Method and system for providing ultrasound images

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Method and system for providing ultrasound images". The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulse wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles. The method includes presenting selectable clinical objects on a display. Each of the selectable clinical objects may be associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile. Each of the profiles may include imaging parameters for the associated clinical object. The method includes receiving a selection of one of the selectable clinical objects, and retrieving the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile associated with the selected clinical object. The method includes acquiring and presenting color flow Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile. The method includes starting a pulse wave Doppler imaging mode, and acquiring and presenting pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler profile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments relate to ultrasound imaging. More specifically, certain embodiments relate to methods and systems for providing enhanced color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images. Ultrasound images can be acquired based on imaging parameter profiles specific to a selected clinical subject. In various embodiments, the present invention provides automatic measurements of ultrasound images. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasound imaging is a medical imaging technique used to image organs and soft tissues in the human body. Ultrasound imaging uses real-time, non-invasive, high-frequency sound waves to produce a series of two-dimensional (2D) images and / or three-dimensional (3D) images.

[0003] Existing ultrasound systems may include a profile having predefined imaging parameters that are applied during ultrasound image acquisition. For example, a user may select a high speed setting, a medium speed setting, or a low speed setting for application during a color flow Doppler ultrasound examination. However, existing profiles may not include settings for a specific clinical object (i.e., anatomical structure). For example, different clinical objects with similar flow rates may have different settings for acquiring desired ultrasound images. In addition, in a system where a clinical object can be selected, the clinical object is associated with a profile that is limited to a specific imaging mode. However, the imaging parameters required for a color flow Doppler ultrasound image of a specific clinical object are typically different from the imaging parameters required for a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image of the same clinical object.

[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing such systems with certain aspects of the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder of this application with reference to the accompanying figures. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides systems and / or methods for enhancing color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles, substantially as shown and / or described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, as more fully set forth in the claims.

[0006] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system and training system operable to enhance color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles, according to various embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 are exemplary displays of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image of a uterine artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image of the uterine artery, and uterine artery measurements according to various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 3 are exemplary displays of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image of an umbilical artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image of the umbilical artery, and umbilical artery measurements according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 4 is an exemplary display of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image of a middle cerebral artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image of the middle cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery measurements according to various embodiments.

[0011] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps that may be used to enhance color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Certain embodiments may exist in methods and systems for enhancing color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles. Various embodiments have the following technical effects: providing imaging parameter profiles optimized for color flow Doppler ultrasound acquisition and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound acquisition of specific clinical objects. Various aspects of the present disclosure have the following technical effects: providing automatic measurements for clinical objects shown in color flow Doppler ultrasound images and / or pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images.

[0013] When reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the aforementioned summary of the invention and the following specific embodiments of certain embodiments will be better understood. In terms of the scope of the figures of the functional blocks of various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these functional blocks do not necessarily represent the division between hardware circuits. Therefore, for example, one or more functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) can be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general signal processor or random access memory block, a hard disk, etc.) or multiple pieces of hardware. Similarly, a program can be an independent program, can be included in an operating system as a subroutine, can be a function in an installed software package, etc. It should be understood that various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and tools shown in the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that embodiments can be combined, or other embodiments can be utilized, and structural, logical and electrical changes can be made without departing from the scope of various embodiments. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered as a restrictive meaning, and the scope of the present disclosure is limited by the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0014] As used herein, elements or steps listed in the singular and beginning with the word "one" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. In addition, references to "exemplary embodiments," "various embodiments," "certain embodiments," "representative embodiments," etc. are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the presence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the features of the narration. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments that "comprise," "include," or "have" an element or multiple elements having a particular attribute may include additional elements that do not have that attribute.

[0015] In addition, as used herein, the term "image" refers broadly to both visible images and the data representing visible images. However, many embodiments generate (or are configured to generate) at least one visible image. In addition, as used herein, the phrase "image" is used to refer to ultrasound modes, such as B-mode (2D mode), M-mode, three-dimensional (3D) mode, CF mode, PW Doppler, CW Doppler, contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and / or a sub-mode of B-mode and / or CF, such as harmonic imaging, shear wave elastic imaging (SWEI), strain elastic imaging, TVI, PDI, B-flow, MVI, UGAP, and in some cases also include MM, CM, TVD, wherein "image" and / or "plane" include a single beam or multiple beams.

[0016] Furthermore, as used herein, the term processor or processing unit refers to any type of processing unit, whether single-core or multi-core, that can perform the required computations required by various embodiments: CPU, accelerated processing unit (APU), graphics processing unit (GPU), DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or a combination thereof.

