Non-imaging two dimensional array probe and system for classifying carotid stenosis

Abstract

A non-imaging diagnostic ultrasound system for carotid artery diagnosis has a two dimensional array probe with a low element count and relatively large element size which can cover an area of the carotid artery at its bifurcation. The elements are operated independently with no phasing, and detect Doppler flow spatially beneath each element. The system produces maps of carotid blood flow in two or three dimensions and can assemble an extended view of the flow by matching segments of the carotid flow as the probe is moved over the vessel. Once the carotid artery has been localized, the degree of stenosis is assessed by automated measurements of peak systolic velocity and blood flow turbulence.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to medical diagnostic ultrasound systems, and in particular to non-imaging Doppler probe systems for automated screening for carotid artery stenosis. Background technique [0002] Stroke is the third leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, stroke accounted for more than 5.5 million deaths in 2002, with approximately 50% of those deaths occurring in China and India. Stroke accounts for 163,000 deaths in the United States, although incidence rates are declining in developed countries. A significant number of these deaths are thought to be the result of disease in the carotid bifurcation. The common carotid artery (CCA) branches into the internal carotid artery (ICA) and external carotid artery (ECA) at the carotid bifurcation, which is a common site of atherosclerotic disease. Narrowing, or narrowing, of the ICA (the branch that supplies blood to the brain) has long been linked to the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

First, there is often a shortage of skilled personnel in these environments, and therefore equipment should be able to be used with minimal training and instruction

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