Doppler Effect (e.g., Fetal Hr Monitoring) Patents (Class 600/453)
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Publication number: 20090216127Abstract: A device for detecting and counting coughing events is provided. In one embodiment a sensor for sensing and transducing low frequency and high frequency mechanical vibrations, sends signals to a coincidence detector that determines if high and low signals coincide. In another embodiment, ultrasonic energy is introduced to the trachea and if Doppler shift in frequency is detected, association is made to a coughing event. In another embodiment a change in the impedance of the neck is considered associated with coughing event if correlated over time with a specific mechanical frequency sensed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2006Publication date: August 27, 2009Inventor: Oren Gavriely
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Patent number: 7578792Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic optimization in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging are provided. The value for one or more spectral Doppler parameter is optimized using numerical optimization rather than predefined sampling. Various spectral Doppler parameters are set, such as a position of the gate, gate size, transmit frequency, filter settings, Doppler gain, beamline orientation or angle of intersection between the gate position and the scan line, aperture size, or other spectral Doppler transmit or receive parameters effecting the spectral Doppler imaging. A processor automatically calculates a setting or value for one or more of the spectral Doppler parameters, resulting in more objective optimization than provided by a user setting.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Chi-Yin Lee, Paul Donald Freiburger, Mark G. Magrane
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Publication number: 20090204002Abstract: A method and system for positioning the transducer of a Doppler ultrasound fetal heat rate monitor at an optimum location on the abdomen of the pregnant patient. The method entails using a transducer positioned on the abdomen of a pregnant patient. Use is made of the conventional audio envelope that drives the audio amplifiers of a Doppler ultrasound monitor. That audio envelope is used to determine an average maximum and minimum values of the signal strength over a period of time. Those values establish a full span and can be continuously updated as the monitoring is carried out. The average maximum and minimum strength values are used to create a visual display of a particular set of signals from the patient for use by the caregiver to locate the transducer at a optimum location contacting the skin of the patient in the abdominal area.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Ashit M. Pandit
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Publication number: 20090198138Abstract: There is provided first storage means (3) for storing digital reception beam data converted from a reception beam formed from an ultrasonic received signal; first control means (2) for controlling reading and writing of data from/in the first storage means; a filter coefficient calculation portion (5) for calculating a filter coefficient based on information on the reception beam, the information including a positional relationship between the reception beam and a transmission beam; and a first spatial filter operation portion (4) for subjecting each of a plurality of the reception beam data including data of beams received in parallel from a single transmission beam to filtering processing for reducing a difference in image quality between adjacent beams based on the filter coefficient. Image data output from the first spatial filter operation portion are converted into scanning of a display monitor (8) so as to display an image on the display monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2005Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Akiko Uchikawa, Yoshihiko Ito, Yasuhiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 7567200Abstract: A radar fall detector system. The radar fall detector system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines a subject's moving body segment and its distance to a floor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Inventor: Josef Osterweil
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Patent number: 7563229Abstract: System and method for automatically measuring the delay of tissue motion and deformation. For example, asynchrony may be measured between the left and right ventricles and within the left ventricle. A measurement feature may be defined by default or obtained using a user input. A reference time and a search interval are identified. The search interval may be based on the reference time, or input or modified by a user. A time delay of the measurement feature within the search interval is calculated for each sample. At least one color is assigned to the samples corresponding to the calculated time delay.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company LLCInventor: Andreas Heimdal
