Abstract: An ultrasound detectable instrument (10) includes bubble generating means comprising two elements (32a, 32b) which, upon contact with each other in the presence of a fluid, react with each other to produce gas bubbles which may be detected by sonic imaging equipment. The two elements comprise first and second radially displaced layers of said elements within a fluid permeable carrier material.

Abstract: A method of correcting for phasefront aberrations in ultrasound imaging uses highly spaced apart point scatterers artificially placed in the tissue being imaged. The point scatterers reflect the transmitted sound and are individually differentiated to provide singular reference points for correction of signals reflected from the surrounding tissue. The differentiation is performed by comparison of the third or fourth harmonic frequencies of the reflected signals. To ensure the necessary high dispersal of the point scatterers, high amplitude pulses of the transmitted signal destroy point scatterers in selected image regions. In an alternate embodiment, correction is performed by stochastic analysis of signals reflected from the highly dispersed point scatterers. A reference signal is compared to the second harmonic of the reflected signal to reduce noise.

Abstract: In forming an image without clutters indicative of a dynamic state of an echo source containing a harmonic contrast agent based on the Doppler shift of a ultrasonic echo, the variance T of the velocity of the echo source is evaluated based on the Doppler shift, and the signal strength of the image is adjusted depending on the value of variance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing zones with different contrast agent concentrations in a contrast agent infused target. An aspect of the method is subjecting the target to an ultrasound flash capable of producing first and second target zones, the first target zone having a higher concentration of contrast agent than the second target zone. Another aspect of the method is forming an ultrasound image of the target, wherein the first and second target zones in the ultrasound image have different ultrasonic responses. An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a front-end controller (FEC) for use in a medical imaging system wherein the FEC controls a transducer to selectively radiate, in a single frame, a first beam position at a first energy and a second beam position at a second energy.

Abstract: A method for generating colonography images for colorectal screening of a patient. The patient is administered an amount of radiopaque stool marker which will enable stool present in the patient's colon to be distinguished from soft tissue. The patient's colon is imaged after the stool marker has been administered to generate colonography images. Preparation of the colon is simulated by processing the colonography images to remove marked stool before the images are observed during a diagnosis session.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: In order to capture an ultrasonic image of high quality using ultrasound having a low sound pressure that does not break a contrast agent, scanning is performed during a pause period of intermittent scanning, using ultrasound that has a sound pressure insufficient to break the contrast agent and has undergone predetermined modulation; pulse compression is performed on an echo received signal; and an image is produced based on the pulse-compressed echo received signal.

Abstract: Echogenic devices, and methods of making and using such devices, are disclosed. In one aspect, the devices include a porous polymeric material that is preparable by extracting a phase separated composition. In another aspect, the echogenic devices include a polymeric composition having porous particles therein. Preferably the devices are medical devices.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging marker has a marker body that is constructed of an ultrasound resonant material and that includes a resonant pocket. The marker body includes an interior surface and preferably an angled surface. The resonant pocket provides a feature that is easily visible to the ultrasound device. The interior surface is preferably coated with a metallic resonant layer such as alumina or gold. The angled surface bounds the interior surface and connects the interior surface with the perimeter lip. The ultrasound imaging marker is preferably used in conjunction with an insertion device for inserting the ultrasound imaging marker adjacent the location.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for imaging contrast agents within a patient's body. The method generally comprises, receiving echoed signals from the body, processing the received data to correct for motion effects, processing the received data to suppress tissue response, and imaging the contrast agents.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves at such a strength as to disperse the contrast agent for part of a number of sonic beams which form one frame and at such a strength as not to disperse the contrast agent for other sonic beams thereby to produce an image for a marking frame from received echo signals of ultrasonic transmission, and subsequently transmits ultrasonic waves successively at such a strength as not to disperse the contrast agent for all sonic beams thereby to produce images continuously for no-marking frames, and, after such a time length that the flow range is present within the view field, produces an image for another marking frame. These operations are repeated to display ultrasonic images by which it is possible to visually recognize at a glance the time-wise change of a blood flow.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe, a transmitter for transmitting an ultrasonic wave pulse having peaks at fundamental frequencys, and a receiver for receiving an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasonic wave pulse. The echo signal contains a difference frequency component as well as a fundamental frequency component centered on a fundamental frequency. A difference frequency component is extracted by attenuating the fundamental frequency component of the echo signal. Ultrasonic image data is generated on the basis of the extracted difference frequency component.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a transmit/receive switch (502), at least one frequency band selection circuit (512), and a selection unit (511). The selection unit (511) is used to determine if the data being received are from tissue or contrast agent regions. Depending on which type of region the data are from, different signal processing techniques are applied to the data. For example for tissue regions, a harmonic filter can be applied to the signal. If the signals are from contrast agent flow regions, both the harmonic filter and a fundamental filter can be used.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus indicates the preceding time length which lasts until the next scanning start time on a bar graph or the like, thereby relieving the operator's duty in carrying out intermittent scanning.

