Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.

Marshall T Robinson

Helen Frances Routh

Thanasis Loupas

Roy B Peterson

Aline Laure Criton

Bruce Adrian Kincy

Patrick Rene' Pesque

Daniel C Schmiesing

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described by which a fundamental frequency signal is transmitted into the body and harmonic (nonlinear) echo returns are received from the transmission. The harmonic echo signals are Doppler processed and displayed. The harmonic Doppler signals may be displayed alone, or in combination with a fundamental frequency or harmonic grayscale image. In a preferred embodiment harmonic signals returned from moving tissue are segmented on an intensity or frequency basis and displayed. The inventive apparatus and method provide highly resolved ultrasonic images of moving tissue which are substantially unobscured by image clutter from structures or tissue in the near field.

Ultrasonic harmonic doppler imaging

A technique for continuously determining and displaying the peak velocities of spectral Doppler information is disclosed. A Doppler noise threshold level is determined from operating characteristics of the ultrasound system, probe, or both. Received spectral Doppler data for a spectral line is compared to this threshold to identify a valid peak velocity value. Spectral lines are examined in advance of their display to detect excursions due to artifacts such as valve clicks. Peak velocity values are interpolated and displayed in place of artifact peak values. Individual heart cycles over which quantified measures of cardiovascular performance are computed and displayed are selected by the R-wave intervals of an ECG trace. The interval of the concurrent spectral Doppler display corresponding to the heart cycle interval over which the quantified measures are computed or pertain is automatically highlighted for the user.

Continuous display of cardiac blood flow information

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided by which an ultrasonic image and Doppler flow information are simultaneously displayed from echo acquisition sequences alternating between image signal acquisition and Doppler signal acquisition. To continuously display Doppler information during the intervals that images signal acquisition is occurring, these gaps in Doppler signal acquisition are filled by signals derived from the Doppler signals received prior to and succeeding the gaps. The Doppler signals received prior to the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the initial portion of the gap. The Doppler signals received following the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the final portion of the gap. A gapsize calculator is responsive to variations in system scanning parameters to set the durations of the successive image and Doppler signal acquisition intervals to obtain optimal frame rates of display.

Simultaneous ultrasonic imaging and Doppler display system

Growing community of inventors

Snohomish, WA, United States of America

Marshall T Robinson