user interface that allows the user to input color band resolution and a local range of relative parameter values. A front-end generates received signals in response to ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of parameter signals representing absolute values of the movement parameter within the structure. A set of color characteristic signals is generated by a display processor in response to the set of parameter signals and to a user-defined local range of relative parameter values.

Abstract: A method of adding a new operation stored in a new operation module to software driving an echocardiographic review station, which performs (a) detecting, by the software driving the echocardiographic review station, a presence of a new operation module not previously present in the software; and (b) executing the new operation module from the software driving the echocardiographic review station.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of tissue deformation parameters are disclosed. An ultrasound acquisition technique that allows a high frame rate in tissue velocity imaging or strain rate imaging is employed. With this acquisition technique the same ultrasound pulses are used for the tissue image and the Doppler based image. A sliding window technique is used for processing. The tissue deformation parameter strain is also determined by an accumulation of strain rate estimates for consecutive frames over an interval. The interval may be a triggered interval generated by, for example, an R-wave in an ECG trace. The strain calculation may be improved by moving the sample volume from which the strain rate is accumulated from frame-to-frame according to the relative displacement of the tissue within the original sample volume. The relative displacement of the tissue is determined by the instantaneous tissue velocity of the sample volume.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in a diagnostic ultrasound system are disclosed. A display device has a first window for displaying live ultrasound images and a second window for displaying a reference cine image. The reference cine image is an image captured prior to the currently displayed live ultrasound images. The images of the first and second windows are synchronized by ECG gating. The apparatus and methods may be employed to image the heart, providing operators with a way to monitor the heart and detect subtle changes in heart condition from the time that a reference image was captured.

Abstract: Methods and a system are disclosed for processing an echocardiogram video of a patient's heart. The echocardiogram comprises at least a first sequence of consecutive video frames corresponding to a first view of the patient's heart concatenated with a second sequence of consecutive video frames corresponding to a second view of the patient's heart. The end-diastole phase of the patient's heart is monitored in each frame by detecting the electrocardiograph wave, and a key frame is selected upon the occurrence of the R-wave peak in the electrocardiograph wave in each of the first sequence of consecutive video frames and in the second sequence of consecutive video frames. The shape and color content of the echocardiogram image window is monitored in certain video frames, and a transition is detected when there is a change in the first feature between adjacent frames. A summary is generated which comprises by the video frames corresponding to the end-diastole phase.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image processing method includes acquiring ultrasonic signals related to an object having moving parts in a medium; constructing an ultrasonic grayscale 2-D image sequence representing a cross-section of a segment of the object with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the grayscale image lines (Z); estimating the displacements and the displacement gradients of a boundary of the object; and normalizing the gray levels in a boundary zone and color-coding the points of the boundary zone of an image sequence as a function of the displacement gradient values, in order to provide color-coded information of the object moving parts displacement variations. An ultrasonic examination imaging system for carrying out the method having a color display system is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention describes automatically tracing a tissue border in an ultrasonic image which is accomplished by acquiring one or more images, locating anatomical landmarks in the image, fitting a border trace to the anatomical landmarks, and displaying an ultrasonic image in which a tissue border has been automatically traced. Adjustable control points are located on the displayed border, enabling the automatically drawn border to be manually adjusted by a rubberbanding technique.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of tissue deformation parameters, such as tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging, are disclosed. An ultrasound acquisition technique that allows a high frame rate in tissue velocity imaging or strain rate imaging is employed. With this acquisition technique the same ultrasound pulses are used for the tissue image and the Doppler based image. The number of beams used in Doppler subframes are increased to allow tissue visualization based only on Doppler subframes. A sliding window technique is used for processing.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for generating a synthetic echocardiographic image. The method comprises first obtaining, for a plurality of pathologically similar reference hearts, a reference echocardiographic image of each reference heart at end-systole and at end-diastole. Next, the coupled epicardial and endocardial borders are identified in each echocardiographic image. An epicardial/endocardial border pair is then modeled from the identified borders. The method then locates a plurality of predetermined features in the reference echocardiographic images. The predetermined features are then located in the subject echocardiographic image from the location of the predetermined features in the reference echocardiographic images. The modeled epicardial/endocardial border pair is then mapped onto the subject echocardiographic image relative to the location of the predetermined features in the subject echocardiographic image.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic signal processing method and system for constructing and displaying a composite image sequence wherein an image includes at least an ultrasonic grayscale 2-D image (A), representing a cross-section of an artery having a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the grayscale image lines (Z), and a dilation curve image (B) of the artery along a grayscale image line coupled to the grayscale image (A). A movable pattern (AP) on the grayscale image (A) indicates a grayscale image line, so as to automatically generate the construction of the image (B) of the coupled dilation curve (&Dgr;(X,n)).

