Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and compositions for the use of ultrasound for detection of cells and nanoparticles.

Abstract: These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: A data management system automatically manages image buffers to produce images for angiography using a first memory portion, a second memory portion and an image data processor. The first memory portion stores first image frame data representing minimum luminance values of individual pixels of a sequence of medical images. The second memory portion stores second image frame data comprising a difference between the minimum luminance values and corresponding maximum luminance values. The image data processor processes data representing an acquired X-ray image frame of a catheterized vessel using a stored frame of maximum or minimum pixel luminance values and the second image frame data to provide an image with enhanced visualization of a catheter in a vessel.

Abstract: A networked system for rendering diagnostic image data for display has at least one diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains digital image data for a patient and is in communication with a computer network. At least one consistency control module executes at a networked processor and is operatively responsive to a set of programmed instructions for accessing and detecting the type of image, for identifying one or more control points in the obtained digital image data, for mapping the input code values of the one or more control points to corresponding predetermined code values, for mapping additional input code values to output values according to the mapping of the one or more control points, and for providing rendered image data as output. A DICOM destination in networked communication with the at least one consistency control module stores or displays the rendered image data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe, a location sensor that detects a location of the ultrasound probe, and a location calculation device configured to calculate a location of echo data in a first three-dimensional coordinate system having a certain point as an origin based on the probe location. A deformation calculation device performs a deformation calculation to deform a shape of the body tissue in either an ultrasound image or a medical image captured by a medical imaging apparatus other than the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus to a shape of the body tissue of the other image. A display image control device performs a coordinate conversion between the coordinate system of the ultrasound image and a coordinate system of the medical image and displays a deformed image based on the deformation calculation and the other image about a same cross-section on a display device.

Abstract: Echogenic medical devices, methods of fabrication and methods of use are disclosed. The device can be adapted to be inserted into a patient. The echogenic construction can be incorporated into the device at the time of fabrication providing acoustic impedance different from that of the surrounding biological tissue or fluid. The medical device is designed for use with an ultrasound imaging system to provide real-time location of the insertion and guidance at the time the device is implanted in a patient, such as in brachytherapy. Following placement of the device the position can be evaluated over time to insure the device remains in proper alignment and functional. Furthermore, the device is designed to incorporate a spacer element at one or both ends to provide separation between radioactive elements.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing an elastic image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: a user input unit configured to receive user input information from a user; a storage unit configured to store a mapping table associating measuring item information on a plurality of measuring items with a plurality of applications; an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data corresponding to the target object; and a processing unit configured to form an ultrasound image based on ultrasound data and detect a contour of the target object in the ultrasound image in response to the user input information, the processing unit being further configured to extract at least one of measuring items corresponding to the user input information and the contour from the storage unit to form a measuring item candidate group.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe methods of determining the occlusion of body lumens and apparatuses for doing so. In one particular embodiment, the occlusion of the fallopian tubes by an intrafallopian contraceptive device may be confirmed by contrast enhanced ultrasonography (also known as stimulated acoustic emission hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). In these embodiments a contrast agent containing microbubbles is used.

Abstract: A method of detecting at least one axillary sentinel lymph node using ultrasonography is described. The method comprises injecting an iron hydroxide compound into a patient at or near a suspected tumor site in the breast and waiting an amount of time required for the iron hydroxide compound to enter cells of the sentinel lymph node. The axillary area near the injection site may then be analyzed using ultrasonography to identify at least one sentinel lymph node. Once identified, a small sample of tissue from the identified sentinel lymph node may be taken for pathological analysis to aid in determination of the stage or extent of breast cancer.

Abstract: An imaging device is disclosed for generating successive tomograms of an object. In at least one embodiment, the imaging device includes a radiation source, a detector, a positioning unit and a control unit for controlling the positioning unit and for evaluating the recorded data of the detector. In at least one embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is set up for matching a contrast medium protocol, in which parameters for contrast medium administration are stored, provided for examinations in a contrast medium device, to a scan protocol provided for the examination, in which operating parameters for generating successive tomograms are stored, for preventing unnecessary administration phases. This provides for a contrast medium examination with the least possible contrast medium administration.