[0017] It should be noted that various embodiments of generating or forming images described herein may include processing for forming an image that includes beamforming in some embodiments and does not include beamforming in other embodiments. For example, an image may be formed without beamforming, such as by multiplying a matrix of demodulated data by a matrix of coefficients such that the product is an image, and wherein the process does not form any "beams." Additionally, the formation of an image may be performed using a combination of channels that may originate from more than one transmit event (e.g., synthetic aperture techniques).

[0018] In various embodiments, ultrasound processing to form an image, including ultrasound beamforming, such as receive beamforming, is performed, for example, in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. One specific implementation of an ultrasound system having a software beamformer architecture formed according to various embodiments is described in Figure 1 Shown in.

[0019] Figure 1is a block diagram of an exemplary ultrasound system 100 and a training system 200 operable to enhance color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles, according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , an ultrasound system 100 and a training system 200 are shown. The ultrasound system 100 includes a transmitter 102, an ultrasound probe 104, a transmit beamformer 110, a receiver 118, a receive beamformer 120, an A / D converter 122, an RF processor 124, an RF / IQ buffer 126, a user input device 130, a signal processor 132, an image buffer 136, a display system 134, and an archive 138.

[0020] The transmitter 102 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code operable to drive an ultrasound probe 104. The ultrasound probe 104 may comprise a two-dimensional (2D) array of piezoelectric elements. The ultrasound probe 104 may comprise a set of transmit transducer elements 106 and a set of receive transducer elements 108, which are generally constructed of the same elements. In certain embodiments, the ultrasound probe 104 may be operable to acquire ultrasound image data covering at least a majority of anatomy, such as a fetus, heart, blood vessels, or any suitable anatomical structure.

[0021] The transmit beamformer 110 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code that may be operable to control the transmitter 102 to drive the set of transmit transducer elements 106 via the transmit sub-aperture beamformer 114 to transmit ultrasound transmit signals into a region of interest (e.g., a person, an animal, an underground cavity, a physical structure, etc.). The transmitted ultrasound signals may be backscattered from structures (e.g., blood cells or tissue) in the object of interest to generate echoes. The echoes are received by the receive transducer elements 108.

[0022] The set of receive transducer elements 108 in the ultrasound probe 104 may be operable to convert the received echoes into analog signals, which are sub-aperture beamformed by the receive sub-aperture beamformer 116 and then transmitted to the receiver 118. The receiver 118 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be operable to receive the signals from the receive sub-aperture beamformer 116. The analog signals may be transmitted to one of the plurality of A / D converters 122.

[0023] The plurality of A / D converters 122 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to convert analog signals from the receiver 118 into corresponding digital signals. The plurality of A / D converters 122 are disposed between the receiver 118 and the RF processor 124. Nevertheless, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. Therefore, in some embodiments, the plurality of A / D converters 122 may be integrated within the receiver 118.

[0024] The RF processor 124 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be operable to demodulate the digital signals output by the plurality of A / D converters 122. According to one embodiment, the RF processor 124 may include a complex demodulator (not shown) that may be operable to demodulate the digital signals to form I / Q data pairs representing corresponding echo signals. The RF or I / Q signal data may then be transferred to the RF / IQ buffer 126. The RF / IQ buffer 126 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be operable to provide temporary storage of the RF or I / Q signal data generated by the RF processor 124.

[0025] The receive beamformer 120 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to perform digital beamforming processing to sum delayed channel signals received from the RF processor 124 via the RF / IQ buffer 126 and output a beam summed signal, for example. The resulting processed information may be a beam summed signal output from the receive beamformer 120 and communicated to the signal processor 132. According to some embodiments, the receiver 118, the plurality of A / D converters 122, the RF processor 124, and the beamformer 120 may be integrated into a single beamformer, which may be digital. In various embodiments, the ultrasound system 100 comprises a plurality of receive beamformers 120.

[0026] The user input device 130 may be used to enter patient data, scan parameters, settings, select a protocol and / or template, select a clinical object associated with a profile having imaging parameters, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the user input device 130 may be operable to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of one or more components and / or modules in the ultrasound system 100. In this regard, the user input device 130 may be used to configure, manage, and / or control the operation of the transmitter 102, ultrasound probe 104, transmit beamformer 110, receiver 118, receive beamformer 120, RF processor 124, RF / IQ buffer 126, user input device 130, signal processor 132, image buffer 136, display system 134, and / or profile 138. The user input device 130 may include one or more buttons, one or more rotary encoders, a touch screen, motion tracking, voice recognition, a mouse device, a keyboard, a camera, and / or any other device capable of receiving user instructions. In certain embodiments, one or more of the user input devices 130 may be integrated into other components, such as the display system 134 or the ultrasound probe 104, for example. For example, the user input device 130 may include a touch screen display. In a representative embodiment, the user input device 130 may be configured to select a clinical object of a plurality of clinical objects, each of which is associated with a predefined imaging parameter profile to be applied during the acquisition of a color flow Doppler ultrasound examination and a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound examination.

