Acuson Corporation

Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc.

Joan Carol Main

Edward A Gardner

Richard Kane

John Alexander Hossack

Ismayil M Guracar

Bhaskar S Ramamurthy

Sriram Krishnan

John W Sliwa, Jr

Gregory L Holley

John I Jackson

Paul E Chandler

Worth B Walters

Janice L Marshall

Richard M Bennett

Anming He

Jeffrey R Resnick

Matthew Paul Esham

John A Davidson

A region of interest is identified by user selection of a single point. Multiple regions of interest may be identified by selection of multiple points. Region growing is then used to define the boundary of the region of interest.

Region of interest methods and systems for ultrasound imaging

A region of interest is identified by user selection. Multiple regions of interest may be identified. An image processing region is identified by adding additional spatial locations to a region of interest. The image processing region of interest is then used for image processing.

An anatomical feature condition assessment system includes an acquisition processor for acquiring data representing the velocity and direction measurements of individual segments of an anatomical feature of a patient. A repository contains mapping data associating averaged velocity and direction measurements within a predetermined particular segment of the anatomical feature with a set of values. A data processor averages the acquired velocity and direction measurements within the predetermined particular segment of the anatomical feature and uses the mapping data to identify a set of values associated with the averaged acquired velocity and direction measurements. The data processor uses the identified set of values to derive an assessment of the condition of the anatomical feature of the patient.

Anatomical feature condition assessment system using tissue displacement characteristics

A system and method for converting 2-D ultrasound data into a 2-D display image. The system and method input a 2-D ultrasound data set, transform the 2-D ultrasound data set into a mathematical 3-D data set, and transform the mathematical 3-D data set into an altered 2-D data set. Another preferred embodiment of the invention involves generating a mathematical surface, such that the height of the mathematical surface is based on a first component of an ultrasound signal in a 2-D ultrasound data set; mapping the mathematical surface to points on a 2-D plane; assigning a color value to each point based on a second component of the ultrasound signal; and displaying the mapped mathematical surface with the assigned color values on a 2-D display device.

System and method for the display of ultrasound data

The preferred embodiments include a diagnostic medical ultrasound system and method for object of interest extraction. Unlike some extraction techniques, the preferred embodiments do not require the user to perform the time consuming task of manually tracing the border of the object of interest. Further, unlike some automatic border detection techniques, the preferred embodiments produce an accurate border of an object of interest even if the object of interest is connected to neighboring anatomy with similar properties.

Diagnostic medical ultrasound system and method for object of interest extraction

A method and system for imaging contrast agent within human or animal tissue, organs and/or blood is provided. Contrast agents, such as perfluorocarbon gas-filled albumin microbubbles which exhibit momentary contrast enhancement when exposed to high intensity ultrasound are injected into a patient. Periodic images are generated to avoid reduction in the contrast provided by the contrast agents due to ultrasound destruction. Between the periodic images, an M-mode image is substantially continuously updated to allow the user to better locate and maintain imaging of a region of interest, determine dynamic movement within the region of interest, access attenuation, determine an appropriate trigger point, and view perfusion of the contrast agent between the periodic images while minimizing destruction of contrast agent. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system alternates between triggered firings of a two-dimensional B-mode image and substantially continuous updating of an M-mode image. The M-mode image is displayed as a strip revealing the time course of reflected ultrasound echoes along a scan line within the B-mode image plane. The B-mode image is displayed adjacent to the M-mode image. In a second embodiment, two-dimensional B-mode and color Doppler images are triggered. The Doppler energy parameter is used for generating the adjacent and substantially continuous M-mode image.

Medical diagnostic ultrasound system and method for continuous M-mode imaging and periodic imaging of contrast agents

A method and system for generating three-dimensional representations using opacity modulation are provided. The opacity level associated with each datum in a 3D volume data set is controlled as a function of at least one Doppler parameter, such as variance. Areas of high variance are assigned a higher level of opacity than areas of low variance. For a Doppler velocity image, velocities associated with high variance are displayed more opaquely than velocities associated with low variance, thereby emphasizing the more opaque regions. The more transparent velocities (i.e., those associated with low variance) still contribute to the image and are displayed. Other Doppler parameters may be used for the image, such as energy, tissue motion or variance. Furthermore, other Doppler parameters may be used to control the opacity, such as velocity, energy or tissue motion.

Ultrasonic system and method for three-dimensional imaging with opacity

An ultrasonic imaging device for imaging the middle and inner ear is here described. It includes a thin, flattened shaft, a deformable support structure, a mounting surface, and an ultrasonic imaging array. Imaging is effected by the introduction of an acoustically conductive fluid into the middle ear space. Access to the tympanum through the external auditory canal and adjacent to the probe shaft for the purpose of injecting fluid into the middle ear space both before and during the exam is permitted by the flattened probe shaft. The deformable probe shaft may be bent or angulated to best fit a particular patients ear thus permitting optimal access for imaging through the tympanum and around the manubrium of the malleus attached down the midline of the tympanum. High resolution imaging of all structures within the middle and inner ear is achievable.

Ultrasound otoscope

A method of imaging to aid tissue viability determinations is provided. Tissue motion is detected for at least region of tissue. Perfusion is estimated as a function of intensity data and time for the region of tissue. An image responsive to the detected tissue motion and the estimated perfusion is displayed. A combination of tissue motion imaging and perfusion estimation provides an assessment of tissue viability. If tissue exhibits perfusion and motion, then the tissue is likely normal. Any other perfusion and motion characteristic combination indicates abnormal tissue viability.

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Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Joan Carol Main