Abstract: A method for the merged display of first image information captured using a first imaging device with second image information captured using a second imaging device is provided. The first imaging device records fluorescence images of the area under examination. A second 3D image data record of the area under examination is recorded using an examination procedure based on electromagnetic radiation, such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 3D fluorescence image data record and the second 3D image data record are registered with one another, and one or more fluorescence-optically marked, relevant areas of the examination volume, on the basis of the mapping rules determined by the registration process, are displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method are described for monitoring the progress of therapy for pathology such as lesions, tumors, and metastases by means of contrast agent imaging. A sequence of images are acquired as a bolus of contrast agent infuses the tissue containing the pathology. Time-intensity curves of pathology and normal tissue are produced and used to measure perfusion in the pathology as affected by therapy. The motional effects of respiration can be taken into account during image acquisition by detecting the position of a landmark such as the diaphragm in each of the images of the sequence and discarding from processing those images which exhibit a change in the position of the landmark relative to the probe.

Abstract: An input image includes a plurality of input values (i.e., pixel or voxel values), each input value indicative of a response to an interrogation signal of a corresponding location of a body-part, which possibly includes a contrast agent. At least one filtered image is generated from a plurality of selected input images and includes a filtered value for each of a plurality of selected ones of the locations. Each filtered value is indicative of the contrast agent leaving the selected location and is obtained by reducing a contribution of the contrast agent that is substantially stationary at the selected location along the selected input images for a period of time equal to or shorter than a first threshold and by reducing a contribution of the contrast agent that is substantially stationary for a period of time equal to or longer than a second higher threshold.

Abstract: A perfusion assessment system is proposed. The system includes means for providing an echo-power signal indicative of a perfusion of a contrast agent in a body-part under analysis, the contrast agent being administered as a bolus and undergoing a significant destruction during a passage of the contrast agent in the body-part, means for associating the echo-power signal to a model function including the product between a bolus function indicative of the passage of the contrast agent without said destruction and a reperfusion function indicative of a reperfusion of the contrast agent in the body part following the destruction corresponding to a substantially constant inflow of the contrast agent, and means for estimating at least one perfusion indicator from the bolus function and/or the reperfusion function.

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

Abstract: Method and system for non-invasive quantification of tissue perfusion obtainable by a destruction-reperfusion process that provide a signal representative of local agent concentration during reperfusion, by deriving at least one local tissue perfusion value. The system is configured to adjust or relate function of time with S-shape characteristics to the signal proportional to the local agent concentration during reperfusion, and making a correspondence between at least one value of at least one parameter of the function with S-shape characteristics with at least one local tissue perfusion value (such as mean velocity, mean transit time, mean flow, perfusion volume) or attribute (such as the blood flow pattern, flow distribution variance or skewness).

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: A biopsy probe mechanism includes an elongate sample receiving member having a longitudinal axis and having a sample receiving notch. An elongate sample receiving member and a cutting cannula are movable relative to one another along a longitudinal axis between a first relative position and a second relative position. A first echogenic feature is established on the elongate sample receiving member and a second echogenic feature is established on the cutting cannula. The first echogenic feature is in longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the first relative position. The first echogenic feature is out of longitudinal alignment with the second echogenic feature when the elongate sample receiving member and the cutting cannula are in the second relative position.