Abstract: Ultrasonic cardiac image information is acquired and segmented by automatic border detection. The segmented ultrasonic information is used to display regional wall motion over time. The segmented information may be presented in a color-coded representation, or entered automatically as qualitative or quantitative measures on a scorecard of cardiac performance. The inventive technique is applicable to both two dimensional and three dimensional ultrasonic image information.

Abstract: The end diastole and end systole images from an acquired cardiac loop are shown side by side on an image display for automatic border tracing. The border tracings can be used to calculate ejection fraction in real time. The cardiac loops may be first acquired then processed for automatic border definition, or the acquired images can be processed in real time to indicate their suitability for automatic border detection as they are acquired.

Abstract: A method is described for automatically tracing a tissue border in an ultrasonic image which comprises acquiring one or more images, locating anatomical landmarks in the image, fitting a border trace to the anatomical landmarks, and displaying an ultrasonic image in which a tissue border has been automatically traced. Adjustable control points are located on the displayed border, enabling the automatically drawn border to be manually adjusted by a rubberbanding technique.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) of a subject during tonometric conditions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more pressure and ultrasound transducers placed over the radial artery of a human subject's wrist, the latter transmitting and receiving acoustic energy so as to permit the measurement of blood velocity during periods of variable compression of the artery. In another aspect of the invention, a wrist brace useful for measuring blood pressure using the aforementioned apparatus is disclosed. In yet another aspect of the invention, backscattered acoustic energy is used to identify the location of the blood vessel of interest, and optionally control the position of measurement or treatment equipment with respect thereto.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe assembly adapted for bio-imaging. The assembly comprises a catheter, an electrical assembly, including a set of linear conductors, at least partially housed within said catheter. An ultrasound transceiving unit is electrically connected to said electrical assembly and can be placed in both an undeployed state in which the transceiving unit is oriented coincidentally to said catheter and a deployed state in which it is directed to provide imaging signals over a volume of interest.

Abstract: A method of determining the viability of a hibernating or stunned myocardial segment comprises the administration of ribose, a vasodilator and an inotropic agent. The preferred agent is dobutamine, which has both a vasodilation and an inotropic effect. The segments may be identified by myocardial imaging by any known means, such as echocardiography, Thallium-201 tracing or positron emission tomography. Ribose is preferably given one minute to three hours prior to administration of the vasodilator and inotropic agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ultrasonic signal processing method for constructing and displaying a composite image sequence wherein an image includes at least an ultrasonic grayscale 2-D image (A), representing a cross-section of an artery having a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the grayscale image lines (Z), and a dilation curve image (B) of the artery along a grayscale image line coupled to the grayscale image (A). A movable pattern (AP) on the grayscale image (A) indicates a grayscale image line, so as to automatically generate the construction of the image (B) of the coupled dilation curve (&Dgr;(X,n)).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for processing acoustic information obtained with an ultrasound device to generate cardiac information, such as, for example, a patient's heart rate. In accordance with the present invention, an ultrasound system is utilized to image a patient's heart to obtain acoustic information relating to the patient's heart. The acoustic information is converted into electrical information, which is then processed to extract a particular feature of interest therefrom, such as, for example, the patient's heart rate. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, processing of the electrical signals comprises the steps of generating a time-series from a series of image frames and then performing a spectral analysis on the time-series. The features of interest are then easily extracted from the results of the spectral analysis.

Abstract: A Doppler ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus is characterized by: transmitting ultrasonic beams between diagnosis sites including a motion fluid in the object's body; receiving its ultrasonic echoes; generating a display image of a Doppler spectrum consisting of the spectrum every moment of a Doppler signal in an ultrasonic Doppler effect due to a motion of a motion fluid based on the ultrasonic echoes; selecting a Doppler spectrum targeted for measurement from this generated display image; automatically recognizing the heart beat range in the selected Doppler spectrum; and measuring an index value for Doppler diagnosis every heart beat range thus recognized. With this characteristics, this apparatus simplifies manual operation during measurement using the Doppler spectrum, and reduces the operation quantity and diagnosis time required for measurement.

