Abstract: For the purpose of acquiring three-dimensional data for a contrast-enhanced image at an appropriate scan plane distance even for a different moving rate of an ultrasonic probe or for a different subject or imaged region, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an image producing section for producing an image based on received data obtained from one scan plane; a correlation value calculating section for calculating a correlation value between images; a low-MI scan control section for repeatedly conducting a scan with such a low MI value as not break contrast agent until a correlation value between an initial image and a current image becomes smaller than a threshold; and a high-MI scan control section for, when the correlation value becomes smaller than the threshold, capturing one image with such a high MR value as to break contrast agent and returning control to the low-MI scan control section.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method to measure an organ wall weight and mass. When the organ is a bladder, a bladder weight (UEBW) is determined using three-dimensional ultrasound imaging that is acquired using a hand-held or machine controlled ultrasound transceiver. The infravesical region of the bladder is delineated on this 3D data set to enable the calculation of urine volume and the bladder surface area. The outer anterior wall of the bladder is delineated to enable the calculation of the bladder wall thickness (BWT). The UEBW is calculated as a product of the bladder surface area, the bladder wall thickness, and the bladder wall specific gravity.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an ultrasound image of a subject into which an ultrasound contrast agent mainly composed of microbubbles is injected, comprising a probe configured to transmit/receive an ultrasound wave to/from the subject, a transmission circuit configured to drive the probe to transmit an ultrasound wave while sequentially changing a direction of an ultrasound transmission line, a reception circuit configured to generate reception line data of the number of parallel reception from ultrasound echo signals obtained by one ultrasound wave transmission, a transmission/reception control circuit configured to control the transmission and reception circuits to change the number of parallel reception during a scan sequence for generating a 1-frame ultrasound image, and an image processing unit configured to generate an ultrasound image on the basis of the reception line data.

Abstract: Contrast agent enhanced medical diagnostic imaging is provided. Substantially stationary or bound contrast agents are detected. By tracking relative motion between frames of data, spatial locations associated with consistent detection of contrast agents are identified. The contrast agent detected at the identified spatial locations are substantially stationary contrast agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting and imaging ultrasound echo signals returned from a target object comprising microbubbles, said microbubbles being characterized by a resonance frequency, said method comprising the steps of irradiating said target object with at least a first and second successive excitation signals, said first excitation signal being a sweep of increasing frequency with time, and said second excitation signal being a sweep of decreasing frequency with time, detecting echo signals of said first and second excitation signals from said target object, and, combining said echo signals. The maximum frequencies of said first and second excitation signals are lower than said resonance frequency. The invention also relates to an imaging apparatus.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include methods, systems, and computer readable media for real-time structure suppression in ultrasonically scanned volumes. A method includes receiving a plurality of datasets, each of said plurality of datasets representative of an ultrasonically scanned volume. The method further includes automatically applying in real-time a suppression filter to said plurality of datasets to form a plurality of filtered datasets, wherein at least two of said plurality of filtered datasets are sequenceable to form a data stream.

Abstract: An imaging part scans a predetermined site of a subject to which a contrast agent has been administered, with ultrasound waves, and thereby acquires plural frames of ultrasound image data. A contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into each region based on the signal intensity in each region represented in the plural frames of ultrasound image data. A reference time determining part determines, as a reference time, a time point when the contrast agent inflow detector detects the inflow of the contrast agent into a first region of interest. A color coding part obtains a relative time of the inflow of the contrast agent into each region with reference to the reference time, and generates image data representing the color of each region with a hue corresponding to the relative time. An image based on the image data representing the hue is displayed.