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Publication number: 20090177089Abstract: A method for imaging of an anatomical structure includes acquiring a plurality of ultrasonic images of the anatomical structure. At least one of the images includes Doppler information. One or more contours of the anatomical structure are generated from the Doppler information. A three-dimensional image of the anatomical structure is reconstructed from the plurality of ultrasonic images, using the one or more contours.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Assaf Govari, Andres Claudio Altmann, Yaron Ephrath, Yitzhack Schwartz
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Publication number: 20090163815Abstract: A motion parameter measuring unit two-dimensionally measures a motion parameter of a myocardial tissue by a tracking process on time-series ultrasonic image data acquired by transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves to and from a sample. On the other hand, a time phase setting unit adds a diastolic heartbeat time phase, which is set on the basis of a systole end specified by a time phase where a cardiac cavity area of the ultrasonic image data is the smallest and a diastole end specified by an R wave in an electrocardiographic waveform of the sample, relative to the systole end to time-series parameter image data generated by a parameter image data generating unit on the basis of the motion parameter. An image data extracting unit extracts parameter image data to which the diastolic heartbeat time phase closest to a desired diastolic heartbeat time phase set by an input unit is added and displays the extracted parameter image data on a display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Tetsuya Kawagishi, Yasuhiko Abe, Hiroyuki Ohuchi, Katsuhisa Ishii
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Publication number: 20090156938Abstract: A method for Doppler scan conversion includes storing coded envelope values together with spectrum data in a memory out of a logic device with a large capacity, which increases the number of envelopes stored, reduces the use of the restricted embedded memory resources, and can also achieve the envelope switching more flexibly. If the number of envelopes is not greater than the difference between the bit width of the memory and that of the spectrum data, the increase in the number of envelopes will not increase significantly the logic resources or affect the efficiency of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yajun DU, Jianyong WANG
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Patent number: 7547282Abstract: The invention provides an ultrasonic monitor for measuring pulse rate values in a living subject, including a module with at least one source of ultrasonic energy, a gel pad comprised of a polymer and from about 50 to about 95% by weight of an ultrasound conductive diluent, wherein the gel pad is positioned in direct contact between the module and the living subject; an ultrasonic energy detector and associated hardware and software for detecting, calculating and displaying a readout of the measured rate values.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Salutron, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Ying-Ching Lo, Tolentino Escorcio, Ron Jong Chang
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Publication number: 20090131765Abstract: Minimally invasive systems and methods are described for measuring pulmonary circulation information from the pulmonary arteries. A transbronchial Doppler ultrasound catheter is advanced through the airways and in the vicinity of the pulmonary artery. Doppler ultrasound energy is sent through the airway wall and across the pulmonary artery to obtain velocity information of blood flowing through the artery. The velocity information is used to compute pulmonary circulation information including but not limited to flowrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Broncus Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Edmund J. ROSCHAK, Jeffrey SCHWARDT, Philip Stephen LEVIN
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Publication number: 20090118612Abstract: In an aspect, embodiments of the invention relate to the effective and accurate placement of intravascular devices such as central venous catheters, in particular such as peripherally inserted central catheters or PICC. One aspect of the present invention relates to vascular access. It describes devices and methods for imaging guided vascular access and more effective sterile packaging and handling of such devices. A second aspect of the present invention relates to the guidance, positioning and placement confirmation of intravascular devices without the help of X-ray imaging. A third aspect of the present invention relates to devices and methods for the skin securement of intravascular devices and post-placement verification of location of such devices. A forth aspect of the present invention relates to improvement of the workflow required for the placement of intravascular devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Sorin Grunwald, Fiona Maria Sander, Wilfred J. Samson, Bradley Hill
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Patent number: 7513871Abstract: A portable apparatus for conveying blood flow parameters to a user, the apparatus comprising: a transducer device for providing for Doppler monitoring of flows within a patient; a processing unit interconnected to the transducer unit and adapted to extract a blood flow signal from the operation of the transducer and process the blood flow signal so as to produce a video blood flow signal and an audio blood flow signal; a display unit interconnect to the processing unit for visualising the video blood flow signal; and at least one audio emission devices interconnected to the processing unit for emission of the audio blood flow signal to the ears of the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: USCOM Pty Ltd.Inventor: Robert Allan Phillips
