Ultrasound Transducer Array Probes for Shear Wave Imaging

Abstract

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