Abstract: Unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal transmitters may leave the transmitter in any of various states at the end of one pulse. Undesired acoustic energy may be generated to change states prior to beginning another transmit sequence or pulse. For example, phase inversion for tissue harmonic imaging is performed where two sequential pulses are transmitted with different phases. The first waveform starts at a low state and ends at the low state of a unipolar transmitter. The next waveform starts at the high state. Transmit apodization or spectrum control techniques may require a pattern of waveform starting states different than a current state. Acoustic disruption due to a change of state of the transmitter between transmissions for imaging is minimized.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for use in the presence of contrast agents is disclosed in which acoustic waves are transmitted at a first 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 at least one harmonic or 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: Methods and systems for identifying and spatially localizing tissues having certain physiological properties or producing certain biological responses, such as the sensation of pain, in response to the application of intense focused ultrasound (acoustic probing or palpation) are provided. In some embodiments, targeted acoustic probing may be guided or visualized using imaging techniques such as ultrasound imaging or other types of non-invasive imaging techniques.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a display device for displaying an ultrasonic image of a subject has been given a contrast medium, a setting device for setting a region of interest in an ultrasonic image displayed in the display device, and a computing device for computing a time intensity curve indicating time change in the average brightness of the pixels in a set region of interest. The computing device excludes pixels corresponding to a non-observed object in a region of interest when computing a time intensity curve.

Abstract: Ultrasound contrast agents are used to enhance imaging and facilitate HIFU therapy in four different ways. A contrast agent is used: (1) before therapy to locate specific vascular structures for treatment; (2) to determine the focal point of a HIFU therapy transducer while the HIFU therapy transducer is operated at a relatively low power level, so that non-target tissue is not damaged as the HIFU is transducer is properly focused at the target location; (3) to provide a positive feedback mechanism by causing cavitation that generates heat, reducing the level of HIFU energy administered for therapy compared to that required when a contrast agent is not used; and, (4) to shield non-target tissue from damage, by blocking the HIFU energy. Various combinations of these techniques can also be employed in a single therapeutic implementation.

Abstract: A method for measuring intracranial pressure in an intracranial area filled with micro-bubbles formed by an injected contrast agent includes: (1) emitting an ultrasound signal having a bandwidth to the intracranial area, (2) receiving an echoed signal from a micro-bubble, (3) performing a spectral analysis on the echoed signal to extract a low-frequency response, which is close to a DC component, (4) calculating a resonant frequency of the micro-bubbles according to the bandwidth and strength of the low-frequency response, the bandwidth of the low-frequency response similar to the bandwidth of the ultrasound signal, (5) calculating a size of the micro-bubble according to the resonant frequency and a property of the contrast agent, and (6) calculating the intracranial pressure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is used to insonify a subject infused with a microbubble contrast agent. At low energy levels stable cavitation occurs as the bubbles oscillate radially without breaking up. At higher energy levels the bubbles dissolve or break up, termed inertial cavitation. Echo signals from microbubbles are bandpass filtered to produce signal components in a subharmonic band, indicative of stable cavitation, and signal component in a higher harmonic band indicative of inertial cavitation. Detection of the mode of cavitation is used to automatically or manually control the mode of cavitation by controlling the transmitted acoustic energy of the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scan sequencing in an ultrasound imaging system are provided. The method includes determining an interleave factor based at least partially on a pulse repletion interval (PRI). The method further includes dividing a total number of colorflow imaging vectors into interleave groups based on the interleave factor. Further, the method includes modifying at least one scan sequencing parameter such that all colorflow imaging vectors are included in a colorflow region of interest (ROI).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus, including an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic vibration element configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave in a scanning direction in an object in which a contrast media has been injected; a transmission unit configured to apply successive drive pulses to the probe so as to transmit respective ultrasonic signals in respective rate sections; a reception unit configured to receive reflected ultrasonic signals, including first reflected ultrasonic signals produced by a first drive pulse in a first rate section and reflected back to the probe in the first rate section and in a second rate section subsequent to the first rate section; an operation unit configured to perform an operation including at least one of addition and subtraction of at least two of the first ultrasonic signals received during different rate sections; and a signal processor configured to produce image data based on the result of the operation performed by the operation unit.

Abstract: These are biopsy site marking devices. More particularly, the devices include a body of gelatin and an x-ray detectable body of a specific, predetermined non-biological configuration embedded in the body of gelatin. In one embodiment, the x-ray detectable body is made from metal. In alternative embodiments, the x-ray detectable body can be made from stainless steel or metal oxides.

