Abstract: An implantable position detecting system is configured to detect a position of an implantable device with respect to a body structure. The system includes at least one proximity measuring transducer configured to be implanted on the body structure a distance from the implantable device, the at least one proximity measuring transducer being configured to receive energy from an external electromagnetic field generated by an external sensing interface, wherein the at least one proximity sensor is configured to emit an emitted signal responsive to the electromagnetic energy and to receive distance information comprising a sensing signal that is responsive to the distance from the implantable device.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion treatment system includes an ultrasound imaging system having an imaging control circuit communicatively coupled to an ultrasound imaging probe and to a display screen, and an ultrasonic vibration system having an ultrasonic generator operatively coupled to a medical ultrasonic object, such as an ultrasonic catheter. The ultrasonic catheter has a corewire with a distal tip. The ultrasonic generator has a generator control circuit that alternatingly switches between an ultrasonic work frequency and a tracking frequency. The generator control circuit sends a notification to the imaging control circuit when the generator control circuit has switched from the ultrasonic work frequency to the tracking frequency. The imaging control circuit responds by initiating a search in an ultrasound imaging space to locate the distal tip that is vibrating at the tracking frequency, and indicating a location of the distal tip in the ultrasound image displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A guidance apparatus is provided for use with a portable imaging apparatus and an image display. The guidance apparatus comprises a coupling mechanism which may include a slip ring portion structured for receiving the imaging apparatus therein. The coupling mechanism can be structured for: facilitating orienting the image display device to provide a direct line of sight of an area imaged by the imaging apparatus; adjusting to facilitate rotation of the image display device in at least one 360-degree plane of rotation about a longitudinal axis extending through the imaging apparatus; allowing selection of an image display device position associated with a viewing angle of the image display device; and allowing the coupling mechanism, the image display device, and the imaging apparatus, in combination, to be held in a single hand of a user during performance of an imaging procedure.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound imaging assembly includes a probe management system to facilitate the positioning of accessories, such as containers and/or probes of various types and associated cords utilized with a portable ultrasound imaging system forming a part of the ultrasound imaging assembly. The probe management system includes dedicated attachment locations and/or handles that enable a user to readily grasp, move and carry the imaging assembly or components thereof into the desired position. The attachment locations and/or handles are formed with uniform cross-sectional shapes and include mounting locations thereon where various probe/accessory holders can be removably secured. The holders are formed with clips that conform to the cross-sectional shape of the attachment locations/handles, such that the holders can be mounted in a modular manner to either handle in the desired mounting location.

Abstract: Cystic lesions can be treated by electroporation. For example, this document describes methods and devices for endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation of cystic lesions using a needle for electroporation.

Abstract: A vibration device includes a piezoelectric vibrator having a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm having a pair of main surfaces facing each other, the piezoelectric element being bonded to the main surface, a vibration member where the piezoelectric vibrator is disposed, and an adhesive member disposed between the diaphragm and the vibration member and bonding the diaphragm and the vibration member. Each of the pair of main surfaces of the diaphragm has a rectangular shape when viewed from a facing direction of the pair of main surfaces, and the adhesive member is disposed in a facing manner on at least a pair of sides of the main surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses and methods for cleaning and disinfecting probes. A cleaner is utilized to remove foreign materials (e.g., bioburden, soil, and other like material) from the probe after it is removed from the patient by soaking and/or flushing the foreign materials from the probe. The cleaner may be an enzymatic detergent that has bacteriostatic properties to inhibit bacterial growth within the apparatus. The multiple enzymes in the cleaner attack the foreign material, and include low-foam properties for effective recirculation across cycles within the cleaning step. The probe is rinsed after the cleaning step, and after rinsing a disinfectant process is applied to the probe. The disinfectant soaks and/or flushes the probe for a specified amount of time across cycles of recirculation to disinfect the surface of the probe, and afterwards the probe is rinsed thoroughly to remove the disinfectant from the probe.

Abstract: A sonic inspection device of an embodiment includes: a sonic probe which includes a vibrator having at least one of functions of transmitting a sound wave and of receiving a sound wave and which has a sonic function surface functioning as at least one of surfaces for transmitting the sound wave and for receiving the sound wave; a contact member including a couplant and a sheet member, the couplant being in contact with the sonic function surface of the sonic probe directly or through an intermediate member and containing at least an elastomer, and the sheet member being in contact with the couplant and having a plurality of holes; and a loading mechanism which applies/removes a load to/from the contact member. The sheet member has a thickness of not less than 0.15 times nor more than 0.35 times a wavelength ? of the sound wave propagated in the couplant.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include systems and techniques for converting (i.e., transducing) a quantum-level (e.g., single photon) signal between the three wave forms (i.e., optical, acoustic, and microwave). A suspended crystalline structure is used at the nanometer scale to accomplish the desired behavior of the system as described in detail herein. Transducers that use a common acoustic intermediary transform optical signals to acoustic signals and vice versa as well as microwave signals to acoustic signals and vice versa. Other embodiments described herein include systems and techniques for storing a qubit in phonon memory having an extended coherence time. A suspended crystalline structure with specific geometric design is used at the nanometer scale to accomplish the desired behavior of the system.

