Abstract: A method of measuring blood flow including several steps. In an initial step a first ultrasound beam is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the blood flow to be measured. Next, the Doppler spectrum obtained from the backscattered echoes of said first ultrasound beam is measured. Subsequently, the ultrasound beam is reoriented so that the Doppler spectrum of the backscattered echoes of the ultrasound beam is substantially symmetrical around the zero frequency. The Doppler frequency of the backscattered echoes of a second ultrasound beam oriented at a fixed angle to the first ultrasound beam is then measured. Finally, the rate of blood flow is calculated based on the angle between the ultrasound beams and the measured Doppler frequency of the backscattered echoes of the second ultrasound beam.

Abstract: After the establishment of the saturation state of a contrast medium which has flowed into a subject for scanning inside a patient given the contrast medium, scan is performed under a high acoustic pressure adapted to break the bubbles of the contrast medium, so as to refresh the section for the scanning, and to acquire the maximum value of echo signal intensities. Subsequently, scans by ultrasounds under a low acoustic pressure or a medium acoustic pressure which does not break the contrast medium are carried out a plurality of times at different timings, thereby to execute a scan sequence for acquiring in-vivo information necessary for a TIC analysis. Data obtained by the scans are analyzed in a blood-flow-index estimation unit, and are displayed in a predetermined scheme.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of tumours comprising an elongate catheter (102), a plurality of flexible needles (402) confined within the catheter which, when extended therefrom, take up a curved form and which, together, define a structure for surrounding a tumour to be treated; the needles being arranged to heat and embolise a shell of tissue surrounding the tumour, thereby cutting off the tumour's blood supply. The invention further extends to a method of treatment using such a device.

Abstract: A differential-image creating unit creates a three-dimensional image on which an artery is highlighted and a three-dimensional image on which a tumor is highlighted. An image compositing unit combines the three-dimensional images to composite an image. A display control unit displays the composite image on a monitor. Moreover, when compositing an image, the image compositing unit composites the image such that a tumor nutrient blood-flow inside and outside tumor is to be displayed in respective different colors. Furthermore, a blood-flow quantity inside tumor measuring unit calculates a blood-flow quantity inside tumor and a ratio of the blood-flow quantity inside tumor to a tumor volume, and the display control unit displays the blood-flow quantity inside tumor and the ratio of the blood-flow quantity inside tumor to the tumor volume. Accordingly, information that is meaningful for determining malignancy of a tumor can be provided.

Abstract: There are provided transmission means (1) for transmitting an ultrasonic signal from a surface of a skin of a subject toward a blood vessel (21) of the subject, reception means (3) for receiving a reflected ultrasonic echo and converting the ultrasonic echo into an electric signal to obtain the ultrasonic echo signal in a depth direction from the surface of the skin, movement detection means (5) for analyzing a phase of the ultrasonic echo signal in a direction traversing the blood vessel to calculate a movement amount in each of a plurality of regions including a blood vessel wall and a vicinity of the blood vessel wall, analysis means (7) for analyzing a state of the blood vessel based on a variation in the calculated movement amount in each of the regions, boundary position detection means (8) for detecting a boundary position between the blood vessel wall and a blood flow region of the blood vessel based on a result of the analysis by the analysis means, and stability judgment means (15) for comparing the

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for evaluating flow characteristics in a vessel of a patient includes the steps of positioning a catheter having a balloon at a measuring location within the vessel; transmitting an ultrasound signal into the vessel while the balloon catheter is within the measuring location; evaluating a reflection of the ultrasound signal to determine a flow parameter within the vessel while the catheter is in the measuring position; expanding the balloon within the vessel at the measuring location; and stopping the expanding step when the result of the evaluating step is that the flow through the vessel is substantially stopped. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of detecting an endovascular electrogram signal. The method may be designed for evaluating flow characteristics in a vessel of a patient while enabling the prevention of a balloon from over-expanding and/or over-distending a vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A peripheral region is detected by using original image data acquired by ultrasound scan. Blend processing is executed in the peripheral region such that a rate of a smoothed image increases and a rate of an original image decreases as a distance from a blood flow region increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus realizing improved visibility of a contour shape of signal components in an ultrasonic blood flow spectrum display image. The apparatus includes a gray-level correction unit for correcting intensity of an output result of a Doppler processing unit. The Doppler processing unit calculates a Doppler frequency shift in a reception signal output from a receiver and calculates blood flow velocity of a subject on the basis of the Doppler frequency shift. The gray-level correction unit has: a filtering unit for separating a signal and a noise from each other, which are included in a time-varying waveform of the blood flow velocity of the subject obtained by the Doppler processing unit on the basis of continuity on a space defined by the blood flow velocity and time; and a gray-level corrector for performing a gray level correction using, as a parameter, a boundary value between signal intensity and noise intensity obtained by the filtering unit.