[0027] The signal processor 132 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that is operable to process ultrasound scan data (i.e., summed IQ signals) to generate an ultrasound image for presentation on a display system 134. The signal processor 132 is operable to perform one or more processing operations based on a plurality of selectable ultrasound modalities on the acquired ultrasound scan data. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal processor 132 may be used to perform display processing and / or control processing, etc. The acquired ultrasound scan data may be processed in real time during a scanning session as echo signals are received. Additionally or alternatively, the ultrasound scan data may be temporarily stored in the RF / IQ buffer 126 during a scanning session and processed in a less real-time manner in an online operation or an offline operation. In various embodiments, the processed image data may be presented at the display system 134 and / or may be stored at an archive 138. The archive 138 may be a local archive, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), or any suitable device for storing images and related information.

[0028] The signal processor 132 may be one or more central processing units, graphics processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and / or the like. For example, the signal processor 132 may be an integrated component, or may be distributed in various locations. In an exemplary embodiment, the signal processor 132 may include a profile processor 140 and a measurement processor 150 and may be capable of receiving input information from the user input device 130 and / or the profile 138, generating output that may be displayed by the display system 134, and manipulating the output in response to the input information from the user input device 130, etc. For example, the signal processor 132, the profile processor 140, and the measurement processor 150 may be capable of executing any of the methods and / or instruction sets described herein according to various embodiments.

[0029] The ultrasound system 100 is operable to continuously acquire ultrasound scan data at a frame rate suitable for the imaging situation under consideration. Typical frame rates are in the range of 20 to 120, but may be lower or higher. The acquired ultrasound scan data may be displayed on the display system 134 at a display rate that is the same as the frame rate, or slower or faster. An image buffer 136 is included to store processed frames of acquired ultrasound scan data that are not scheduled for immediate display. Preferably, the image buffer 136 has sufficient capacity to store frames of ultrasound scan data for at least several minutes. The frames of ultrasound scan data are stored in a manner that is easy to retrieve from them according to their acquisition order or time. The image buffer 136 may be embodied as any known data storage medium.

[0030] The signal processor 132 may include a profile processor 140 including suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code operable to present selectable clinical objects at the display system 134. For example, when the ultrasound system is operating in a color flow Doppler mode and / or a B-mode, the selectable clinical objects may be presented at the display system 134. The selectable clinical objects may be presented at the display system 134 as icons, labeled text boxes, in a list format, in a drop-down box, or in any suitable selectable format. Selection of a selectable clinical object in the B-mode by the profile processor 140 may cause the profile processor 140 to initiate the color flow Doppler mode. The selectable clinical objects may be anatomical structures of interest in obstetric ultrasound examinations, such as the uterine artery, the middle cerebral artery, the umbilical artery, the ductus venosus, the aorta, etc. Each of the selectable clinical objects is associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile. Each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile includes predefined imaging parameters. For example, a color flow Doppler profile may include a pulse repetition frequency (PRF), frequency, wall motion filter setting, gain, etc. A pulse wave Doppler profile may include a PRF, frequency, wall motion filter setting, baseline, gain, gate size, etc. In various embodiments, a profile may include clinically appropriate measurements such as peak systolic velocity (PS), end diastolic velocity (ED), minimum diastolic velocity (MD), ratio of peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) (S / D), pulsatility index (PI), resistivity index (RI), time average maximum velocity (TA), and the like. MAX ), heart rate, and / or any suitable measurement. In various embodiments, additional profiles may be provided and selected based on the selected clinical object and patient information (such as the gestational age of the fetus or any suitable patient information). The color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile may be stored in the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium for retrieval by the profile processor 140 in response to user input selecting a selectable clinical object from the selectable clinical objects.

[0031] The profile processor 140 comprises suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and / or code operable to retrieve a profile associated with a selectable clinical object in response to a selection. For example, the profile processor 140 may receive a selection of one of the selectable clinical objects presented at the display system 134, such as a uterine artery clinical object, via the user input device 130. The profile processor 140 retrieves a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with the uterine artery clinical object from the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium. In various embodiments, the retrieved profile may be based in part on patient information, such as the gestational age of the fetus or any suitable patient information.

