Systems and methods for microvasculature imaging acquisition are disclosed. In aspects, a full frame corresponding to a field of view of an ultrasound scanner is divided into small portions, each of which is individually scanned for a desired period of time at a higher frame rate than the ultrasound scanner is capable of using to scan the full frame. These ultrasound data acquisition techniques enable super-resolution image processing or high-sensitivity microvascular-doppler image processing to be used to track low-intensity, slow-flow microvasculature of an anatomy of a subject.
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner that supports handset wireless network connectivity are described. An ultrasound scanner includes a transducer system that generates, as part of an ultrasound examination, ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system. The ultrasound scanner includes a first transceiver that communicates, over a first communication link, the ultrasound data to a display device that displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The ultrasound scanner includes one or more additional transceivers that communicate, over a one or more additional communication links and simultaneously with the first transceiver communicating the ultrasound data over the first communication link, the ultrasound data through an access point of a care facility administering the ultrasound examination.
Ultrasound methods and systems for measuring physiological properties are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and systems measure one or more characteristics of a vessel, such as vessel-wall displacement over time or blood-flow velocity over time, based on a pulse wave propagating through the vessel. In aspects, the characteristics are measured at two locations of the same vessel with a known distance between the two locations. A time shift between the measured characteristics at the two locations is calculated and used, along with the known distance, to determine one or more physiological properties, such as pulse-wave velocity or blood pressure. These physiological properties can be measured without the assistance of ECG data.
Embodiments of ultrasound utility station and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes displaying a status of the ultrasound machine that indicates a location of the ultrasound machine and an amount of charge of a battery of the ultrasound machine, and displaying an additional status that indicates an additional location of the ultrasound utility station and one or more available ultrasound probes on the ultrasound utility station. After receiving a selection of an ultrasound probe of the available ultrasound probes and a user input that determines a schedule for said configuring the ultrasound machine, the method instructs the ultrasound utility station to charge the battery of the ultrasound machine and provide the ultrasound probe for transfer to the ultrasound machine.
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
Ultrasound systems, methods and other apparatuses for ultrasound parameter selection are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a processor system implemented to generate ultrasound images based on the sampled data and candidate sound speeds, generate image scores for the ultrasound images, and determine the speed-of-sound values from the candidate sound speeds based on a ranking of the ultrasound images according to the image scores.
Ultrasound systems, ultrasound scanners, and methods for determining venous congestion using ultrasound are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound machine includes a display device configured to display a user interface for the ultrasound machine and a processor. The processor is configured to cause the display device to display an ultrasound image that includes a vein, cause the display device to display a Doppler waveform for the vein, determine a vein type for the vein, determine, based on the vein type, classification waveforms, and cause the user interface to display the classification waveforms.
Systems and methods for ultrasound devices with simultaneous arrays are disclosed. These systems and methods include an ultrasound having simultaneous arrays that can be used during an examination of an anatomy. The simultaneous arrays include at least a first array and a second array, where the first array transmits first ultrasound signals focused at a first depth and the second array transmits second ultrasound signals focused at a second depth that differs from the first depth. A first image is generated based on reflected signals of the first ultrasound signals from the anatomy and a second image is generated based on reflected signals of the second ultrasound signals from the anatomy. The first image can be first displayed, and the system can automatically replace the first image with the second image when an interventional instrument, shown in the first image, reaches a threshold depth of a region of interest.
Systems and methods for repeatable ultrasound using multi-array scanners are disclosed. These techniques include one or more robotic manipulators that couple to one or more multi-array ultrasound scanners to perform ultrasound examinations. The system uses ultrasound data generated by the scanner to generate registration data, which is usable to create movement instructions for the robotic manipulator(s) for controlling movement, positioning, and operation of the scanner, another scanner, or an interventional instrument (e.g., needle). In an example, one robotic manipulator uses a scanner to generate ultrasound data usable to determine positioning and orientation for a second robotic manipulator to insert an interventional instrument or to operate a second scanner. In aspects, the multi-array scanner can generate ultrasound data using a first array, and the ultrasound data is usable to determine where and how to use a second array to generate additional ultrasound data.
A method of fabricating a transducer includes embedding signal flexes and ground-return flexes inside a backing block. The method includes forming stack configurations with a height in elevation and a width perpendicular to the height. The forming includes: dicing a piezoelectric layer in the elevation into rows (separating the piezoelectric layer into portions); defining a beam pattern for the transducer by aligning the portions on the backing block; and forming gaps in-between each piezoelectric layer portion and each adjacently aligned piezoelectric layer portion. The method includes forming stacks by bonding one or more matching layers to the piezoelectric layer portions by utilizing a conductive surface of a first matching layer of the one or more matching layers. The method also includes forming cavities in the one or more matching layers in elevation, dicing the stacks along an elevation direction into multiple elements, and filling the cavities with a material.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H10N 30/088 - Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies by machining by cutting or dicing
Ultrasound systems, ultrasound scanners, and methods for determining port health using ultrasound are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a display device configured to display a user interface for the ultrasound system and a wearable ultrasound scanner configured to be attached to a patient over a port that is placed inside the patient, where the port is configured to supply fluid to the patient or retrieve additional fluid from the patient. The ultrasound system also includes a processor system configured to generate, based on reflections of ultrasound received by the wearable ultrasound scanner, a health status of the port, and cause the user interface to display the health status of the port.
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
G01S 7/539 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group using analysis of echo signal for target characterisationTarget signatureTarget cross-section
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
An ultrasound device, ultrasound system and method for performing the same with a multi-array scanner are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes an array that has a plurality of rows of ultrasonic transducer elements, with the plurality of rows of transducer elements having a first row of transducer element sub-arrays and two or more outer rows of transducer element sub-arrays. The two or more outer rows have at least one row on two opposite sides of the first row of transducer element sub-arrays, and transducer element sub-arrays in first and second rows of transducer element sub-arrays of the one or more outer rows have heights and widths that are different from each other, with the height of each transducer element sub-array corresponding to a lateral dimension and the width corresponding to an elevation dimension perpendicular to the lateral dimension.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
12.