Abstract: A method of measuring human brain activity includes the steps of simultaneously measuring pulses at two locations on a human subject that each receives blood from a different carotid artery that feeds a respective one of left and right hemispheres of the brain of the human subject, determining pulse characteristics from the measured pulses, and evaluating relative left and right hemisphere activity of the brain of the human subject based on the determined pulse characteristics. The method may use dual photoplethysmograhic blood pulse sensors that measure left and right hemisphere activity by determining pulse amplitude difference and time or phase differences between the earlobes while the subject carries out various mental functions. The data from the sensors are processed to provide a measure of brain function and the mental activity of the subject.

Abstract: A processor generates a first Doppler spectrum image representing the velocity of a moving body at each observation point by analyzing the frequency of signals received at the plurality of observation points acquired via Doppler scanning. An interpolator acquires a second Doppler spectrum image consecutively at each observation point time when the ultrasound has not been transmitted to and received from each observation point by the Doppler scanner transmitting and receiving the ultrasound toward and from the plurality of observation points at a plurality of respective times, based on interpolation of the first Doppler spectrum image at each observation point. The interpolator generates a third Doppler spectrum at each observation point by combining the first Doppler spectrum at each observation point and the second Doppler spectrum image at each observation point per observation point.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of automatically setting the gain of an echo signal in a Doppler ultrasound haemodynamic monitor. In essence the invention comprises monitoring the strength of velocity components measured by the apparatus, and identifying a group of such components occupying a particular band within the overall velocity spectrum. The signal gain is then adjusted so that the perceived with of the band falls within predetermined limits. The monitoring or assessment of the velocity components is preferably undertaken when the overall flow velocity is high e.g. during systole.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for examination and evaluation of a human or animal body as regards a blood flow in a pulmonary artery (PA), measurement data are recorded, from which at least a part of the blood flow in the pulmonary artery (PA) is able to be re-constructed at least two-dimensionally in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis of the pulmonary artery (PA) and by an anterior-posterior direction, including at least at several diastolic points in time in the course of a heart cycle, after a closure of the pulmonary valve. The measurement data are analyzed as to how many of the at least several diastolic points in time in the flow behavior of the blood flow of the pulmonary artery an asymmetry in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pulmonary artery in the anterior-posterior direction exists. A measure is then determined that characterizes how long, after the closure of the pulmonary valve in the flow behavior of the blood flow of the pulmonary artery, the aforementioned asymmetry exists.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method provide data indicative of cardio-respiratory state of a patient. Two or more cardio-respiratory parameters of the patient are measured, and optionally monitored over time, the two or more cardio-respiratory parameters being different one from the other and being measured at a same anatomical part of said patient.

Abstract: A pulse Doppler ultrasound system and associated methods are described for monitoring blood flow. A graphical information display includes simultaneously displayed depth-mode and spectrogram displays. The depth-mode display indicates the various positions along the ultrasound beam axis at which blood flow is detected. These positions are indicated as one or more colored regions, with the color indicating direction of blood flow and varying in intensity as a function of detected Doppler ultrasound signal amplitude or detected blood flow velocity. The depth-mode display also includes a pointer whose position may be selected by a user. The spectrogram displayed corresponds to the location identified by the pointer. Embolus detection and characterization are also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Flow is represented by a synthesized or artificial pattern. Motion is visualized by apparent displacement of pixels from one frame to the next. An artificial pattern is introduced in order to present the flow. A changing parameter, such as velocity, is viewed as a function of multiple images or over time. The rate of change of the parameter is proportional to the perceived or actual motion. Humans perceive flow as a live stream, such as tap water pouring from a faucet or a stream in a creek. Flow associated with medical imaging is presented in a similar way, such that a pattern or other flow information persists over multiple images. The flow is synthesized by generating patterns and moving the generated patterns in the field of view. The direction and rate of motion of the pattern are a function of the direction and rate of the flow.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for use in medical applications that permits affordable three-dimensional imaging of blood flow using a low-profile easily-attached transducer pad, real-time blood-flow vector velocity, and long-term unattended Doppler-ultrasound monitoring in spite of motion of the patient or pad. The pad and associated processor collects and Doppler processes ultrasound blood velocity data in a three dimensional region through the use of a planar phased array of piezoelectric elements. The invention locks onto and tracks the points in three-dimensional space that produce the locally maximum blood velocity signals. The integrated coordinates of points acquired by the accurate tracking process is used to form a three-dimensional map of blood vessels and provide a display that can be used to select multiple points of interest for expanded data collection and for long term continuous and unattended blood flow monitoring.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that examines Doppler spectrum signals output by an ultrasound system when measuring blood flow velocity to determine a proper Doppler gain and to suppress noise manifest in the Doppler spectrum. Noise present in the Doppler spectrum is examined and used as a criterion for optimal gain. If the Doppler gain is too high or too low in accordance with predetermined levels, overall gain is adjusted accordingly.