Abstract: An diagnostic imaging apparatus for imaging information changing with time and displaying it in real time, composed of an ultrasonic probe (2), having piezoelectric elements arranged in an array form that transmit ultrasonic waves to a target object (1) and acquires a reflection signal from the target object; a body movement measuring unit (12) that constitutes a two-dimensional ultrasonic image using the reflection signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe, sets, in the image plane, a plurality of measuring areas used for measuring the body movement of the target object, and measures the body movement and deformation amounts in the measuring areas; and an image accumulating (subtracting) unit for accumulating or subtracting images using body movement measured by the body movement measurement unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method are described for monitoring the progress of therapy for pathology such as lesions, tumors, and metastases by means of contrast agent imaging. A sequence of images are acquired as a bolus of contrast agent infuses the tissue containing the pathology. A contrast wash-in time parameter is calculated for both the tumor and normal tissue, and a ratio is calculated of the two wash-in time parameters (called WITR) which removes the effects of variations in the procedure from one therapy monitoring session to another. A difference curve of the time-intensity curves of the pathology and normal tissue is also produced, which is similarly immune to procedural variations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnosis device for creating an ultrasound image with a high contrast-to-tissue ratio. Said device sends a transmission pulse to the subject, uses an ultrasound probe to receive echoes reflected from an ultrasound contrast agent injected into the subject, and forms an image. The transmission pulse is sent such that nonlinear interactions between the constituent frequency components of said transmission pulse, as a result of the acoustic nonlinearity of the subject, do not produce sum and difference components in the frequency sensitivity range of the ultrasonic probe as the transmission pulse propagates across the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 comprises an ultrasonic transmitter unit 13,15, an ultrasonic receiving unit 13,17, an extracting unit 17, a filter unit and an adder unit 19c,21c. The ultrasonic transmitter unit 13,15 transmits ultrasonic varied at least one of phase and amplitude to an object. The ultrasonic receiving unit 13,17 receives ultrasonic echoes. The extracting unit 17 extracts a first nonlinear signal obtained through modulating the amplitude and a second linear signal obtained through modulating the phase from common ultrasonic echoes. The filter unit processes a filter process to the first nonlinear signal and the second nonlinear signal with at least two deferent sets of a middle frequency and a width of a band. The adder unit 19c,21c performs weighted addition to signals obtained through the first nonlinear signal and the second nonlinear signal according to a depth of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantifying drug delivery with the characteristic of measuring the signal intensity of peripheral vessels with a contrast-enhanced ultrasound to quantify the drug delivery at a target site. The present invention can be used for quantifying UTMD (ultrasound triggered microbubble destruction) targeted drug delivery, also for qualifying the unreleased amount of the long-acting drug in the tested object, and for helping setting the treatment schedule for ultrasound disruption of blood-brain barrier.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus which acquires tomographic image information of a subject to which a contrast agent is administered, and displays the tomographic image information, includes an administration time timer which is started up while the acquisition is being performed and which measures a time that elapses from a time of the start-up to which a predetermined offset time is added, and an offset time setting device which sets the offset time to the administration time timer when the start-up is performed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a detector detects a position at a leading end of a puncture needle. A determination unit determines a first scanning region in a subject and a second scanning region based on the position at the detected leading end, the second scanning region being narrower than the first scanning region. A transmission/reception controller controls a transmitter and a receiver to switches between first ultrasonic scanning for the first scanning region and second ultrasonic scanning for the second scanning region according to an instruction from an operator.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed that uses piezoelectric markers. The piezoelectric fields in combination with ultrasound reflections can be used to construct an image of an otherwise difficult to detect feature within a subject's body. In one embodiment, the invention includes a piezoelectric marker, including at least one piece of piezoelectric material, an ultrasound transducer connected to an ultrasound pulser and a receiver, a computer sequencing control connected to the receiver and the ultrasound pulser, a display connected to the computer sequencing control and electrodes connected to the computer sequencing control via amplification circuitry.

Abstract: A system for identifying a presence of an object in a tissue region of interest includes a controller configured to obtain first and second image data sets from the region of interest. A contrast identification module is configured to identify a contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set corresponding to an object in the tissue region of interest. An image data enhancement module is configured to identify the object in the second image data set based on the contrasting region of altered stiffness in the first image data set.

Abstract: Disclosed are an object detection method and an object detection device. The object detection method comprises a step of obtaining plural detection results of a current frame according to plural object detection methods; a step of setting initial probabilities of the plural detection results of the current frame; a step of calculating a movement frequency distribution diagram representing movement frequencies of respective pixels in the current frame; a step of obtaining detection results of a previous frame; a step of updating the probabilities of the plural detection results of the current frame; and a step of determining a final list of detected objects based on the updated probabilities of the plural detection results of the current frame.

Abstract: An echo signal reflected from a microbubble contrast agent is discriminated from an echo signal generated upon reflection of a nonlinearly propagated transmission pulse from the body tissues without degradation of the axial resolution, by performing transmission/reception twice or less which would hardly decrease the imaging speed. By detecting a difference in phase of the second harmonic component based on the fundamental component included in the echo signal, an echo signal generated upon nonlinear reflection from a microbubble contrast agent is discriminated from an echo signal generated upon linear reflection of a nonlinearly propagated transmission pulse from the body tissues. The phase of the second harmonic component is detected through phase sensitive detection in which the square of the fundamental component is used as a reference wave.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic contrast imaging method in which signals specific to a contrast agent are extracted to form an image, imaging is performed with the following three well-balanced properties: frame rate, spatial resolution, and contrast-agent selectivity. A first chirp signal whose frequency increases with time and a second chirp signal obtained by inverting the first chirp signal about the time axis are used, and they are individually transmitted and received. A decoder having decode filters each adapted for a coded sequence, which is obtained when the chirp signal is decomposed into a pulse signal and a coded sequence, is provided. The decode filters are adapted for echo signals received in response to two chirp signals, respectively, and outputs of the two decode filters are input to a subtractor, whereby the difference therebetween is determined. Thus, contrast-agent selectivity is balanced with spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polymers as contrast agents for ultrasounds. The idea is to have a molecular imprint in the polymer that is specific for a given molecule or analyte. When that molecule binds to the polymer it induces a conformational change that results in an increase in the ultrasound signal, referred to as a target-bound state. The method can also be used for example for quantitative measurements of analytes.