[0032] The profile processor 140 includes suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code operable to apply the retrieved profiles to acquire and present a color flow Doppler ultrasound image and a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image. For example, a user may select one of the selectable clinical objects (such as the umbilical artery), and the profile processor 140 may retrieve a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile as described above. The user may manipulate the ultrasound probe 104 to acquire ultrasound data of the umbilical artery, and the profile processor 140 may apply the predefined imaging parameters of the color flow Doppler profile associated with the umbilical artery clinical object to acquire, process, and present the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134. The user may initiate the pulsed wave Doppler mode via the user input device 130 by, for example, placing a gate in the color flow Doppler ultrasound image, selecting a pulsed wave Doppler start button, and / or the like, and the profile processor 140 may apply the predefined imaging parameters of the pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with the umbilical artery clinical object to acquire, process, and present the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134.

[0033] The signal processor 132 may include a measurement processor 150, which includes suitable logic, circuits, interfaces and / or codes, which are operable to automatically provide measurements of clinical objects shown in color flow Doppler ultrasound images and / or pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images. The measurements performed by the measurement processor 150 may be specified in, for example, a color flow Doppler profile and / or a pulsed wave Doppler profile, a selected protocol and / or any suitable technique for defining the desired measurements of the selected clinical object. The measurements may be performed by the measurement processor 150 that executes an image recognition algorithm, artificial intelligence and / or any suitable image recognition technology. For example, the measurement processor 150 may deploy a deep neural network (e.g., an artificial intelligence model), which may be composed of, for example, an input layer, an output layer, and one or more hidden layers between the input layer and the output layer. Each layer may be composed of a plurality of processing nodes that may be referred to as neurons. For example, the measurement processor 150 may infer an artificial intelligence model including an input layer having neurons for each pixel or a group of pixels from a scan plane of a clinical object. The output layer may have neurons corresponding to the measurements of the clinical object. For example, the output layer can provide peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, end-diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, peak systolic velocity to end-diastolic velocity (PS / ED) ratio (S / D) measurement, pulsatility index (PI) measurement, resistivity index (RI) measurement, time-averaged maximum velocity (TA) measurement, and the like. MAX ) measurements, heart rate measurements, and / or any suitable measurements. Each neuron in each layer may perform a processing function and pass the processed ultrasound image information to one of the multiple neurons in the downstream layer for further processing. For example, neurons in a first layer may learn to identify structural edges in ultrasound image data. Neurons in a second layer may learn to identify shapes based on detected edges from the first layer. Neurons in a third layer may learn the locations of identified shapes relative to landmarks in the ultrasound image data. The processing performed by the measurement processor 150 that infers a deep neural network (e.g., a convolutional neural network) can provide measurements of clinical objects in color flow Doppler ultrasound image data and / or pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image data with a high probability.

[0034] Figure 2 is an exemplary display 300 of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310 of a uterine artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 of the uterine artery, and uterine artery measurements 330 according to various embodiments. Figure 3 is an exemplary display 300 of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310 of an umbilical artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 of the umbilical artery, and umbilical artery measurements 330 according to various embodiments. Figure 4is an exemplary display 300 of a color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310 of a middle cerebral artery, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 of the middle cerebral artery, and a middle cerebral artery measurement 330 according to various embodiments.

[0035] See also Figures 2 to 4 , the display 300 may include a color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310, a pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320, and a measurement of a clinical object 330. The measurement may be based on the measurement of the clinical object (i.e., Figure 2 The uterine artery Figure 3 The umbilical artery and Figure 4 The color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310 is acquired using imaging parameters 312 of a color flow Doppler profile corresponding to the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery (the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery). The pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 may correspond to a gate 314 positioned in the color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310. Figure 2 The uterine artery Figure 3 The umbilical artery and Figure 4 The pulse wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 is acquired by using imaging parameters 322 of a pulse wave Doppler profile corresponding to the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery. The measurement 330 can be automatically performed by the measurement processor 150 of the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100, and can include, for example, a peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, an end diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, a minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, a ratio (S / D) of peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) measurement, a pulsatility index (PI) measurement, a resistivity index (RI) measurement, a time average maximum velocity (TA) measurement, and a pulse wave Doppler ultrasound image 320. The pulse wave Doppler ultrasound image 320 can be acquired by using imaging parameters 322 of a pulse wave Doppler profile corresponding to the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery in the middle cerebral artery. The measurement 330 can be automatically performed by the measurement processor 150 of the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100, and can include, for example, a peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, an end diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, a minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, a ratio (S / D) of peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) measurement, a pulsatility index (PI) measurement, a resistivity index (RI) measurement, a time average maximum velocity (TA) measurement, and a time average maximum velocity (TA) measurement. MAX ) measurements, heart rate measurements, and / or any suitable measurements. The color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310, the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image 320, and the measurements of the clinical object 330 may be presented at a display 300 of the display system 134 and / or stored at the archive 134 or any suitable data storage medium.

