Contrast agent imaging with destruction pulses in diagnostic medical ultrasound
US6340348B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 22, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22008
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to improvements in diagnostic medical ultrasound contrast agent imaging. In a preferred embodiment, high pulse repetition frequency (HPRF) destruction pulses are fired at a rate higher than necessary for receiving returning echoes. Pulse parameters can also be changed between the plurality of contrast agent-destroying pulses. Other preferred embodiments of the invention are directed to simultaneous transmission of multiple beams of destruction pulses. Destruction frames that consist of a plurality of destruction pulses can be triggered and swept over the entire region of tissue being imaged and at a variety of focal depths from the transmitter. The destruction frames are fired at some time triggered from a timer or some fixed part of a physiological signal, such as an ECG signal. Other preferred embodiments of the invention are directed to continuous low power imaging pulses alternating with destruction pulses triggered at a fixed point of a physiological signal, and a comparison of the received signals from imaging pulses fired before and after the destruction pulses. Alternatively, destruction pulses are triggered at a fixed point on a physiological sign…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.