Abstract: Circuitry for ultrasound devices is described. A multi-level pulser is described, which can support time-domain and spatial apodization. The multi-level pulser may be controlled through a software-defined waveform generator. In response to the execution of a computer code, the waveform generator may access master segments from a memory, and generate a stream of packets directed to pulsing circuits. The stream of packets may be serialized. A plurality of decoding circuits may modulate the streams of packets to obtain spatial apodization.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a magnetic-field transducer, and circuitry. The magnetic-field transducer is configured to be coupled externally to a body of a patient. The circuitry is configured to generate and apply to the magnetic-field transducer a time-varying signal, so as to generate a time-varying magnetic field outside the body of the patient, for supplying electrical energy by inductive coupling to an electronic device that is positioned inside the body, to estimate an intensity of the magnetic field that reaches the electronic device, and to assess fluid retention in an organ of the patient based on the estimated intensity of the magnetic field.

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for an enclosure for a device having a probe supported by a housing. The housing defines a cavity through which the probe protrudes. The probe is configured to move within the cavity. The enclosure includes a removable enclosure body. The enclosure body is configured to enclose at least a portion of the housing while covering an entirety of the cavity. The enclosure further includes a probe interaction portion in the enclosure body. The probe interaction portion is configured to be operatively engaged with the probe such that the probe is configured to transmit acoustic energy to a subject from within the enclosure.

Abstract: An ultrasound system has a set of CMUT ultrasound transducer devices and a drive circuit for operating the ultrasound transducer devices, for delivering an AC drive signal and receiving a reflected signal. An intermediate circuit is between the drive circuit and the set of ultrasound devices in the form of an array of coupling circuits, each coupling circuit between the drive circuit and an associated at least one ultrasound transducer device. Each coupling circuit comprises a buffer element connected between a bias voltage and a device terminal and as series capacitor. The intermediate circuit serves as a connection link between the set of CMUT transducer elements and the driving/sensing electronics, and is formed as a passive integrated technology circuit. The buffer element prevents a low-impedance short between the CMUT cell bias node and the counter electrode in the case of a CMUT cell drum short circuit.

Abstract: In a method for transmit beamforming of a two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, a beamforming pattern to apply to a beamforming space of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers is defined. The beamforming space includes a plurality of elements, where each element of the beamforming space corresponds to an ultrasonic transducer of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, where the beamforming pattern identifies which ultrasonic transducers within the beamforming space are activated during a transmit operation of the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers, such that a generated ultrasonic beam is focused for reflecting from an object in contact with a contact surface of a platen overlying the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers. The beamforming pattern is applied to the two-dimensional array of ultrasonic transducers. A transmit operation is performed by activating the ultrasonic transducers of the beamforming space according to the beamforming pattern.

Abstract: The present technology relates to intracardiac sensors and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a device for monitoring pressure within a patient's heart. The device can include an implantable capacitor having a capacitance value that is variable based on the pressure within the patients heart and a sensing circuit configured to measure the capacitance value. The device can also include an implantable inductor and a power circuit configured to wirelessly receive power from an external source via the inductor. When the device is in a first configuration, the capacitor can be electrically coupled to the sensing circuit and the inductor can be electrically coupled to the power circuit. When the device is in a second configuration, the capacitor can be electrically coupled to the inductor to form a resonant circuit.

Abstract: A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic device and a method for determining a degree of conjunctival hyperemia using the same. The electronic device includes a camera and a processor configured to acquire an image including an eye captured by the camera, identify one or more blood vessels included in the image, and determine a degree of conjunctival hyperemia based on sizes of the identified one or more blood vessels.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer unit including a plurality of ultrasound transducers transmits and receives ultrasound waves to and from an inside of a subject. In a case where a checking operation unit is operated, a controller controls a driving voltage supply unit such that a driving voltage is supplied with all of the plurality of ultrasound transducers as driving target transducers. In a case where the checking operation unit is operated, a depolarization determination unit calculates, for each ultrasound transducer, a reception sensitivity in a case where an ultrasound wave is received by driving all of the plurality of ultrasound transducers as the driving target transducers, and determines whether or not a depolarization determination value calculated from the reception sensitivity of each ultrasound transducer satisfies numerical conditions. If the numerical conditions are satisfied, a polarization voltage supply unit supplies a polarization voltage to each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: An acoustic lens contains a base material composed of a diorganopolysiloxane or a silicone rubber compound utilizing a diorganopolysiloxane as a main component, and plate-like inorganic compound particles dispersed in the base material.

