Abstract: Significant liver growths such as HCC lesions are detected during a contrast agent ultrasound exam by their early reception of contrast and brightening following a bolus injection, as compared with surrounding normal tissue and benign growths. A pixel classifier looks for and identifies pixel or voxel regions where this early wash-in of contrast occurs and denotes these pixel or voxel locations in a parametric image. The pixel classifier analyzes pixel or voxel values from a sequence of images and identifies suspicious regions in an image by uniquely coding the points in a parametric liver image where early wash-in occurs.

Abstract: In a method to generate a three-dimensional ultrasound image of a body region of a patient, spatially varying due to breathing motions, temporally successive B-images are generated with an ultrasonic transducer arrangement in a stationary image plane that, due to the breathing motion, pertain to various slice planes of the body region, and are combined dimensionally correctly with an image processing device into a 3D image.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit for emitting ultrasound waves to a subject administered with a contrast agent and for obtaining a B-mode image of the subject; an image memory unit for storing a plurality of B-mode images, obtained by emitting ultrasound waves to the subject at a sound pressure destroying the contrast agent; and a combination image formation device for forming a combination image from a plurality of the B-mode images.

Abstract: A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image. Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters.

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 said acquisition is being performed and which measures a time that elapses from a time of said 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 said start-up is performed.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a method and system for simultaneously displaying relationships of measurements of features associated with a medical image. In one embodiment, a plurality of measurements of features associated with a medical image are provided. Each of the plurality of measurements corresponds to a respective measurement type. Relationships are created between the measurements and references specific to the measurement types, and at least two of the created relationships are simultaneously displayed in a graphical display format. Examples using fetal growth data and time intensity curves are disclosed. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging a sample. The method includes the steps of generating an ultrasonic signal, directing the signal into a sample, which signal is distorted and contains a first order and higher order component signals at first and higher frequencies respectively. The received distorted signal is processed, and an image is formed, and then displayed, from one of the higher order component signals of the received distorted signal.

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: 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 method and system for leading macromolecule substances into target cells includes an image picking unit, an image merging unit, an injection unit, and an energy conversion module. The image picking unit is used for picking up the three-dimensional (3D) and the 3D blood vessel photographic images of the tissue or organ where the target cells locate. The image merging unit is used for merging the 3D structure images into the 3D blood vessel photographic images, therefore choosing a blood vessel passage fully covering the target cells for transmitting the macromolecule substances. The injection unit is used for injecting liquid and transmitting the macromolecule substances to the target cells. The energy conversion module is used for exerting energy to activate the liquid to perform biological effects, thereby forming non-permanent holes in the cell membranes of the target cells. The macromolecule substances enter into the target cells through the non-permanent holes.

Abstract: A method of enhancing detection for a specific object in a body. A nanoparticulate is administered to the body for location in an area to be explored for detection of the object, if present. The nanoparticulate is at least partially metallic, has a formed non-spherical shape having a minimal characteristic dimension in the range from about 1 to about 3000 nanometers, and has a formed composition capable of producing thermal pressure either in the nanoparticulate or in the object greater than the object could produce in the absence of the nanoparticulate. Electromagnetic radiation is directed into the body. The electromagnetic radiation has a specific wavelength or spectrum of wavelengths in the range from 300 nm to 300 mm selected so that the wavelength or wavelength spectrum is longer by a factor of at least 3 than the minimum characteristic dimension of the nanoparticulate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasonically detectable intrauterine systems and to a method for enhancing ultrasound detection of these systems. An intrauterine system having an inert metal coating on at least part of the body of the intrauterine system or at least one inert metal clip, pin, ring or sleeve fixedly positioned on the body of the intrauterine system is described.

Abstract: The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit which acquires B-mode image information on an imaging region lying within a subject; a display unit which displays the B-mode image information thereon; a contrast agent inflow start detecting device which detects an inflow timing at which a contrast agent administered to the subject starts to flow in the imaging region, using the B-mode image information; and a post-processing starting device which starts up post-processing conducted after the contrast agent has started to flow in the imaging region, in sync with the inflow timing.