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Publication number: 20090088640Abstract: A view represented by echocardiographic data is classified. A probabilistic boosting network is used to classify the view. The probabilistic boosting network may include multiple levels where each level has a multi-class local structure classifier and a plurality of local-structure detectors corresponding to the respective multiple classes. In each level, the local structure is classified as a particular view and then the local structure is detected to determine whether the currently selected local structure corresponds to the class. The view classification may be used to determine gate locations, such as a gate for spectral Doppler analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicants: Siemens Corporate Research, Inc., Siemens Medical Solutions USA. Inc.Inventors: Jin Hyeong Park, Shaohua Kevin Zhou, Constantine Simopoulos, Joanne Otsuki, Dorin Comaniciu
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Publication number: 20090054763Abstract: A system and method for spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography of a sample include at least one light source configured to deliver light pulses at two or more different wavelengths to the sample. An ultrasonic transducer is disposed adjacent to the sample for receiving photoacoustic signals generated due to optical absorption of the light pulses by the sample. A control system is provided in communication with the ultrasonic transducer for reconstructing photoacoustic tomographic images from the received photoacoustic signals, wherein upon application of light pulses of two or more different wavelengths to the sample, the control system is configured to determine the local spectroscopic absorption of substances at any location in the sample. The system may further provide for one or more of ultrasound imaging. Doppler ultrasound imaging, and diffuse optical imaging of the sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Xueding Wang, David Chamberland, Paul Carson, Brian Fowlkes
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Publication number: 20090054771Abstract: An apparatus measures the quantity of milk consumed by an infant during a breast-feeding session. The apparatus includes a brassiere-like garment (30) with openings allowing the breasts to be exposed for nursing an infant. Lining (32) is attached to the inside of the brassiere. Ultra-sonic Doppler-Effect transmitter probes (44) and receiver probes (46) are annexed to the brassiere lining pointing at the direction of the respective nipple of the nursing person. A processor is provided for translating flow measurements by the probes (44, 46) into volume units.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2005Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Mamsense Ltd.Inventors: Eliezer Kolberg, Yitzhak Epstein
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Publication number: 20090030318Abstract: An infant umbilical cord monitoring system having a hinged housing adapted to receive both an umbilical cord clamping means and a means for measuring physiological data of the infant. A method of using an infant's umbilical cord for obtaining physiological data includes applying an umbilical cord clamping means to the infant's umbilical cord, positioning a hinged housing adapted to receive both the umbilical cord clamping means and a means for measuring physiological data of the infant against the infant and detecting the physiological data of the infant.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Robert Lemke, Mike Farrah, Paul Byrne
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Publication number: 20090012398Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for filling Doppler signal gaps. The method comprises steps of: storing Doppler signals before and after a gap; analyzing spectral characteristics of the Doppler signals to be filled; judging whether the Doppler signals are to be frequency compensated according to the spectral parameters; compensating the Doppler signals; and filling the gap by means of weighting and superposing the frequency compensated Doppler signals to be filled and the original Doppler signals before and after the gap based on the judging result. According to the method of the present invention, the Doppler signals before and after the gap are first subjected to frequency compensation, and then weighted and superposed with the acquired Doppler signals, thus obtaining a continuous spectrogram and audio output and maintaining the original spectral characteristics of the Doppler signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO-MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu Zhang, Xin Li
