公开(公告)号：EP0770352A1

公开(公告)日：1997-05-02

申请号：EP96307359.8

申请日：1996-10-09

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Powers, Jeffry Earl ,  Bruce, Matthew ,  Averkiou, Michalakis ,  Hwang, Juin-Jet

IPC: A61B8/00

CPC classification number: A61B8/543 ,  A61B8/06 ,  A61B8/08 ,  A61B8/13 ,  A61B8/463 ,  A61B8/481 ,  A61B8/488 ,  A61K49/223 ,  G01S7/52038 ,  G01S7/52039 ,  G01S7/52041 ,  G01S15/8963

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents. Ultrasonic apparatus is provided for coherent imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents, and for detecting harmonic contrast agents. The inventive apparatus includes a dual display for simultaneously viewing a real time image which displays the location of the contrast agent and a triggered contrast image. Methods of contrast agent detection and imaging include the measurement of perfusion rate characteristics, multizone contrast imaging, multifrequency contrast imaging, tissue perfusion display, high PRF contrast image artifact elimination, and alternate polarity acquisition of nonlinear contrast effects.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于超声造影剂的检测和成像的装置和方法。 提供超声波设备用于超声造影剂的相干成像，以及用于检测谐波造影剂。 本发明的装置包括双显示器，用于同时观看显示造影剂的位置的实时图像和触发的对比度图像。 造影剂检测和成像的方法包括灌注速率特征，多区域造影成像，多频对比成像，组织灌注显示，高PRF对比度图像伪像消除以及非线性对比效应的交替极性获取的测量。

公开(公告)号：EP0706777A2

公开(公告)日：1996-04-17

申请号：EP95307243.6

申请日：1995-10-12

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Robinson, Marshall T.

IPC: A61B8/06

CPC classification number: G01S15/8979 ,  A61B8/06 ,  A61B8/13 ,  A61B8/463 ,  G01S7/5206

Abstract: 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.

Abstract translation: 该系统具有响应于在多普勒信号获取的间隔期间产生多普勒估计信号序列的多普勒信息信号的接收的装置。 响应于该信号的装置产生用于多普勒估计序列之间的间隙的信号。 响应于间隙之前的多普勒估计信号的装置在间隙的初始部分上导出间隙填充信号的第一序列。 响应于间隙之后的多普勒估计信号的装置在间隙的结论部分上导出间隔填充信号的第二序列。 响应于多普勒估计信号的序列的设备和间隔填充信号的插入的第一和第二序列显示多普勒信息。

公开(公告)号：EP0705564A2

公开(公告)日：1996-04-10

申请号：EP95307083.6

申请日：1995-10-06

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Starosta, Mikhail ,  Roundhill, David ,  Rust, David ,  Cooley, Clifford R.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G01S7/52

CPC classification number: G01S7/52085 ,  G01S7/52047 ,  G01S7/52063 ,  G01S15/8918 ,  G01S15/8979

Abstract: A technique for scanning an image field with adjacent beams of ultrasonic energy is provided in which initially transmitted beams are transmitted along beam directions down the center of the image field. Subsequent beams are alternately transmitted on either side of the initially transmitted beams and at increasing lateral locations in said field with respect to the locations of the initially transmitted beams until the full image field has been scanned. In one alternative embodiment initially transmitted beams are transmitted along beam directions at the lateral sides of the image field. Subsequent beams are alternately transmitted on either side of the initially transmitted beams and at lateral locations which converge toward the center of the image field until the full image field has been scanned. In another alternative embodiment initially transmitted beams are transmitted on one side of the center of the image field, subsequent beams diverge from the locations of the initially transmitted beams, and concluding beams laterally converge at a location on the other side of the center of the image field.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供一种用于扫描图像场与超声波能量的相邻波束技术在最初反mitted光束是沿波束方向向下的图像场的中心的反式mitted。 随后光束被交替地反式mitted上最初反mitted束的任一侧，并且在直到全部像场已被扫描相对于初始反mitted光束的位置增加所述场侧向位置。 在一个替代实施例中最初反mitted光束沿反式在图像场的横向侧波束方向mitted。 随后梁交替反式mitted在最初的反式mitted梁的两侧，在直到全部像场已被扫描向着像场的中心，汇聚侧向位置。 在另一替代实施例中最初反mitted光束在图像场的中心的一侧的反式mitted，随后光束从初始反mitted束的位置偏离，并且结束光束尾盘反弹的位置处收敛于图像的中心的另一侧 场。

公开(公告)号：EP0481691B1

公开(公告)日：1996-04-10

申请号：EP91309373.8

申请日：1991-10-11

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Peterson, Roy Beck ,  Powers, Jeffry E.