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 ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a probe that transmits an ultrasonic pulse to an object to be detected and receives a reflection ultrasonic pulse train from the object to be detected, a sound pressure amplitude control device for automatically changing, with one frame including a repetition of the transmission and the reception which acquires a piece of tomographic image information of the object to be detected as a minimum change unit, a sound amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse according to an acquisition number of a frame indicative of an order of the acquisition, and a display unit that displays the tomographic image information.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a tissue-function measurement device and a therapeutic device which are not dependent on tissue shape. According to the present invention, the stiffness of a tissue is measured by using, as an index, acoustic variation during the generation of microbubbles from phase-change nano droplets. The acoustic variation is, for example, a duration time of the generation of a harmonic.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a simulation of an electrosurgical procedure are disclosed. The method includes the steps of generating a three-dimensional medium, which includes one or more material regions representing a physical object. The method also includes the steps of dividing the medium into multiple hexahedron elements to generate a three-dimensional conformal mesh and assigning each element to the material region. The method further includes the steps of calculating an electrical energy solution and a thermal transport solution and generating graphical representations illustrating one or more aspects of the electrical energy and the thermal transport solutions.

Abstract: A method for transmitting ultrasound pulses and receiving echo signals at a harmonic of the transmission frequency includes the steps of generating a signal for exciting a transducer to transmit at least one ultrasound pulse at a basic transmission frequency and receiving the reflection echo of said pulse at a harmonic of the frequency of the transmitted pulse, any contributions to the harmonic frequency being removed or attenuated in the signal for exciting pulse transmission, characterized in that the signal for exciting the transducer/s is filtered or coupled thereto via a resonant circuit which is calibrated to the basic frequency. In combination therewith or alternatively thereto, the method includes a resonant circuit for additional coupling with a receiver. Included is an apparatus for transmitting ultrasound pulses and receiving echo signals at a harmonic of the transmission frequency, particularly an ultrasound imaging probe and an ultrasound imaging machine.

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: A method for detection, localization, and quantification anatomical, morphological or structural features of site sites by analyzing data acquired before injection of a contrast agent and after injection the contrast agent. New catheters for use with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for imaging contrast agents which oscillate nonlinearly in a nondestructive mode at an MI in excess of 0.1 is described. Three transmit pulses are transmitted in each beam direction which are differently modulated. In an illustrated embodiment the transmit pulses are symmetrically differently phase modulated at 0°, 120° and 240°. The echoes received in response to each transmit pulse are stored and combined by a pulse inversion processor. Pulse inversion processing results in separation of the third harmonic to the relative exclusion of the first and second harmonic signal components. Third harmonic images of the contrast image are formed which exhibit a relatively low tissue background.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a first ultrasonic probe; a first transmitting/receiving device which drives the first ultrasonic probe to perform scan with an ultrasonic beam; an ultrasonic image generating device which generates an ultrasonic image, based on a signal obtained by the first transmitting/receiving device; an image displaying device which displays the ultrasonic image thereon; a contrast timer which starts clocking in response to a start signal; a second ultrasonic probe; a second transmitting/receiving device which drives the second ultrasonic probe; and a determining device which determines based on a signal obtained by the second transmitting/receiving device whether a contrast agent has flowed in or not, and transmits the start signal to the contrast timer when the contrast agent has flowed in.

Abstract: A resolution optimization unit determines an optimal sound velocity corresponding to a tissue component at each position in a scan slice, and calculates a reception delay time or the like for each reception beam from each position in the scan slice. A control processor executes delay addition processing in a scan for acquiring an ultrasonic image actually used for diagnosis by using the reception delay time calculated using an optimal sound velocity. This can correct the difference between the set sound velocity used for the calculation of a reception delay time and the actual in vivo sound velocity and acquire an ultrasonic image with optimized resolution.

Abstract: An ultrasonic contrast imaging method includes: a contrast medium destroying step of transmitting an ultrasonic wave for destroying a contrast medium in a portion close to an ultrasonic probe; and an imaging step of acquiring an ultrasonic image after destruction of the contrast medium in the portion close to the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging method and system produce diagnostic contrast images depicting both tissue perfusion and flow velocity in larger vessels by utilizing both linear and nonlinear imaging techniques. A sequence of echoes from differently modulated transmit pulses is received and processed in different ways to detect nonlinear signals from microbubble-perfused tissue and Doppler blood flow in larger vessels. The Doppler flow signals may be either linear or nonlinear or a mixture of both. A decision circuit classifies the detected signals for display pixels in a perfusion and/or flow and/or tissue image. Separate perfusion and flow images can be simultaneously displayed or an image of both perfusion and flow can be displayed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ultrasonic imaging of an organ in a patient's body through a part of the patient's respiratory tract, including: arranging an ultrasonic imaging device in or on the patient's body; introducing a flexible catheter carrying at least one inflatable member into the respiratory tract; positioning the inflatable member at a predetermined location in the respiratory tract; filling the inflatable member with an ultrasonic transmission fluid through the flexible catheter; and transmitting ultrasonic waves from the imaging device through the transmission fluid in the inflatable member to the organ to be imaged. The inflatable member is positioned in the respiratory tract by manipulating guide means that are attached to or integrated with the flexible catheter. The invention further relates to an ultrasonic imaging system for carrying out this method and to an assembly means for use in such an ultrasonic imaging system.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonic imaging system that implements imaging by distinguishing sharply and definitely the echo components generated by scattering in a microbubble contrast medium, from the tissue harmonic components generated by nonlinear propagation of a transmitted pulse.