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Patent number: 7470232Abstract: A continuous, non-invasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer array patches that are adhered or attached to the mother. Each ultrasound transducer array is operated in an autonomous mode by a digital signal processor to obtain data from which fetal heart rate information can be derived. Each ultrasonic transducer array patch comprises a multiplicity of subelements that are switchably reconfigurable to form elements having different shapes, e.g., annular rings. Each subelement comprises a plurality of interconnected cMUT cells that are not switchably disconnectable. The use of cMUT patches will provide the ability to interrogate a three-dimensional space electronically (i.e. without mechanical beam steering) with ultrasound, using a transducer device that is thin and lightweight enough to stick to the patient's skin like an EKG electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2004Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ralph T. Hoctor, Kai E. Thomenius
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Patent number: 7455640Abstract: A tomographic image and a tissue characteristic image that are in conformity with each other in terms of time-phase and positional relationships can be displayed superimposedly, thereby providing an excellent ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that enables an easy and detailed observation of a relationship between a structure and a characteristic of a subject tissue. During an operation of ultrasonic wave transmission/reception (in a live mode), a control part (100) allows a tomographic image to be renewed continuously, displayed on a monitor (107), and stored in a tomographic image memory (110), while allowing an elastic modulus image as a tissue characteristic image to be renewed per heartbeat, displayed on the monitor, and stored in an elastic-modulus-image memory (111) as a tissue characteristic image memory.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Suzuki, Hisashi Hagiwara, Yoshinao Tannaka, Yoshinobu Watanabe
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Publication number: 20080281204Abstract: A system and method are presented for treating branches of the superior hemorrhoidal artery by photocoagulation using laser energy. The inflamed dilated blood vessels in and around the anal region, often called hemorrhoids or piles, are caused due to a connective tissue disorder, a relative increase in pressure in the superior hemorrhoidal artery and a weakening of the vessels' valves. A suitable treatment system and a method are given for treating such conditions in a minimally invasive manner. The treatment system photocoagulates the branches of a superior hemorrhoidal artery in the anal and rectal regions using laser energy while causing minimal pain or discomfort to the patient. The system is provided with a transparent operational window. The distal end of the fiber and Doppler system channel are at the operational window. The system also includes a viewing window. The post operative recovery is faster than alternative approaches with no complications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Raffaele Salfi, Wolfgang Neuberger
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Publication number: 20080242995Abstract: Methods and systems for automatic optimization in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging are provided. The value for one or more spectral Doppler parameter is optimized using numerical optimization rather than predefined sampling. Various spectral Doppler parameters are set, such as a position of the gate, gate size, transmit frequency, filter settings, Doppler gain, beamline orientation or angle of intersection between the gate position and the scan line, aperture size, or other spectral Doppler transmit or receive parameters effecting the spectral Doppler imaging. A processor automatically calculates a setting or value for one or more of the spectral Doppler parameters, resulting in more objective optimization than provided by a user setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA, INC.Inventors: Chi-Yin Lee, Paul Donald Freiburger, Mark G. Magrane
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Publication number: 20080242994Abstract: The maximum frequency in a Doppler spectrum is obtained and used as an aliasing detector. When aliasing occurs, frequencies greater than a frequency limit change from one frequency region to another. When aliasing is detected, a zero frequency baseline is shifted to prevent future aliasing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: ALOKA CO., LTD.Inventor: Tadashi Tamura
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Publication number: 20080228078Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound diagnostic system for displaying an enhanced Doppler spectrum image. The ultrasound diagnostic system includes: a period setting unit operable to set a period for computing spectral Doppler components from ultrasound data obtained by transmitting/receiving ultrasound signals to/from a target object; a Doppler spectrum data acquiring unit operable to compute the spectral Doppler components at the set period from the ultrasound data for acquiring Doppler spectrum data; a storage unit operable to store the acquired Doppler spectrum data; a user input unit operable to receive sweep speed information from a user for selecting a sweep speed; a data adjusting unit operable to compare the set period with the selected sweep speed and adjust the Doppler spectrum data based on the comparison result; and a display unit operable to display a Doppler spectrum image based on the adjusted Doppler spectrum data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Medison Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong Sik KIM, Chan Mo Kim