[0036] See again Figure 1 , display system 134 may be any device capable of conveying visual information to a user. For example, display system 134 may include a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, and / or any suitable one or more displays. Display system 134 may be operable to present selectable clinical objects, color flow Doppler ultrasound images, pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images, measurements, and / or any suitable information.

[0037] The archive 138 may be one or more computer-readable memories, such as a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a server, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a compact storage device, a flash memory, a random access memory, a read-only memory, an electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory, and / or any suitable memory, that are integrated with and / or communicatively coupled (e.g., via a network) to the ultrasound system 100. The archive 138 may include, for example, a database, a library, a collection of information, or other memory that is accessed by and / or coupled to the signal processor 132. For example, the archive 138 may be capable of storing data temporarily or permanently. The archive 138 may be capable of storing medical image data, data generated by the signal processor 132, and / or instructions readable by the signal processor 132, etc. For example, in various embodiments, archive 138 stores a color flow Doppler profile, a pulsed wave Doppler profile, instructions for presenting a clinical object, instructions for retrieving a profile in response to a selection of a clinical object, instructions for applying a profile to acquire, process, and present ultrasound images, color flow Doppler ultrasound images, pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images, and / or an artificial intelligence model that can be deployed to perform measurements.

[0038] The components of the ultrasound system 100 may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, and / or the like. The various components of the ultrasound system 100 may be communicatively connected. The components of the ultrasound system 100 may be implemented separately and / or integrated in various forms. For example, the display system 134 and the user input device 130 may be integrated into a touch screen display.

[0039] Still see Figure 1 , the training system 200 may include a training engine 210 and a training database 220. The training engine 160 may include suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces, and / or code that may be operable to train neurons of a deep neural network (e.g., an artificial intelligence model) inferred (i.e., deployed) by the measurement processor 150. For example, the artificial intelligence model inferred by the measurement processor 150 may be trained to automatically perform measurements of selected clinical objects. For example, the training engine 210 may use classified ultrasound images of various clinical objects and a database 220 of measurements of various clinical objects to train the deep neural network deployed by the measurement processor 150. The ultrasound images may include clinical objects of interest in obstetric ultrasound examinations, such as the uterine artery, the middle cerebral artery, the umbilical artery, the ductus venosus, the aorta, etc. The measurements may include peak systolic velocity (PS), end diastolic velocity (ED), minimum diastolic velocity (MD), ratio of peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) (S / D), pulsatility index (PI), resistivity index (RI), time average maximum velocity (TA) and flow rate. MAX) measurements, heart rate measurements and / or any suitable measurements.

[0040] In various embodiments, the database 220 of training images may be a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) or any suitable data storage medium. In certain embodiments, the training engine 210 and / or the training image database 220 may be a remote system communicatively coupled to the ultrasound system 100 via a wired or wireless connection, such as Figure 1 Additionally and / or alternatively, components or all of the training system 200 may be integrated with the ultrasound system 100 in various forms.

[0041] Figure 5 4 is a flow chart 400 illustrating exemplary steps 402-420 that may be used to enhance color flow Doppler 310 and pulsed wave Doppler 320 ultrasound images acquired based on a clinically specific imaging parameter profile, according to various embodiments. Figure 5 , a flowchart 400 including exemplary steps 402 to 420 is shown. Certain embodiments may omit one or more steps, and / or perform steps in an order different from the order listed, and / or combine certain steps discussed below. For example, some steps may not be performed in certain embodiments. For another example, certain steps may be performed in a time sequence different from the time sequence listed below, including being performed simultaneously.

[0042] At step 402, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 receives patient information. For example, the patient information may be related to the ultrasound procedure to be performed. The patient information may include the patient's name, age, gender, procedure type, gestational age of the fetus (for obstetrics), and / or any suitable patient information.

[0043] At step 404, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system initiates a color flow Doppler ultrasound imaging examination or a B-mode ultrasound imaging examination. For example, the signal processor 132 may receive user input selecting an ultrasound imaging mode via the user input device 130. The signal processor 132 initiates the selected imaging mode in response to the received user input.

[0044] At step 406, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 may present selectable clinical objects, each of which is associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile having imaging parameters. For example, the profile processor 140 of the signal processor 132 may present the selectable clinical objects at the display system 134 of the ultrasound system 100. The selectable clinical objects may be presented at the display system 134 as icons, labeled text boxes, in list format, in a drop-down box, or in any suitable selectable format. The selectable clinical objects may be anatomical structures of interest in obstetric ultrasound examinations, such as uterine arteries, middle cerebral arteries, umbilical arteries, ductus venosus, aorta, etc. Each of the selectable clinical objects is associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile. Each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile includes predefined imaging parameters. In various embodiments, the profile may include clinically appropriate measurements.