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: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for ablating non-viable cardiac tissue. In an embodiment, the method may include locating non-viable cardiac tissue utilizing an electronic medical image. The method may also include locating non-viable cardiac tissue utilizing an ultrasound unit, wherein a contrast agent is used to characterize the non-viable cardiac tissue. The method may also include guiding a catheter to the location of the non-viable cardiac tissue according to the imaging of the ultrasound unit. The method may also include ablating the non-viable cardiac tissue. The ablating of the non-viable cardiac tissue may include cauterizing the non-viable cardiac tissue, cyroablating the non-viable cardiac tissue, or include radiofrequency ablation. The method may also include attempting to locate the non-viable cardiac tissue utilizing an electronic medical image after ablating the non-viable cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Method and system for ultrasound imaging of body tissue in which a focused ultrasound (FUS) transducer (20) is oriented relative to the body such that ultrasonic waves generated by the FUS transducer (20) are directed toward the tissue being imaged. The FUS transducer (20) is operated to cause the formation of microbubbles (28) in the tissue and an ultrasound image of the tissue with the microbubbles (28) is acquired. Phase aberration in the acquired ultrasound image may be corrected, if necessary, using each microbubble (28) as a point source or point-like scatterer. Microbubble (28) formation can therefore be obtained in a non-invasive manner since FUS-induced microbubble (28) formation does not require the insertion of interventional tools into the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, devices and kits for assessing the level of pulmonary disease in individual lung compartments. A lung compartment comprises a subportion of a lung, such as a lobe, a segment or a subsegment, for example. By measuring individual lung compartments, the level of disease of the pulmonary system may be more precisely defined by determining values of disease parameters reflective of individual subportions or compartments of a lung. Likewise, compartments may be separately imaged to provide further measurement information. Once individual compartments are characterized, they may be compared and ranked based on a number of variables reflecting, for example, level of disease or need for treatment. Such comparison may be aided by simultaneous display of such variables or images on a visual display. Further, the same tests may be performed on the lung as a whole or on both lungs and to determine the affect of the diseased lung compartments on the overall lung performance.

Abstract: Described herein is a medical imaging technique that includes directing ultrasound waves into a portion of a body of interest during at least a portion of a time period during which an MR imaging process is simultaneously performed on the portion of the body of interest such that the MR signal is altered by the application of the ultrasound waves. The ultrasound waves may be applied continually during the MR imaging process, or only during a portion thereof. The frequency of the ultrasound waves may be substantially the same as, or different than that of the MR signals. Images may be produced from only the MR imaging process or both the MR imaging process and the application of ultrasound waves prior to the imaging sessions.

Abstract: An organ anastomosis marker is provided with a plurality of marker portions, a connecting member and a string-like member. The marker portions are formed with an elastic member that reflects ultrasound waves. The marker portions are circular in the no-load state. The connecting member connects the plurality of marker portions at a preset interval. The string-like member has one end fixed to one of the plurality of marker portions which is located on the end. The other end of the string-like member has a length that leads outside the body.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is proposed.

Abstract: Control of the sonothrombolysis treatment is automated based on feedback from ultrasound. The region to be treated may be tracked to provide ongoing treatment at the desired location. The treatment may be triggered based on detection of sufficient perfusion. The number or intensity of destructive ultrasound pulses may adapt to the number of remaining contrast agents. The treatment may be ceased or modified based on the efficacy.