System and Method for Simultaneous Acquisition of Pulsed-Wave Doppler and Color Doppler for Retrospective Analysis of Cardiovascular Function
Systems and methods for simultaneous acquisition of pulsed-wave Doppler and color Doppler for retrospective analysis of cardiovascular function are disclosed. In aspects, imaging techniques are used for acquisition of raw partly processed ultrasound data. The ultrasound data is stored in its raw form, synchronized with a simultaneously acquired physiological signal. The stored ultrasound data can then be accessed and processed according to pulsed-wave Doppler and color Doppler imaging techniques to provide both a full frame, or sequence of frames of color Doppler images and a post-acquisition pulsed-wave Doppler signal of a sample volume at one or more locations within the acquisition area using the color Doppler image. Such locations can be selected automatically or by a user, and a pulsed-wave spectrum for the selected location is displayed. As the user moves the sample volume around, the pulsed-wave spectral data is recomputed and redisplayed.
Systems and methods for multi-depth ultrasound imaging with a multi-frequency probe are described, which include a multi-array ultrasound scanner used to form a composite ultrasound image balancing image properties such as resolution, signal-to-noise ratio, and penetration. The multi-array ultrasound scanner includes two or more ultrasound transducer arrays capable of producing ultrasound radiation at two or more different frequencies configured to access two or more different depths in a subject. Two or more ultrasound signals with the two or more different frequencies are transmitted to a target, causing one or more return signals used to generate the composite ultrasound image. The ultrasound system can include a controller that implements uneven sampling so that regions outside a region of interest (ROI), far-field regions, regions without color when color imaging, and the like, are sampled less than more important regions, such as anatomies within an ROI, thus increasing a frame rate.
Systems and methods for managing ultrasound devices are disclosed. Multiple ultrasound devices, such as ultrasound scanners, ultrasound machines, ultrasound carts, etc., can be tracked. For example, the ultrasound device's location (e.g., geotag location) or network connection can be tracked and used to determine a state of the ultrasound device on a state machine. The system can then initiate one or more actions appropriate to the state of the ultrasound device. Additionally, the system includes containers for charging, cleaning, and testing ultrasound devices. The system can also include a charger array on a table, wall, or cart to wirelessly charge the ultrasound device. The ultrasound device can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), which can enable a user to move the device in the air to perform a gesture with the device, and resulting IMU data can be used to trigger an action by the system.
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
15.
Operation-Specific Impedance Matching for Enhancing Sensitivity of an Ultrasound System
Systems and methods for implementing operation-specific impedance matching for enhancing sensitivity of an ultrasound system are described. To enhance sensitivity while using a transducer element for transmission and reception, a transducer module's architecture provides operation-specific impedance matching. Operation-specific impedance matching means that different impedances are provided for mitigating mismatch loss during transmission and reception. The impedance provided for reception can be associated with separate signal path with a smaller amount of attenuation compared to the impedance provided for transmission. In this way, the architecture enhances sensitivity of the ultrasound system by reducing an amount of attenuation experienced during reception compared to other ultrasound systems that utilize a same impedance for impedance matching during transmission and reception. With enhanced sensitivity, the ultrasound system can utilize higher frequencies and/or broader bandwidths to provide high-resolution images at farther imaging depths while meeting power-intensity guidelines.
Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner, a patient-worn registration system configured in at least a one-way communication with an interventional instrument, and a processor system. The processor system is configured to determine, based on the ultrasound data and positional data of the ultrasound scanner, a first location of the patient anatomy relative to the patient-worn registration system, determine, based on the at least a one-way communication, a second location of the interventional instrument relative to the patient-worn registration system; and determine, based on the first location and the second location, a third location of the interventional instrument relative to the patient anatomy. The processor system is configured to display a depiction of the patient anatomy based on the ultrasound data and a visual representation of the interventional instrument at the third location on a display device.
Systems and methods for producing ultrasound images are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, ultrasound image data are acquired in discrete time increments at one or more positions relative to a subject. Control points are added by a user for two or more image frames and a processor interpolates the location of the control points for image frames obtained at in-between times.
Systems and methods for a dynamic scroll mode are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes a display device that is configured to simultaneously display an ultrasound image and an additional image. The ultrasound system includes a processor system that is configured to cause the display device to change the simultaneous display so that one of the ultrasound image and the additional image increases in size by an amount and the other of the ultrasound image and the additional image decreases in size by an additional amount that is based on the amount.
A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes receiving an ultrasound image that includes one or more blood vessels, and determining, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, diameters of the one or more blood vessels in the ultrasound image. The method includes receiving a user selection of an instrument size, and indicating, in the ultrasound image, at least one blood vessel of the one or more blood vessels based on the instrument size and the diameters of the one or more blood vessels.
Systems and methods for a combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope are described. In some implementations, a combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope device generates first ultrasound data from an ultrasound scan of an eye of a user using a first ultrasound scanner and generates optical data from an optical scan of the eye of the user using an optical sensor. The device generates an ultrasound image from the first ultrasound data and an optical image from the optical data. A hybrid image can be generated by the device from the first ultrasound data and the optical data, the hybrid image generated through the use of a machine-learned model. The combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope device can increase diagnosis confidence, injury identification, and patient comfort and experience in comparison to conventional, disconnected ultrasound and ophthalmoscope devices and systems.
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indicesICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment
Systems and methods for nonlinear contrast imaging with ultrasound are described, including an ultrasound device that generates a transmission signal, which includes a first ultrasound pulse and a second ultrasound pulse. The first pulse and the second pulse overlap along a bisector at a region of interest (ROI). The second pulse is a phase-inverted version of the first pulse. A reception signal is generated with linear and nonlinear components (e.g., nonlinear reflections from microbubbles). The linear components of the reception signal cancel upon combination (e.g., summation), leaving the nonlinear components for imaging. Multi-line imaging is also possible using one or more additional pulse pairs. The use of two full-amplitude, phase-inverted pulses enables improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), depth penetration, and increased frame rate, while minimizing resource utilization over a three-pulse amplitude-modulation-based approach. The ability to use a multi-line acquisition scheme further enhances these advantages.
Systems and methods for anatomy-directed ultrasound are described. In some implementations, an anatomy-directed ultrasound system generates ultrasound data from an ultrasound scan of an anatomy, which is a bodily structure of an organism (e.g., human or animal). The system identifies organs represented in the ultrasound data and information associated with the organs including position and type of organ. Using this information, the system obtains or generates new ultrasound data that includes a region in which an item of interest is likely to be located. For example, the system can crop the original ultrasound data, refocus the ultrasound scan (e.g., by adjusting imaging parameters) to image the region that is likely to include the item of interest, or generate a weight map indicating the region. The anatomy-directed ultrasound system can increase accuracy and reduce the number of false positives in comparison to the number detected by conventional ultrasound systems.