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

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for finding blood vessels. In one embodiment, a method includes extracting a plurality of pulsed wave Doppler data streams, where each data stream corresponds to one of a plurality of depths; determining blood flow information for each of the plurality of depths based on the corresponding data stream, the blood flow information including flow velocity, flow direction, and amplitude of the data stream; and providing a visual display based upon the determined blood flow information, where the visual display includes the determined flow velocity, flow direction, and amplitude of the data stream corresponding to at least one of the plurality of depths.

Abstract: A frame averaging circuit adapted for a color blood flow frame in a medical ultrasound imaging system. The frame averaging circuit comprises two sections, i.e., a recursive calculation section and a non-recursive section. The recursive calculation section employs an IIR filter in combination with a look-up table, and is adapted for dealing with the cases where no change occurs to the blood flow velocity direction. The non-recursive section compares the blood flow velocity, the energy and the energy prior to wall filtering of the color blood flow echo signal to various threshold values. Different from the recursive calculation section, the non-recursive section is employed when a change occurs to the blood flow velocity direction.

Abstract: 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.

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: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image. The ultrasound system includes: a transmit/receive unit operable to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object and receive ultrasound echo signals to form receive signals based on the received ultrasound echo signals; a signal processing unit operable to form Doppler signals based on the receive signals; and an image processing unit operable to obtain information on a plurality of blood flow velocities at the target object from the Doppler signals, set a reference velocity, compute a dispersion of the plurality of the blood flow velocities with respect to the reference velocity, and form a 3-dimensional image indicating velocity changes at the respective locations in the target object by using the reference velocity and the dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining the cerebral hemodynamic model for depression, using carotid duplex ultrasound to establish percent stenosis of the extracranial right and left internal carotid arteries and transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument to measure mean flow velocity within the cerebral including the right and left internal carotid arteries, right and left middle cerebral arteries, right and left anterior cerebral arteries, right and left posterior cerebral arteries, and basilar artery. The percent carotid stenosis and the mean flow velocity values in cerebral arteries are used to determine the cerebral hemodynamic model associated with depression in men and women, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, sensing characteristics of a vessel and a fluid conveyed therein.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of quantitatively obtaining a blood flow velocity unaffected by angle dependence.

Abstract: A vector norm N, an azimuthal angle ? and an angle of elevation ? which represent the velocity (blood flow velocity) of a specimen such as blood flow are acquired by a three-dimensional angle correction velocity vectorization section as three-dimensional fluid vector data indicating the three-dimensional flow direction and flow volume of the specimen such as the blood flow on the basis of Doppler signals corresponding to reception beams F1 to F4 received from a range gate RG by a two-dimensional ultrasonic probe. An audio output [y] for a three-dimensional sound system is generated by a velocity vector conversion processing section on the basis of the three-dimensional fluid vector data [N, ?, 100 ], and a three-dimensional sound system is driven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for calculating a Doppler signal spectrum. The method includes a step of estimating parameters of a Doppler signal, and a step of resolving a predefined spectrum function using the parameters, the spectrum function being at least a function of the parameters characterizing the strength, frequency center, and frequency deviation of the Doppler signal. The apparatus includes an estimating module, a smoothing module, and a calculating module. According to the Doppler signal spectrum calculating method and apparatus of the present disclosure, the obtained spectrogram has very high time and frequency resolution without requiring any complicated operation. Thus, a higher quality spectrogram can be obtained at a very low cost.