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: An acoustic monitoring method and system in laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) provides information which characterize material which is broken down, microbubbles in the material, and/or the microenvironment of the microbubbles. In one embodiment of the invention, femtosecond laser pulses are focused just inside the surface of a volume of aqueous solution which may include dendrimer nanocomposite (DNC) particles. A tightly focused, high frequency, single-element ultrasonic transducer is positioned such that its focus coincides axially and laterally with this laser focus. When optical breakdown occurs, a microbubble forms and a shock or pressure wave is emitted (i.e., acoustic emission). In addition to this acoustic signal, the microbubble may be actively probed with pulse-echo measurements from the same transducer. After the microbubble forms, received pulse-echo signals have an extra pulse, describing the microbubble location and providing a measure of axial microbubble size.

Abstract: Contrast-enhancing agents enhance 3D and/or 4D ultrasound imagery, by which ultrasound machines acquire ultrasound image data and processors convert the ultrasound image data into contrast-enhanced 3D and/or 4D images using the contrast-enhancing agents. Various other embodiments may also include CTI processors, which can be adapted to generate CTI image data, and/or TIC processors, which can be adapted to generate TIC image data. Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage medium including a set of instructions for a computer are disclosed.

Abstract: The ultrasonic scatterer of the invention comprises gas-containing particles having an average particle size of 0.01 ?m to 10 ?m, the ultrasonic imaging method of the invention comprises transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more; transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes, and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the invention comprises transmitting means for sending a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe so as to transmit, to a subject, an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes subsequently to transmitting, to the subject, of an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more.

Abstract: Destructive or therapy events are indicated in medical ultrasound imaging. Audible, visual, vibratory or other feedback is provided to the user. The feedback indicates the use of the destructive or therapy events. A characteristic of the indicator may provide further information, such as the power level or other operating condition.

Abstract: A method for utilizing user input for segmentation and feature detection in diagnostic ultrasound imaging is provided. The method provides border detection to be performed rapidly; a feature, which allows the border detection method to be applied to real-time video imaging with little or no delay. The border detection method may be incorporated within a diagnostic ultrasound imaging system or as a user-installable software application capable of being installed on and executed by an ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: The difference frequency component between a first fundamental wave of frequency f and a second fundamental wave of frequency f2 is caused to interact with a second harmonic wave, thereby to attain the enhancement of a second harmonic signal, etc., whereby a reflected wave component to be imaged is extracted at a high S/N ratio. By way of example, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the lower frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=2.8f or so. Besides, in a case where the difference frequency component is to appear on the higher frequency side of the second harmonic wave of the first fundamental wave so as to be superposed on this second harmonic wave, the frequencies are set at f2=3.2f or so.

Abstract: Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.

Abstract: A contrast echo image of the myocardium and a cardiac chamber obtained by use of ultrasound diagnostic equipment is analyzed so as to determine the volume of blood within the myocardium. The contrast echo image is divided into a plurality of calculation regions, each being considered to have a uniform acoustic field intensity and covering a portion of a myocardium image region and a corresponding portion of a cardiac chamber image region. For each calculation region, a difference in intensity between the myocardium image region and the cardiac chamber image region is obtained, and the myocardium image region is colored in accordance with the difference.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph is provided wherein the decrease of the density of the stabilized microbubble contrast agent in a desired body target area can be inhibited, radiating ultrasonic energy required for satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio and sufficient frame rate, where an ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic pulse acquired by superimposing higher harmonics including a second harmonic of the fundamental onto the fundamental wave, such as a maximum positive pressure enhanced waveform or a maximum negative pressure enhanced waveform, or an acoustic pressure rise enhanced waveform or an acoustic pressure fall enhanced waveform.

Abstract: An estimation method for correction filters for wavefront aberration correction in ultrasound imaging is given. The aberration is introduced due to spatial variations of the ultrasound propagation velocity in heterogeneous tissue. The correction filters are found as eigenvectors of the cross-correlation matrix of the element signals. In particular, the eigenvectors with a small spatial linear/plane phase component is sought. Detailed methods for calculating the eigenvectors are given.

Abstract: An embryo-transfer catheter has an extruded shaft with a gas-filled lumen that extends helically along the catheter to provide an ultrasound marker. The catheter has a side opening close to a closed rounded patient end. The catheter could be completely transparent to x-rays or the plastics from which it is formed could incorporate an x-ray opaque filler, such as barium sulphate.

Abstract: Ultrasound detectable instrument including a bubble generator having two elements 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 the elements within a fluid permeable carrier material.