Fujifilm Sonosite, Inc.

Sonosite, Inc.

Keith David Williams

Andrew Lundberg

Wei Li

Wendy Swan

Paul Thurman Dunham

Gina Kelly

Lee David Dunbar

Carl E Fabian

Qinglin Ma

Steven R Marquis

Wealth Mele Salvador

Hiroshi Murakami

Brian R Twehues

Lee D Dunbar

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.

On-screen markers for out-of-plane needle guidance

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.

Thermal conductive layer for transducer face temperature reduction

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.

Ultrasound system for imaging and protecting ophthalmic or other sensitive tissues

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.

Laser light source for instrument tip visualization

Systems and methods which determine the position of an instrument internal to an object using an opto-mechanical sensor are shown. Embodiments utilize an opto-mechanical sensor system in which a mechanical instrument interface provides instrument movement information to a corresponding optical sensor system to determine instrument movement. Determinations of instrument movement preferably provide information regarding movement direction and speed. Such information, when used in combination with other information such as starting position or starting position offset, insertion angle or angle of attack, and/or insertion plane, is utilized by embodiments of the invention to determine the position of an instrument or portion thereof. Embodiments are adapted to accommodate different instrument configurations. Position information may be utilized in combination with an ultrasound image to display a visual representation of the instrument, or portion thereof, within a object being imaged.

Systems and methods for assisting with internal positioning of instruments

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Keith David Williams