This disclosure provides systems, devices, methods, and apparatus, for coordinating scanners in an ultrasound cart. An ultrasound system can include an ultrasound cart having a scanner holder configured to hold ultrasound scanners, a display device configured to display a visual representation of the scanner holder, and at least one of the ultrasound scanners. The visual representation can be implemented to identify locations of the ultrasound scanners on the scanner holder. The ultrasound scanners can be configured to indicate, while being held in the scanner holder, that one ultrasound scanner of the ultrasound scanners is to be selected for an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound scanner can also be configured to implement a first ultrasound imaging mode when a display device is attached to the ultrasound cart, and a second ultrasound imaging mode and not the first ultrasound imaging mode when the display device is removed from the ultrasound cart.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
27.
DISPLAYING VISUAL REPRESENTATIONS OF ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCERS
Ultrasound systems for displaying visual representations of ultrasound transducers and methods for doing the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe including a probe body and a transducer assembly coupled to the probe body. The ultrasound probe is configured to cause a movement of the transducer assembly based on a setting made with the probe body. The ultrasound system also includes a display device that is configured to display a visual representation of the transducer assembly that indicates at least one angle resulting from the movement.
Ultrasound systems and methods that include and/or use interventional instruments (e.g., needles) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system has an interventional instrument having the at least one ultrasound transducer element attached to the interventional instrument and configured for insertion towards the patient anatomy as part of an insertion procedure. The ultrasound system is configured to: determine, during the insertion procedure, an occurrence of a trigger event; instruct, responsive to the determination of the occurrence of the trigger event, the at least one ultrasound transducer element to transmit the additional ultrasound; and determine, based on the reception of the additional ultrasound by the ultrasound scanner, that the interventional instrument is detected.
Ultrasound systems, ultrasound scanners, and methods that are used for performing oral procedures. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound scanner including a mouth guard configured to, when inserted into a patient mouth to at least partially cover one or more teeth, transmit ultrasound at a patient anatomy and receive reflections of the ultrasound from the patient anatomy; and a processor system coupled to the ultrasound scanner and configured to generate, based on the reflections of the ultrasound, an assessment of patient health.
G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
30.
AUTOMATED DETECTION OF LUNG SLIDE TO AID IN DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMOTHORAX
Methods and apparatuses for performing automated detection of lung slide using a computing device (e.g., an ultrasound system, etc.) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the techniques determine lung sliding using one or more neural networks. In some embodiments, the neural networks are part of a process that determines probabilities of the lung sliding at one or more M-lines. In some embodiments, the techniques display one or more probabilities of lung sliding in a B-mode ultrasound image.
Systems and methods for panoramic imaging in 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging are disclosed. The techniques disclosed herein use image registration to combine the 2D images into a 3D volume. Ultrasound images collected in different locations are combined using image tracking. When the transducer moves along a lateral direction (in line with a longitudinal axis of the transducer), a portion of the image is overlapped between frames and the overlapping frames can be patched. When the transducer moves along an elevational direction (non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transducer), there is no overlap between frames and the non-overlapping frames are not patched together but are stored side-by-side to create a volume. The storage and patching processes can be adaptive (e.g., the images are not stored or patched if there is minimal difference between neighboring frames).
An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound probe includes a probe body having a user interface with controls and a mode selector. In some embodiments, when the mode selector is in a first setting, the controls are configured to control a probe transducer, and when the mode selector is in a second setting, the controls are configured to control the ultrasound machine via a probe transceiver.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
An ultrasound probe with thermal management and methods for using and manufacturing the same are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound probe includes electronics configured to control transmission and reception of ultrasound signals and a battery configured to provide power to the electronics. The ultrasound probe also includes a battery holder configured to house the battery and transfer heat away from the electronics and an enclosure configured to establish a seal that isolates the electronics from the battery and an environment external to the ultrasound probe.
A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling an ultrasound machine using one or more touchless inputs. In one embodiment, the method for controlling operation of the ultrasound machine comprises obtaining one or more touchless inputs; determining one or more operations to control the ultrasound machine based on the one or more touchless inputs and machine state of the ultrasound machine; and controlling the ultrasound machine using the one or more operations.
An ultrasound probe and a ultrasound system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a bite block configured to, during a transesophageal insertion of the probe cable starting from the distal end, guard the probe cable from a bite and prevent anteflexion and retroflexion movement of the transducer until a predetermined length of the probe cable is inserted.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes receiving ultrasound images that include a blood vessel, and determining, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, diameters of the blood vessel in the ultrasound images. The diameters include a respective diameter of the blood vessel for each ultrasound image of the ultrasound images. The method includes determining a blood vessel diameter based on the diameters of the blood vessel, selecting a color based on the blood vessel diameter, and indicating, in one of the ultrasound images, the blood vessel with an indicator having the color.
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner with a display interface are described. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having an interface configured to display a visual representation, and a first transceiver configured to communicate over a communication link. The ultrasound system includes a display device having a reader configured to read the visual representation displayed by the ultrasound scanner, and a second transceiver configured to, responsive to the reader reading the visual representation, initiate communication with the first transceiver of the ultrasound scanner over the communication link to pair the ultrasound scanner and the display device.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61B 90/98 - Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
In some embodiments, a system generates a map of a care facility. The system comprises one or more sensors coupled to a computing device and configured to generate sensor data corresponding to locations inside the care facility. The computing device is configured to: determine, for the locations, features of the care facility based on the sensor data; and generate, based on the features, the map of the care facility that includes the locations.
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
Systems and methods for a multi-mode rolling-encoded ultrasound are described. These systems and methods include an ultrasound device that provides an encoded ultrasound signal, which includes one or more multi-mode waveforms that contain multiple mode types, multiple variants from a single mode type, or a mixture of such. The encoded ultrasound signals are used to image or otherwise gather information from a target during an ultrasound scan, such as a portion of a patient anatomy. The reflected encoded signals are received and decoded, resulting in an increased resolution and frame rate. This allows for more-efficient operation and resource utilization.