Abstract: A radial type ultrasound transducer is arranged in an ultrasound endoscope including a bending portion on a distal end side of an insertion portion. The ultrasound transducer includes: a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged at predetermined intervals in a circumferential manner and configured to transmit and receive ultrasound waves; a plurality of electrodes arranged in the respective piezoelectric elements; and a flexible printed circuit electrically connected to each of the electrodes. The flexible printed circuit includes a plurality of wires that extend such that at least parts of the wires cross a direction perpendicular to an arrangement direction of the piezoelectric elements, and the plurality of wires are electrically connected to the respective electrodes of the piezoelectric elements at positions where at least parts of the wires cross the direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an operation method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the invention, a control circuit performs polarization processing on a plurality of ultrasound transducers in a non-diagnosis period, during which transmission of ultrasound waves and reception of reflected waves for performing ultrasound diagnosis are not performed, in a case where the cumulative driving time of the plurality of ultrasound transducers for performing the ultrasound diagnosis becomes equal to or longer than a specified time. A transmission circuit generates a first transmission signal having a driving voltage for performing ultrasound diagnosis using a pulse generation circuit in the case of performing the ultrasound diagnosis, and generates a second transmission signal having a polarization voltage for performing polarization processing using the same pulse generation circuit as in the case of generating the first transmission signal in the case of performing the polarization processing.

Abstract: An ultrasound image system is provided. The ultrasound image system includes an ultrasound probe and a processing circuit. The ultrasound probe includes a substrate, a first transducer array and a second transducer array. The first transducer array is fixed disposed on the substrate and configured to receive a first ultrasound signal The second transducer array is fixed disposed on the substrate and configured to receive a second ultrasound signal. Each of the first transducer array and the second transducer array includes a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements arranged along a first direction. The ultrasound transducer elements of the first transducer array are interleaved with the ultrasound transducer elements of the second transducer array. The processing circuit is coupled to the first transducer array and the second transducer array and is configured to generate an ultrasound image signal according to the first ultrasound signal and the second ultrasound signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to end effectors. An end effector includes an outer shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and an inner shaft partially located within the outer shaft. The end effector may include an ultrasonic blade. The inner shaft may include biased and unbiased portions. The inner shaft and outer shaft may be translatable relative to one another. At one translatable position, the biased portion of the inner shaft may be located within the outer shaft and the unbiased portion may be substantially straight along the longitudinal axis. At another translatable position, the biased portion of the inner shaft may be located outside of and distally positioned from the outer shaft such that the biased portion of the inner shaft is bent away from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation source orientation technology. The invention discloses a method for optimizing the orientation performance of radiation source orientation system, which comprises the following steps: establishing a radiation source orientation matrix; obtaining the non-zero singular value of the orientation matrix; classifying orientation noise that affects the radiation source orientation system according to the distribution characteristic of noise energy; determining the optimal orientation matrix of the radiation source orientation system according to the minimum non-zero singular value ?min of the orientation matrix and its number of array elements m; determining the optimal orientation array according to the non-zero singular value of orientation matrix considering the distribution of different noise energy. The invention lays a foundation for the optimal design of a non-planar array in a radiation source orientation system.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to guiding collection of ultrasound data collection using motion and/or orientation data. A first instruction for rotating or tilting the ultrasound imaging device to a default orientation may be provided. Based on determining that the ultrasound imaging device is in the default orientation, a second instruction for translating the ultrasound imaging device to a target position may be provided. Based on determining that the ultrasound imaging device is in the target position, a third instruction for rotating or tilting the ultrasound imaging device to a target orientation may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention related to an ultrasound imaging system win which the scan head includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When using a hierarchical two-stage or three-stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated in real-time. The invention further relates to flexible printed circuit boards in the probe head. The invention furthermore related to the use of coded or spread spectrum signaling in ultrasound imagining systems. Matched filters based on pulse compression using Golay code pairs improve the signal-to-noise ratio thus enabling third harmonic imaging with suppressed sidelobes. The system is suitable for 3D full volume cardiac imaging.

