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.
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
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
2.
MULTI-LAYER FLEXIBLE ARRAY INTERCONNECT FOR AN ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE
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.
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
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
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.
An ultrasound transducer includes a planar 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.
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
5.
AN ULTRASOUND SCANNER THAT SUPPORTS HANDSET WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTIVITY FIELD
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.
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.
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.
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
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
9.
PRESERVING DATA INTEGRITY IN TASKS ACROSS A COMPUTING SYSTEM
Computer-implemented method, computer program products, and computer systems include a processor(s) obtaining a message indicating an individual is present at a location. The processor(s) generates a new service request for the individual with a unique identifier. The processor(s) transmit the new service request to a shared queue in the computing environment.
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project managementEnterprise or organisation planningEnterprise or organisation modelling
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
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.
A method for calculating a heart parameter includes receiving a series of two- dimensional images of a heart, the series covering at least one heart cycle. The method includes calculating a volume of the heart in a first systole image based on an orientation of the heart in the first systole image and a segmentation of the heart in the first systole image, and a volume of the heart in a first diastole image based at least on an orientation of the heart in the first diastole image and a segmentation of the heart in the first diastole image; determining the heart parameter based at least on the volume of the heart in the first systole image and the volume of the heart in the first diastole image; determining a confidence score of the heart parameter; and displaying the heart parameter and the confidence score.
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
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.
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.
Certain embodiments describe a system, method, and apparatus for multi-spectral photoacoustic imaging. A method, for example, can include receiving multi-spectral photoacoustic image data from a photoacoustic imaging system. The method can also include pre-processing the multi-spectral photoacoustic image data. The pre-processing can comprise determining a number of significant components above a noise floor of the multi-spectral photoacoustic image data. In addition, the method can include detecting tissue chromophores based on the number of significant components from the multi-spectral photoacoustic image data using an unsupervised spectral unmixing process. The unsupervised spectral unmixing process can include clustering and windowing of the multi-spectral photoacoustic image data. The method can further include displaying the detected tissue chromophores in an abundance map.
A dynamic power reduction method and apparatus for use in an ultrasound system are described. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system comprises: a transducer assembly and imaging subsystem having a transmit data path having a transmitter to transmit acoustic signals and a receive data path having including signal acquisition circuitry with a receiver to receive acoustic signals representing echoes; a plurality of real-time signals indicative of status of imaging operations being performed by the transmit and receive paths; a clock generator to generate one or more clocks for use by the transmit and receive data paths; clock gating circuitry coupled to the clock generator and the transmit and receive paths and having circuits to gate clocks to at least one of the transmit and receive paths; and a clock gating controller coupled to the clock gating circuitry to control the circuits to gate or pass clock signals to at least one of the transmit and receive paths automatically in response to receipt of one or more signals from the plurality of real-time signals.
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.
Certain embodiments are directed to a method, system, or apparatus, such as a medical imaging device. The method can include retrieving data from a worksheet or form repository server. The data can include one or more fields of a customized worksheet or form. The one or more fields can be based on at least one of an identification of a user, a location of the medical imaging device, or a medical department using the medical imaging device. The method can also include recreating the customized worksheet or form at the medical imaging device based on the received data, and displaying the recreated customized worksheet or form on a graphical user interface connected to the medical imaging device. In addition, the method can include producing a medical image via the medical imaging device, and automatically forwarding the customized worksheet or form and the medical image to a billable or educational workflow.
A hydrophone used for measuring acoustic energy from a high frequency ultrasound transducer, or a method of manufacturing the membrane hydrophone. The membrane assembly is supported by the frame and comprises a piezoelectric. The hydrophone also includes an electrode pattern formed within the piezoelectric to define an active area. In addition, the hydrophone includes a built in-situ coaxial layer connected to the active area.
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
G01H 11/08 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by detecting changes in electric or magnetic properties by electric means using piezoelectric devices
H04R 1/44 - Special adaptations for subaqueous use, e.g. for hydrophone
19.
ON-SCREEN MARKERS FOR OUT-OF-PLANE NEEDLE GUIDANCE
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.