Ultrasound methods and systems for measuring physiological properties are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and systems measure one or more characteristics of a vessel, such as vessel-wall displacement over time or blood-flow velocity over time, based on a pulse wave propagating through the vessel. In aspects, the characteristics are measured at two locations of the same vessel with a known distance between the two locations. A time shift between the measured characteristics at the two locations is calculated and used, along with the known distance, to determine one or more physiological properties, such as pulse-wave velocity or blood pressure. These physiological properties can be measured without the assistance of ECG data.
Systems and methods for adaptive-color imaging in ultrasound technologies are disclosed. In aspects, adaptive-color imaging techniques are used for providing sensitive color images of internal body structures. The ultrasound system transmits waves reflecting off internal organs, with received signals processed into radiofrequency (RF) data. This RF data undergoes a color-imaging process to extract color-flow information, resulting in color-image data for ultrasound imaging. Feedback loops, including an RF-data loop, a color-image-data loop, or a combined loop, allow for continuous adjustments to parameters and filters in the imaging processes, thus refining images with each iteration. The adjustments for adapting parameters can be initiated on a user interface within the ultrasound system. Processors in the ultrasound system can also determine weighted data values for regions in an ultrasound image to evaluate cost functions used to adapt the parameters.
Systems and methods for repeatable ultrasound are disclosed. These systems and methods enable generation of consistent ultrasound images across serial ultrasound examinations, which are suitable for the early detection and management of one or more medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. These systems can include a robotic manipulator that holds and operates an ultrasound scanner for scanning a patient's anatomy. Additionally, sensors are used to detect position and orientation of the patient anatomy to enable the robotic manipulator to consistently hold and orient the ultrasound scanner based on the position and orientation of the patient anatomy during an ultrasound examination. In aspects, an anatomy fixture can be generated to support the patient anatomy in the same position and orientation across the serial ultrasound examinations.
Methods and apparatuses for enhancing local features in ultrasound images are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner configured to transmit ultrasound at a patient anatomy and receive reflections of the ultrasound from the patient anatomy and a processor. The processor is configured to: generate an ultrasound image based on the reflections and system parameters of the ultrasound system; determine a region of interest (ROI) in the ultrasound image; determine an enhancement property for the ROI; adjust at least one of the system parameters; and generate, based on the at least one of the system parameters being adjusted, a ROI image having the enhancement property enhanced compared to the ROI in the ultrasound image. The ultrasound system also includes a display device configured to simultaneously display the ultrasound image and the ROI image.
Methods and apparatuses for dynamic power reduction in ultrasound systems are described. Subsystems including a first subsystem to be placed in a reduced power consumption state are determined. The first subsystem includes a receive path having a receiver to receive acoustic signals representing echoes. A control subsystem to control clocking of the receive path in response to at least one of a plurality of real-time signals is determined. The control subsystem is configured to provide one or more clocks to the receive path to turn on the receiver while valid echo signals are expected to arrive at the receiver At least one of the plurality of real-time signals indicates a state of imaging operations. The control subsystem is configured to provide one or more clocks to the receive path during a first mode based on the state of the imaging operations.
Embodiments of ultrasound systems and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes a mobile computing device configured to be wirelessly coupled to the ultrasound scanner and display an ultrasound image based on reflections of ultrasound, and a docking station to support the mobile computing device. The ultrasound system also includes a processor system configured to enable the ultrasound system with additional ultrasound features when the mobile computing device is supported by the docking station, which are unavailable to the ultrasound system when the mobile computing device is unsupported by the docking station.
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
47.
AUTOMATED DETECTION OF LUNG SLIDE TO AID IN DIAGNOSIS OF PNEUMOTHORAX
Methods and apparatuses for performing automated detection of lung slide using a computing device (e.g., an ultrasound system, etc.) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the techniques determine lung sliding using one or more neural networks. In some embodiments, the neural networks are part of a process that determines probabilities of the lung sliding at one or more M-lines. In some embodiments, the techniques display one or more probabilities of lung sliding in a B-mode ultrasound image.
Systems and methods for implementing a transducer module architecture that enhances sensitivity of an ultrasound system are described. To enhance sensitivity while using a transducer element for transmission and reception, a transducer module's architecture provides operation-specific impedance matching. Operation-specific impedance matching means that different impedances are provided for mitigating mismatch loss during transmission and reception. The impedance provided for reception can be associated with separate signal path with a smaller amount of attenuation compared to the impedance provided for transmission. In this way, the architecture enhances sensitivity of the ultrasound system by reducing an amount of attenuation experienced during reception compared to other ultrasound systems that utilize a same impedance for impedance matching during transmission and reception. With enhanced sensitivity, the ultrasound system can utilize higher frequencies and/or broader bandwidths to provide high-resolution images at farther imaging depths while meeting power-intensity guidelines.
Systems and methods for implementing operation-specific impedance matching for enhancing sensitivity of an ultrasound system are described. To enhance sensitivity while using a transducer element for transmission and reception, a transducer module's architecture provides operation-specific impedance matching. Operation-specific impedance matching means that different impedances are provided for mitigating mismatch loss during transmission and reception. The impedance provided for reception can be associated with separate signal path with a smaller amount of attenuation compared to the impedance provided for transmission. In this way, the architecture enhances sensitivity of the ultrasound system by reducing an amount of attenuation experienced during reception compared to other ultrasound systems that utilize a same impedance for impedance matching during transmission and reception. With enhanced sensitivity, the ultrasound system can utilize higher frequencies and/or broader bandwidths to provide high-resolution images at farther imaging depths while meeting power-intensity guidelines.
Methods and ultrasound systems for generating ultrasound protocols are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner configured to transmit ultrasound at a patient anatomy and receive reflections of the ultrasound from the patient anatomy as part of a current ultrasound examination that includes workflow steps; an ultrasound machine configured to generate image data based on the reflections and a configuration state of the ultrasound machine; and a processor system. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system is configured to record protocol data including the configuration state and the workflow steps, generate an ultrasound protocol based on the protocol data, and store the ultrasound protocol in a memory storage device for use in a subsequent ultrasound examination.
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
51.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DISSIPATING HEAT FROM A HANDHELD MEDICAL IMAGING DEVICE
Systems and methods of transmitting heat out a medical imaging device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a medical imaging device includes a housing having electronics and a heat sink. The heat sink is positioned near a first end of the housing, a groove that is configured to receive at least a portion of an operator's hand is positioned at a second end of the housing. A heat pipe in the housing extends from the electronics toward the first end of the housing and is configured to transfer heat produced by the electronics toward the heat sink and away from the groove.
