Abstract:
A brachytherapy system includes a brachytherapy applicator. The brachytherapy applicator includes an applicator tube and a radiation source configured to deliver radiation to a tumor. At least a portion of the applicator tube is configured to conform to at least a portion of a patient's anatomy. At least one ultrasound element or probe is coupled to or embedded with the applicator tube.
Abstract:
Techniques for ultrasound location of obstructions during OSA include an ultrasound transducer array configured, upon receipt of a signal, to obtain first data that supports a plurality of ultrasound images representing a corresponding plurality of cross sections of an airway in a neck of a subject. Second data is received automatically on a processor, from an apnea event sensor set that is configured to collect automatically the second data sensitive to an apnea event in the subject. An apnea event is detected automatically on the processor based on the second data. In response to detecting the apnea event, the signal is automatically sent to the ultrasound transducer array, wherein the signal is the signal that causes the ultrasound transducer array to obtain the first data. Image data based on the first data is automatically stored in a computer-readable medium.
Abstract:
An apparatus for imaging tissue in three dimensions (e.g. ICE catheter) includes a shaft, a static imaging element (20) disposed within the shaft, an oscillating energy deflector (24) positioned within the beam path of the imaging element, and a drive assembly operable to oscillate the energy deflector. The imaging element can be acoustic or electromagnetic, and the energy deflector can be a prism, a lens or an acoustic mirror. By oscillating the energy deflector and/or by providing an asymmetric energy deflector, a plurality of two-dimensional image slices can be obtained. These image slices can then be assembled into a three-dimensional volumetric image.
Abstract:
An Oblique Backscatter Ultrasound imaging system includes a transceiver that has an US source and a plurality of US detectors configured in receive signals off axis from the US source. While the system is arranged in a reflective configuration, the device produces transmissive contrast signals to yield improved images. The transceiver can be mounted to a movable stage or robotic arm to enable it to scan the surface of a target. Alternatively, scanning can be performed by 1 D or 2D phased-array transmission or detection.
Abstract:
A handheld ultrasound scanner (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims is provided, wherein said handheld ultrasound scanner (1) comprises transducers (2) suitable to convert electromagnetic pulses into ultrasound pulses and vice versa and, thus, to send and receive ultrasound pulses, electromagnetic wave generating means (3) suitable to send given electromagnetic pulses to transducers (2) to be converted into given ultrasound pulses, electromagnetic wave receiving means (4) suitable to receive electromagnetic pulses from transducers (2) consequent to the reception of ultrasound echoes of the ultrasound pulses sent, and to convert the analogue signal into a digital signal, and to offset the effects of phase shift and attenuation of the received signal, control means (5) suitable to control the components of the handheld ultrasound scanner (1), processing means (6) suitable to process signals from the receiving means (4) and convert them into still or moving images, a containment casing (8), integrally constraining the said components and transmitting means (7), including wireless, of the still or moving images to a computer (100) of a conventional type, external to the handheld ultrasound scanner (1), preferably consisting of a smartphone or tablet.
Abstract:
An ultrasound transducer assembly (30) is disclosed, comprising: a plurality of ultrasound transducer elements (34, 36, 38) for receiving ultrasound waves and for providing transducer signals (X2, X3, X4) corresponding to the respectively received ultrasound waves. The assembly comprises a plurality of signal combiners (42, 44; 60, 62, 64) for providing different output signals (Y1, Y2) on the basis of the transducer signals, and a plurality of timing elements (48, 52; 68, 70; 72, 74)for providing different time shifts (τ) to the transducer signals. Each of the ultrasound transducer elements is connected to a plurality of the signal combiners for providing the transducer signals including the different time shifts to different of the signal combiners.