IPC: A61B8/06 ,  G01F1/66

CPC classification number: A61B8/06 ,  G01F1/663 ,  G01P5/241 ,  G01S15/52 ,  G01S15/582 ,  G01S15/8981

公开(公告)号：EP0650036A3

公开(公告)日：1996-01-31

申请号：EP94307502.8

申请日：1994-10-13

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Powers, Jeffry E. ,  Loupas, Thanasis

IPC: G01F1/66 ,  G01S15/89 ,  G01S15/58 ,  A61B8/06

CPC classification number: G01S15/8979 ,  G01S7/52034 ,  G01S7/52071 ,  G01S15/52 ,  G01S15/582

Abstract: A velocity estimation technique is provided for a pulse-echo ultrasonic diagnostic system in which a two dimensional array of samples is acquired from a sample volume. The two dimensions of the array are depth, in which echo signal samples are acquired in response to transmission of a pulse to the sample volume, and pulse time, in which samples are acquired in response to transmission of the pulses in the pulse ensemble to the sample volume. Two autocorrelation calculations are performed on the array, one in the depth dimension and another in the pulse time dimension to yield two correlation functions, the first related to echo frequency and the second related to the Doppler frequency. The two correlation functions are then employed in a Doppler velocity estimation to determine the velocity of motion at the sample volume. The technique utilizes the full information content present in the bandwidth of the received echo signals, thereby overcoming inaccuracies due to depth dependent frequency decline or coherent signal cancellation. Since accuracy is premised upon the number of samples in the array and not its size in a particular dimension, performance can be tailored to favor frame rate or axial resolution while maintaining the accuracy of velocity estimation.

公开(公告)号：EP0668051A2

公开(公告)日：1995-08-23

申请号：EP95201264.9

申请日：1991-11-21

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Keller, Philip ,  Augustine, Larry J. ,  Daigle, Ronald E.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  A61B8/08

CPC classification number: G01S15/8993 ,  A61B8/14 ,  A61B8/4254 ,  A61B8/483 ,  G01N2291/02827 ,  G01S15/8936 ,  G01S15/899 ,  Y10S128/916

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed which produces a sequence of images of planes of a subject including both image and spatial positional information of the image plane. In one embodiment the positional information is developed from a plurality of accelerometers located within a scanhead. The second integrals of the acceleration signals are used to determine positional information of the image plane. In a second embodiment a tranmitter transmits a magnetic field and a receiver attached to the scanhead detects the position of the scanhead in relation to the transmitted magnetic field. Spatially related images are displayed by displaying one image plane in the plane of the display and a second image plane projected in relation thereto. Either of the displayed planes may be displayed in outline form, and the outline may be modulated to depict depth.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种超声成像系统，其产生包括图像平面的图像和空间位置信息的主体的平面的图像序列。 在一个实施例中，位置信息是从位于扫描头内的多个加速度计产生的。 加速度信号的第二积分用于确定图像平面的位置信息。 在第二实施例中，发射器发射磁场，并且连接到扫描头的接收器检测扫描头相对于发射的磁场的位置。 通过在显示器的平面中显示一个图像平面和与其相关地投影的第二图像平面来显示空间相关的图像。 可以以轮廓形式显示所显示的平面中的任一个，并且可以调整轮廓以描绘深度。

公开(公告)号：EP0599590A3

公开(公告)日：1995-04-26

申请号：EP93309307.2

申请日：1993-11-22

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Nordgren, Timothy F. ,  Imling, Deborah K. ,  Ungari, Joseph L. ,  Killam, Donald Gilbert ,  McKeighen, Ronald E.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G10K11/00 ,  H01R9/07

CPC classification number: H01R9/032 ,  A61B8/06 ,  A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/445 ,  H01R9/0515 ,  H01R12/62 ,  H01R2201/12

Abstract: An intraoperative ultrasonic transducer probe is described comprising a handle section (20) and a transducer section (22) which resemble a tiny leg and foot. The two sections are obtusely angled relative to each other so that the physician may continue to clearly view the surgical site while holding and manipulating the probe. The extension of the transducer section away from its point of attachment to the handle section results in the toe (18) of the foot being insertable under unincised tissue, enabling the surgeon to ultrasonically examine organs and tissue peripheral to the surgical site and to follow a vessel even beyond the incision. The transducer section is completely encapsulated in a rubberlike material (44) which electrically insulates the transducer from the patient, enables the probe to be easily sterilized, and further provides an inherent standoff between the transducer and the contact surface of the probe. Thus, the transducer can be focused immediately at the skin line of the organ or vessel which is in contact with the probe. The probe can be easily assembled by providing termination assemblies for attaching coaxial cable conductors to the printed circuit board assembly of the probe.

