Method for exploring and displaying tissues fo human or animal origin from a high frequency ultrasound probe

Abstract

A method for displaying scanned ultrasound images of tissue employs an apparatus including an ultrasound probe mounted to a mechanical head. A three-dimensional positioning system mounts the head for positioning the probe in proximate orthogonal relation to the tissue. A computer controls the three-dimensional positioning system thereby moving the probe during a scan. The probe transmits high frequency ultrasound waves whose nominal frequency is included within the range from 30 to 100 MHz and with a large pass band, adapted to frequencies reflected by the tissue. The beams of ultrasound transmission are focused in a given zone of the tissue over a vertical penetration distance of between 20 and 30 mm. Reflected signals are acquired and processed for display.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE INFORMATION [0001] This application is a Continuation of co-pending Application Ser. No. 09 / 600,073, filed on Feb. 5, 2001, which is the national phase of PCT International Application No. PCT / FR99 / 00040 filed on Jan. 12, 1999, which designated the United States, and on which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120; and this application claims priority of Application No. 98-00209 filed in France on Jan. 12, 1998 under 35 U.S.C. § 119. The entire contents of all are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a process for the investigation and display, using ultrasound echography techniques, of tissue structures of human or animal origin such as in particular the ocular globes and more particularly of the posterior segment (the vitreous cavity, the posterior wall of the globe lined by the choroid and the retina, the macula), tissue structures of the anterior segment (the cornea, the anterior chamber, the iris and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention proposes an investigation and display process using a high-frequency ultrasound probe that combines both very high spatial resolution and a field of investigation covering the anterior and posterior segments of the ocular globe. The process involves positioning the ultrasound probe, controlling it to generate beams of convergent high-frequency ultrasound waves, scanning the tissue structure with the probe, and carrying out various signal processing operations to improve the reproduction and interpretation of the information. The invention has the advantage of providing a non-invasive and non-destructive method for investigation and display of tissues of human or animal origin.

Problems solved by technology

The major drawback of low-frequency echography is mainly the low resolution (600 to 700 μm) provided by these low frequencies, which do not allow detailed analysis of the retina and the other layers of the posterior wall of the eye (choroid and sclera) and more particularly in the macular region.

Images