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: 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: A control part includes a transmission angle control unit that controls a transmission angle of ultrasonic waves transmitted from three ultrasonic arrays, a first reflected wave measuring unit that measures a first arrival time of a first reflected wave which is reflected by a blood vessel and is first to arrive at the ultrasonic arrays, a second reflected wave measuring unit that measures a second arrival time of a second reflected wave which arrives at the ultrasonic arrays after a predetermined time from the first arrival time, an outside diameter computation unit that computes an outside diameter of the blood vessel based on the first arrival time of three first reflected waves, and an inside diameter of the blood vessel computation unit that computes an inside diameter based on the second arrival time of three second reflected waves.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assessment of color processing mechanism in the human brain using cerebral blood flow velocity monitoring, specifically transcranial Doppler ultrasound. The method including steps of transluminating color discs from a light source of a specific color temperature, which act on the visual pathways and color centers to alter mean blood flow velocity in the cerebral arteries. The mean flow velocity is analyzed and using Fourier computation to calculate spectral density estimates. Opponent mechanism in the cortical and subcortical regions determined as opposing tendency for short wavelength versus medium wavelength or for medium wavelength versus long wavelength colors. The method is applied for diagnosis, and treatment of variety of conditions.

Abstract: A method for performing ultrasound imaging and elasticity measurement, the method includes scanning an object to obtain a B-mode ultrasound image, selecting an A-mode signal from the B-mode ultrasound image, transmitting a high frame rate ultrasound signal, by a selected group of ultrasound transducers, at the selected A-mode signal location, forming a transient M-mode image based on the high frame rate ultrasound signal, enhancing propagation trace of shear wave based on the transient M-mode image, calculating elasticity of the object based on the propagation trace and displaying result, and displaying, simultaneously, the B-mode ultrasound image and the transient M-mode measurement result.

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: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for color flow imaging are provided.

Abstract: A method for continuous non-invasive monitoring of multiple arterial parameters of a patient is provided. The method includes continuously acquiring ultrasound data via an ultrasound transducer attached to the patient for detecting a blood vessel using color flow processing within a monitoring scan plane. Further, the method includes processing the continuously acquired ultrasound data to generate continuous quantitative waveforms based on an estimated cross-sectional area of the blood vessel and an estimated volumetric flow rate of blood through the vessel and displaying the generated continuous quantitative waveforms for monitoring the arterial parameters of the patient in real-time.

Abstract: There are provided embodiments for providing additional information. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data corresponding to a living body; and a processing unit configured to form a brightness mode image based on the first ultrasound data, set at least one sample volume on the brightness mode image, and form blood flow information corresponding to blood flow in the living body based on the second ultrasound data corresponding to the at least one sample volume, the processing unit being further configured to form additional information corresponding to a change of the blood flow with a time based on the blood flow information.

Abstract: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.

Abstract: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic optimization of Doppler imaging parameters. The method includes obtaining and storing at least two characteristic spectral lines at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency. The method further includes optimizing at least one of the Doppler imaging parameters based on the stored at least two characteristic spectral lines and a predetermined mean noise power. In one embodiment, the characteristic spectral lines are obtained by collecting in real time the Doppler spectral lines generated at the predetermined pulse repetition frequency within a predetermined time period, and processing the collected Doppler spectral lines in real time without storing them.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic and therapy system is described for stopping the bleeding of severely damaged bloodvessels or vessels severed in a limb amputation. A cuff (30) is attached to the stump of the severed limb which contains a diagnostic transducer array and a HIFU transducer (42, 44). The diagnostic transducer surveys the tissue of the severed limb, searching for a Doppler flow signal. When a Doppler flow signal is detected, the range to and coordinates of the sample volume where the flow was detected are determined, as well as the flow velocity. This information is supplied to a HIFU therapy transducer controller, which controls the HIFU transducer to transmit focused ultrasound to the sample volume of the flow locus, the center of the lumen of a blood vessel. The focused ultrasound heats and coagulates blood in the severed vessel to stem the bleeding.

Abstract: Methods for applying heat to a region proximate a blood vessel are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include generating an imaging ultrasound beam adapted to image a blood vessel target and receiving a reflection of the imaging ultrasound beam. The method can also include producing an output signal in response to the reflection of the imaging ultrasonic beam and processing the output signal to identify a location of a treatment zone proximate an outer wall of the blood vessel. Therapeutic energy can be applied to the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the therapeutic ultrasound energy beam can be moved to over-scan the treatment zone. Other methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of cardiovascular health status in a given individual are provided. The comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health includes at least two components: risk factor assessment based on epidemiologic studies and functional status of the individual. Structural studies of the individual can also be included in the comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular health. The invention aims to improve detection, treatment, devices, and administration of cardiovascular risk assessment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces audio Doppler from detected Doppler signals. The Doppler signals are detected in a band of frequencies which corresponds to the velocity of blood flow signals, and Doppler information is displayed based on the detected band of frequencies. The audio Doppler system produces Doppler audio in a frequency band which is shifted in pitch from the detected band of frequencies. The operator of the ultrasound system is provided with a user control by which the degree of pitch shifting can be controlled. The ultrasound system displays Doppler blood flow velocities referenced to a transmit Doppler frequency f0, with the audio Doppler being shifted in pitch from the frequencies corresponding to the blood flow velocities.