A61B 34/00 - Computer-aided surgeryManipulators or robots specially adapted for use in surgery
A61B 34/10 - Computer-aided planning, simulation or modelling of surgical operations
A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
A61B 90/11 - 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 for stereotaxic surgery, e.g. frame-based stereotaxis with guides for needles or instruments, e.g. arcuate slides or ball joints
20.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVE LAYER FOR TRANSDUCER FACE TEMPERATURE REDUCTION
A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for a thermally conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction in an ultrasound transducer assembly. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducer assembly comprises: a transducer layer configured to emit ultrasound energy; one or more matching layers overlaying the transducer layer; a thermally conductive layer overlaying the one or more matching layers; and a lens overlaying the thermally conductive 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
An ultrasound probe and method for using the same are described. In one embodiment, the ultrasound probe comprises: a probe array assembly having a probe tip; a first enclosure disposed around a portion of the probe array assembly, where the first enclosure has first and second openings and comprises a thermally conductive material; and one or more thermally conductive fins contained within the first enclosure, each of the one or more thermally conductive fins having one end enclosed within the probe array assembly and a portion extending away from the probe array assembly and in thermal contact with an inner surface of the first enclosure to create a thermal path from the first opening to the second opening in the first enclosure.
In one embodiment, a photoacoustic imaging system receives user input to specify one or more imaging wavelengths, and a target number of image frames to be taken of a target tissue region. The specified imaging wavelengths are set to capture at least two different photoabsorbing molecules in the target tissue. The photoacoustic imaging system takes image frames at the specified wavelengths, while the system also receives ECG and respiration data of the subject. Image frames are discarded based on the respiration data, and the other image frames are sorted into a plurality of slots corresponding to different points of the cardiac cycle from the ECG data. The system creates a composite image from the one or more wavelengths to show the target tissue of interest through the different points of the cardiac cycle.
In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is configured to receive a set of ultrasound images of a target anatomical region, to create a composite tissue frame from the set of ultrasound images, and to determine whether an interventional instrument is present within the ultrasound images based on a set of trained classification algorithms. 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. The ultrasound imaging system may also be able to automatically detect whether the interventional instrument has been inserted into the anatomical structure from the left side, or from the right side.
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.
Certain embodiments include an apparatus, system, or method for time-gain compensation control of an ultrasound system. A computer- implemented method can include providing a tactile gain control comprising a near, middle, and far gain control. The middle gain control can be configured for two-dimensional range adjustment of depth and gain. The computer- implemented method can also include adjust at least one of the near, middle, or far gain control. In addition, the computer-implemented method can include displaying an ultrasound image based on at least one of the adjusted near, middle, or far gain control.
An ultrasound imaging system performs spectral Doppler processing in a manner that considers a physiological cycle of a subject. In one embodiments, 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 occuring 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.
Apparatuses and associated methods for mounting PCBs and other electronics boards in portable medical equipment and/or other portable and non-portable electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the technology disclosed herein can provide PCB mounting systems that isolate the PCB from detrimental shock, vibration, and/or strain, while also providing electrical ground paths that greatly reduce EMI and other electrical disturbances. Some embodiments of the mounting systems described herein include both elastomeric (e.g., rubber) components and resilient metallic grounding members that, when assembled together, provide favorable shock mounting as well as robust electrical grounding without the inconvenience of using separate shock mounts, grounding straps, etc.
A processor in an ultrasound imaging system identifies faults or errors in the system. In one embodiment, fault or error conditions are detected by monitoring system parameters during a self test. In another embodiments, a processor provides ultrasound image data to a trained neural network to identify fault conditions in a transducer or the imaging system. In some embodiments, the processor makes adjustments to one or more operating parameters to compensate for the identified fault conditions so that the system continues to operate and produce images with the detected fault condition.
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein for securely docking portable ultrasound imaging devices and/or other medica equipment to stand heads and other support structures. In some embodiments, a protable imaging device can include a movable carring handle that enables the user to easily secure the imaging device to a stand head by rotating the handle to engage one or more latch mechanisms on the stand head. The user can quickly remove the imaging devide from the stand head for transport to another location by disengaging the one or more latches and rotating the handle in the opposite direction. If the new location lacks a stand head or other docketing structure, the user can rotate the handle downwardly to act as a stand that elevates the rear portion of the devide to facilitate use on a desktop or other surface.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor that is programmed to operate the system in a normal operating state and two or more lesser power states. The processor lowers the operating power state to a lesser power state upon detecting one or more operating conditions such as no tissue been imaged in a predetermined time limit or that the imaging system or transducer has not been moved in a time limit. Upon awakening from a power off state, the processor implements a lesser power state before operating at the normal operating state to avoid undue power use until the transducer is positioned to image tissue.
