Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler diagnostic apparatus sends ultrasonic waves to a specimen, receives a reflection signal of the ultrasonic waves from the specimen to detect a Doppler signal, obtains blood flow information indicating a peak flow velocity of coronary blood flow, and displays the flow velocity information before and after the administration of a drug to the specimen on a display unit. Then, at least velocity ranges of the flow velocity information before and after the administration of the drug to the specimen are adjusted, and during an ultrasonic scan of the specimen, data on a plurality of acquired images having different velocity ranges are adjusted to the same velocity range. A system control unit displays the data on the plurality of images adjusted to the same velocity range on the display unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes a storage unit, a ultrasonic probe, a transmission/reception unit, a measured value calculation unit, a distance calculation unit, and a determination unit. The storage unit stores data of a state space based on a first measured values of a measurement item associated with an able-bodied person. The transmission/reception unit transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject via an ultrasonic probe, and generates reception signals corresponding to an ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject. The measured value calculation unit calculates a second measured value of the measurement item associated with the subject based on the reception signals. The distance calculation unit calculates a Mahalanobis distance of the subject based on the state space and the second measured value. The determination unit compares the Mahalanobis distance with a threshold to determine whether the subject has the disease evaluated by the measurement item.

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 new approach to processing and displaying received Doppler signals is disclosed. This approach starts with a set of N power spectra corresponding to each of N times. Those power spectra are then used to create of set of pixels for display with respect to an X axis and a Y axis so that the X coordinate of each pixel in the set corresponds to a time and the Y coordinate of each pixel in the set corresponds to a quantized power level. An attribute (e.g., color or intensity) of each pixel in the set is set to represent the highest velocity for the time-and-quantized-power-level combination that corresponds to the X and Y coordinates of each pixel in the set.

Abstract: A placement mechanism for placing a sensor for non invasive measurement of at least one parameter. The placement mechanism comprises a angling unit which angles a sensor in relation to a sensor positioning site on a skin of a target patient in proximity to the ribs while maintaining a front side contact zone of the sensor in contact with the sensor positioning site and an attachment element for attaching the placement mechanism to a body of the target patient so that the front side contact zone being in contact with the sensor positioning site.

Abstract: A method quantifies cardiac volume flow for an imaging sequence. The method includes receiving data representing three-dimensions and color Doppler flow data over a plurality of frames, constructing a ventricular model based on the data representing three-dimensions for the plurality of frames, the ventricular model including a sampling plane configured to measure the cardiac volume flow, computing volume flow samples based on the sampling plane and the color Doppler flow data, and correcting the volume flow samples for aliasing based on volumetric change in the ventricular model between successive frames of the plurality of frames.

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 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a data acquisition unit, a correction unit and a display unit. The data acquisition unit acquires phase signals as Doppler data from a moving object in an object by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the object. The correction unit performs global aliasing correction processing of the phase signals based on a continuity in a two-dimensionally phase change. The display unit displays phase signals after the aliasing correction processing.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for guiding a scan line. The method includes: detecting a bloodstream region indicating a flow of blood from a color Doppler image; determining a central axis of the bloodstream region; measuring an angle between the central axis and a scan line used to obtain the color Doppler image; and displaying the angle on a screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing echo signals in a Doppler ultrasound system from a region of interest. An ultrasound beam is electronically steered to deliver ultrasound to and receive echo signals from a plurality of sample locations in the region of interest. The echo signals for each sample location are processed to extract Doppler shift signals and Doppler shift data representing the Doppler shift signals are generated. The Doppler shift data accumulated for the sample locations can be used to detect the presence of blood flow in the region of interest, and identify the location in the region of interest at which the presence of blood flow is detected. The blood flow can be tracked by updating the location of the detected blood flow in the region of interest. The blood flow can be further monitored by combining the locating and tracking functionality with an m-mode ultrasound image.

Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media that store instructions executable by one or more processors for performing an interventional procedure are presented. One or more pulses are delivered to an intravascular region of interest (ROI) in a subject using at least one image sensor and at least one forward-looking flow sensor disposed at a distal end of an integrated intravascular device. Further, one or more images corresponding to the ROI are reconstructed using imaging signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the image sensor. Additionally, one or more flow characteristics corresponding to the ROI are determined based on the signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the flow sensor. The determined flow characteristics are used for computing one or more functional parameters corresponding to the ROI. An assessment of the subject may be provided based on the reconstructed images and/or the functional parameters.