Abstract: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus of the present invention is an ultrasound observation apparatus capable of creating a blood flow image of a subject by receiving a reflection signal of a sound output signal transmitted to the subject as an electric signal, and performing various kinds of signal processing for the electric signal, and includes a transmission frequency switching section switching a frequency band of the sound output signal which is transmitted to the subject to a frequency band corresponding to an instruction signal which is outputted from an operation instructing section, and a blood flow color creating section changing a color at a time of visualizing the blood flow image by linking with switching of the frequency band by the transmission frequency switching section.

Abstract: An infrared sensor with an electrically heatable sensor housing. The housing including a heating device in the form of a strip conductor-like electric heating track, which is controlled by a control device, and applied onto a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate comprises an electrically insulated ceramic material providing adequate thermal conductivity and preferably forming the bottom of the sensor housing, and carrying at least one infrared sensor element, e.g., a thermopile sensor. The ceramic substrate having electric strip conductors serving as a contact surface for a corresponding (not-shown) housing cover and through-hole contacts serving as electrical connections between the top side and the bottom side of the ceramic substrate. The electric heating tracks and strip conductors in a preferred embodiment comprise thick-film tracks. The infrared sensor being suitable for a measuring tip of an intra-auricular infrared thermometer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes a frame data generation device configured to generate a frame data of a blood flow image based on echo signals obtained by transmissions and receptions of ultrasonic waves on a same acoustic ray, a processed frame data generation device configured to generate a processed frame data using current data excluding an error data having a higher brightness, a faster blood speed, or a higher blood flow power than a brightness, a blood speed, or a blood flow power of standard data within pixel data corresponding to each other in a plurality of frame data at different time phases, and an image display control device configured to display a blood flow image based on the processed framed data.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method that identify flow regions within a volume. The system comprises: a survey system for collecting motion data from a target image; a segmentation system for mapping a region of flow within the image based on the motion data; and a flow acquisition system that automatically limits the collection of flow image data within the image to the region of flow.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An enhanced intraluminal flow measurement system and method is conducive for a low-power ultrasonic system that can use continuous-wave (CW) Doppler sensing and wireless RF telemetry. Applications include measurement of blood flow in situ in living organisms. Implementations include an extraluminal component located outside of a body, such as a human or animal body, containing a lumen. The extraluminal component can be wirelessly coupled via an RF magnetic field or other RF field to an implantable intraluminal component. The intraluminal component (i.e. implant) is implanted inside of the lumen of the body such as a heart or elsewhere in a vasculature (such as in a dialysis shunt). The intraluminal component can telemeter, via RF electromagnetic signals, flow data directly out of the body housing the intraluminal component to be received by the extraluminal component.

Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler diagnosis device having a velocity data interpolating section for generating interpolated velocity data for interpolating velocity data between two sound lines and two scanning lines, using the velocity data at the intersections. The velocity data interpolating section converts two scalar arrays of unsigned numeric data corresponding to a first and second numeric values to signed arrays of numeric data using a data converting section and generates the interpolated velocity data based on the converted signed array of numeric data, when a result of identification obtained from an identifying section indicates that one of the first and second numeric values has a positive velocity smaller than a first threshold value corresponding to a positive velocity, and the other of the first and second numeric values has a negative velocity greater than a second threshold value corresponding to a negative velocity.

Abstract: A measuring device includes an ultrasonic sensor with ultrasonic arrays each having a linear array structure in which ultrasonic elements are arranged along a linear scanning direction with the linear scanning directions of at least two of the ultrasonic arrays being different from each other, a transmission/reception control unit that controls transmission/reception of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic arrays, and a computation part that measures a frequency shift amount based on a reception signal from the ultrasonic arrays. The transmission/reception control unit includes a signal delay circuit that controls a transmission angle of ultrasonic waves. The computation part includes a frequency shift amount calculating part that calculates, for each of the ultrasonic arrays, a frequency shift amount based on a reception signal from each of the ultrasonic arrays, and a maximum shift amount obtaining part that obtains a maximum frequency shift amount from the calculated frequency shift amounts.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for semi-automatic or automatic imaging or treatment of occlusions in vessels using pulsed or unpulsed focussed sound waves, preferably ultrasound, in Doppler technology. The apparatus comprises at least one sound transducer member including at least one sound-emitting element for producing at least one sound wave beam; means to adjust the parameters of said at least one sound wave beam; means to spatially locate said at least one sound-emitting element; means to move said at least one transducer member; means to control movement of said at least one transducer member automatically or semi-automatically; means to automatically or semi-automatically focus sound waves generated by said at least one sound-emitting element into a beam; and means to accept sound signals from sound-emitting element or elements.