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Publication number: 20080221451Abstract: Image data of the interior of a sample (S) are sequentially created on the basis of reception signals at the time when ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the sample (S) so as to scan the interior thereof, movements of respective control points set on the image data are tracked so as to evaluate temporal changes of velocities of motions of the sample (S), and differences of timings of the motions in the sample (S) are color-displayed on the basis of the temporal changes of the velocities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: Ryoichi KANDA
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Publication number: 20080208057Abstract: A continuous, non-invasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer array patches that are adhered or attached to the mother. Each ultrasound transducer array is operated in an autonomous mode by a digital signal processor to obtain data from which fetal heart rate information can be derived. Each ultrasonic transducer array patch comprises a multiplicity of subelements that are switchably reconfigurable to form elements having different shapes, e.g., annular rings. Each subelement comprises a plurality of interconnected cMUT cells that are not switchably disconnectable. The use of cMUT patches will provide the ability to interrogate a three-dimensional space electronically (i.e. without mechanical beam steering) with ultrasound, using a transducer device that is thin and lightweight enough to stick to the patient's skin like an EKG electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ralph T. Hoctor, Kai E. Thomenius
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Publication number: 20080156106Abstract: The present application provides a method for generating dealiased Doppler signals in a spectral Doppler system. The method comprises the steps of: filtering each of two quadrature components of obtained quadrature Doppler signals by using at least four filters in at least four parallel branches respectively so as to output eight signals, wherein the at least four filters for each quadrature component are equally divided into two groups, and outputs of each group of the filters are to be used for Doppler signals processing in one of forward and reverse directions, and coefficients of the different filters in each group can be interleaved with each other to form coefficients of a desired filter; interleaving and accumulating the output eight dealiased signals, according to direction and quadrature component of the output Doppler signals, to obtain forward and reverse dealiased Doppler signals F (t) and R (t).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu Zhang
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Publication number: 20080161691Abstract: A method for Tissue Doppler Imaging is provided. The method for Tissue, Doppler Imaging comprises steps of: a) transmitting ultrasound signals to a target area including the tissue to be imaged, and receiving the echo signals returned from the target area; b) performing Doppler estimation on Doppler signals extracted from the echo signals, to acquire Doppler parameters of stationary tissue or nonstationary tissue or blood flow within the target area, wherein the Doppler parameters comprise at least velocity and power; c) processing the acquired power of the Doppler parameters to obtain the power related to the nonstationary tissue within the target area, so as to display the tissue motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu Zhang, Xin Li
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Patent number: 7393326Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for early screening of cardiovascular diseases through dual stethoscopic and Doppler detection with means ensuring coherence between the two types of detection. According the invention, the medical screening and diagnosis apparatus comprises a sound transmitting linking conduit (3, 33) connected, on one end, to a housing (100) forming at least partly an ear trumpet (1?) provided with a membrane (2), and, on the other end, at least an earphone (4) for listening to a stethoscopic signal from the ear trumpet (1?). The invention is characterized in that the housing (100) of the apparatus contains at least an ultrasound probe (8) designed to enable convergence of reception of the ultrasonic and stethoscopic signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Inventor: Herve Bindefeld
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Publication number: 20080146934Abstract: A heart stimulation system comprises an electrode lead comprising at least one stimulation electrode a stimulation pulse generator adapted to generate electric stimulation pulses and being connected to said electrode lead for delivering electric stimulation pulses to at least one chamber of a heart via said stimulation electrode, and a control unit that is connected to said stimulation pulse generator. The electrode lead is a coronary sinus lead adapted to be placed inside the coronary sinus of a human heart and comprises an ultrasonic transducer that is adapted to measure a velocity of blood flow across a mitral valve of a human heart and that is placed on said coronary sinus lead such that the ultrasonic transducer is placed in the coronary sinus or the great cardiac vein when the coronary sinus lead is in its implanted state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Gerald Czygan, Michael Lippert, Tibor Nappholz