Abstract: Transmitting and receiving ultrasound with repetition frequency that corresponds to velocity range indicating the measurable velocity to and from a diagnostic site that contains moving fluid within a body to be examined. Generating Doppler spectrum image showing velocity of moving fluid based on signals obtained from transmission and reception of ultrasound. Storing modeled value based on model correlating standard blood velocity waveform with an ECG waveform. Calculating measured blood velocity waveform based on spectrum image of a specified patient. Acquiring ECG waveform at timing corresponding to measured blood velocity waveform. Estimating blood velocity waveform excluding effects of valve signals of patient based on measured blood velocity waveform, ECG waveform, and modeled value.

Abstract: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the invention evaluates a shape or qualitative property of an organism's arterial wall tissue and includes: a delay control section 3 for controlling delays for ultrasonic vibrators 1 in an ultrasonic probe 2; a transmitting section 5 for driving the probe under the control of the control section 3 such that the probe 2 transmits a first ultrasonic beam toward different locations within a scan region, defined along the axis of the artery, every predetermined frame period; a receiving section 6 for receiving ultrasonic echoes, generated by getting the first beam reflected by the wall, at the probe every set of frame periods, thereby outputting a first group of ultrasonic echo signals; and a signal processing section 13 for calculating a thickness variation, or elasticity, of the tissue between measuring points on the tissue in response to the first group of echo signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed providing for the use of ultrasound energy to measure blood flow within blood vessels by Doppler velocity measurement. Directional high-frequency pulsed-wave Doppler measurements can be made with a suitable ultrasonic needle transducers for in vivo measuring of blood flow. A needle probe can include a ultrasonic material such as PMN-PT. Such blood flow measurements can be made in any part of the body, e.g., in the central retinal vein and branch retinal veins.

Abstract: An ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound probe, a user interface and a processor. The ultrasound probe comprises a transducer face emitting ultrasound beams into a patient. The probe acquires a volume of ultrasound data comprising a blood vessel. The user interface defines a surface on an image that is based on the volume. The surface bisects the blood vessel and further comprises a plurality of points where at least some of the points are located at unequal distances with respect to the transducer face. The processor is configured to steer a subset of the ultrasound beams to intersect the surface at a 90 degree angle and calculate volumetric flow information through the blood vessel based on the ultrasound data corresponding to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, sensing characteristics of a vessel and a fluid conveyed therein.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Flow is characterized in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The flow information over time for each spatial location may be broken down into component parts using Fourier analysis. For example, the average or steady state component of the flow at each location may be determined and used for imaging. The first harmonic may likewise be used. Imaging using one or more component parts of the flow information over time may provide diagnostically useful information. In addition or independently, the flow information may be analyzed to identify a vortex. The vortex characteristics may provide diagnostically useful information.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for use in medical applications that permits (1) affordable three-dimensional imaging of blood flow using a low-profile easily-attached transducer pad, (2) real-time blood-flow vector velocity, and (3) long-term unattended Doppler-ultrasound monitoring in spite of motion of the patient or pad. The pad and associated processor collects and Doppler processes ultrasound blood velocity data in a three dimensional region through the use of a planar phased array of piezoelectric elements. The invention locks onto and tracks the points in three-dimensional space that produce the locally maximum blood velocity signals. The integrated coordinates of points acquired by the accurate tracking process is used to form a three-dimensional map of blood vessels and provide a display that can be used to select multiple points of interest for expanded data collection and for long term continuous and unattended blood flow monitoring.