Abstract: A method for detection of ultrasound contrast agent in soft tissue according to the present invention includes utilizing an ultrasound transmit beam former and transducer array assembly for transmitting directive, focussed ultrasound pressure pulses with steerable transmit amplitude, transmit aperture, transmit focus, and transmit direction, and with temporal frequency components within a limited band B centered at a frequency f0, towards a region of soft tissue that contains ultrasound contrast agent bubbles. The transmit pulse parameters are arranged, preferably using multiple transmit pulses, so that the incident pressure pulse that is utilized for imaging of the contrast agent for a particular depth, has minimal variation over the actual image range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system receives fundamental frequency, harmonic contrast, and tissue harmonic echo information for image processing. The fundamental and harmonic signal content of the echo information is analyzed and the relative content of an output signal is adjusted as necessary to take advantage of the different characteristics of the different types of echo information present in the echo signal. The ultrasound system can produce images which are an adaptive blend of fundamental, tissue harmonic and harmonic contrast echo information.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, a first transmission signal including both of two fundamentals of frequencies f0 and 2f0 is transmitted, and then a second transmission signal having a polarity reverse that of the first transmission signal is transmitted. A receiving beam processor 22 generates a signal in which the echoes of the two transmission signals are added, and a signal in which the echoes are subtracted. The fundamental components are canceled out by addition and a secondary harmonic component A2 generated by the non-linear interaction remains in the sum signal. In the subtraction signal, the fundamental component remains while the secondary harmonic component is canceled out by subtraction. The fundamental component AII of the frequency 2f0 is extracted from the subtraction signal, and a ratio (A2/AII) is calculated by a divider 44. A differentiating process is then executed by an HPF 46 to obtain the evaluation value reflecting the non-linear parameter at each depth of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving ultrasonic coronary thrombolysis. After intravenous injection of a thrombus-specific ultrasound contrast agent, an array of ultrasoniec transducers arranged in a pad placed on the patient's chest transmits ultrasound signals into the patient, from a virtual source. Reflected signals are then analyzed to determine the ratio of the second (or halt) harmonic to first harmonic components in the signals. A high ratio indicates the presence of a thrombus in the field of interrogation. Time-of-flight data for each of the receivers is used to calculate a spatial location of the thrombus, and a phased array ultrasonic transmission is then focused on the thrombus, so as to achieve sonoparation.

Abstract: A method and systems for obtaining 2D ultrasound images. The methods may comprise the steps of receiving ultrasonic information from a volumetric region of a body, volume scan converting the ultrasonic information from the volumetric region for processing a rendering box, and volume rendering the rendering box for projecting the rendering box onto a 2D slice by using volume rendering techniques. The systems may comprise an ultrasonic transducer for receiving ultrasonic information from a volumetric region of a body, a volume scan converter for processing a rendering box obtained from the volumetric region, and a volume rendering processor for projecting the rendering box onto a 2D slice by using volume rendering techniques for contrast enhancement.