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Publication number: 20080139939Abstract: In a doppler type ultrasonic flow meter 1 for measuring the volumetric flow of a measurement object fluid 10 using doppler shift of ultrasound, 1 pair of ultrasonic transducers 3a, 3b perform transmission of ultrasound and reception of an ultrasound echo resulting from the ultrasound being reflected. The 1 pair of ultrasonic transducers 3a, 3b are disposed on an extension line of a measurement line ML for performing measurement of doppler shift, symmetrical about the center axis 5 of a pipe 2 with a measurement object fluid 10 flowing through its inside, and on the outside of the pipe 2. A flow profile for the side opposite, with respect to the center axis 5 of the pipe 2, the side on which the respective ultrasonic transducer 3a, 3b is disposed is used for the calculation of the volumetric flow of the measurement object fluid 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinori Ohmura, Toshihiro Yamamoto, Hironobu Yao
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Patent number: 7374744Abstract: A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Imcor Pharmaceutical Co.Inventor: Ernest G. Schutt
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Publication number: 20080097212Abstract: Orientation is automatically identified in medical diagnostic ultrasound image. An area or volume based process, such as region shrinking or using locations associated with flow or tissue structure, determines a direction or orientation. Real-time imaging in B-mode and/or flow mode may be enhanced based on the direction or orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Seshadri Srinivasan, Bimba Rao, Ismayil Guracar
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Patent number: 7351214Abstract: A steerable balloon catheter including a balloon catheter supported by a steerable guidewire having a deflectable distal tip. The guidewire comprises a longitudinal hypotube and a spring coil attached to the distal end of the hypotube and includes a longitudinally movable deflection member which is attached to the distal end of the spring coil and a tip retaining member which extends from the distal end of the hypotube to the distal end of the spring coil for providing very precise deflection of the distal tip of the balloon catheter.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Cordis CorporationInventor: Robert Burgermeister
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Patent number: 7343195Abstract: Medical imaging and navigation system including a processor, a medical positioning system (MPS), a two-dimensional imaging system and an inspected organ monitor interface, the MPS including an imaging MPS sensor, the two-dimensional imaging system including an image detector, the processor being coupled to a display unit and to a database, the MPS being coupled to the processor, the imaging MPS sensor being firmly attached to the image detector, the two-dimensional imaging system being coupled to the processor, the image detector being firmly attached to an imaging catheter.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Mediguide Ltd.Inventors: Gera M. Strommer, Uzi Eichler, Liat Schwartz
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Patent number: 7338450Abstract: An ultrasound system is provided comprising an ultrasound probe having a 2D matrix of transducer elements transmitting a continuous wave (CW) Doppler transmit signal into an object of interest. The CW transmit signal includes a dither signal component and the probe receives ultrasound echo signals from the object in response to the CW transmit signal. The probe generates an analog CW receive signal based on the ultrasound echo signals. An analog to digital (A/D) converter converts the analog CW receive signal to a digital CW receive signal at a predetermined sampling frequency and a processor processes the digital CW receive signal in connection with CW Doppler imaging.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kjell Kristoffersen, Glenn Reidar Lie
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Patent number: 7289033Abstract: A computed tomography assembly is provided comprising at least one clamped imaging component and a clamping fastener having a clamping head attached thereto. A load-sensing washer is positioned between the clamping head and the at least one clamped imaging component and includes a pressure sensor element in communication with a wireless transmitter transmitting a fastener load value. A wireless receiver is adapted to remotely receive the fastener load value and a processor in communication with the wireless receiver includes logic adapted to monitor the fastener load value in real time.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventor: Ron K. Hockersmith