Abstract: A Doppler sensor for non-invasive continuous Doppler monitoring for arterial blood flow to a distal body part of a patient that employs a Doppler transducer holder for placement at the distal body part of the patient. The holder is adapted to allow the sensor to be inserted and removed, enabling a sterile sensor for each new use. The holder may be disposable after each use, may be provided with a cover for disposal of the cover after each use and re-use of the holder, and the sensor may be provided with a cover for sterile placement against the patient's body.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic transmission/reception unit, an echo processing unit configured to generate complex data based on the echo signals, a phase shifting unit configured to shift a phase of each ensemble data constituted by N complex data associated with the same depth on the same ultrasonic raster in accordance with a reference phase, an interpolation processing unit configured to interpolate ensemble data associated with an interpolated raster between adjacent ultrasonic rasters based on the phase-shifted ensemble data, and an image data generation unit configured to generate image data based on the phase-shifted ensemble data and the interpolated ensemble data.

Abstract: A method of determining stress based on renal blood flow. The method includes receiving data indicating renal blood flow of a subject. The method also includes calculating a power spectrum of a signal derived from the data. The power spectrum indicates a stress level of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a system and a method for determining intracranial pressure (ICP) of a subject that comprises: (a) applying transcranial Doppler (TCD) to determine the middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocity of the subject and estimating changes in the ICP continuously based on a functional mapping that relates arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) to ICP, resulting in an estimated ICP trend; (b) generating a flash visual evoked potential (FVEP) on the subject, processing a detected FVEP signal and obtaining an estimated ICP; and (c) combining the estimated ICP trend from TCD CBFV and ABP with the estimated ICP obtained by signal processing of the detected FVEP signal to periodically correct the trend and obtain a non-invasive measure of ICP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic system for measuring a micro-vascular flow distribution of a tissue portion of a mammal comprising an ultrasonic transducer (101) arranged for measuring a first indicator (MTT) for the blood flow through a capillary bed in the tissue portion, and arranged for measuring a second indicator of heterogeneity (CTTH, ?) of the blood flow in said capillary bed, and a processor (110) arranged for using the first (MTT) and the second (?) indicator to estimate an extraction capacity (EC) of a substance from the blood in said capillary bed.

Abstract: The method of positioning a Doppler ultrasound transducer for performing blood flow measurement according to the invention comprises the steps of: detecting a pressure oscillation signal from an inflated cuff placed on patient's artery; detecting an ultrasound pulse signal from the Doppler ultrasound transducer placed along the artery; deriving a first signal from the pressure oscillation signal and the ultrasound pulse signal, the first signal indicating the degree of synchronization between the pressure oscillation signal and the ultrasound pulse signal; and outputting an indication signal to indicate the Doppler ultrasound transducer is in a desired position when the first signal satisfies a predefined condition.

Abstract: A processing device included in a cardiac output monitoring system includes an arterial diameter measurement ultrasonic probe that is attached to a neck of a subject, and measures the diameter of the carotid artery, and an arterial diameter measurement control section. A carotid artery diameter control section analyzes an ultrasonic echo to calculate the diameter of the artery (DOA), and outputs the diameter of the artery (DOA) to an ejection time/mean arterial pressure calculation section. The ejection time/mean arterial pressure calculation section calculates the ejection time (ET) from a temporal change in the diameter of the artery (DOA), and calculates the cardiac output. The temporal change waveform of the diameter of the artery (DOA) is clearer than the waveform of the blood flow velocity in the aorta or the ventricular outflow tract measured using an ultrasonic Doppler method, and the ejection time (ET) can be automatically calculated with high accuracy.

Abstract: A transmit amplifier (12) drives an ultrasound transducer (11) to emit a pulse, and a receive amplifier (13) amplifies the echo signal detected by the transducer. The receive amplifier's gate opens a fixed delay after the end of the transmit pulse, and a demodulator (14) multiplies the received signal by the local oscillator signal. A low-pass filter removes the sum of the frequencies and passes the difference of the frequencies (the received signal's Doppler frequency) to be digitized by an ADC. ADC readings are made for each of several range bins in intervals during the receive gate-open interval. One or two of the Doppler audio signals will contain the signal from the fetal heart. When a periodic signal is found, its rate is tested to see if it lies within or outside the typical range of a fetal heart.

