A method includes registering a region of interest in 3-D imaging data with an initial ultrasound image so that the region of interest is in an imaging plane of the initial ultrasound image. The method further includes acquiring a subsequent ultrasound image with a transducer array. The method further includes comparing the initial ultrasound image and the subsequent ultrasound image. The method further includes steering at least one of the transducer array or an instrument based on a result of the comparing so that at least one of the region of interest or the instrument is in the imaging plane.

In an ultrasound endoscope system and a method of operating an ultrasound endoscope system of the invention, an ultrasound image recognition unit learns at least one of a relationship between an ultrasound image for learning and a name of an organ displayed in the ultrasound image for learning or a relationship between the ultrasound image for learning and a position of a distal end portion of an ultrasound endoscope at the time of imaging of the ultrasound image for learning, on a plurality of ultrasound images for learning in advance. The ultrasound image recognition unit recognizes at least one of the name of the organ displayed in the ultrasound image for diagnosis or the position of the distal end portion of the ultrasound endoscope from the ultrasound image for diagnosis based on a learning result, and a display controller displays at least one of the name of the organ or the position of the distal end portion of the ultrasound endoscope, on a monitor.

Provided are an ultrasonic scanning control device and method, and an ultrasonic imaging system. According to an embodiment, the method includes: controlling a scanning assembly to apply an initial pressure to a tissue to be scanned of an subject; obtaining first ultrasonic images at different initial pressures; determining a pressure range on the basis of the first ultrasonic images obtained at the different initial pressures; determining, within the pressure range, a pressure applied by the scanning assembly to the tissue to be scanned during ultrasonic diagnostic scanning; and performing ultrasonic diagnostic scanning on the tissue at the determined pressure within the pressure range.

Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting a region of disturbed blood flow within a blood-filled lumen and indicating the region of disturbed blood flow using a disturbed blood flow indicator. The region of disturbed blood flow can be detecting by processing a plurality of data vectors acquired by an imaging device. The plurality of data vectors can also be processed to generate an intravascular image. The intravascular image can be displayed to include the disturbed blood flow indicator at a region on the displayed image corresponding to a detected region of disturbed blood flow.

A diagnosis assistance device includes a control unit that generates line data indicating an intensity value of a reflected wave from an object, which is present in a transmission direction of ultrasound, for each combination of a movement position of an ultrasound transducer that radially transmits the ultrasound while being moved inside a biological tissue and the transmission direction of the ultrasound with reference to an observation result of a cross section of the biological tissue by the ultrasound transducer and generates a detection image which includes pixels corresponding to the generated line data and in which pixels corresponding to the line data at the same movement position are arranged in one direction. Pixels corresponding to the line data in the same transmission direction are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, and each pixel value is set according to an abnormality degree of the generated line data.

An imaging system is provided that includes a compression and scanning assembly including a frame that receives a compression element configured to compress breast tissue. The compression element includes an open region configured to receive an ultrasound transducer, and the open region is configured to move relative to the breast tissue after the compression and scanning assembly has been secured to the breast tissue.

Specialized ultrasound imaging systems and methods provide metrics related to objective and consistent quantification of scar tissue volume that strongly correlate with tendon healing and range of motion. Automated acquisition of ultrasound images of fingers helps assess tendon healing in a non-invasive, quantitative fashion and can be used to guide clinical decision-making, management of post-operative tendon repair patients, and employment and insurance considerations.

An ultrasound imaging system includes a thermally conductive frame and a number of electronic components and a display that are sealed within the frame. The frame further includes a plenum extending through the frame with surfaces that are thermally coupled to the electronic components and the display. An active cooling mechanism, such as one or more fans, moves air through the plenum to remove heat generated by the electronic components and display. The plenum is environmentally sealed so that moisture, dust, air or other contaminants drawn into the plenum do not contact the sealed electronic components and display in the frame.

An acoustic imaging system responsive to an acoustic wave emitted from an object is disclosed. The system detects a deflection angle of an electromagnetic probe beam as it passes through a coupling element. The coupling element also couples the acoustic wave emitted from the object to an acoustic detector. The probe beam deflection angle is related to an angle of propagation of the acoustic wave through the coupling element. A filtering unit is configured to remove components of the signal from the acoustic detector that are outside of a range of angles, thereby improving the angular resolution of the acoustic detector. The acoustic wave may be generated by an acoustic source, such as an ultrasound transmitter, or an electromagnetic source such as a laser.

An ultrasound catheter capable of reducing noise in an ultrasound image by limiting reflection of ultrasound oscillated from a distal end side surface of a transducer. The ultrasound catheter includes: an elongated sheath; an ultrasound transducer; a shaft that supports the ultrasound transducer; and a cap that seals an opening portion of the sheath and has an X-ray opaque property. The cap includes an extension portion including a proximal portion facing the ultrasound transducer and an outer circumferential surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the sheath. The proximal portion includes an ultrasound scattering surface that scatters ultrasound from the ultrasound transducer. The outer circumferential surface includes a contact portion that is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sheath in a liquid-tight manner. The ultrasound scattering surface intersects with a virtual plane obtained by enlarging the ultrasound oscillation surface in an in-plane direction.