Ultrasound imaging systems for automatically adjusting settings according to an position and/or orientation of one or more interfaces. The ultrasound imaging systems can include a probe configured to send and receive ultrasound signals for performing a medical exam, a medical procedure, or both; and a processor configured to: select a diagnostics mode or a procedural mode based on an operating orientation of the ultrasound imaging system or a portion thereof, and adjust one or more settings of the imaging system according to the selected diagnostics mode or the selected procedural mode.
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.
A high frequency ultrasound array having a number of transducer elements that are formed in sheet of piezoelectric material. A frame having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the piezoelectric material surrounds the piezoelectric material and is separated from the piezoelectric material by an epoxy material. Kerf cuts that define the individual elements in the sheet of piezoelectric material extend across a full width of the sheet. In some embodiments, sub-dice kerf cuts that divide a single transducer element into two or more sub-elements also extend all the way across the width of the sheet. A lens positioned in front of the transducer elements can have a radius machined therein to focus ultrasound signals. The frame, transducer elements and lens are bent or curved with the desired radius to focus ultrasound signals.
A PMUT ultrasound transducer includes a number of PMUT transmitting elements in a membrane layer. Behind each PMUT transmitting element is a cavity in the membrane layer. The cavities are partially or completely filled with a damping material to reduce ringing of the PMUT transmitting elements. Suitable damping materials include polymers, e.g., soft epoxies, benzocyclobutene or polyimide that are dispersed into the cavities or a phase changing material such as Parylene that precipitates out of a gas phase as a polymer when cured.
H01L 41/08 - Piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
H01L 41/083 - Piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements having a stacked or multilayer structure
H01L 41/27 - Manufacturing multilayered piezo-electric or electrostrictive devices or parts thereof, e.g. by stacking piezo-electric bodies and electrodes
35.
ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH STYLE TRANSFER IMAGE ENHANCEMENT
An ultrasound imaging system enhances the display of an ultrasound image by applying a selected style to the content of the ultrasound image. The style may be of anatomic illustrations of a particular anatomical feature such as tissue type or may be the style of a previously obtained ultrasound image that shows tissue well. The style of other imaging modes can also be applied. In some embodiments, a training mode of the ultrasound imaging system implements a style transfer technique to enhance the appearance of captured ultrasound image data.
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.
A dual frequency ultrasound transducer includes a high frequency (HF) transducer and a low frequency (LF) transducer that is positioned behind the high frequency transducer. An intermediate layer is positioned between the low frequency transducer and the high frequency transducer to absorb high frequency ultrasound signals. An alignment feature on the low frequency transducer is positioned with respect to a fiducial that is marked at a known position with respect to high frequency transducer elements of the HF transducer to align low frequency transducer elements of the LF transducer with the HF transducer elements.
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor that is programmed to operate the system in a normal operating state and two or more lesser power states. The processor lowers the operating power state to a lesser power state upon detecting one or more operating conditions such as no tissue been imaged in a predetermined time limit or that the imaging system or transducer has not been moved in a time limit. Upon awakening from a power off state, the processor implements a lesser power state before operating at the normal operating state to avoid undue power use until the transducer is positioned to image tissue.
A high frequency ultrasound array having a number of transducer elements that are formed in sheet of piezoelectric material. A frame having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is similar to that of the piezoelectric material surrounds the piezoelectric material and is separated from the piezoelectric material by a filling material. Kerf cuts that define the individual elements in the sheet of piezoelectric material extend across a full width of the sheet. I n some embodiments, sub-dice kerf cuts that divide a single transducer element into two or more sub-elements also extend all the way across the width of the sheet. A lens positioned in front of the transducer elements can have a radius machined therein to focus ultrasound signals.
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
An ultrasound imaging system is configured to interface with a dual frequency ultrasound transducer having one or more low frequency ultrasound arrays and one or more high frequency ultrasound arrays. The imaging system produces driving pulses for both the high frequency ultrasound array and the low frequency ultrasound imaging array. Analog echo signals are processed to produce a low frequency ultrasound image and a high frequency ultrasound image that are simultaneously displayed. Tissue shown in the high frequency ultrasound image is a portion of the tissue shown in the low frequency ultrasound image.
