Ultrasonic transducer array probe for shear wave imaging

Abstract

An ultrasonic transducer array probe (10) for shear wave imaging has a number of transducer elements which exceeds the number of transmit channels of a shear wave diagnostic imaging system. The probeincludes a switch matrix or multiplexer (60) which selectively couples channels of the transmit beamformer (18) to the transducer elements of multiple shear wave apertures of the array. When the transmit beamformer is actuated, a plurality of push pulses are transmitted simultaneously to initiate shear waves in a subject.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 174,091, filed June 11, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to medical diagnostic ultrasound systems and in particular to ultrasound transducer array probes for ultrasound systems that use shear waves to perform measurements of tissue stiffness or elasticity. Background technique [0004] One use of diagnostic ultrasound is to diagnose lesions in the body by tissue elasticity or stiffness. For example, a breast tumor or lump with high firmness may be malignant, while a softer and more compliant lump may be benign. Because the firmness of a mass is known to correlate with malignancy or benignity, an ultrasound technique called elastography can be used to provide evidence to clinicians to aid diagnosis and determine treatment options. [0005] Another e...

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Problems solved by technology

[0006] But it takes time to acquire a series of data sets for shear wave analysis

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