Abstract: A signal generation unit 10 generates, and sends to a transmission circuit 12, a driving signal for forming a transmission pulse. A probe 14 is transmission controlled to transmit ultrasound at a transmission frequency which is set using, as a reference, a resonance frequency of a bubble administered into a living organism, and also at a transmission sound pressure which is set using an expansion ratio of the bubble as a reference. The signal generation unit 10 outputs a transmission pulse having a waveform corresponding to a center frequency of about 1.5 MHz and a transmission sound pressure of about 200 to 300 kPa. With this structure, it is possible to increase a harmonic component obtained from the bubble while suppressing a harmonic component obtained from real tissue, so that extremely high CTR can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for identifying blood flow patterns based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging and, in particular, echocardiography. The method includes indicating a blood flow type in the cavity through which imaged blood is flowing by correlating the identified blood flow pattern with a selected pattern. Further, a report indicative of a condition of the cavity can be generated based on the indicated blood flow type.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system color user interface generates a volumetrically-rendered ultrasound image. The ultrasound image is manipulable using three-dimensional image compositing functions. The interface presents to the user three-dimensional image controls for controlling the ultrasound image. The three-dimensional image controls have an operational similarity to two-dimensional image controls for controlling a two-dimensional ultrasound image. The interface further relates the three-dimensional ultrasound image controls to the plurality of three-dimensional image compositing functions for manipulating the ultrasound images.

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: A method for improved detection and imaging of ultrasound contrast agents using dual-band transmitted pulses, is described. The method is based on transmitting a pulse consisting of two frequency bands, a low frequency band which purpose is to manipulate the high frequency scattering properties of the contrast agent, and a high frequency band from which the image reconstruction is based. In addition, a general form of pulse subtraction is used to significantly suppress the received tissue signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a computed tomography display of tissue structures by applying a contrast medium. A contrast medium is applied to a patient for better visualization of the tissue structure to be examined. An X-ray scan is performed during the presence of the one contrast medium, and computed tomography 2- or 3-dimensional pictures are subsequently reconstructed from the X-ray scan data obtained. In the method, absorption data are measured for at least two different energy spectra, a computed tomography intermediate image is reconstructed per energy spectrum, and the distribution of the one contrast medium in the tissue is determined from the different energy-specific absorption behavior between tissue and contrast medium.

Abstract: A method and system of magnetic hyperthermia control using ultrasound thermometry, the method comprising: acquiring a reference set of ultrasound data corresponding to a tissue of interest (121); applying a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles (210) at the tissue of interest (121); applying an electromagnetic field based on a set of operating parameters to initiate the hyperthermia; acquiring another set of ultrasound data corresponding to the tissue of interest (121); and determining a temperature change based on the reference set of ultrasound data and the other set of ultrasound data.

Abstract: An imaging part acquires a plurality of ultrasound image data by sequentially imaging the subject with ultrasound waves. A display controller causes a display to display, side by side, a plurality of ultrasound images based on the plurality of ultrasound image data acquired by the imaging part. Moreover, the display controller causes the display to display measurement markers for obtaining quantitative information of tissues shown in the ultrasound images in a state superimposed in relatively the same positions on the plurality of ultrasound images.

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: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus preferable for creating a sharper image from the signal originating from contrast medium and the signal originating from biological tissues and an ultrasonic image display method are provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe 10 for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from an object to be examined, transmission means 12 for providing drive signals to ultrasonic probe 10, reception means for receiving the received signals outputted from ultrasonic probe 10, signal processing means 16 for processing the received signals outputted from the receiving means 14, image processing means 18 for constructing an ultrasonic image from the signals outputted from signal processing means 16, and display means for displaying the ultrasonic image. Signal processing means 16 has means for detecting the signal intensity and the amount of variation with time of the received signal outputted from reception means 14 for each frequency band.