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure includes generating, by a computing device, an anatomical map of a patient from a plurality of images; positioning a trocar obturator adjacent to the patient; calculating, by the computing device, a projected path of the trocar obturator; overlaying, by the computing device, the projected path of the trocar obturator with the anatomical map of the patient; and displaying the projected path of the trocar obturator and the anatomical map of the patient on a display device to define an augmented image.

Abstract: A system and related methods for performing nerve detection during surgical access using ultrasound testing during surgery.

Abstract: An ultrasound circuit comprising a trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) with built-in time gain compensation functionality is described. The TIA is coupled to an ultrasonic transducer to amplify an electrical signal generated by the ultrasonic transducer in response to receiving an ultrasound signal. The TIA is, in some cases, followed by further analog and digital processing circuitry.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonic propagation member used in contact with a test target, wherein a surface of the ultrasonic propagation member contacting the test target has a shape conforming to a surface of the test target, or an ultrasonic propagation member having at least two surfaces, wherein hardness of one surface and hardness of another surface are different.

Abstract: A garment includes a securing portion operable to removably secure the garment about an abdomen of a wearer; a sensor attachment portion pivotably attached to the securing portion, the sensor attachment portion including a sensor mount configured to receive and retain a sensor therein; and a sensor received in the flexible sensor mount; the securing portion and the sensor attachment portion being configured such that, when the securing portion is secured around the back of a wearer, the sensor attachment portion pivots with respect to the securing portion so as to self-position the sensor attachment portion across (a) an upper portion of the wearer's abdomen or (b) a lower portion of the wearer's abdomen; the flexible sensor mount being configured to orient a sensor received therein to be flush with skin of the wearer when the garment is worn by the wearer and to self-adjust during the course of pregnancy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave to a subject and to receive the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject; an image processor configured to convert ultrasonic image data based on the ultrasonic wave received by the probe, into digital data; a main body configured to output the digital data output from the image processor; and a connector configured to electrically connect and disconnect the image processor with respect to the main body.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a hardware processor that generates a first B mode image and a second B mode image on the basis of a first reception signal and a second reception signal whose beam width in the slice direction is narrower than the first reception signal, displays a display image on a display section, determines whether the end of the puncture needle in the display image is the actual needle point, and presents the determination result. The hardware processor presents the determination result on the basis of the first puncture needle image included in the first B mode image and the second puncture needle image included in the second B mode image.

Abstract: Provided is a composition for an acoustic wave probe including a polysiloxane mixture containing at least polysiloxane having a vinyl group and a phenyl group, polysiloxane having two or more Si—H groups in a molecular chain, and zinc oxide, a silicone resin for an acoustic wave probe, the acoustic wave probe, an acoustic wave measurement apparatus, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasound probe, a photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus, and an ultrasound endoscope.

Abstract: A user interface for a surgical robotic system includes a plurality of handles, each removably attachable to a user interface assembly by a quick release connector. The selection of handles can include handles of varying size, degree of complexity, handles adapted for laparoscopic motion, handles adapted for true cartesian motion or handles customized to surgeon anthropometric data, etc.

Abstract: A medical imaging element support unit is for use in fixing a medical imaging element (26) releasably against a region of skin of a subject. The includes a support body (14), having a base for engaging with skin of a subject in use and having a coupling means (22) for releasably coupling the medical imaging element (26) to the support body in use. A pneumatic positioning mechanism facilitates adjustment of a position of the medical imaging element relative to the support body, this being fluidly supplied by an air pump mechanism. The same air pump mechanism facilitates releasable fixation of the support body (14) to the skin, through creation of a configurable suction force at the skin engagement surface.

Abstract: An integrated hysteroscopic treatment system which includes an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe according to an embodiment comprises an ultrasonic-transducer element array, an offset and an exterior member. The ultrasonic-transducer element array is formed by a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements. The offset is provide on an ultrasonic-transmitting and receiving side of the ultrasonic-transducer element array and includes a contact portion with a subject. The exterior member supports the offset. The offset has at least a first region that is formed by a curved surface having a first curvature and arranged in the middle of the contact portion and a second region that is formed by a curved surface having a second curvature greater than the first curvature and arranged on an edge of the contact portion.

Abstract: A hollow puncture needle includes: a needle body portion; a needle distal end portion that extends from the needle body portion in a distal direction and that includes a blade surface that is inclined with respect to an axis of the puncture needle; and an ultrasonic wave reflecting structure including at least one reflecting portion having a concave or hole shape that opens on an inner peripheral surface of the needle distal end portion. An inner surface of the reflecting portion includes a pair of inclined surfaces that face each other, wherein a distance between the inclined surfaces becomes smaller in a direction towards an outer peripheral surface side of the needle distal end portion. The inclined surfaces is parallel to the axis of the puncture needle.