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Patent number: 7217242Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the image of brachytherapy seeds implanted in tissue using a transrectal ultrasound apparatus. In a first arrangement the resonance of the seeds is determined and the seeds are insonified using acoustic signals having a resonance frequency of the seeds to cause the seeds to vibrate. The vibrating seeds have enhanced detection using a Doppler ultrasound device. In a second arrangement the acoustic signature of the seeds is determined and used to enhance the imaging of the seeds using a correlation function. In a third arrangement images are taken of the tissue and implanted seeds prior to and during the application of mechanical stress to the tissue. A correlation between the unstressed and stressed tissue can cause enhanced imaging of the seeds.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Riverside Research InstituteInventors: Sheikh Kaisar Alam, Ernest Joseph Feleppa, Frederic Louis Lizzi
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Patent number: 7211045Abstract: A method and system for estimating the volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle of the heart to a succeeding chamber/conduit, or vice-versa, while imaging the intersection of such structures is described. The process utilizes either the M-mode to estimate volume differences in a view of the ventricle over time or Doppler processing techniques to obtain flow profiles across intersections (e.g., valves), or blood vessels, which are then utilized to calculate output. This process can be combined with ECG guidance/triggering to measure/track changes in output from beat to beat, or during the course of an evaluation or therapeutic procedure. This process can be specifically used for the placement of permanent pacemaker electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: EP Medsystems, Inc.Inventors: Praveen Dala-Krishna, Charles Bryan Byrd, David Jenkins, Charles Lee Byrd
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Patent number: 7207996Abstract: A compression and ligation device includes a pair of jaws including one or more Doppler chips oriented to send and receive Doppler signals across the jaws, to assist a practitioner in determining whether or not a uterine artery is between the jaws. A suture leader with an attached suture can be pushed through a channel on one of the jaws, through tissue behind the uterine artery, into another channel on the other jaw, and proximally out the device so that the practitioner can ligate the artery and effect hemostasis.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Vascular Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Fred H. Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Greig E. Altieri, R. J. Serra
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Patent number: 7141057Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to providing a method of preparing an anatomical vessel contained within a tissue bundle for ligation, including positioning a cannula adjacent to the tissue bundle, wherein the positioning is non-penetrating, the cannula including a first extendable member, a second extendable member, a Doppler wand, and a distal end, transmitting ultrasound signals toward the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, receiving ultrasound signals reflected by the vessel through the tissue bundle with the Doppler wand, invaginating the tissue bundle with the first extendable member on a first side of the tissue bundle, invaginating the tissue bundle with the second extendable member on a second side of the bundle opposite the first side, and interpenetrating a length of ligation material between the first and second extendable members on a side of the vessel opposite the cannula distal end.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Vascular Control Systems, Inc.Inventors: Fred Burbank, Michael L. Jones, Jill Uyeno, Greig E. Altieri, R. J. Serra
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Patent number: 7142904Abstract: A method and composition for probing the body through the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes providing a medium for interfacing with the skin, applying the medium to the skin at a selected location, and coupling at least two of (a) an electric signal, (b) an acoustic signal, and (c) an optical signal through the skin and through the medium at the selected location.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Electrical Geodesics, Inc.Inventors: Don Tucker, Phan Luu
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Patent number: 7128713Abstract: A pulse Doppler ultrasound system and associated methods are described for monitoring blood flow and hemodynamics. The Doppler ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe to emit ultrasound signals and detect reflected signals therefrom and further includes a processor coupled to the ultrasound probe and operable to process the detected reflected signals and calculate therefrom blood flow data for a plurality of locations at time intervals, the processor further operable to identify locations at which blood flow having a hemodynamic characteristic is present based on the blood flow data calculated for a plurality of the time intervals. A user interface coupled to the processor provides blood flow information based on the blood flow data, the blood flow information representative of detected blood flow and the presence of the hemodynamic characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Spentech, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Moehring, Joseph H. Farnsworth, Ajay Philip Zachariah, Henry James Baron, Jr.