Abstract: A diagnostic ultrasound apparatus is provided for obtaining an image of an object into which an ultrasound contrast agent is injected. The apparatus has a transducer 1 for transmitting and receiving an ultrasound wave to and from the object and transmitting means (2, 81, 83) transmitting an ultrasound pulse into the object by driving the transducer under a first transmitting condition exerting a given destruction capability on the ultrasound contrast agent and a second transmitting condition having a destruction capability lower than that of the first condition. First image producing (3, 5) receive an ultrasound echo of the ultrasound pulse transmitted under the first transmitting condition and produce a first color-displayed image based on phase displacement information about the ultrasound echo. Additionally, second image producing means (3, 4) receive an ultrasound echo of the transmitted ultrasound pulse and produce a second image based on amplitude information about the ultrasound echo.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described for performing fundamental frequency and second harmonic frequency imaging simultaneously. Transmit bursts are employed which include a first waveform component optimized for fundamental imaging and a second waveform component optimized for harmonic imaging. The first waveform component may be centered in the transducer passband, and the second waveform component may be located on the opposite side of the center of the transducer passband from its second harmonic frequency, for instance. Echoes received from the bursts are separated into fundamental and harmonic components and used to form separate fundamental and harmonic images or blended fundamental/harmonic images.

Abstract: The method comprises a phase of reconstruction of a static three-dimensional image of the object from a first set of digitized two-dimensional projected images of the object respectively obtained for different positions of a camera around the object, a phase of acquisition of at least a second set of n static two-dimensional projected images respectively obtained for a same first position of the camera and at n successive propagation times of the contrast medium, and a phase of reconstruction of the dynamic three-dimensional image of the object from each static two-dimensional image of the second set and the reconstructed static three-dimensional image.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided. Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a contrast agent or drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in therapeutic delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an ultrasonic transducer system for harmonic imaging, comprising: an ultrasonic transducer comprising a transmitting ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting a fundamental ultrasound having a center frequency f0, and a receiving ultrasonic vibrator for receiving a harmonic signal having a center frequency nf0 (n is an integer of 2 or more); and control means for controlling the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transmitting ultrasonic vibrator comprises a transmitting piezoelectric resonator, the receiving ultrasonic vibrator comprises a receiving piezoelectric resonator, the transmitting and receiving piezoelectric resonators are superposed in layers and disposed, and the control mean supplies a drive signal to the transmitting piezoelectric resonator only for a time t1, holds a state between electrodes of the receiving piezoelectric resonator in a low resistance state including a short circuit for a predetermined time t2 (>t1) after the drive signal is supplied, and holds the state betwee

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for identifying the sentinel lymph node in a drainage field for a tissue or organ in a subject. In select embodiments, the invention allows for the identification of the first or sentinel lymph node that drains the tissue or organ, particularly those tissues associated with neoplastic or infectious diseases and disorders, and within the pertinent lymph drainage basin. Once the drainage basin from the tissue or organ, i.e., the sentinel lymph node, is identified, a pre-operative or intraoperative mapping of the affected lymphatic structure can be carried out with a contrast agent. Identification of the first or sentinel lymph node, on the most direct drainage pathway in the drainage field, can be accomplished by a variety of imaging techniques, including ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear and others.

Abstract: A process for selective graphic representation and/or evaluation of the Doppler spectrum of objects limitedly resistant to sonic intensity, for example biological organs and tissues, by an ultrasonic process wherein an examination area is acoustically irradiated, nonlinear oscillations are produced in the examination area by irradiated ultrasonic waves and the signal is evaluated by an ultrasonic converter. Also, a circuit for carrying out the above process is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging system acquires receive beams from spatially distinct transmit beams. The receive beams alternate in type between at least first and second types across the region being imaged. The first and second types of receive beams differ in at least one scan parameter other than transmit and receive line geometry, and can for example differ in transmit phase, transmit or receive aperture, system frequency, transmit focus, complex phase angle, transmit code or transmit gain. Receive beams associated with spatially distinct ones of the transmit beams (including at least one beam of the first type and at least one beam of the second type) are then combined. In this way, many two-pulse techniques, including, for example, phase inversion techniques, synthetic aperture techniques, synthetic frequency techniques, and synthetic focus techniques, can be used while substantially reducing the frame rate penalty normally associated with such techniques.