Abstract: Embodiments for detecting extravasation in an ultrasound system are disclosed. The ultrasound system includes a Tx/Rx unit to transmit an ultrasound beam to a target object and receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the target object to thereby output receive signals. The receive signals include first receive signals obtained before injecting a fluid into the target object and second receive signals obtained after injecting the fluid into the target object. The ultrasound system further includes a processing unit to form a first ultrasound image based on the first receive signals and a second ultrasound image based on the second receive signal. The processing unit further compares the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image for detecting extravasation at the target object.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging a tissue having contrast agents dispersed therein by exciting nonlinear response of the contrast agents using dual-frequency ultrasound, including transmitting a dual-frequency ultrasound to a target zone having the contrast agents dispersed therein, both frequencies of the dual-frequency ultrasound being higher than a resonance frequency of the contrast agents, and a frequency difference between the frequencies of the dual-frequency ultrasound is within a predetermined range surrounding the resonance frequency of the contrast agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to contrast imaging. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for contrast imaging in which the elevation beamwidth is controlled to reduce image artifacts, which result from contrast agent being carried into the image region by motion or respiration and not by reperfusion.

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 using an ultrasonic probe for applying a first ultrasonic beam to a first region of three-dimensional region of a subject with a contrast agent administered thereto and acquiring three-dimensional tomographic image information for the first region, including the steps of: setting a second region for applying a second ultrasonic beam whose sound pressure is higher than that of the first ultrasonic beam for not destroying the contrast agent, in the three-dimensional region; and applying the second ultrasonic beam to exceed sound pressure for destroying the contrast agent only in the second region and performing the irradiation of the second ultrasonic beam by the ultrasonic probe in the course of acquisition of the three-dimensional tomographic image information in the first region by the first ultrasonic beam.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image display method for displaying a composite image made from a B mode image and a tissue velocity image of an object taken by means of ultrasound. The method includes decreasing the weight of the B mode image while increasing the weight of the tissue velocity image, in response to increase of brightness of the B mode image, adding thus weighted B mode image and tissue velocity image, and displaying an image obtained by the addition.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic pulses to/from a living body in which microbubbles for contrast are introduced and forming a contrast image of the inside of the living body by using the microbubble for contrast, wherein transmitting/receiving operations are performed N times (N=an integer of three or greater) by using transmission pulse waves having a common envelope signal while varying carrier waves in phase by 360°/N from one wave to another under the same transmission/reception wave focus condition, and by summing N pieces of time-series reception echo signals obtained by the N times of transmitting/receiving operations to obtain a summed signal, thereby forming the contrast image.

Abstract: A method includes predicting a contrast bolus arrival time, and performing at least one of the following: a) automatically switching from a monitor phase to a scan phase at the predicted arrival time; and b) prompting a user to began a scan at the predicted arrival time.

Abstract: System parameters for contrast agent medical imaging are conveniently set. A simplified contrast agent configuration is provided. One contrast agent imaging mode or configuration is dynamically determined and optimized based on the user's selected transmit level and/or a real-time measurement of the contrast agent signals. A simplified user interface provides one contrast agent imaging mode without a need to switch between multiple modes or contrast agent detection techniques and associated contrast agent imaging parameters. The contrast agent detection technique and imaging parameters are adjusted or selected based on changes in the transmit levels for contrast agent imaging. Appropriate contrast agent detection techniques and imaging parameters are selected for each given transmit level without the user having to switch the mode or configuration of the system during an imaging session.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that integrate the injection of contrast agents with imaging catheters. In an embodiment, an imaging catheter comprises a catheter sheath and an imager, e.g., ultrasound transducer. The imaging catheter further comprises a contrast lumen having one or more exit ports for injecting contrast agent into the patient. The contrast lumen extends along the catheter sheath and may be external to or integrated into the catheter sheath. Preferably, the exit port of the contrast lumen is positioned along the catheter sheath at a relatively short known distance from the imager. The catheter may include multiple contrast lumens for injecting different types of contrast agents. In an embodiment, a synchronizing controller is provided to automatically synchronize the injection of contrast agent with imaging. In another embodiment, drug-filled microbubbles in combination with ultrasound imaging are used to deliver a controlled drug dose to a specific treatment site.