Abstract: In a chip-on-array approach, acoustic and electronic modules are separately formed. The acoustic stack is connected to one interposer, and the electronics are connected to another interposer. Different connection processes (e.g., using low temperature bonding for the acoustic stack and higher temperature-based interconnect for the electronics) may be used. This arrangement may allow for different pitches of the transducer elements and the I/O of the electronics by staggering vias in the interposers. The two interposers are then connected to form the chip-on-array.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a multi-frequency transducer array. In one example, the transducer array may be fabricated via a wafer scale approach, where a first comb structure, with a first type of element, is formed by dicing a first acoustic stack and a second comb structure, with a second type of element, is formed by dicing a second acoustic stack. Combining the first and second comb structures may form a multi-frequency transducer array.

Abstract: A bidirectional communication channel between a robotic lawnmower and a charging station for data communication between the robotic lawnmower and the charging station. The communication channel includes a first interface provided on the robotic lawnmower and a second interface provided on the charging station. The first and second interface are connected to each other through charging contacts and configured to communicate data in a Direct Current, DC-balanced way. Each interface is provided with an inductor in a charging power path between the charging station and the robotic lawnmower. Each inductor includes a high impedance for enabling a high data transmission rate for frequencies above 50 kHz.

Abstract: A device is provided for diagnostic measurement by simultaneous multimodal analysis of a subject's head wherein the cerebral blood flow variations as well as the concentration level of oxygenation in the subject's blood are used to determine the presence and the pathophysiology of neurocognitive disorders, including the neurodegenerative disease referred to as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: There is provided a medicinal liquid injection port to be implanted subcutaneously. A housing main body is provided with a medicinal liquid storage portion therein, an opening portion that opens the medicinal liquid storage portion, and a discharge hole that communicates with the medicinal liquid storage portion and configured to be connected with a tube. A septum attached to the opening portion of the housing main body and provided with a puncturable region that can be punctured with a puncture needle. A contrast portion is disposed in the septum over a thickness direction of the septum so as to detect the puncturable region of the septum with the ultrasonic wave. The contrast portion is provided in the septum within a thickness region of the septum and all of the contrast portion is positioned at an inner side of the septum in the thickness direction of the septum.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic probe includes: an oscillator; a base on which the oscillator is provided; a base conductive wire portion connected to the oscillator; a bump electrode portion supplying a signal to the oscillator via the base conductive wire portion; a pad portion engaging with the bump electrode portion; and an acoustic lens provided such that a force toward the bump electrode portion is applied to the pad portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a portable ultrasound device. Specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to an acoustic lens positioned at an ultrasound probe. The acoustic lens may be configured for impedance matching and signal attenuation. In one embodiment, ultrasound signal attenuation is provided by forming an acoustic lens as a solid admixture of signal attenuating particles in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe including ultrasonic vibrators for transmitting ultrasound and a housing for encasing the ultrasonic vibrators. The ultrasonic probe includes a heat dissipation member encased in the housing in thermal connection with the ultrasonic vibrators and housing, and constructed separately from the housing, wherein the heat dissipation member has opposing surfaces and facing inner surfaces of the housing, the opposing surfaces being secured in close contact with the inner surfaces.

Abstract: A pliable cover adapted to cover an active area of an ultrasound probe is described. The ultrasound probe includes a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements. The pliable cover includes a polymer layer that holds a coupling agent (4) that couples the ultrasound transducer elements to a body surface and a regular pattern of channels extending through the pliable cover. An ultrasound probe arrangement is also described and includes the pliable cover. An ultrasound system including the ultrasound probe arrangement, and a method of positioning the ultrasound probe in a region of a body are also described.

Abstract: A dual frequency ultrasound transducer includes a high frequency ultrasound array and a low frequency transducer positioned behind or proximal to the high frequency ultrasound array. In one embodiment, a dampening material is positioned between a rear surface of the high frequency array and the a front surface of the low frequency array. The dampening preferably is high absorbing of signals at the frequency of the high frequency array but passes signals at the frequency of the low frequency transducer with little attenuation. In additional, or alternatively, the low frequency can angled with respect to the plane of the high frequency transducer to reduce inter-stack multipath reflections. Beamforming delays compensate for the differences in physical distances between the elements of the low frequency transducer and the plane of the high frequency transducer.