An ultrasound point-of-care system receives a worksheet from a worksheet server. The worksheet is encoded as HTML that is configured to be rendered by a browser component of system software. One or more predefined JavaScript functions in the HTML provide information that is entered by a user into the worksheet and meta-data about the worksheet. System software on the medical device uses an intermediate component or code insertion to execute the JavaScript functions to retrieve the entered information and the meta-data. The system software stores the information locally and packages the retrieved information and meta-data as a DICOM file for transmission to the worksheet server when a computer communication connection to the worksheet server becomes available.
G16H 15/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
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 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 80/00 - ICT specially adapted for facilitating communication between medical practitioners or patients, e.g. for collaborative diagnosis, therapy or health monitoring
42.
DUAL FREQUENCY PLANE WAVE ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM
A dual frequency transducer array includes one or more low frequency transducer arrays and a high frequency transducer array. Unfocused ultrasound such as plane waves are transmitted by the one or more low frequency transducer arrays in a number of different directions into an imaging region of the high frequency transducer array. High frequency echo signals produced by excited contrast agent in the imaging region are received by the high frequency transducer array to produce a contrast agent image. In another embodiment, the high frequency transducer produces unfocused ultrasound to excite the contrast agent in the imaging region and the low frequency transducer(s) receives low frequency echo signals from the excited contrast agent. A tissue image is created from echo signals received by the high or low frequency transducer. Echo data from the tissue image and the contrast agent image are combined to produce a combined tissue/contrast agent image
An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to identify the type of tissue being imaged and to confirm that one or more system settings and/or the energy of ultrasound imaging signals delivered is set appropriately for such tissue. In one embodiment, an image obtained with the ultrasound imaging system is analyzed to determine if the tissue is ophthalmic (eye) tissue. If so, the system parameter settings and/or the transmit power of the signals produced by the ultrasound system are adjusted or maintained at a level that is appropriate for imaging such tissue.
A laser light source transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument such as a needle via an optical fiber. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The laser light source is configured to receive a trigger signal from an ultrasound machine when a laser pulse is to be produced. The light source signals the ultrasound machine when an optical connector is connected to the laser light source to automatically begin a needle tip (NTV) visualization mode. If the optical connector is removed from the laser light source, the laser light source stops producing laser light pulses.
Systems and methods of facilitating the viewing of interventional instruments (e.g., needles, catheters, guidewires, vascular filters, biopsy probes) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable, handheld or cart-based ultrasound imaging machine is connected to an external laser light source that transmits laser light to a tip of an interventional instrument via one or more optical fibers. The laser light is absorbed at the distal tip of the instrument and generates a photoacoustic signal. The ultrasound imaging machine creates an image by combining data from the received photoacoustic signals with ultrasound echo data to show both tissue in a region of interest and the tip of the interventional instrument.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a processor programmed to generate an anatomy image and a number of needle frames at different transmit beam angles. The system analyzes the data in the needle frames and selects segments therein that are identified as likely representing an interventional instrument. Data from one or more needle frames are blended with the data for the anatomy image of the tissue to create a composite image of the tissue and the interventional instrument.
An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination.
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.
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.
An ultrasound transducer has an array of transducer elements that are electrically coupled to electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the conductors are included in a flex circuit and engage a conductive surface formed on a number of outwardly extending ribs on a frame that holds the ultrasound array. In one embodiment, the flex circuit includes an alignment feature that engages a corresponding registration feature on the frame so that the traces on the flex circuit align with the ribs on the frame.
Disclosed is a medical device that includes a phased array ultrasound transducer. The transducer includes a number of transducer elements that are electrically coupled to corresponding electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the conductors are included in a flex circuit and engage corresponding transducer elements though a conductive surface formed on outwardly extending ribs of a frame that holds the ultrasound array. In one embodiment, the phased array is forward facing in the medical device and has an element pitch of 0.75 lambda or less and more preferably 0.6 lambda or less. In one embodiment, the transducer is rotatable over an angle of +/- 90 degrees to provide a 360 degree view of tissue surrounding the distal end of the device.
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.
A membrane hydrophone for analyzing high frequency ultrasound transducers has a piezoelectric membrane with electrode patterns created on the surface of the membrane. In one embodiment, the electrode patterns are doubled on each side of the membrane except for an active area of the hydrophone. In one embodiment, the electrodes are formed by removing a conductive coating on the membrane with laser pulses. The laser is set to remove the conductive coating from the piezoelectric membrane from the same side of the membrane in order to accurately align the electrodes in the active area. In one embodiment, the active area of the hydrophone has an area in a range of 900 - 10,000 square microns.