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Patent number: 7044913Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus comprises an ultrasound probe, a transmitter (including a transmitting pulse generator and a transmitting beamformer), a receiver (including a preamplifier and a receiving beamformer), a CFM processor (including a moving-element signal extractor and a velocity corrector), a tomographic image processor, and a display unit. The apparatus scans a desired section of a subject by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound pulse to and from the subject, and displays images obtained by the scanning. The velocity corrector comprises a pulsation-characterizing-velocity (velocities of a moving element) calculator, a representative velocity (reference velocity) calculator, and a corrector to correct the velocities of the moving element based on the standard velocity. The corrected velocity data is visualized on display unit. The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus makes it possible to display the pulsatility of blood vessels in an easier and useful way.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Eiichi Shiki
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Patent number: 7037266Abstract: An ultrasound method and medical devices using same provide for various techniques of sampling blood flow velocity, e.g., at several sampling rates. To minimize the energy required for ultrasound monitoring, pulsed Doppler signal packages provided by a pulsed ultrasound circuit are switched in such a way that the repetition rate is the lowest possible and yet sufficiently high to be able to record the blood flow velocity within the heart. For example, an ultrasound circuit may be activated only within a part of the cardiac cycle designated as the Doppler Measurement Interval (DMI); the ultrasound circuit may be switched between an on state and an off state during the DMI; and/or the ultrasound circuit may also be switched on and off in different sampling modes: detection mode and measurement mode (e.g., using different sampling rates).Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Bozider Ferek-Petric, Branko Breyer
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Patent number: 7022078Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided in a diagnostic ultrasound system for generating and displaying strain rate spectrums corresponding to the deformation of a tissue structure within a subject, designated by a sample gate, in response to Doppler signals generated by the ultrasound system. Various combinations of several processing techniques are employed including spectral estimation processing such as discrete Fourier transform (DFT) processing, circular convolution, signal scaling/normalization, and complex autocorrelation.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLCInventors: Andreas Heimdal, Hans Garmann Torp
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Patent number: 7022077Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasive assessment of cardiac tissue properties and cardiac parameters using ultrasound techniques are disclosed. Determinations of myocardial tissue stiffness, tension, strain, strain rate, and the like, may be used to assess myocardial contractility, myocardial ischemia and infarction, ventricular filling and atrial pressures, and diastolic functions. Non-invasive systems in which acoustic techniques, such as ultrasound, are employed to acquire data relating to intrinsic tissue displacements are disclosed. Non-invasive systems in which ultrasound techniques are used to acoustically stimulate or palpate target cardiac tissue, or induce a response at a cardiac tissue site that relates to cardiac tissue properties and/or cardiac parameters are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignees: Allez Physionix Ltd., University of WashingtonInventors: Pierre D. Mourad, Michel Kliot, Rex Patterson, Alec Rooke
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Patent number: 6976961Abstract: Accurate tissue motion systems and methods are provided. Motion of the ultrasound transducer is accounted for in estimates at tissue motion. Correcting for transducer motion better isolates localized tissue contractions or expansions, such as motion of the myocardial muscle or fibers. Accurate motion estimation is also provided by determining an angle of motion from the ultrasound data. The angle of motion is used to adjust velocity estimates, providing two-dimensional velocity vectors (i.e. motion estimates comprising motion in at least two dimensions). Movement of tissue is determined by correlating speckle or a feature represented by two different sets of ultrasound data obtained at different times. Additional aspects include tracking the location of a tissue of interest. A characteristic of strain, such as the strain rate or strain, is calculated for the tracked tissue of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Acuson CorporationInventors: John I. Jackson, Randall L. Schlesinger, John W. Allison
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Patent number: 6937883Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is disclosed to perform an imaging pulse sequence that acquires data to generate an image of at least a portion of the patient. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises an acoustic transducer to irradiate an anatomic structure in the patient using ultrasonic energy. A receiver, in response to ultrasonic energy, generates echo signals. Using the echo signals, a signal analyzer generates a plurality of gating signals, including a first gating signal in response to a first period of motion of the anatomic structure and the second gating signal in response to a second period of motion of the structure. The magnetic resonance imaging system, in response to the first gating signal, acquires data from the center of k-space, and, in response to the second gating signal, acquires the periphery of k-space.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Martin R. Prince
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Patent number: RE38971Abstract: According to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a cross section of an examining human body having bubbles implanted as ultrasonic shadowing agent is scanned by an ultrasound so as to obtain an echo signal. Image data is repeatedly generated based on the echo signal. Then, image data is displayed as a motion image. Power of the ultrasound to be transmitted is changed from first power to second power, which is stronger than first power. The ultrasound of first power breaks a first amount of bubbles. The ultrasound of second power, which is stronger than first power, breaks a second amount of bubbles, which is larger than the first amount of bubbles. Though the image generated by use of first power is unclear, the amount of breakage of bubbles can be extremely retrained. Since the image is used to examine the state of the bubble flow to the region of interest, unclearness can be allowed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Naohisa Kamiyama