[0045] At step 408, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 may receive a selection of one of the selectable clinical objects. For example, the profile processor 140 of the signal processor 132 may receive a selection of one of the displayed clinical objects (such as the uterine artery, the middle cerebral artery, the umbilical artery, the ductus venosus, the aorta, etc.) via the user input device 130. The selection of the selectable clinical object in B-mode by the profile processor 140 may cause the profile processor 140 to initiate a color flow Doppler mode.

[0046] At step 410, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 may retrieve a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile associated with the received selection. For example, the profile processor 140 of the signal processor 132 may retrieve the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile associated with the clinical object selected at step 408 from the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium. In various embodiments, the profile processor 140 may retrieve the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile based on the clinical object selected at step 408 and the patient information provided at step 402, such as the gestational age of the fetus or any suitable patient information.

[0047] At step 412, the ultrasound system 100 acquires and presents the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 based on the imaging parameters 312 of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile. For example, the ultrasound system 100 may acquire the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 using the ultrasound probe 104 positioned at a scanning position over the clinical object of interest based on the imaging parameters 312 of the color flow Doppler profile applied by the profile processor 140 of the signal processor 132. The acquired color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 may be processed by the profile processor 140 and presented at the display 300 of the display system 134.

[0048] At step 414, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 initiates the pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode. For example, the signal processor 132 and / or the profile processor 140 may initiate the pulsed wave Doppler mode in response to receiving via the user input device 130 a selection to place a gate 314 in the color flow Doppler ultrasound image 310, a pulsed wave Doppler start button, and / or the like.

[0049] At step 416, the ultrasound system 100 acquires and presents the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 based on the imaging parameters 322 of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler profile. For example, the ultrasound system 100 may acquire the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 using the ultrasound probe 104 positioned at a scanning position over the clinical object of interest based on the imaging parameters 322 of the pulse wave Doppler profile applied by the profile processor 140 of the signal processor 132. The acquired pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 may be processed by the profile processor 140 and presented at the display 300 of the display system 134.

[0050] At step 418 , the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 receives a freeze input. For example, the signal processor 132 may freeze the display of the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 and / or the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 in response to receiving a freeze input from the user via the user input device 130 .

[0051] At step 420, the signal processor 132 of the ultrasound system 100 automatically performs and presents at least one measurement 330 of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data 320. For example, the measurement processor 150 of the signal processor 132 may be operable to automatically provide the measurement 330 of the clinical object shown in the color flow Doppler ultrasound image and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound image. The measurement 330 performed by the measurement processor 150 may be specified in, for example, a color flow Doppler profile and / or a pulsed wave Doppler profile, a selected protocol, and / or any suitable technique for defining the desired measurement of the selected clinical object. The measurement 330 may be performed by the measurement processor 150 executing an image recognition algorithm, artificial intelligence, and / or any suitable image recognition technique. The measurement processor 150 may present the measurement 330 at the display 300 of the display system 134 and / or store the measurement in the archive 138 and / or any suitable data storage medium. Measurement 330 may include a peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, an end-diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, a minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, a peak systolic velocity to end-diastolic velocity (PS / ED) ratio (S / D) measurement, a pulsatility index (PI) measurement, a resistivity index (RI) measurement, a time-averaged maximum velocity (TA) measurement, a MAX ) measurements, heart rate measurements and / or any suitable measurements.

[0052] Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a method 400 and system 100 for enhancing color flow Doppler 310 ultrasound images and pulse wave Doppler 320 ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles. According to various embodiments, the method 400 may include presenting a plurality of selectable clinical objects at a display system 134 by at least one processor 1320, 140 of the ultrasound system 100 (406). Each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects may be associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile. Each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile may include imaging parameters 312, 322 for an associated one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects. The method 400 may include receiving, by at least one processor 132, 140, a selection of one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects (408). The method 400 may include retrieving, by at least one processor 132, 140, a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile associated with a selected one of a plurality of selectable clinical objects (410). The method 400 may include acquiring, by the ultrasound system 100, color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 based on imaging parameters 312 of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile and presenting the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134 (412). The method 400 may include initiating, by the at least one processor 132, 140, a pulse wave Doppler imaging mode (414). The method 400 may include acquiring, by the ultrasound system 100, pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 based on imaging parameters 322 of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler profile and presenting the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134 (416).