Abstract: In ultrasound diagnosis, a contrast echo technique on three-dimensional scanning is used with a contrast agent injected into an object. Before injecting the contrast agent and under the injection thereof, a blood vessel is continuously and securely targeted and depicted in displayed images. To realize this, a diagnostic ultrasound apparatus has means for acquiring an echo signal by scanning a three-dimensional region of an object with an ultrasound beam, means for producing three-dimensional image data based on the echo signal, means for displaying the three-dimensional image data, means for specifying, for example, from the echo signal, a timing at which injecting an ultrasound contrast agent into a region to be scanned of the object is started, and means for switching over at the specified timing display states of the three-dimensional image data to be displayed by the displaying means.

Abstract: An improved method for suppressing fundamental or desired harmonic orders in an ultrasonic medical imaging system transmits at least one reverberation-suppression pulse prior to the transmission of a multiple-pulse sequence. Receive signals associated with the pulses of the multiple-pulse sequence are acquired and combined using receive weights selected to suppress energy at either the fundamental or a desired harmonic of the fundamental.

Abstract: The method of the invention controls an ultrasound system to identify a boundary between a tissue region and a blood-filled region that lies within an ROI. The method initially administers a contrast agent to the region of interest and then transmits first and second ultrasound beams at a different power levels into the ROI. Signal returns from the first and second beams are processed to derive first and second digital values, respectively. It has been determined that, under certain circumstances, a phase change of echo returns occurs at the boundary between tissue and blood-containing contrast agent. Detection of the phase change enables precise identification of the boundary, based upon the time segment in which the phase change is detected. Accordingly, time segment values of the first and second stored digital values are then phase-compared to enable determination of a boundary location between the tissue region and the blood-filled region by detection of the phase change.

Abstract: Prostate abnormalities such as cancer may be detected by ultrasonic determination of the in-flow kinetics of contrast agent-containing blood in the prostate and/or by observation of disease-related asymmetries in the spoke-like vascular pattern of the prostate.

Abstract: Detectable markers that may be introduced into a cavity created by removal of a biopsy specimen to mark the location of the biopsy site so that it may be located in a subsequent medical/surgical procedure. The markers remain present in sufficient quantity to permit detection and location of the biopsy site at a first time point (e.g., 2 weeks) after introduction but clear from the biopsy site or otherwise not interfere with imaging of tissues adjacent the biopsy site at a second time point (e.g., 5-7 months) after introduction.

Abstract: A system and method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging of both tissue and tissue perfused with a contrast agent are disclosed. The ultrasonic harmonic imaging system comprises a wideband phased-array transducer, a transmitter for transmitting waves into the tissue, a receiver for receiving ultrasonic responses from the tissue, a control system electrically coupled to the transmitter and the receiver for controlling operation of the transmitter and receiver, a video processor, and a monitor. In a preferred embodiment, the transducer insonifies tissue at a fundamental frequency of less than approximately 1.5 MHz. A method for detecting an ultrasonic harmonic response of a contrast agent may be performed by introducing at least one contrast agent into the target object, destroying the contrast agent with an ultrasonic pressure wave and measuring the harmonic response from the destroyed contrast agent.