公开(公告)号：EP0585070A1

公开(公告)日：1994-03-02

申请号：EP93306604.5

申请日：1993-08-20

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Fitch, Geoffrey ,  Feigenbaum, Harvey

IPC: A61B8/08 ,  G01S7/52

CPC classification number: A61B8/08 ,  A61B5/1128 ,  A61B8/0883 ,  A61B8/463 ,  A61B8/543 ,  G01S7/52071 ,  G01S15/8981

Abstract: Subtle changes in heart wall motion which may be symptomatic of coronary disease states are more easily discerned by acquiring a real time sequence of ultrasonic diagnostic images. An image acquired at a predetermined point in the cardiac cycle, such as the end diastole image, is chosen as a mask image, and the heart wall in the mask image is colored a first color. The heart wall in the remaining images in the sequence is colored a second, contrasting color. The contrasting images are then successively displayed in overlapping alignment with a static display of the mask image. Abnormalities in heart wall motion are more easily discerned by the relative motion between the contrasting image sequence and the mask image.

Abstract translation: 可以通过获取超声诊断图像的实时序列，更容易地辨别可能是冠状动脉疾病状态的心脏壁运动的细微变化。 选择在心动周期中的预定点（例如舒张末期图像）获取的图像作为掩模图像，并且将掩模图像中的心脏壁彩色为第一颜色。 序列中剩余图像中的心墙颜色是第二个对比色。 然后，与掩模图像的静态显示重叠对准地连续地显示对比图像。 通过对比图像序列和掩模图像之间的相对运动，更容易辨别心壁运动异常。

公开(公告)号：EP0527651A1

公开(公告)日：1993-02-17

申请号：EP92307417.3

申请日：1992-08-13

Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.

Inventor： Oaks, Frank Bentley ,  Mumford, Wayne H.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G10K11/02

CPC classification number: A61B8/4281 ,  A61B8/4209 ,  A61B8/4272 ,  G10K11/02

Abstract: An acoustic standoff is provided for an ultrasonic scanhead which readily attaches to and detaches from an ultrasonic scanhead. The standoff includes a retention clip which snaps onto the scanhead and defines a volumetric region in front of the scanhead acoustic window. A body of acoustically transmissive material which is preferably disposable is located in the volumetric region. This integral configuration of scanhead and disposable standoff material advantageously allows a clinician to manipulate both the scanhead and its standoff with one hand during performance of an ultrasonic examination. Also disclosed is a convenient kit for the retention clip and disposable blocks of standoff material which enables standoff material of the proper dimensions and acoustic characteristics for the clip to be cast and formed directly in compartments of the kit.

Abstract translation: 为超声波扫描头提供声学间隔，该超声扫描头容易附着于超声波扫描头并与其分离。 支座包括夹持在扫描头上并保持在扫描头声窗前面的体积区域的保持夹。 优选一次性的声透射材料体位于体积区域中。 扫描头和一次性支架材料的整体配置有利地允许临床医生在执行超声波检查期间用一只手来操纵扫描头和其支架。 还公开了一种用于保持夹和便携式材料的一次性块的便利套件，其使夹具的适当尺寸和声学特性的隔离材料能够直接铸造并形成在套件的隔室中。

公开(公告)号：EP0210624A3

公开(公告)日：1988-06-08

申请号：EP86110371

申请日：1986-07-28

Applicant: Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.

Inventor： Augustine, Larry J.

IPC: G10K11/34

CPC classification number: G01S7/52095 ,  G01S7/52077 ,  G10K11/348

Abstract: The present invention is a multiline beamformer for use in a medical ultrasound scasnner using a phased array transducer. Lines of ultrasound energy are generated having a pressure at the array aperture corresponding to sin(πx)/πx, where x is the normalized distance of the array element measured from the center of the array. This transmitted energy creates a flat field in space which can then be received in multiple receive lines, using bundled, parallel time delays.

Abstract translation: 本发明是一种用于使用相控阵变换器的医用超声波扫描仪中的多束波束形成器。 产生具有对应于sin（pi x）/ pi x的阵列孔径处的压力的超声能量线，其中x是从阵列的中心测量的阵列元件的归一化距离。 这种传输的能量在空间中产生平坦的场，然后可以使用捆绑的并行时间延迟在多个接收线中接收。