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the method 400 may include receiving, by at least one processor 132, patient information including a gestational age of a fetus (402). A color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile may be retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus. In various embodiments, a pulse wave Doppler imaging mode may be initiated in response to receiving a gate 314 placed in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310. In certain embodiments, the method 400 may include initiating, by at least one processor 132, a B-mode ultrasound imaging mode (404) before presenting a plurality of selectable clinical objects (406) at a display system 134. The method 400 may include switching, by at least one processor 132, 140, to a color flow Doppler imaging mode (408-412) after receiving a selection of one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects (408). In a representative embodiment, the plurality of selectable clinical objects may include a plurality of items in a uterine artery, a middle cerebral artery, an umbilical artery, a ductus venosus, and an aorta. In a representative embodiment, the imaging parameters 312, 322 of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile may each include a plurality of items of pulse repetition frequency (PRF), frequency, wall motion filter setting, baseline, gain, and gate size. In an exemplary embodiment, the method 400 may include receiving a freeze input (418) by at least one processor 132, 140, 150. The method 400 may include automatically performing at least one measurement 330 of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data by at least one processor 132, 150 and presenting the measurement at the display system 134 (420). In certain embodiments, the at least one measurement 330 may include: a peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, an end diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, a minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, a peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) ratio (S / D) measurement, a pulsatility index (PI) measurement, a resistivity index (RI) measurement, and / or a time average maximum velocity (TA) measurement. MAX )Measurement.

[0054] Various embodiments provide a system 100 for enhancing color flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles. The ultrasound system 100 may include a display system 134 and at least one processor 132, 140, 150. The display system 134 may be configured to present a plurality of selectable clinical objects. Each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects may be associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile. Each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile may include imaging parameters 312, 322 for an associated selectable clinical object in the plurality of selectable clinical objects. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to receive a selection of a selectable clinical object in the plurality of selectable clinical objects. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to retrieve a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with a selectable clinical object selected in the plurality of selectable clinical objects. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to apply the imaging parameters 312 of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile to acquire color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 and present the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to initiate a pulse wave Doppler imaging mode. At least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to apply the imaging parameters 322 of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler profile to acquire pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 and present the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134.

[0055] In a representative embodiment, at least one processor 132 may be configured to receive patient information including the gestational age of the fetus. The color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile may be retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor 132, 140 may be configured to start the pulse wave Doppler imaging mode in response to receiving a gate 314 placed in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310. In various embodiments, a plurality of selectable clinical objects may include a plurality of items in the uterine artery, the middle cerebral artery, the umbilical artery, the ductus venosus, and the aorta. In certain embodiments, the imaging parameters 312, 314 of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile may each include a plurality of items in the pulse repetition frequency (PRF), frequency, wall motion filter setting, baseline, gain, and gate size. In a representative embodiment, at least one processor 132, 140, 150 may be configured to receive a freeze input. At least one processor 132, 150 automatically performs at least one measurement 330 on the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 and presents the measurement at the display system 134. In various embodiments, the at least one measurement 330 may include: a peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, an end diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, a minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, a peak systolic velocity to end diastolic velocity (PS / ED) ratio (S / D) measurement, a pulsatility index (PI) measurement, a resistivity index (RI) measurement, and / or a time average maximum velocity (TA) measurement. MAX )Measurement.

[0056] Certain embodiments provide a non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program having at least one code segment. The at least one code segment can be executed by a machine to cause the machine to perform step 400. Step 400 may include presenting a plurality of selectable clinical objects at a display system 134 (406). Each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects may be associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile. Each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile may include imaging parameters 312, 322 for an associated selectable clinical object of the plurality of selectable clinical objects. Step 400 may include retrieving a color flow Doppler profile and a pulse wave Doppler profile associated with a selectable clinical object selected from the plurality of selectable clinical objects (410). Step 400 may include acquiring color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 based on the imaging parameters 312 of the retrieved color flow Doppler profile and presenting the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at a display system 134 (412). Step 400 may include initiating a pulse wave Doppler imaging mode (414). Step 400 may include acquiring pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 based on the imaging parameters 322 of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler configuration file and presenting the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system 134 (416).

[0057] In various embodiments, step 400 may include receiving patient information including a gestational age of a fetus (402). A color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile may be retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus (410). In certain embodiments, in response to receiving a gate 314 placed in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310, a pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode is initiated (414). In an exemplary embodiment, step 400 may include initiating a B-mode ultrasound imaging mode (404) before presenting a plurality of selectable clinical objects (406) at the display system 134. Step 400 may include switching to a color flow Doppler imaging mode (408-412) after receiving a selection of a selectable clinical object from a plurality of selectable clinical objects (408). In a representative embodiment, step 400 may include receiving a freeze input (418). Step 400 may include automatically performing at least one measurement 330 on the color flow Doppler ultrasound data 310 and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data 320 and presenting the measurement at the display system 134 ( 420 ).