Abstract: The concentration and/or radii of a contrast agent in a fluid can be estimated by acquiring ultrasound spectral data, performing spectral analysis to generate a linear estimation of the power spectrum, and correlating at least one spectral parameter to a predetermined distribution function for the contrast agent. If the mean radius squared of particles is known, then the concentration of contrast agent particles can be calculated. If the concentration is constant, then relative variations in mean radius squared can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method enabling the injection of fluid media into a plurality of patients in which is provided a fluid supply source providing multiple doses, metering means for measuring the doses, pressurizing means to effect injection, contamination preventing means between fluid source and patient and, when desired, electronic control means to integrate operation of the apparatus and process.

Abstract: Harmonic imaging using harmonic Golay-coded excitation that encodes the fundamental and second harmonic signals utilizes the transmit sequences encoded using QPSK implemented as quarter-cycle circular rotations or shifts of the base pulse. This is implemented by time shifting the chips of the transmit sequence encoded with a “j” or “−j” code symbol by ¼ fractional cycle at center frequency relative to the chips encoded with a “1” or “−1” code symbol. A different QPSK transmit code is used for each of four transmits A, B, C and D. The transmit codes are selected such that (A−B) and (C−D) are encoded by Y and −X, respectively, while (A2−B2) and (C2−D2) are encoded by X and Y, respectively, where X and Y form a Golay code pair. The coding and decoding technique achieves fundamental suppression and second harmonic compression for a given Golay code pair X and Y.

Abstract: The method of the invention controls an ultrasound system to image a microbubble contrast agent in a region of fluid flow. A transducer is caused to transmit ultrasound signals and to receive echoes resulting from interaction of the ultrasound signals with both tissue and microbubbles. A transmitter enables the transducer to transmit the ultrasound signals at a plurality of power levels. A receiver selectively extracts signal components from the echo signals that fall within a determined bandwidth, and is controlled to alter the determined bandwidth (or the center frequency thereof) in accordance with which of the power levels is transmitted.

Abstract: Local aberrations in the perfusion and/or compliance of vasculated tissue may be detected by contrast agent-enhanced ultrasound imaging procedures wherein a sequence of ultrasound image data is generated in respect of a region of interest in vasculated tissue, the image data is processed to generate waveforms representative of arterial pulsatility, and these waveforms are analyzed for variations such as phase distortions which are characteristic of local aberrations in tissue perfusion and/or compliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A method for detecting a relative level of a contrast agent in a region of a body, where the contrast agent is susceptible to destruction by a destructive ultrasound signal. The method comprises the steps of: determining a signal level from a first ultrasound echo that is produced in the region during a first time, which occurs while the contrast agent is present in the region; determining a signal level of a second ultrasound echo that is produced in the region during a second time, which occurs after destruction of the contrast agent; and determining a ratio of the signal level from the first ultrasound echo and the signal level from the second ultrasound echo, where the ratio indicates a relative level of the contrast agent during the second time as compared to the first time.

