Riverside Research Institute

Cheri Xiaoyu Deng

Frederic Louis Lizzi

An ultrasound system is provided which includes a therapy ultrasound transducer and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer and operates in accordance with a method to direct the application of the therapy ultrasound. The method includes operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer to acquire a first ultrasound image; simultaneously operating the diagnostic ultrasound transducer and therapy ultrasound transducer for a second interval to acquire a second ultrasound image; and determining a difference in the first and second images indicative of the pattern of the therapy ultrasound transducer signal. The difference in the images, which result from enhanced non-linearities and propagation distortions induced by the high intensity therapy ultrasound, can be obtained by subtracting the two images. A method is also provided for monitoring the progress of high intensity therapy ultrasound which evaluates transient changes due to in-situ heating as well as permanent changes which result from cell microstructure alteration.

System and method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging for therapy guidance and monitoring

The concentration and/or radii of a contrast agent in a fluid can be estimated by acquiring ultrasound spectral data, performing spectral analysis to generate a linear estimation of the power spectrum, and correlating at least one spectral parameter to a predetermined distribution function for the contrast agent. If the mean radius squared of particles is known, then the concentration of contrast agent particles can be calculated. If the concentration is constant, then relative variations in mean radius squared can be determined.

Ultrasonic systems and methods for contrast agent concentration measurement

A dual-frequency band ultrasonic apparatus provides a first ultrasound signal to a region at a first frequency band and a second ultrasound signal at a second frequency band for monitoring the region. A processor controls the first and second ultrasound signals such that a predetermined phase relationship is achieved between the first frequency band signal and the second frequency band signal. The apparatus can employ a single transducer operable at both frequency bands or separate transducers for the first and second frequency bands.

Dual band ultrasonic systems

Fluid flow rate and perfusion rate are measured using ultrasound techniques by introducing a contrast agent into a fluid stream and then selectively modifying the contrast agent particles within a target area by the application of a focused pulse of relatively low frequency ultrasonic energy, thus creating a zone of reduced backscatter in the target area. The restoration of the zone of reduced backscatter or the movement of the zone of reduced backscatter is monitored, preferably using high frequency ultrasound, to determine the flow rate or perfusion rate of the fluid. Spectral parameters of ultrasound return signals are evaluated to determine an estimate of contrast agent concentration and/or mean particle size.

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Edison, NJ, United States of America

Cheri Xiaoyu Deng