Ultrasound systems, methods and other apparatuses for ultrasound parameter selection are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ultrasound system includes a processor system implemented to generate ultrasound images based on the sampled data and candidate sound speeds, generate image scores for the ultrasound images, and determine the speed-of-sound values from the candidate sound speeds based on a ranking of the ultrasound images according to the image scores.
A compound acoustic lens, an ultrasound probe and a medical device that includes the same are described. In some embodiments, a compound acoustic lens for an ultrasound probe includes an outer lens including a first material of a first thickness, and an inner lens mated to the outer lens. The inner lens includes a second material of a second thickness. The overall thickness of the compound acoustic lens is determined as a sum of the first thickness and the second thickness and is less than a thickness of a single-material lens having a same focal length as the compound acoustic lens.
Systems and methods for a combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope are described. In some implementations, a combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope device generates first ultrasound data from an ultrasound scan of an eye of a user using a first ultrasound scanner and generates optical data from an optical scan of the eye of the user using an optical sensor. The device generates an ultrasound image from the first ultrasound data and an optical image from the optical data. A hybrid image can be generated by the device from the first ultrasound data and the optical data, the hybrid image generated through the use of a machine-learned model. The combination ocular ultrasound and ophthalmoscope device can increase diagnosis confidence, injury identification, and patient comfort and experience in comparison to conventional, disconnected ultrasound and ophthalmoscope devices and systems.
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indicesICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment
56.
NEURAL NETWORK UTILIZATION WITH ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY
Examples herein include methods, systems, and computer program products for utilizing neural networks in ultrasound systems. The methods include processor(s) of a computing device identifying a neural network for implementation on the computing device to generate, based on ultrasound data, inferences and confidence levels for the inferences, the computing device being communicatively coupled via a computing network to an ultrasound machine configured to generate the ultrasound data. The processor(s) implements the neural network on the computing device, including configuring the neural network to generate an inference and a confidence level for at least one image of the images. The processor(s) obtains the ultrasound data including images from the ultrasound machine. The processor(s) determines, for the at least one image, an accuracy of the inference and the confidence level. The processor(s) automatically reconfigures the neural network to increase the accuracy based on the determining the accuracy.
Systems and methods for a virtual sonography team are described. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner that is configured to generate ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the ultrasound scanner and communicate the ultrasound data over a communication network to at least one display device and an archiver. An ultrasound machine is coupled to the ultrasound scanner and is configured to determine examination data for the ultrasound examination and communicate the examination data to the archiver over the communication network. The display device is configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data as part of an ultrasound examination and communicate the ultrasound image to the archiver for aggregation with the examination data into a patient record of the ultrasound examination.
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner configured to transmit ultrasound at a patient anatomy and generate ultrasound data as part of an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound system also includes an ultrasound machine configured to generate, based on the ultrasound data, an ultrasound image. The ultrasound system also includes a processor system implemented to determine features selected from the group consisting of regional features, patient features, clinician features, and ultrasound examination feature. The processor system is implemented to generate, based on the ultrasound image and the features, a patient recommendation.
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 15/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
G16H 20/00 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
G16H 50/30 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for calculating health indicesICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for individual health risk assessment
59.
System and method for simultaneous acquisition of pulsed-wave doppler and color doppler for retrospective analysis of cardiovascular function
Systems and methods for simultaneous acquisition of pulsed-wave Doppler and color Doppler for retrospective analysis of cardiovascular function are disclosed. In aspects, imaging techniques are used for acquisition of raw partly processed ultrasound data. The ultrasound data is stored in its raw form, synchronized with a simultaneously acquired physiological signal. The stored ultrasound data can then be accessed and processed according to pulsed-wave Doppler and color Doppler imaging techniques to provide both a full frame, or sequence of frames of color Doppler images and a post-acquisition pulsed-wave Doppler signal of a sample volume at one or more locations within the acquisition area using the color Doppler image. Such locations can be selected automatically or by a user, and a pulsed-wave spectrum for the selected location is displayed. As the user moves the sample volume around, the pulsed-wave spectral data is recomputed and redisplayed.
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner configured to transmit ultrasound at a patient anatomy and receive reflections of the ultrasound from the patient anatomy. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound machine configured to generate received data including ultrasound data based on the reflections of the ultrasound and artifact data based on an interferer. The ultrasound system includes a processor system that is implemented to determine an artifact signal that is based on the interferer, determine, based on the artifact signal, one or more artifact characteristics. In some embodiments, the artifact characteristics are selected from the group consisting of an amplitude, a phase, a center frequency, and a bandwidth. The processor system is implemented to generate, based on the artifact characteristics, filter coefficients, and filter, based on the filter coefficients, the received data to suppress the artifact data and recover the ultrasound data.
Ultrasound imaging systems for automatically identifying and saving ultrasound images relevant to a needle injection procedure, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, an ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer for transmitting/receiving ultrasound signals during a needle injection procedure, and receive circuitry configured to convert the received ultrasound signals into ultrasound image data. The image data can be stored in a buffer memory. A processor can analyze the image data stored in the buffer memory to identify image data that depicts a specified injection event of the needle injection procedure, and the identified image data can be stored in a memory for archival purposes.
Systems and methods to detect electromagnetic (EM) emissions on ultrasound systems are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner that is configured to generate ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the ultrasound scanner. An ultrasound machine is coupled to the ultrasound scanner and configured to generate an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. A circuit is coupled to the ultrasound machine and configured to make a determination whether the ultrasound image is corrupted by a noise process.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01R 31/00 - Arrangements for testing electric propertiesArrangements for locating electric faultsArrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
An ultrasound imaging system computes real time physiological parameters from measurements of anatomical features in ultrasound image data using a neural network to identify the location of the anatomical features. In one embodiment, cardiac parameters are computed from endocardial wall tracings in M-mode ultrasound image data that are identified by the neural network.
Systems and methods for microvasculature imaging acquisition are disclosed. In aspects, a full frame corresponding to a field of view of an ultrasound scanner is divided into small portions, each of which is individually scanned for a desired period of time at a higher frame rate than the ultrasound scanner is capable of using to scan the full frame. These ultrasound data acquisition techniques enable super-resolution image processing or high-sensitivity microvascular-doppler image processing to be used to track low-intensity, slow-flow microvasculature of an anatomy of a subject.