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 width 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: 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: A method and apparatus for enhancing evaluation of valvular function in terms of regurgitation is described. The techniques include a method and apparatus for monitoring flow across a valve and evaluating regurgitation through the valve. An ultrasound scanner with Doppler capabilities processes and represents Doppler signal data in a color scale. The Doppler signal data is processed such that different colors are assigned to signals that have different power levels. An ECG signal may be correlated to the Doppler signals to determine systole and diastole periods, then the regurgitation is determined by estimating a peak reverse blood flow based on Doppler signals from blood at systole. The Doppler signals may also be processed so as to determine a cardiac cycle, then regurgitation is determined as the ratio of a reverse blood flow as a percentage of a forward blood flow.

Abstract: Using pulsed-wave (PW) ultrasonography for determining an aliasing-free radial velocity spectrum of matter moving in a region. Includes: transmitting into the region a plurality of pulse trains of sound waves at two or more different pulse repetition frequencies; spectrally analyzing each pulse train, for evaluating a Doppler frequency spectrum associated with each pulse train; combining frequency components of Doppler frequency spectrum of each pulse train, for obtaining aliasing-free instantaneous Doppler frequency spectrum for the region; using Doppler effect for translating aliasing-free frequency spectrum to aliasing-free radial velocity spectrum. Implementable using pulsed-wave Doppler (PWD), color flow Doppler (CFD), tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), or pulsed-wave (PW) ultrasonography. Applicable to liquid or/and solid forms of matter, moving in a two- or three-dimensional region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for adaptive three-dimensional derivation of a proximal isokinetic shell of a proximal flow convergence zone that forms in an observation area in a moving fluid, wherein the magnitude of the velocity of the fluid at each point of the proximal isokinetic shell is identical and equal to a velocity reference value, the method including: a) preparing locally distributed velocity measurements in a surrounding area of the observation area, the measurements representing at least one directional component of the local velocity of the fluid in a respective measurement direction, b) preparing an approximation surface as an initial proximal isokinetic shell in such a way that the entire flow, at least substantially, in the flow convergence zone penetrates the approximation surface, c) establishing a plurality of approximation points on the approximation surface, d) determining the respective velocity measurements at the respective approximation points, e) calculating a c

Abstract: An improved device and method for collecting data used for ultrasonic imaging. The data is gathered over numerous transmit and echo receive cycles, or iterations and combined into a synthetic acquisition representing a complete echo characteristic acquisition. At each iteration, only a portion, or subset, of the echo characteristic is sampled and stored. During the iterations, the portion of the echo characteristic that is measured and sampled is varied by changing the relative sampling instants. That is, the time offset from the transmission to the respective sampling instant is varied. The sample sets representative of the entire echo characteristic are then compiled from the multiple subsets of the ultrasonic transmissions.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for intravascular analysis combine at least three analytical modalities. In one implementation, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near infrared spectroscopy are combined to enable detection of multiple, different abnormalities in the arterial morphology during a single intravascular procedure.

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.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a fundamental transmission frequency and are focused on at least one scan line. Acoustic beams reflected from the body under examination and the contrast agents are separated into harmonic and subharmonic components along with the fundamental frequency component. The amplitudes of these components compared to determine whether the reflecting material is either body tissue or the contrast agent.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A medical imaging diagnosis apparatus for measuring the composite thickness of the tunica intima and the tunica media of a blood vessel of a subject by acquiring image data on the blood vessel. In order to improve the accuracy of the IMT measurement of the composite thickness, the medical imaging diagnosis apparatus has extracting means for extracting the tunica intima and the tunica externa of the blood vessel on the basis of the brightness information of the image data to measure the composite thickness of the tunica intima and the tunica externa of the vessel in reference to the two extracted regions.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for examination and evaluation of a blood flow in a pulmonary artery of a patient, measurement data are recorded, from which at least a part of the blood flow in the pulmonary artery is able to be re-constructed at least two-dimensionally in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis of the pulmonary artery 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 number of diastolic points for which an asymmetry in relation to the longitudinal axis of the pulmonary artery in the anterior-posterior direction exists is determined. A measure is then determined that characterizes how long, after the closure of the pulmonary valve, the aforementioned asymmetry exists.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (10) is disclosed for creating simultaneous needle and vascular blood flow color Doppler imaging. A B mode image of an anatomical area of interest is created. A first set of Doppler image data optimized for the visualization of vascular blood flow is created along one Doppler image processing path. A second set of Doppler image data optimized for the visualization of a needle or other invasive device is created along another, parallel Doppler image processing path. A color Doppler image is created, and then displayed, by combining some or all of the B mode image, the first Doppler image data and the second Doppler image data based on a plurality of user selectable modes.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic imaging includes transmitting ultrasonic radiation toward a target and receiving the ultrasonic radiation reflected from a region of the target. A main reflected signal and an auxiliary reflected signal are defined. The reflected signals have different respective main and auxiliary beam patterns. A difference between the main reflected signal and the auxiliary reflected signal is taken, so as to generate an output signal containing a reduced level of clutter in comparison with the main reflected signal.