Abstract: The method of the invention controls an ultrasound system to identify a boundary between a tissue region and a blood-filled region that lies within an ROI. The method initially administers a contrast agent to the region of interest and then transmits first and second ultrasound beams at a different power levels into the ROI. Signal returns from the first and second beams are processed to derive first and second digital values, respectively. It has been determined that, under certain circumstances, a phase change of echo returns occurs at the boundary between tissue and blood-containing contrast agent. Detection of the phase change enables precise identification of the boundary, based upon the time segment in which the phase change is detected. Accordingly, time segment values of the first and second stored digital values are then phase-compared to enable determination of a boundary location between the tissue region and the blood-filled region by detection of the phase change.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid in a target region. Generally, an imaging agent is introduced into a target region through fluid flow. The imaging agent in the target region is then disrupted using appropriate methods such as the application of ultrasonic energy. As fluid flow brings undisrupted imaging agent into the target region, the rate of accumulation is monitored and quantified thereby providing the exchange rate and flow rate of the fluid in the target region. The disclosed invention is particularly useful for medical applications such as determining the flow rate of blood in an organ or tissue.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for identifying the sentinel lymph node in a drainage field for a tissue or organ in a subject. In select embodiments, the invention allows for the identification of the first or sentinel lymph node that drains the tissue or organ, particularly those tissues associated with neoplastic or infectious diseases and disorders, and within the pertinent lymph drainage basin. Once the drainage basin from the tissue or organ, i.e., the sentinel lymph node, is identified, a pre-operative or intraoperative mapping of the affected lymphatic structure can be carried out with a contrast agent. Identification of the first or sentinel lymph node, on the most direct drainage pathway in the drainage field, can be accomplished by a variety of imaging techniques, including ultrasound, MRI, CT, nuclear and others.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents. Ultrasonic apparatus is provided for coherent imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents, and for detecting harmonic contrast agents. The inventive apparatus includes a dual display for simultaneously viewing a real time image which displays the location of the contrast agent and a triggered contrast image. Methods of contrast agent detection and imaging include the measurement of perfusion rate characteristics, multizone contrast imaging, multifrequency contrast imaging, tissue perfusion display, and high PRF contrast image artifact elimination.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medium having ultrasound contrast enhancement agents therein to a patient includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the medium, a fluid path connecting the pressurizing device to the patient and a concentration sensor in communication with the fluid path. The concentration of the contrast enhancement agents is measured by the concentration sensor during injection of the medium into the patient to assist in controlling the delivery system and/or an imaging procedure.

Abstract: The method of imaging the nonlinear components of ultrasound echo signals returned from scatterers comprises the steps of constructing a double-pulse excitation waveform, the two pulses composing this waveform having spectra with known relative frequency dependencies, differing in amplitude and phase so that the double-pulse waveform can be considered as a convolution of any single of said pulses with a known coding function, transmitting said double-pulse waveform within a single transmission of an ultrasound beam in the direction of said scatterers, deconvolving the received rf-waveform by a first appropriate decoding function to obtain a new rf-waveform, deconvolving said received rf-waveform by a second and different appropriate decoding function to obtain another rf-waveform, realigning in time both deconvolved rf-waveforms obtained from the same returned echo signal by a time delay as determined by the transmit-coding function, normalizing amplitudes and taking the sum of both rf-waveforms to effectivel

Abstract: In a method of identifying gaseous bubbles in a liquid, an ultrasound contrast agent is introduced into the liquid so as to form gaseous bubbles in the liquid. A first ultrasound pulse centered at a first frequency is directed onto the bubbles so as to cause the bubbles to undergo a first oscillating size change and produce a first oscillating echo signal corresponding thereto. The first oscillating echo signal produced by the bubbles is detected, and the bubbles are identified based upon the detected first echo signal.

Abstract: Nonlinear tissue or contrast agent effects are detected by combining echoes from multiple, differently modulated transmit pulses below the second harmonic band. The received echoes may even overlap the fundamental transmit frequency band. The modulation may be amplitude modulation or phase or polarity modulation, and is preferably both amplitude and phase or modulation. The present invention affords the ability to utilize a majority of the transducer passband for both transmission and reception, and to transmit pulses which are less destructive to microbubble contrast agents.

Abstract: A micro-instrument suitable for property imaging in a body is less than one millimeter in each dimension. The micro-instrument includes a base having a first wall and a second wall, the second wall substantially circumscribing the first wall, and a lid connected with the base to form a cavity and the lid being temporarily deformable. Optionally, the lid can include a cantilever that is deformable. Also optionally, an electronic circuit can be attached with the micro-instrument. The micro-instrument can also be substantially spherical. An observable property of the micro-instrument varies as a function of a physiological property of the body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described for performing nonlinear echo signal imaging with harmonic and intermodulation product (sum or difference frequency) components. Both the harmonic and the intermodulation products are produced by nonlinear effects of tissue or contrast agents and both are advantageously separated from the fundamental transmit components of the echo signals by pulse inversion processing. The use of both nonlinear components can improve the signal to noise ratio of the ultrasonic images, and the two types of components can be blended or used in different regions of an image to offset the effects of depth dependent attenuation.