Systems and methods for a dynamic scroll mode are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes a display device that is configured to simultaneously display an ultrasound image and an additional image. The ultrasound system includes a processor system that is configured to cause the display device to change the simultaneous display so that one of the ultrasound image and the additional image increases in size by an amount and the other of the ultrasound image and the additional image decreases in size by an additional amount that is based on the amount.
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner, a patient-worn registration system configured in at least a one-way communication with an interventional instrument, and a processor system. The processor system is configured to determine, based on the ultrasound data and positional data of the ultrasound scanner, a first location of the patient anatomy relative to the patient-worn registration system, determine, based on the at least a one-way communication, a second location of the interventional instrument relative to the patient-worn registration system; and determine, based on the first location and the second location, a third location of the interventional instrument relative to the patient anatomy. The processor system is configured to display a depiction of the patient anatomy based on the ultrasound data and a visual representation of the interventional instrument at the third location on a display device.
Ultrasound systems for displaying visual representations of ultrasound transducers and methods for doing the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe including a probe body and a transducer assembly coupled to the probe body. The ultrasound probe is configured to cause a movement of the transducer assembly based on a setting made with the probe body. The ultrasound system also includes a display device that is configured to display a visual representation of the transducer assembly that indicates at least one angle resulting from the movement.
Systems and methods for displaying data based on machine-reading of an ultrasound device are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound device having a machine-readable indicator and a reader device configured to read information from the machine-readable indicator. The ultrasound system also includes a display device configured to display device information about the ultrasound device based on the information read from the machine-readable indicator.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G06F 16/955 - Retrieval from the web using information identifiers, e.g. uniform resource locators [URL]
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
69.
Ultrasound scanner that supports handset wireless network connectivity
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner that supports handset wireless network connectivity are described. An ultrasound scanner includes a transducer system that generates, as part of an ultrasound examination, ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system. The ultrasound scanner includes a first transceiver that communicates, over a first communication link, the ultrasound data to a display device that displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The ultrasound scanner includes one or more additional transceivers that communicate, over a one or more additional communication links and simultaneously with the first transceiver communicating the ultrasound data over the first communication link, the ultrasound data through an access point of a care facility administering the ultrasound examination.
Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes accepting a definition of at least one of a sagittal plane, a transverse plane, and a coronal plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an ultrasound image at the coronal plane of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the accepted definition of at least one of the sagittal plane, the transverse plane, and the coronal plane.
An ultrasound imaging system including an image processor configured to receive input data for capturing ultrasound images of a region of interest. The ultrasound images are taken along a first plane; and the input data further includes an indication that a needle will be inserted into the region of interest. The system can capture a plurality of ultrasound images of the region of interest along the first plane. The system can determine one or more high-confidence areas of the region of interest where the needle will intersect the first plane. Each high-confidence area is based on a probability that the needle will intersect the first plane at any portion of the high-confidence area; and display one or more on-screen markers corresponding to the one or more high-confidence areas in conjunction with the plurality of ultrasound images on the display.
Systems and methods for noise reduction in ultrasound images are described. These systems and methods include a noise-reduction system that provides a tensor-based approach that mitigates effects of noise processes on ultrasound images and produces “preprocessed” ultrasound images having consistent characteristics, which increases the accuracy and effectiveness of further processing (e.g., via detection and/or segmentation algorithms) of the ultrasound images. In aspects, these techniques enable neural networks, coupled to the noise-reduction system, to generate consistent inferences across different ultrasound images, thereby enhancing a workflow and user experience of an ultrasound operator. Using these techniques further enables the neural networks to be trained with fewer training images, saving time and monetary costs without sacrificing accuracy. State information of the noise-reduction system, corresponding to when the preprocessed ultrasound images are generated, can also be used to configure the neural networks, resulting in more-efficient operation and resource utilization.
Systems and methods for an ultrasound scanner with an impact-resistance system are described. In some implementations, the impact-resistance system reduces acceleration components associated with an impact force applied to an enclosure of the ultrasound scanner or directly to an acoustic lens of a transducer array of the ultrasound scanner. The impact-resistance system distributes the acceleration components from the transducer array to the enclosure via couplings with soft and elastic materials. Some of the couplings may be located between the enclosure and elongated members embedded in backing material of the transducer array. Some of the couplings may be located between the enclosure and a flange that extends from the acoustic lens into a channel in the enclosure. Implementing the impact-resistance system described herein improves reliability of the transducer array without sacrificing performance or usability, particularly for ultraportable scanners.
A wearable ultrasound device and method for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the wearable ultrasound device includes an ultrasound transducer configured to transmit ultrasound signals and receive reflected ultrasound based on the ultrasound signals and a fastener configured to secure the wearable ultrasound device proximate to a procedure site. The wearable ultrasound device can also include a processor configured to generate, based on the reflected ultrasound, patient data and a display device implemented to display a visual representation of the patient data.
Methods and apparatuses for dynamic power reduction in ultrasound systems are described. Subsystems including a first subsystem to be placed in a reduced power consumption state are determined. The first subsystem includes a receive path having a receiver to receive acoustic signals representing echoes. A control subsystem to control clocking of the receive path in response to at least one of a plurality of real-time signals is determined. The control subsystem is configured to provide one or more clocks to the receive path to turn on the receiver while valid echo signals are expected to arrive at the receiver At least one of the plurality of real-time signals indicates a state of imaging operations. The control subsystem is configured to provide one or more clocks to the receive path during a first mode based on the state of the imaging operations.
An ultrasound probe with thermal management and methods for using and manufacturing the same are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound probe includes electronics configured to control transmission and reception of ultrasound signals and a battery configured to provide power to the electronics. The ultrasound probe also includes a battery holder configured to house the battery and transfer heat away from the electronics and an enclosure configured to establish a seal that isolates the electronics from the battery and an environment external to the ultrasound probe.
The disclosed technology features methods for the manufacture of electrical components such as ultrasound transducers. In particular, the disclosed technology provides methods of patterning electrodes, e.g. in the connection of an ultrasound transducer to an electrical circuit; methods of depositing metal on surfaces; and methods of making integrated matching layers for an ultrasound transducer. The disclosed technology also features ultrasound transducers produced by the methods described herein.