Abstract: A region of interest in the body is imaged using at least two different trigger intervals between images. Imaging automatically switches from one trigger interval to another in response to a user command, such as depressing a button. This automation avoids cumbersome manual changes of the trigger intervals. Perfusion is measured in a shorter time in this way, reducing the effects of breathing and transducer movement. Variation of the trigger intervals allows for a convenient determination of perfusion. For example, the trigger intervals are varied from one heart cycle to two heart cycles and then to other integer numbers of heart cycles.

Abstract: A chord propagation velocity measurement (CPVM) system is used in connection with, for example, a brightness-mode (B-mode) or doppler ultrasound imaging system. The CPVM system monitors ultrasound data provided to it by the ultrasound imaging system and enhances the functionality of the ultrasound imaging system by providing a chord propagation velocity (CPV) associated with a body region, such as a blood vessel in a living thing. The CPV is indicative of the stiffness of the body region. In architecture, the CPVM system includes a tissue processor connected to the scanner of the ultrasound system designed to analyze each acoustic scan line and to determine a category (type of region, for example, blood or tissue) for each point along each acoustic scan line. A display produces an image generated from acoustic scan lines. A user input mechanism permits a user to identify a region of interest in the image. The tissue processor produces samples based upon the region of interest in the image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which displays a two-dimensional sectional image of, for example, the left ventricle of the heart by sending and receiving ultrasonic waves. A reference point is set in the left ventricle, and an outline of the left ventricle is identified using this point. The left ventricle is radially divided from the reference point into plural division regions, e.g. four regions. The area of each division region is calculated at each point in time, and an area variation rate is computed from the ratio of the area and a reference area. The area variation rate for each division region is continuously displayed as a graph. On this graph, a part with dull motion (diseased part) can easily be identified.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an intima-media thickness of a blood vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an ultrasound device for outputting digital image data representing an image of the blood vessel produced by scanning the blood vessel with an ultrasound; and a data analyzing device for receiving the output digital image data and calculating the intima-media thickness of the blood vessel according to the received digital image data. The digital image data includes a plurality of luminance values each corresponding to respective one of a plurality of pixels of the image.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular ultrasound imaging. A catheter including ultrasonic apparatus is introduced into and may be moved through a bodily lumen. The apparatus transmits ultrasonic signals and detects reflected ultrasound signals which contain information relating to the bodily lumen. A processor coupled to the catheter is programmed to derive a first image or series of images and a second image or series of images from the detected ultrasound signals. The processor is also programmed to compare the second image or series of images to the first image or series of images respectively. The processor may be programmed to stabilize the second image in relation to the first image and to limit drift. The processor may also be programmed to monitor the first and second images for cardiovascular periodicity, image quality, temporal change and vasomotion. It can also match the first series of images and the second series of images.

Abstract: The apparatus for a cardiological therapy, in particular an ablation apparatus, comprises an ultrasonic transducer and an applicator which is arranged at the transducer and provided for an endocardial energy output. An echocardiographic thickness measurement of the myocardium can be performed by means of the transducer. Control means are provided by means of which the energy output is metered with the applicator and can be performed in a manner matched to the measured thickness.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring data in an ultrasound system are provided. A transducer is operatively connected to a transmit beamformer and a receive beamformer. The receive beamformer is configured to obtain a first value associated with a fundamental frequency interleaved with a second value associated with a harmonic frequency. A first transmit signal is transmitted at a first frequency. A first echo signal is received in response to the first transmit signal. At least the first value associated with the first frequency is obtained from the first echo signal. An interleaved second transmit signal is transmitted at the first frequency or a second frequency. A second echo signal is received in response to the second transmit signal. At least the second value associated with a third frequency is obtained from the second echo signal. Images are generated and displayed based on the at least one first value and the at least one second value.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging data obtained from anatomic structures which have periodic physiologic motion that define successive physiologic cycles is packaged into image loops. Each image loop includes frame data representing a plurality of image frames acquired at spaced time intervals within a physiologic cycle. The image loops may be transmitted to a remote location for playback in real-time or pseudo real-time. Also provided is a scheme for increasing the effective acquisition frame rate in a medical ultrasound imaging system which acquires imaging data of an anatomic structure having periodic physiologic motion that defines successive physiologic cycles.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular ultrasound imaging. A catheter including ultrasonic apparatus is introduced into and may be moved through a bodily lumen. The apparatus transmits ultrasonic signals and detects reflected ultrasound signals which contain information relating to the bodily lumen. A processor coupled to the catheter is programmed to derive a first image or series of images and a second image or series of images from the detected ultrasound signals. The processor is also programmed to compare the second image or series of images to the first image or series of images respectively. The processor may be programmed to stabilize the second image in relation to the first image and to limit drift. The processor may also be programmed to monitor the first and second images for cardiovascular periodicity, image quality, temporal change and vasomotion. It can also match the first series of images and the second series of images.