Abstract: An image processing method and an image processing apparatus are provided. The image processing method measures a myocardial performance index (MPI), the image processing method including: obtaining a region of interest (ROI) for measuring the MPI, based on signal levels of an input signal and an output signal of a heart spectrum image; obtaining a plurality of marker areas, within the obtained ROI, wherein at least one marker for measuring the MPI is located in each of the plurality of marker areas, based on at least one from among a feature value of the input signal and a feature value of the output signal; and obtaining the at least one marker for each of the plurality of marker areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fetal monitoring and, more particularly, to an electronic external fetal monitoring system that includes a self adhering single use dermal patch including embedded sensors that can be attached to the skin of an expectant maternal patient and is configured to record fetal heart rate, uterine activity, and uterine integrity.

Abstract: An automatic, stand-alone, hand-held ultrasound blood-vessel examination device (100) requires a reduced number of transducer elements (126) and presents a simplified user interface (136-140), without the need for displaying an image of any of the vessels. The probe, in one embodiment, acquires and examines a volume of interest (106), searches for a target vessel, tests the vessel for normality of blood flow, and reports the diagnosis, all automatically and without need for user intervention. In another embodiment, the probe finds a body vessel (108-112) in a volume, and extracts a clinical Doppler parameter, all automatically and without need for user intervention.

Abstract: A method of obtaining blood flow data from an individual using a Doppler blood flow meter system having a main unit in operative communication with a probe apparatus having at least one flat probe configured to be attached to the individual is disclosed. The flat probe has a substantially flat configuration and includes a transmitter transducer for transmitting ultrasound signals and a receiver transducer for receiving reflected Doppler ultrasound signals. The flat probe is configured for attachment to the individual being examined. At least one inflatable cuff in operative communication with the main unit is attached to the individual and the pressure in the inflatable cuff is raised such that the blood pressure of the individual is elevated. The main unit includes a processor that processes the reflected Doppler ultrasound signals received from the flat probe to determine the systolic pressure of the individual.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which quantifies regurgitant flow through a mitral valve. A flow quantification processor (34) in the ultrasound system produces a mathematical model of a flow velocity field proximal to a regurgitant orifice. The velocity field model produces values of velocity vectors directed toward the regurgitant orifice. These modeled values are modified for the effects of ultrasound physics and ultrasound system operation to produce expected velocity values. The expected velocity values are compared with actual Doppler velocities measured by the ultrasound system, and the differences accumulated to a mean square error which is used to adjust parameters of the model such as the orifice location and flow velocities. When this iterative processing converges with a desired comparison, parameters derived from the finally adjusted model are used to calculate the true orifice location, flow rate, and volume flow.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging console includes receive circuitry that receives a set of echoes produced in response to an ultrasound signal traversing blood flowing in a portion of a vessel in a field of view, a beamformer that beamforms the echoes, a velocity processor that determines flow direction and magnitude of the flowing blood based on the beamformed echoes, and a rendering engine that displays the determined flow direction and magnitude.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which quantifies regurgitant flow through a plurality of pinhole leaks or a slit leak of a mitral valve. A plurality of orifice locations of a leaking valve are identified and Doppler values obtained from a flow velocity field proximal each orifice. The Doppler values of each flow velocity field vectorially relating to the orifice location are processed to produce a measure of flow through the orifice. The flow measurements for a plurality of such orifices are summed to produce a quantified measure of regurgitant flow through a plurality of pinhole leaks or along a slit leak.

Abstract: Embodiments of adaptively performing clutter filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby output a plurality of ultrasound data for obtaining a color Doppler mode image, wherein the target object includes at least one of a tissue and a blood flow; and a processing unit placed in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit and being configured to locate the plurality of ultrasound data on a complex plane, the processing unit being further configured to perform a circle fitting upon the plurality of ultrasound data located on the complex plane and perform a downmixing and a clutter filtering upon the circle-fitted ultrasound data in consideration of speed of the tissue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for color flow dynamic frame persistence in ultrasonic imaging are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for color flow dynamic frame persistence in ultrasonic imaging are provided.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a movement velocity and direction of a tissue, the method including: obtaining vector Doppler data from a target by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal; and detecting the movement velocity and direction of the tissue included in the target based on the obtained vector Doppler data.