H10N 30/50 - Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices having a stacked or multilayer structure
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H04R 31/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of transducers or diaphragms therefor
H10N 30/00 - Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
H10N 30/072 - Forming of piezoelectric or electrostrictive parts or bodies on an electrical element or another base by laminating or bonding of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies
Systems and methods for anatomy-directed ultrasound are described. In some implementations, an anatomy-directed ultrasound system generates ultrasound data from an ultrasound scan of an anatomy, which is a bodily structure of an organism (e.g., human or animal). The system identifies organs represented in the ultrasound data and information associated with the organs including position and type of organ. Using this information, the system obtains or generates new ultrasound data that includes a region in which an item of interest is likely to be located. For example, the system can crop the original ultrasound data, refocus the ultrasound scan (e.g., by adjusting imaging parameters) to image the region that is likely to include the item of interest, or generate a weight map indicating the region. The anatomy-directed ultrasound system can increase accuracy and reduce the number of false positives in comparison to the number detected by conventional ultrasound systems.
Systems and methods for a multi-layer flexible array interconnect for an ultrasound transducer, and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The systems and methods described herein provide consistent and controllable alignment between the odd and even flex layers. Further, ground layers are added between the signal layers to improve crosstalk performance while simplifying the construction. In some implementations, vias are introduced at the interface of an electromechanical-array element (e.g., lead zirconate titanate (PZT) element) to increase the surface area of conductive material and thereby increase the quality of the electrical and physical connections. In addition, a machining alignment and verification aid is provided through strategic use of unused and discarded board area to enable (i) alignment check of the flex circuit with the machining equipment and (ii) adjustment of the flex circuit position relative to the machining equipment to avoid the flex circuit being machined to an unusable state.
H10N 30/87 - Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H10N 30/06 - Forming electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
H10N 30/088 - Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies by machining by cutting or dicing
Systems and methods for automated ultrasound credentialing are described. In some embodiments, a credentialing system for issuing a sonographer credential to a sonography candidate includes an ultrasound probe coupled to a computing device and configured to generate ultrasound data. The computing device is configured to generate, based on the ultrasound data and as part of an automated review, an ultrasound examination score. The computing device is configured to transfer, based on the ultrasound examination score, the sonography candidate from the automated review to a manual review by a reviewer.
A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling an ultrasound machine using one or more touchless inputs. In one embodiment, the method for controlling operation of the ultrasound machine comprises obtaining one or more touchless inputs; determining one or more operations to control the ultrasound machine based on the one or more touchless inputs and machine state of the ultrasound machine; and controlling the ultrasound machine using the one or more operations.
Ultrasound devices that include and/or use a multi-dimensional and multi-frequency arrays of transducer elements for use with ultrasound and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device includes: an array having a center row of transducer elements of a first width that operate at a first frequency and two or more outer rows of transducer elements of a second or other widths that operate at a second or other frequencies different than the first frequency. A controller is configured to control the center row of transducer elements and two or more outer rows of transducer elements to operate at a same time or at different times.
In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is configured to receive a set of ultrasound images of a target anatomical region. The set of ultrasound images is combined to create a composite tissue frame. The ultrasound imaging system determines whether an interventional instrument is present within the ultrasound images based on a set of trained classification algorithms based on the set of ultrasound images and the composite tissue frame. If an interventional instrument is detected, the ultrasound imaging system further determines whether an additional ultrasound frame should be captured to image the interventional instrument, and the steer angle to be used for the additional ultrasound image. The ultrasound imaging system determines a linear structure corresponding to the interventional instrument, and creates a blended image showing the interventional instrument and the composite tissue frame.
Embodiments of ultrasound utility station and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes displaying a status of the ultrasound machine that indicates a location of the ultrasound machine and an amount of charge of a battery of the ultrasound machine, and displaying an additional status that indicates an additional location of the ultrasound utility station and one or more available ultrasound probes on the ultrasound utility station. After receiving a selection of an ultrasound probe of the available ultrasound probes and a user input that determines a schedule for said configuring the ultrasound machine, the method instructs the ultrasound utility station to charge the battery of the ultrasound machine and provide the ultrasound probe for transfer to the ultrasound machine.
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
Systems and methods for automated reporting in Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) workflows are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound reporting system includes a memory configured to maintain a mapping of system events to worksheet answers. A processor system is coupled to the memory and is configured to implement a reporting application at least partially in hardware. The reporting application is implemented to determine, during an ultrasound examination, an occurrence of a system event of the system events. The reporting application is also implemented to determine, based on the mapping, a worksheet answer of the worksheet answers that is mapped to the system event. The reporting application is also implemented to populate, during the ultrasound examination and responsive to the determination of the occurrence of the system event, a medical worksheet with the worksheet answer.
G16H 15/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
G16H 10/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for electronic clinical trials or questionnaires
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
G16H 70/20 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical references relating to practices or guidelines
Ultrasound transducer assemblies and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound transducer assembly includes at least one matching layer overlies a transducer layer. A plurality of kerfs extends at least into the matching layer. In some aspects, the kerfs are at least partially filled with a filler material that includes microballoons and/or microspheres.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H10N 30/072 - Forming of piezoelectric or electrostrictive parts or bodies on an electrical element or another base by laminating or bonding of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies
H10N 30/088 - Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies by machining by cutting or dicing
H10N 30/20 - Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices with electrical input and mechanical output, e.g. functioning as actuators or vibrators
87.
Computing device and methods of implementing an ultrasound system for guiding instrument insertion
A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes receiving an ultrasound image that includes one or more blood vessels, and determining, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, diameters of the one or more blood vessels in the ultrasound image. The method includes receiving a user selection of an instrument size, and indicating, in the ultrasound image, at least one blood vessel of the one or more blood vessels based on the instrument size and the diameters of the one or more blood vessels.
A method and apparatus for identifying blood vessels in ultrasound images and displaying blood vessels in ultrasound images are described. In some embodiments, the method is implemented by a computing device and includes assigning, with a neural network implemented at least partially in hardware of the computing device, one of a vein classification and an artery classification to one or more blood vessels in ultrasound images. The method also includes determining a misclassification for one blood vessel that denotes the neural network assigning the one of the vein classification and the artery classification to the one blood vessel in one ultrasound image and the other of the vein classification and the artery classification to the one blood vessel in additional ultrasound images. The method includes displaying, in the one ultrasound image, an indication of the other of the vein classification and the artery classification for the one blood vessel.
