Ultrasonic spectral contrast imaging
Patent 5526816 Issued on June 18, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 2, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 2, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMethods of and systems for examining tissue perfusion using ultrasonic contrast agents Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus Patent #: 5313948 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 460258 filed on 06/02/1995US Classes:600/458Contrast enhancementExaminersPrimary: Manuel, GeorgeAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassA61B 008/00Foreign Application Priority Data1994-09-22 EPAbstractEchographic imaging (such as used for medical diagnosis) uses the injection of specific contrast agents in the body, or more generally in the region to be imaged. Different frequency dependent echographic behavior of the ultrasound contrast agents containing microbubbles as compared to echographic behavior of tissue without contrast agents is exploited by providing separated spectral echo responses and then combining them in ways to enhance image contrast. These imaging principles exploit certain physical "signatures" of the contrast agent responses, allowing increased contrast with respect to tissue background. This contrast enhancement is much larger than what is determined from direct echo amplitude monitoring. | |