Abstract: A method of predicting onset of electromechanical dissociation in a heart of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting from the composite input signal an electrocardiac signal and determining electrical activity of the heart based on the electrocardiac signal; extracting from the composite input signal a radiofrequency signal and determining blood flow measure based on the radiofrequency signal; and if the blood flow measure is below a predetermined threshold and the electrical activity is above a predetermined threshold, then predicting the onset of electromechanical dissociation.

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: Approaches for assessing hemodynamic characteristics for an organ of interest are related. In one implementation, a fluid dynamics model may be provided with data derived from an anatomic imaging modality and blood flow information derived by ultrasound to derive the desired hemodynamic characteristics. In one such implementation, a fractional flow reserve is estimated.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a pregnant woman by identifying a moving organ in the woman and tracking or monitoring a movement of said organ using ultrasound. Optionally, the identifying is non-imaging. Optionally or alternatively, the moving organ is part of a fetus and a position of a head is optionally calculated form a heart position which is directed detected.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonograph that can automatically optimize the sweep rate of Doppler images and M-mode images according to the heart rate of a test subject, without the need for an operator to perform a troublesome operation. The ultrasonograph is provided with a means for sending an ultrasonic beam into body tissue, a means for receiving an ultrasonic signal that has been reflected off the body tissue and a blood flow, a means for constructing a cross-sectional image of the body tissue from the received ultrasonic signal, a means for performing phase detection on an ultrasonic Doppler blood flow signal that has been reflected off the body tissue by the blood flow, a means for calculating a frequency component of the Doppler blood flow signal on which phase detection has been performed, and a means for performing a sweeping display of the calculated frequency component as Doppler images in a time series.

Abstract: The systems, devices, and methods described herein provide for the estimation and monitoring of cerebrovascular system properties and intracranial pressure (ICP) from one or more measurements or measured signals. These measured signals may include central or peripheral arterial blood pressure (ABP), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) or cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV). The measured signals may be acquired noninvasively or minimally-invasively. The measured signals may be used to estimate parameters and variables of a computational model that is representative of the physiological relationships among the cerebral flows and pressures. The computational model may include at least one resistive element, at least one compliance element, and a representation of ICP.

Abstract: Embodiments for processing a color Doppler mode image in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: a Doppler signal acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire first Doppler signals; and a processing unit configured to form color Doppler mode images including power images and velocity images and a mask for detecting a region of interest by using the color Doppler mode images, the processing unit being further configured to mask the power images and the velocity image by using the mask.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing a signal filter to block clutter. An embodiment includes the steps of acquiring samples of a clutter signal, calculating eigenvectors and eigenvalues representing the clutter signal, comparing said eigenvalues to a threshold to distinguish between eigenvectors representing clutter and those representing noise or signal, and determining filter parameters using the comparison results. Embodiments of the invention allow for optimization of wall filters for different anatomical applications, such as different body parts, in ultrasound imaging. The clutter signal may include Doppler data, and may be acquired using a pulsed wave (PW) mode, although the filter itself may be used in scanning Doppler color mode. The resulting wall filter is optimized for blocking clutter that is comparable to the clutter of the sampled clutter signal.

Abstract: A apparatus and a method are disclosed for transmitting a signal directed to a blood vessel via a Doppler ultrasound waveform apparatus, receiving, by the Doppler ultrasound waveform apparatus, a reflected signal from the blood vessel; and determining, by a processing device, whether the blood vessel is an artery or a vein based on a blood flow velocity in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Highly specific measurements of flow in vessels, such as the coronary artery, can be obtained by processing cubic fundamental information. By showing flow in vessels with a high degree of contrast-to-tissue specificity, ultrasound based 3D contrast agent based coronary artery angiograms may be possible. Measurement and display of the velocity of agent from the cubic fundamental signal is provided simultaneously with display of cubic fundamental energy, such as providing a display map indexed by both energy and velocity. High pulse repetition frequency (PRF) for cubic fundamental detection in conjunction with long velocity measurement intervals may increase low velocity sensitivity and measurement precision. Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler may be improved by using a cubic fundamental sensitive pulse sequence.

Abstract: Doppler ultrasound may be used to detect stenosis in a blood vessel using a variety of approaches. In one approach, the flow envelope is extracted from the Doppler ultrasound measurements, and the extracted flow envelope is parameterized. Classification is then done based on those parameters (and optionally other parameters), to determine whether a stenosis exists. A second approach uses Doppler data that is acquired in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of blood flow, and detects artifacts that are consistent with turbulences that usually appear downstream from stenoses.