Abstract: After executing a second transmission constituting an ultrasonic wave of an amount of one frame from an ultrasonic wave having a high sound pressure of destructing bubbles in a predetermined section for making a blood stream image or a tissue image in a circulation image of a blood stream disappear by making the bubbles in the predetermined section disappear, there is carried out a third transmission by an ultrasonic wave having a low sound pressure of not substantially destructing the bubbles for acquiring the circulation image of the blood stream with regard to the predetermined section. The first transmission is executed by the ultrasonic wave for making a portion of the blood stream image in the circulation image disappear by making the bubbles at the predetermined region present in the predetermined section disappear as necessary while executing the third transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming a Doppler mode image. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit operable to transmit/receive ultrasound signals at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) to form an n number of Doppler signals. The ultrasound system further comprises a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit computes a first mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n?1)th Doppler signal and a second mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n?k)th Doppler signal, wherein k is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2. The signal processing unit estimates a Doppler frequency and compensate for aliasing of the Doppler signal based on the first and second mean frequencies to produce Doppler signal with the aliasing compensated. An image processing unit operable to form a Doppler mode image based on the Doppler signals produced by the signal processing unit.

Abstract: Heart diseases are detected by producing a series of ultrasound images that depict the blood flow pattern in the left ventricle at successive phases of the cardiac cycle. The blood flow pattern images are produced by injecting a diluted contrast agent and tracking the contrast agent particles as they flow through the left ventricle by acquiring ultrasound images at a high frame rate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range and reduced speckle by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to effect signal alignment, detected and combined. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. Speckle is reduced by nonlinearly combining received multilines produced by different transmit apertures.

Abstract: A method of fluorescence imaging is provided. The method provides for simultaneously acquiring image data at a plurality of phases and a plurality of frequencies from a region of interest, identifying at least one desired signal and at least one background signal in the acquired image data associated with the region of interest, constructing a digital filter based upon the at least one desired signal and the at least one background signal, wherein the digital filter is configured to enhance image contrast and applying the digital filter to the acquired image data associated with the region of interest to enhance image contrast in the acquired image data. Systems and computer programs that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also provided.

Abstract: Frame rate and/or line density are controlled in contrast agent medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The number of lines scanned per second (e.g., frame rate and/or line density) is set based on the differences in contrast agent response. Where the contrast agent response is changing rapidly, more frequent scanning and/or denser scanning is performed. Where the contrast agent response is not changing or changing slowly, less frequent scanning and/or less dense scanning is performed. By linking the number of scan lines per second of the scanning adaptively with the contrast agent response, the destruction of contrast agents may be reduced while providing information when needed for diagnosis.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system that can automatically adjust the imaging parameters based on the original or processed received echoes from the target is presented in this disclosed technology. The adjustment is done through a closed loop negative feedback control system iteratively. Imaging performance evaluation parameters calculated from the received echoes, original or processed, are compared with preset thresholds that represent desired optimal imaging performances. The differences are used to calculate the adjustment for the imaging parameters. The system reaches to an optimal system image quality for the current target or stops when a maximum number of iterations is reached.

Abstract: A method for automatic image optimization in ultrasound imaging of an object is provided. The method includes transmitting a first ultrasound signal into the object, wherein the signal has a plurality of first signal parameters. The method also includes receiving a first set of electrical signals representing reflections of the first ultrasound signals from the object and processing the first set of electrical signals into a first image. The method evaluates an image quality cost function for the first image to produce a first image quality metric and determines a second plurality of signal parameters based upon the first image quality metric. Similarly, the method includes transmitting a second ultrasound signal into the object, wherein the signal has the second plurality of signal parameters and receiving a second set of electrical signals representing reflections of the second ultrasound signal from the object and processing the second set of electrical signals into a second image.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: Tissue ablation probes are provided. Each tissue ablation probe comprises an electrically conductive probe shaft, at least one tissue ablation electrode carried by a distal end of the probe shaft, and an electrically insulative outer sheath disposed on the probe shaft. The sheath is at least partially composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and another material comprising condensed-phase particles interspersed throughout the PEEK to increase the echogenicity of the outer sheath. The durability of the PEEK allows the sheath to be formed as thinly as possible, thereby minimizing the diameter of the ablation probe, while the inclusion of condensed-phase particles within the PEEK does not significantly degrade the durability of the sheath.