Abstract: Automated determination and setting of an ultrasound system transmit power level is provided for contrast agent imaging. Low mechanical index imaging of contrast agents allows substantially continuous imaging of contrast agents without destruction. By comparing data associated with different transmit power levels and spatial locations, different delays between acquisition or different acquisition sequences, a contrast agent imaging transmit power generally minimizing destruction of contrast agents and maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is automatically determined. By using contrast agent specificity for setting the transmit power in addition or alternative to destruction of contrast agents, harmonic imaging may be improved.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically adjusting a parameter used in the display of a Doppler spectral image comprises acquiring a plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A subset of Doppler data is determined from the plurality of spectral lines of Doppler data. A noise characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is calculated, and a signal characteristic of the subset of Doppler data is identified. The noise and signal characteristics are compared, and a system parameter is adjusted based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a Doppler processing unit which generates a Doppler spectrum from an ultrasonic signal reflected from a predetermined region in a heart, a trace waveform generation unit which generates temporal changes in a predetermined spectrum component in the Doppler spectrum as a plurality of trace waveforms, a corrected trace waveform generation unit which generates a corrected trace waveform with the loss being interpolated by using a trace waveform, of the plurality of trace waveforms, which has a loss portion, and at least one estimation point input for the trace waveform, and an output unit which outputs a plurality of trace waveforms including the corrected trace waveform.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image processing apparatus in which image quality of ultrasonic images can be improved by performing image processing that utilizes image characteristics of the original image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus processes image data generated based on a signal obtained by scanning an object to be inspected by using an ultrasonic beam and respectively representing pixel values of the plurality of pixels within the ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus includes a morphology processing unit for processing the image data to reduce speckles appearing in the ultrasonic image, and a DSC for converting a scan format of the image data processed by the morphology processing unit.

Abstract: Flow estimation is provided. The flow is predicted. A mathematical, logic, machine learning or other model is used to predict flow. For example, the boundary conditions associated with a previous flow, the previous flow, and current boundary conditions are used to predict the current flow. The current flow is corrected using the predicted flow. Velocities may be unaliased based on the predicted flow. The predicted flow may replace the current flow. Prediction may additionally or alternatively be used in determination of lateral or elevational flow.

Abstract: Methods, systems and probes communicate signals from a transducer for imaging or connection with an imaging system. Beamforming-related electronics are positioned in the connector housing of the transducer probe assembly. For example, analog-to-digital converters are positioned in the connector housing. Power is provided through connection with the ultrasound imaging system. Fans or other heat-dissipating structures are also positioned within the connector housing. Other beamformer electronics, such as delays and sums, are positioned in the imaging system, partly in the connector housing or entirely in the connector housing. Since the analog-to-digital converters are provided in the connector housing, partial digital beam forming may be provided in the transducer probe assembly. The length of the transducer cables is held constant to avoid interference and transmission line effects due to line-length variation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring and analyzing blood flow in vessels in the bodies of living subjects are provided. The true velocity vector, or a projection thereof onto a scan plane, for blood flowing at a location in a vessel is determined from multiple Doppler velocity components. The true velocity vector is displayed as a directional marker on an image comprising the vessel. The true velocity magnitude and angle, and scalar blood flow characteristics derived therefrom, are plotted as a functions of time and/or position across the depiction of the blood vessel in the image. Time intervals for which blood flow characteristic data is displayed and/or determined may be user configurable.

Abstract: A method for processing Doppler signal gaps may include receiving Doppler signals during Doppler signal acquisition to obtain data of in-phase (I) component and quadrate (Q) component signals of the Doppler signals. The method may also include receiving interruption of the Doppler signals and estimating the data of the Doppler signals interrupted in the gap period filling the interrupted Doppler signals with the data of the estimated Doppler signals so that the data of the I and Q component signals in the gap period are filled to form a continuous output. The method may further include generating Doppler spectrum data or Doppler sound based on the data of the filled I and Q component signals.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method, system and related equipment particularly adapted to diagnose disorders of the blood circulation serving the head and neck, and especially the brain. A preferred use of the system is early, rapid, accurate, diagnosis of stroke, especially whether the stroke is due to blockage of a blood vessel or leakage from the blood vessel.