Abstract: A method of providing multi spectral Doppler images, including displaying an ultrasound image of an object in a first region; setting a plurality of sample volumes in the displayed ultrasound image; obtaining a plurality of Doppler signals corresponding to the set plurality of sample volumes; and tridimensionally displaying in a second region the multi spectral Doppler images that are generated based on the obtained plurality of Doppler signals.

Abstract: Some embodiments include acquisition of color Doppler data, and detection of one or more transitions of the color Doppler data, each of the one or more transitions being between a first area representing flow velocity in a first direction and a second area representing flow velocity not in the first direction. A normalized energy function across one or more of the one or more transitions is calculated, a configuration of flow areas within the color Doppler data is determined, and aliasing corrections for the color Doppler data are determined based on the normalized energy functions and the configuration of flow areas.

Abstract: There are provided embodiments for providing a compound image of Doppler spectrum images corresponding to at least two sample volumes. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: a processing unit configured to form at least two Doppler spectrum images corresponding to at least two sample volumes based on ultrasound data corresponding to the at least two sample volume, the processing unit being further configured to perform an image process for forming a compound image upon the at least two Doppler spectrum images to form the compound image.

Abstract: There are provided embodiments for providing turbulent flow information based on vector Doppler. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: a processing unit configured to form vector information of a target object based on ultrasound data corresponding to the target object, the processing unit being further configured to form turbulent flow information for representing a degree of turbulent flow of the target object.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits an ultrasound wave to a target object and receives the ultrasound wave as ultrasound data reflected from the target object including a long axis direction blood vessel. An image generation unit generates an ultrasound image as a sectional image of the blood vessel. A region of interest (ROI) setting unit sets a first ROI on a vertical straight line at a right angle to the long axis direction and a second ROI on a wall of the blood vessel displayed at a designated time. A tracing unit traces movement of tissue in the target object corresponding to the first and second ROIs from the designated time to sequentially following thereafter by a gradient method using a spatial brightness gradient. A second memory unit stores information of the movement of the tissue for a predetermined duration.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a detector, a determination unit, a retention controller, and a display controller. The detector is configured to detect a peak flow velocity of blood flow velocities acquired from Doppler waveforms collected in a time-serial manner or a peak value of average flow velocities of the blood flow velocities as a representative flow velocity for each predefined period. The determination unit is configured to determine a maximum value in a predefined polarity of a plurality of representative flow velocities. The retention controller is configured to control a memory unit to retain maximum waveform information that is Doppler waveform information of Doppler waveforms collected for a period in which the maximum value was detected. The display controller is configured to control a display unit to display the maximum waveform information with Doppler waveform information having been collected by a present time point.

Abstract: Configurations are described for assisting in the execution of a percutaneous procedure while protecting the vascular pathway to the operational theater, which may comprise diseased tissue. A railed sheath may be utilized which is controllably expandable and collapsible, and may comprise two or more elongate rail structures configured to assist in the distribution of loads to associated diseased tissue structures, while also contributing to the deployment of percutaneous tools by maintaining alignment of such tools with the railed catheter and associated anatomy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of obtaining information on a pressure gradient in a blood vessel based on only reception signals of ultrasonic echoes reflected within an object. The apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe for outputting reception signals; a measuring unit for measuring an inside radius of a blood vessel within the object and blood flow velocities in plural locations in a radial direction substantially at the same time based on the reception signals; and a computing unit for computing a velocity gradient in the radial direction at an inner wall point of the blood vessel by differentiating the blood flow velocities measured by the measuring unit in the radial direction, and computing a pressure gradient at ends of a predetermined length of the blood vessel based on the computed velocity gradient, the measured inside radius of the blood vessel, and a predetermined viscosity of blood.

Abstract: A system for ultrasound imaging may include acquisition of color Doppler data associated with a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) and a baseline shift, selection of a frame of the color Doppler data associated with low flow velocity, determination, based on the selected frame, of a first area of non-aliased flow velocities and a first direction of the non-aliased flow velocities, and detection, in another frame of the color Doppler data, of a first transition between one or more velocities of the first area and one or more velocities of an adjacent second area. A second transition may be detected between the second area and an adjacent third area of the color Doppler data, and a velocity corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of fPRF is subtracted from or added to each of the flow velocities of the second area.