Abstract: A treatment instrument system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope having a treatment instrument channel; an ultrasound probe inserted through the treatment instrument channel of the endoscope; an ultrasound observing apparatus having a blood flow display function and a distance measuring function; a treatment instrument having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound; and an over tube having an endoscope insertion path through which the endoscope can be inserted and a treatment instrument insertion path through which the treatment instrument can be inserted, and having, at a distal end portion, an ultrasound scattering portion for scattering ultrasound.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for estimating velocity of flow within an ultrasound dataset. A sample volume gate is defined on a two-dimensional (2D) image. The 2D image is based on an ultrasonic dataset. Spectral Doppler velocity estimates of flow are detected within the sample volume gate in first and second dimensions that are orthogonal with respect to each other. A true velocity estimate of the flow within the sample volume gate is determined based on the Doppler velocity estimates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining therapeutic pulsed or continuous-wave ultrasound with diagnostic pulsed ultrasound are described. In both a therapeutic mode and in a diagnostic mode, the ultrasound is administered from a single probe to a patient suffering from thrombosis. The ultrasound can have the same or different frequency ranges in the diagnostic and therapeutic modes. The pulsed or continuous-wave ultrasound in the therapeutic mode enhances a lysing effect of a thrombolytic agent. The pulsed ultrasound in the diagnostic mode allows monitoring of blood flow to locate a thrombus, to determine an optimal window to administer the therapeutic pulsed ultrasound, and to detect when recanalization has occurred. If an operator attends the device, a graphical display operates during the diagnostic mode to display an image representative of the blood flow.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a health condition are disclosed. The system includes a patient management application, a data store and a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an optical sensor, a Doppler sensor, and a computing device adapted to provide health parameter values including oxygen saturation of the blood, blood flow, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for monitoring long-term potentiation and long-term depression, comprising placing a subject in head down rest position and monitoring in real-time cerebral mean blood flow velocity using a transcranial Doppler device during psychophysiologic tasks. The method involves using Fourier analysis of mean blood flow velocity data to derive spectral density peaks of cortical and subcortical processes. The effect of head-down rest at different time intervals is seen as accentuation of the cortical peaks in long-term potentiation and attenuation of subcortical peaks in long-term depression. The effect of different interventions could be evaluated for research, diagnosis, rehabilitation and therapeutic use.

Abstract: The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes: an ultrasound transmitting/receiving unit for receiving an echo signal; dynamic blood flow detection unit for calculating a predetermined detection value based on dynamic blood flow in a test subject based on the echo signal; a luminance value conversion unit for converting the predetermined detection value into a luminance value; a luminance value replacement unit retaining luminance value conversion information; and a comparison unit for comparing a first luminance value in one frame with a second luminance value in the frame immediately preceding the one frame, out of the luminance values outputted from the luminance value conversion unit, wherein the comparison unit is adapted to output either the first luminance value or a third luminance value which is not larger than the absolute value of the second luminance value, based on the comparison result and the luminance value replacement information.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting and displaying an anatomical patient structure in a region of interest of a movable image detection apparatus such as an ultrasound probe. After the region of interest is defined in a patient coordinate system, movement of the image detection apparatus can be tracked, and the position of the region of interest can be changed or shifted to compensate for the movement of the image detection apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an IQ signal acquiring unit, a signal generating unit, a first Doppler signal extracting unit and a second Doppler signal extracting unit. The IQ signal acquiring unit acquires a plurality of groups including an ultrasonic reception IQ signal, under respective interference conditions that differ from one another. The signal generating unit generates an added signal by adding the groups, and to generate an added amplitude signal by adding the amplitudes of the groups. The first Doppler signal extracting unit extracts a first Doppler signal that corresponds to motion from the added signal. The second Doppler signal extracting unit configured to extract a second Doppler signal having a property that differ from the property of the first Doppler signal. At this point, the Doppler signal extracting units are configured so as to extract the Doppler signals respectively while reducing an artifact due to tissue motion.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a transducer is directed to transmit a first and second ultrasound pulse at a sample volume within a patient. A first and second echo signal of the first and second ultrasound pulses, which contain information related to the sample volume, are received from the transducer, and a location and type of blood vessel located within the sample volume is determined from the information. The located blood vessel information is then processed to create at least one of a visual representation of the blood vessel type.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: First to third interpolation processing circuits are configured by a data identifying unit, a data converting unit, a data interpolating unit, a data reconverting unit and four switches SW1 to SW4. After the data identifying unit determines a value of velocity data, the data converting unit, the data interpolating unit and the data reconverting unit switch between vector operation on a complex space based on a scalar array and vector operation on a complex space based on a color palette array and execute interpolation processing.

Abstract: Transducers to measure fluid flow using Doppler ultrasound that are suitable for integrating into or connecting to intravascular devices are disclosed. These transducers meet the requirement for long, thin, flexible transducers, and consist of one or more diffraction-grating transducers, with or without non-diffraction-grating transducers. An exemplary configuration of the transducers utilizes the diffraction caused by narrow transducers to produce beam overlap for Doppler detection of moving blood, and stripline transmission lines are used to bring energy to and receive energy from the transducers and may carry the disclosed transducer configurations as well as carry signals into and out of the blood vessels.