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

Abstract: A 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 transmit 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 transmit, 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 myocardial contrast echo exam is performed by the use of a two dimensional array transducer probe. The probe is held against a selected acoustic window of the body and first and second image planes through the heart are imaged and the plane orientations stored. Settings to optimize the images may also be stored for the two plane orientations. A contrast agent is infused and the resting heart scanned through the acoustic window. Upon actuation of a user control the ultrasound system automatically acquires images of the selected image planes through the acoustic window. Stress is applied to the heart to increase the heart rate and automatic acquisition sequence is repeated to acquire the images with the heart under stress. The at-rest and stress images may be compared to analyze the reperfusion of the myocardium of the heart.

Abstract: Data is captured for different contrast agent perfusion imaging options. For example, two different maximum intensity projection (MIP) combinations of frames are formed during scanning, one with motion correction and one without. As another example, the component frames of data are stored to allow any combination after scanning. If one combination is less desirable, then another combination may be provided without requiring further injection or additional scanning. In another embodiment, the sufficiency of combination is detected and the combination of frames is selected automatically as a function of ultrasound data.

Abstract: The effectiveness of contrast agent destruction is determined. Locations of ineffectively destroyed contrast agents are identified. The response from undestroyed contrast agents may be distinguished from response from tissue due to saturation or from rapid perfusion. The locations may be highlighted on resulting images, indicating to the user locations not associated with perfusion. The user may make a diagnosis on perfusion rather than a lack of destruction of contrast agents.

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: A transmission/reception unit executes first ultrasonic transmission using a sound pressure that does not substantially destroy the contrast medium bubbles and is required to obtain an ultrasonic image of the subject and a second ultrasonic transmission using a sound pressure that is required to destroy the contrast medium bubbles and higher than the sound pressure in the first ultrasonic transmission based on a transmission parameter specified by a control processor in accordance with each frame or each volume. The control processor changes the transmission parameter concerning the second ultrasonic transmission in accordance with time with respect to the transmission/reception unit.

Abstract: Contrast agent enhanced medical diagnostic imaging is provided. Frames of data from common phase periods are grouped. Motion correction is performed within each common phase group. An image representing contrast agents is formed from a combination of the frames within each common phase, motion corrected group.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a transceiver, a processor, a memory, and a display unit. The transceiver is configured to transmit an ultrasound signal to a part of a specimen and receive an echo signal resulting from the ultrasound signal transmission. The part is administered with a contrast agent. The processor is configured to prepare a moving image data based on the received echo signal. The memory is configured to store the prepared moving image data as a past moving image data. The display unit is configured to display the past moving image data and a current moving image data prepared by the processor in parallel. The past moving image data is displayed in response to an administration initiation of the contrast agent for the current moving image data.

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: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an image obtaining unit for irradiating an imaging region in a subject to which a contrast agent is injected with an ultrasonic wave and obtaining tomographic image information that draws the imaging region, an input unit for inputting scan parameter value information which is set in the image obtaining unit and a target sound pressure parameter value of a sound pressure parameter as an index of an estimated sound pressure in the subject, an estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calculating device, at the time of performing the irradiation, 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 the ultrasonic wave, and a maximum drive voltage optimization device, each time the scan parameter value information is changed, for comparing the estimated maximum sound pressure parameter value calc

Abstract: Methods are provided for automatic setting of parameters for contrast agent quantification. Various processes may improve quantification. For example, for consistency in contrast agent quantification, a gain or other setting of an ultrasound system is automatically determined in response to destruction of the contrast agent or at the initiation of the contrast agent quantification procedure. Automatic setting of an adaptive gain provides equalized image intensity for each repetition of a contrast agent quantification procedure based on a same triggering event, the destruction of contrast agent. By synchronizing the adaptive setting algorithms with contrast agent destruction, similar base line information is provided for each iteration of a contrast agent quantification procedure. As another example, the contrast agent gain setting treats acoustic signals representing tissue or other non-contrast agent structure as noise, mapping the tissue values to a substantially constant low value within the dynamic range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging of microbubbles of a contrast agent in arterioles while all microbubbles of the contrast agent have been eliminated in the capillaries of a patient and tissue signal response to ultrasound imaging is suppressed. This method and apparatus permits ultrasound imaging for detecting coronary artery disease without the need for a stress test.