Abstract: An ultrasound-detectable biopsy marker mass has a detectable in-vivo lifetime during which the marker mass remains readily detectable by ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound-detectable biopsy marker mass is formed of particles of a bio-resorbable material having bubble cavities and having a particle size between about 200 microns and about 500 microns.

Abstract: A non-linear response may be measured by transmitting a first pulse at an amplitude and transmit frequency, using an aperture having N elements. A first response is measured at a sub-harmonic frequency based on the transmit frequency. At least second and third pulses are transmitted at the amplitude and transmit frequency. At least second and third responses are measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The second and third pulses have the same phase with respect to each other and use first and second sub-apertures that have different ones of the N elements. A sum of the elements within the first and second sub-apertures is equal to N. Alternatively, at least two pulses having the same aperture and different amplitudes may be transmitted, and the responses measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The responses are combined to suppress linear echoes and determine a non-linear response.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a computer readable medium containing executable instructions for monitoring a system pressure within a mammal, human or animal, via a tracer/contrast agent, in space in time for determining non-invasively actual interstitial fluid pressure and/or concentration of the tracer/contrast agent. Further, an imaging method, an apparatus and a product for non-invasive mapping of actual interstitial fluid pressure and/or a tracer/contrast agent concentration for assessing drug delivery and resistance to therapy of a tumor or organ within a mammal, to suppress or reduce pressure in a tumor or organ and to control the delivery of drugs to a tumor or organ.

Abstract: A method and system for quantifying the extent of vaso vasorum with contrast enhanced ultrasound and correlating that quantitative value to the risk for vascular disease is provided. An ultrasound contrast agent is administered to a subject and images are obtained using an imaging method that identifies the uptake of the contrast agent by tissues. The amount of uptake is measured and the corresponding signal intensity change correlated with the amount of vaso vasorum present. Additionally, deformations of the vasculature are measured from the series of ultrasound images and this information is coupled with the quantification of the vaso vasorum to determine a risk index indicative of a subject's risk to vascular disease.

Abstract: A novel contrast mechanism for imaging blood flow using magneto-motive optical Doppler tomography (MM-ODT), Optical Coherence Tomography, and Ultrasound. MM-ODT, OCT, and ultrasound combined with an externally applied temporally oscillating high-strength magnetic field detects erythrocytes moving according to the field gradient.

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: An image guidance system is provided for improving tissue culture extraction where the tissue is extracted under the guidance of first and second knowledge-based systems. The first knowledge-based system provides initial suggested regions of interest for tissue biopsy in an internal organ. These regions of interest are then confirmed as being of interest of being benign by the second knowledge-based system. Information from two different sources may provide a more accurate, intelligent and robust method that helps in selecting biopsy sites accurately, such that suspicious regions are not overlooked and the benign regions are not unnecessarily operated upon. This not only helps in better diagnosis and treatment, but also helps reduce pain to the patient, in addition to reducing wastage of resources and invaluable time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an image obtaining unit for irradiating an imaging region and obtaining tomographic image information that draws the imaging region, an input unit for inputting scan parameter value information and a target sound pressure parameter value as an index of an estimated sound pressure in the subject, an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculating device for calculating an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value in the subject on the basis of the scan parameter value information and maximum drive voltage information of a piezoelectric transducer group for generating an ultrasonic wave, and a maximum drive voltage optimization device for comparing the estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value and the target sound pressure parameter value and optimizing the maximum drive voltage value of the maximum drive voltage information.

Abstract: The invention describes a procedure for the examination of objects by the means of ultrasound waves whereby a volume-of-interest is scanned by a 3D-ultrasound-probe by moving a transmitter/receiver beam in a scan plane within selectable limits. This B-mode scan plane is also simultaneously moved in a direction across to this scan plane. The transmitting of sound pulses and acquiring the echo-signals is done more or less continuously during the movement in B-plane and across to it The echo-signals are stored in a volume memory on addresses which correspond to the spatial position of the echo-generating structure inside the object. These stored data-sets are evaluated by a 3D-processor and are represented on at least one display unit by different algorithms with selectable parameters. Important is that the acquisition and the representation is done continuously.