Methodology, with a programmable-processor imaging system, for control and determination of breast lesion viscoelastic properties with the use of a creep-like test. Two dimensional reconstruction maps are used for different parameters of a linear viscoelastic model. Description of different aspects of the test used on live subjects and suitability of a 1-D inversion model in capturing different viscoelasticity parameters. An automated methodology for the selection of a region of interest derived only from the appearance of the breast lesion on pre-compressed B-mode images. Based on the ROI and estimated viscoelasticity parameters, contrast values are determined that facilitate the enhanced differentiation of breast mass. Employing the methodology in a large group of patients provides better understanding of variations of different viscoelasticity parameters in different types of breast lesion and helps to identify new biomarkers for enhanced differentiation of benign from malignant cases.

An acoustic wave receiving apparatus comprises: a light irradiation unit that irradiates a subject portion with light; a receiving array; a transmitting and receiving array; an array support unit that has a supporting region for supporting the receiving array and supports the transmitting and receiving array; and a scanning unit that scans an effective reception region, wherein a focusing region formed by the transmitting and receiving array transmits the ultrasound waves and the effective reception region overlap each other.

A system (1100) includes an ultrasound imaging probe (304) with an elongate shaft (312) including an outer perimeter housing (331), two ends (328, 330) and a long axis (320). The system further includes a channel (326) that extends along the direction of the long axis, is part of the outer perimeter housing, and is configured as a recess of the outer perimeter housing. The system further includes a handle (310) affixed to one of the ends of the elongate shaft. The system further includes a transducer array (322) disposed at another of the ends of the elongate shaft. The transducer array includes one or more transducer elements (324).

An optoacoustic imaging system includes an ultrasound transducer array, first and second light sources and a switching power supply that generates power for the light sources. The switching power supply includes an input for impeding its switching operation. A data acquisition unit samples the ultrasound transducer array for a first predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source and for a second predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source and stores the sampled data. A master processor utilizes the input to impede operation of the switching operation of the switching power supply during the first predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the first light source, and during the second predetermined period of time after a pulse of light from the second light source.

Provided is a pulmonary edema monitoring apparatus, which is always attached to the body and is capable of continuously monitoring whether a pulmonary edema occurs, for a patient with advanced disease or a shock patient. This pulmonary edema monitoring apparatus includes: an ultrasound frequency module which is attached to the chest of a patient, generates an ultrasound, and receives a reflection wave reflected from the inside of a human body; and a control module which measures the intensity (this is referred to as “ultrasound radio frequency data”) of the reflection wave, determines whether a pulmonary edema occurs on the basis of an increasing rate of the ultrasound radio frequency data according to a degree of multiple reflection, and provides an alarm.

A handheld-type probe is used, the probe including: a grip portion; a plurality of detection elements configured to receive an acoustic wave and output an electrical signal; a detection surface where the plurality of detection elements are disposed; and a light-absorber supporting member where a light absorber is disposed, the light absorber absorbing light emitted from a light source and generating an acoustic wave.

A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.

An intracavity ultrasound probe includes a pivotally mounted array transducer which is oscillated to scan a volumetric region from within the body. The transducer is oscillated by a motor located in the probe handle. The array transducer is immersed in a liquid which acoustically couples ultrasonic energy between the elements of the transducer and the body. The acoustic coupling liquid is located in the distal tip of the probe shaft, where only 6 cc of liquid is required. The small amount of liquid reduces the weight of the shaft of the probe so that the center of gravity of the probe is in the handle, making the probe comfortable and easy to manipulate. The majority of parts in the probe shaft are made of aluminum or other low density materials, keeping the overall weight of the probe to about 250 grams.

A probe for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which is used for performing a test upon a subject is provided. The probe includes a case which forms an exterior of the probe, a piezoelectric object which is provided on an inside of the case and which generates an ultrasonic wave, a sound absorbing layer which is provided at a rear surface of the piezoelectric object and which prevents the ultrasonic wave from being delivered to a rear portion of the piezoelectric object, an acoustic matching layer which delivers the generated ultrasonic wave to a subject by matching a sound impedance of the piezoelectric object with a sound impedance of the subject, and a sound lens which concentrates the generated ultrasonic wave and radiates the concentrated ultrasonic wave toward the subject.

A wearable ultrasound device for signalling changes in human or animal body, and use of such a wearable device for signalling over a prolonged period of time. In an example the changes occur in a bladder. Such is especially relevant for elderly persons, women after delivery of a baby, lesion patients, demented people, children, and others, have a difficulty to control functioning of the bladder, and to be at the toilet on time to urinate.