Ultrasound probe with progressive element sizing
US6682488B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S15/8925
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A prior application discloses a novel probe geometry that offers a wide field of view in an ultrasonic imaging device. That geometry is referred to as a “thinned array” of transducer elements. The application discloses an improved probe geometry permitting high-resolution imaging of a large volume of the subject's body. In this improved geometry, the array elements are non-uniform in size and spacing. The probe is intended for use, for example, in a method of determining parameters of blood flow, such as vector velocity, blood flow volume, and Doppler spectral distribution, using sonic energy (ultrasound) and a novel thinned array. Also in a method of tracking blood flow and generating a three dimensional image of blood vessel of interest that has much greater resolution than images produced using heretofore known ultrasound devices and methods.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.