This disclosure provides systems, devices, methods, and apparatus, for coordinating scanners in an ultrasound cart. An ultrasound system can include an ultrasound cart having a scanner holder configured to hold ultrasound scanners, a display device configured to display a visual representation of the scanner holder, and at least one of the ultrasound scanners. The visual representation can be implemented to identify locations of the ultrasound scanners on the scanner holder. The ultrasound scanners can be configured to indicate, while being held in the scanner holder, that one ultrasound scanner of the ultrasound scanners is to be selected for an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound scanner can also be configured to implement a first ultrasound imaging mode when a display device is attached to the ultrasound cart, and a second ultrasound imaging mode and not the first ultrasound imaging mode when the display device is removed from the ultrasound cart.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
Systems and methods for automated ultrasound credentialing are described. In some embodiments, a credentialing system for issuing a sonographer credential to a sonography candidate includes an ultrasound probe coupled to a computing device and configured to generate ultrasound data. The computing device is configured to generate, based on the ultrasound data and as part of an automated review, an ultrasound examination score. The computing device is configured to transfer, based on the ultrasound examination score, the sonography candidate from the automated review to a manual review by a reviewer.
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner with a display interface are described. An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having an interface configured to display a visual representation, and a first transceiver configured to communicate over a communication link. The ultrasound system includes a display device having a reader configured to read the visual representation displayed by the ultrasound scanner, and a second transceiver configured to, responsive to the reader reading the visual representation, initiate communication with the first transceiver of the ultrasound scanner over the communication link to pair the ultrasound scanner and the display device.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 90/98 - Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
92.
CONFIGURING ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS BASED ON SCANNER GRIP
Systems and methods to configure ultrasound systems based on a scanner grip are described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound system includes an ultrasound scanner having a touch sensitive surface and a processor that is configured to determine a grip orientation on the touch sensitive surface; and activate, based on the grip orientation, a region of the touch sensitive surface to accept a user input.
In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting a first set of ultrasound waves to determine whether there is fluid flow at a target area. The first set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a first pulse repetition frequency. The method also includes determining whether there is fluid flow in a second area based on the first set of ultrasound waves. The second area is between the target area and an ultrasound probe. The method further includes transmitting a second set of ultrasound waves to detect fluid flow at the target area in response to determining that there is fluid flow in the second area between the target area and the ultrasound probe. The second set of ultrasound waves are directed towards the target area. The second set of ultrasound waves are transmitted at a second pulse repetition frequency.
Embodiments of ultrasound utility station and methods for using the same are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes displaying a status of the ultrasound machine that indicates a location of the ultrasound machine and an amount of charge of a battery of the ultrasound machine, and displaying an additional status that indicates an additional location of the ultrasound utility station and one or more available ultrasound probes on the ultrasound utility station. After receiving a selection of an ultrasound probe of the available ultrasound probes and a user input that determines a schedule for said configuring the ultrasound machine, the method instructs the ultrasound utility station to charge the battery of the ultrasound machine and provide the ultrasound probe for transfer to the ultrasound machine.
G16H 40/40 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
Examples herein include piezoelectric layers of an ultrasound transducer, ultrasound transducers, methods of manufacturing the transducers, and methods of manufacturing the piezoelectric layers of an ultrasound transducer. In one example, a piezoelectric layer of an ultrasound transducer include a non-metallic frame and a piezoelectric material. The non-metallic frame surrounds the piezoelectric material on at least two sides and is coupled to a lens support structure with a structure such that an acoustic lens and the piezoelectric material are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The piezoelectric material is sized to span an area greater than or equal to an active surface of the acoustic lens.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H10N 30/072 - Forming of piezoelectric or electrostrictive parts or bodies on an electrical element or another base by laminating or bonding of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies
An ultrasound imaging system performs spectral Doppler processing in a manner that considers a physiological cycle of a subject. In one embodiment, gaps in a spectral Doppler signal are filled taking by a processor that analyzes changes in the spectral Doppler signal caused by a physiological cycle. Spectral Doppler data are scaled to fit with the data occurring before and after a gap. The firing order of an interleaved imaging mode can also be adjusted so that spectral Doppler imaging is not interrupted during pre-defined or user defined portions of a physiological cycle.
In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes transmitting a set of ultrasound waves to towards a target area. The set of ultrasound waves are transmitted by a set of ultrasound elements. The set of ultrasound elements are positioned at different locations in a transducer assembly. The method also includes receiving a set of reflections of the set of ultrasound waves. The set of reflections of the set of ultrasound waves are received by the set of ultrasound elements. The method further includes determining a set of correction values for the set of ultrasound elements. Each correction value of the set of correction values represents a refraction of one reflection of the set of reflections as the one reflection passes through a respective ultrasound element of the set of ultrasound elements. The method further includes generating imaging data based on the set of reflections of the set of ultrasound waves and the set of correction values for the set of ultrasound elements.
An ultrasound transducer includes a planar linear array stack. The stack includes a lens layer comprising an acoustic lens and a lens support structure, where a portion of the acoustic lens is secured to the lens support structure. The stack also includes a piezoelectric layer comprising a non-metallic frame and a piezoelectric material, the non-metallic frame surrounding the piezoelectric material on at least two sides, the non-metallic frame coupled to a portion of the lens support structure such that the acoustic lens and the non-metallic frame are oriented substantially parallel to each other. The transducer also includes an interposer frame to position one or more flex circuits, where the interposer frame is coupled to the non-metallic frame via a conductive element in the non-metallic frame and to the one or more flex circuits.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
G10K 11/30 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using refraction, e.g. acoustic lenses
Planar phased ultrasound transducer including a first layer including a sheet of piezoelectric material, a piezo frame surrounding an outer perimeter of the sheet of piezoelectric material, and an epoxy material placed between the piezo frame and the sheet of piezoelectric material. The transducer includes a flex frame secured to a back side of the first layer.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
100.
Ultrasound scanner that supports handset wireless network connectivity
Systems and methods to provide an ultrasound scanner that supports handset wireless network connectivity are described. An ultrasound scanner includes a transducer system that generates, as part of an ultrasound examination, ultrasound data based on reflections of ultrasound signals transmitted by the transducer system. The ultrasound scanner includes a first transceiver that communicates, over a first communication link, the ultrasound data to a display device that displays an ultrasound image based on the ultrasound data. The ultrasound scanner includes one or more additional transceivers that communicate, over a one or more additional communication links and simultaneously with the first transceiver communicating the ultrasound data over the first communication link, the ultrasound data through an access point of a care facility administering the ultrasound examination.
patents