G01H 11/08 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by detecting changes in electric or magnetic properties by electric means using piezoelectric devices
H04R 1/44 - Special adaptations for subaqueous use, e.g. for hydrophone
54.
ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED TRAINING MODES
An ultrasound imaging system includes a control with which a user can view one or more training materials regarding how to use the system or perform an examination. The training materials are associated with one or more of the operating parameters of the ultrasound system. Upon selecting a help me control, a search is performed for those training materials that are associated with one or more current operating parameters of the ultrasound system. In another aspect, training materials include a record of one or more operating parameters used or described in the content of the training materials. When viewing training material, a user can select a "show me" control on the ultrasound system, which causes the operating parameters used or described in the training material to be loaded into the circuitry of the ultrasound machine. The user can then operate the ultrasound imaging system with the same imaging parameters used or described in the training material being viewed.
Systems and methods of transmitting heat away from an ultrasound probe are disclosed within. In one embodiment, a handheld ultrasound probe includes a transducer, electronics configured to drive the transducer, and a housing surrounding the transducer assembly and the electronics. A slot extending from a first side of the housing to a second side of the housing and can allow air to pass adjacent transducer and the electronics. The slot can be sized to inhibit accessibility of an operator's finger to an inner surface of slot.
A portable ultrasound system having dedicated power source devices is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a portable ultrasound system can include transducer electronics and a base unit having base-unit electronics configured to receive user input and to operate the transducer electronics to perform ultrasound scanning based on the user input. The portable ultrasound system further includes a first power source device configured to power the transducer electronics and a second power source device configured to power the base-unit electronics without powering the transducer electronics.
High frequency ultrasound transducers configured for use with high frequency ultrasound diagnostic imaging systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound transducer includes a concave lens having an average thickness in a center portion that that is substantially equal to an odd multiple a 1/4- wavelength of the center frequency of the ultrasound transducer.
High frequency ultrasound transducers configured for use with photoacoustics systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound transducer stack includes a transducer layer and an at least partially optically reflective lens layer. The lens can include a lens material doped with a plurality of optically reflective particles. In another embodiment, the transducer stack can further include a matching layer comprising a matrix material doped with a plurality of optically reflective particles. In a further embodiment, the transducer stack can include an optically reflective matching layer positioned proximate a front surface of an acoustic lens.
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
A high frequency ultrasound probe includes a substrate having a number of transducer elements on it and a ground plane that is electrically coupled by one or more vias to a conductive frame that supports the substrate. The conductive frame is electrically coupled to a ground plane of a printed circuit having conductors that are coupled to the transducer elements.
A photoacoustic ultrasound transducer receives excitation light on a bundle of optical fibers. The optical fibers in the bundle are divided to direct the excitation light onto light bars positioned on either side of an imaging stack. A small portion of the optical fibers direct a portion of the excitation light onto an optical sensor that is located within the transducer housing.
A method of operating a portable ultrasound device to display digital video information from a video camera includes loading instructions into a memory of the device that configures processor electronics to process digital video signals. When a request for the video is received, the ultrasound device can ready itself to receive digital video information and display an image at a display of the ultrasound device based at least in part on the video information. In one embodiment, the video modality is enabled when the portable ultrasound device detects that the digital camera device has been connected to a port.
A progressive beamformer in an imaging system includes a number of stages. A first stage delays and combines a number of received data streams to align the streams to a point of interest on a first beamline. The first stage feeds a number of subsequent stages that operate to buffer and re-delay at least a portion of the data streams received from a previous stage in order to align the data streams to a point of interest on a new beamline. In one embodiment, each stage operates to reduce the number of data streams that are passed to a subsequent stage without suffering from grating lobes. A beam reclamation process includes a number of stages that receive data streams from end elements in order to produce reclaimed beams that are added to beamline produced in a mainline beamforming process in order to produce output beamlines.
Systems and methods for receiving touch-based input from an operator of an imaging device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging device is configured to receive tactile input from an operator. The imaging device presents an ultrasound image to the operator and the operator can perform one or more touch inputs on the image. Based on the received input, the imaging device can update the display of the image.
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