Abstract: A computer-implemented user interface for generating an echocardiographic report includes a patient menu screen from which a user can select an existing report to modify or create a new report. After the user selects a patient, the first echocardiographic data screen, which includes a plurality of data entry windows for entering echocardiographic data, appears. At least one data entry window displays echocardiographic data for two paired cardiac structures and includes a button for selecting a desired one of the paired cardiac structures. The user selects whether data will be entered for one or the other of the paired cardiac structures, then inputs patient data through a series of buttons. Pairing of the cardiac structures saves on display real estate and takes advantage of commonality between the pairs. Paired cardiac structures include the left ventricle and right ventricle, the left atrium and right atrium, the aorta and pulmonary artery, mitral and tricuspid valve, and the aortic and pulmonary valve.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer acquires a series of ultrasound tomograms as it continuously rotates through a range of angles. When positioned in a left ventricular long axis view, serial sectional slices are acquired within 6 seconds from which a 3D image is reconstructed. The boundary of the left ventricle is identified in this 3D image using a reference database produced by a learning process that captures expert knowledge of left ventricle cavity shapes.

Abstract: Color Doppler data is acquired only over a portion of the cardiac cycle, such as during diastole in order to increase the sensitivity of detection. Ultrasound system parameters such as clutter filter coefficience, temporal and spatial filter coefficients and demodulation frequencies may be altered only for a portion of the cardiac cycle to increase detection sensitivity, to improve myocardial border estimation and to avoid the loss of color Doppler image at end-diastole.

Abstract: An apparatus for localizing action currents in the heart of a living subject has electrodes for acquiring a distribution of electrical potential on the body surface of the living subject generated by the action currents, a position acquisition unit for determining the spatial position of the electrodes, and a localization unit connected to the electrodes and to the position acquisition unit. The localization unit localizing the action currents from the distribution of potential and the spatial position of the electrodes. A reference catheter fixable in the heart is fashioned such that its spatial position can be determined by the position acquisition unit, and that the localization unit localizes the action currents with reference to the reference catheter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment usable to measure small vibrations in myocardial tissues superimposed on a large amplitude vibration of heartbeat. And it comprises a large amplitude motion analyzing means for deciding the an instantaneous position of the object by using the amplitude and phase of the detected signal and tracking a large amplitude of motion of the object, and a small vibration analyzing means for detecting a small vibration superimposed on the large amplitude motion by analyzing, succeeding positions of the large amplitude motion obtained from the large amplitude motion analyzing means. By using this invention, a local elasticity of width of 1-2 mm in myocardium and arterial wall can be evaluated noninvasively.

Abstract: A ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is used to inspect the functioning of heart based on ultrasonic images sampled in the expansion period and the contraction period of the heart, includes means of sampling a ultrasonic image of the heart, means of picking up a bionomic signal from the heart, means of memorizing the bionomic signal and ultrasonic image data, means of identifying automatically a time point of inspection to be of the expansion period or the contraction period of the heart based on the bionomic signal read out of the memory means, and means of analyzing the heart functioning based on the ultrasonic images sampled at the time points of inspection and the result of time phase identification.

Abstract: A device having a combined electrode (20) and position tracking transducer (30) mounted to a surgical instrument, such as a catheter (10). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrode (20) serves dual functions, namely as a standard ECG electrode for communicating an ECG voltage, and as an electrode transducer, such as a conductor for a transducer. The combined ECG electrode and position tracking transducer minimizes the amount of space needed on the surgical instrument and the number of required components.