[0058] As used herein, the term "circuit" refers to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure hardware, is executed by hardware, and / or is otherwise associated with hardware. For example, as used herein, when executing one or more first codes, a specific processor and memory may include a first "circuit", and when executing one or more second codes, a specific processor and memory may include a second "circuit". As used herein, "and / or" represents any one or more of the items in the list connected by "and / or". For example, "x and / or y" represents any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. As another example, "x, y, and / or z" represents any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. As used herein, the term "exemplary" means used as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "eg" and "for example" introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, a circuit is "operable to" and / or "configured to" perform a function whenever the circuit includes the necessary hardware and code (if necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether the performance of the function is disabled or not enabled by some user-configurable setting.

[0059] Other embodiments may provide a computer-readable device and / or a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and / or a machine-readable device and / or a non-transitory machine-readable medium, on which a machine code and / or a computer program having at least one code segment executable by a machine and / or a computer is stored, so that the machine and / or the computer performs the steps described herein for enhancing color blood flow Doppler ultrasound images and pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound images acquired based on clinically specific imaging parameter profiles.

[0060] Therefore, the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure may be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computer system, or in a distributed manner, where different elements are distributed across several interconnected computer systems. Any type of computer system or other device suitable for executing the methods described herein is suitable.

[0061] The various embodiments may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and which, when loaded into a computer system, is capable of carrying out these methods. A computer program herein refers to any expression of a set of instructions in any language, code or notation, which is intended to cause a system with information processing capabilities to perform specific functions directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion into another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: presenting, by at least one processor of the ultrasound system, a plurality of selectable clinical objects at a display system, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being a different specific anatomical structure, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile, each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile including imaging parameters of an associated one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects, wherein one or both of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile specify measurements of the specific anatomical structure to be automatically performed upon receiving a freeze input; receiving, by the at least one processor, a selection of a selectable clinical object from the plurality of selectable clinical objects; retrieving, by the at least one processor, the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with a selected one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects; acquiring color flow Doppler ultrasound data by the ultrasound system and presenting the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved color flow Doppler configuration file; initiating, by the at least one processor, a pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode; acquiring, by the ultrasound system, pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved pulsed wave Doppler configuration file and presenting the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system; receiving, by the at least one processor, the freeze input; automatically performing, by the at least one processor, upon receiving the freeze input, the measuring of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data as specified by the one or both of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile; and The measurements of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data are automatically presented at the display system.

2. The method of claim 1 , comprising receiving, by the at least one processor, patient information including a gestational age of a fetus, wherein the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile are retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode is initiated in response to receiving a gate placed in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: initiating, by the at least one processor, a B-mode ultrasound imaging mode prior to presenting the plurality of selectable clinical objects at the display system; as well as After receiving the selection of the one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects, switching to a color flow Doppler imaging mode is performed by the at least one processor.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of selectable clinical objects comprises multiple of the following: Uterine artery, middle cerebral artery, Umbilical artery, intravenous catheters, and Aorta.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging parameters of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile each include multiple of the following: Pulse repetition frequency (PRF), frequency, Wall motion filter settings, Baseline, gain, and Door size.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one measurement comprises: Peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, End-diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, Minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, The ratio of peak systolic velocity to end-diastolic velocity (PS / ED) (S / D) is measured. Pulsatility Index (PI) measurement, Resistivity Index (RI) measurements, and / or Time average maximum velocity (TA MAX )Measurement.

8. An ultrasound system, comprising: a display system configured to present a plurality of selectable clinical objects, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being a different specific anatomical structure, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile, each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile comprising imaging parameters of an associated one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects, wherein one or both of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile specify measurements of the specific anatomical structure to be automatically performed upon receiving a freeze input; at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to: receiving a selection of a selectable clinical object from the plurality of selectable clinical objects; retrieving the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with a selected one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects; applying the imaging parameters of the retrieved color flow Doppler configuration file to acquire color flow Doppler ultrasound data and presenting the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system; Start pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode; applying the imaging parameters of the retrieved pulse wave Doppler configuration file to acquire pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data and presenting the pulse wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system; receiving the freeze input; automatically performing the measurements of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data as specified by the one or both of the color flow Doppler configuration file and the pulsed wave Doppler configuration file after receiving the freeze input; and The measurements of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data are automatically presented at the display system.

9. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive patient information, the patient information comprising a gestational age of a fetus, and wherein the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile are retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus.

10. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is configured to initiate the pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode in response to receiving a gate placed in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data.

11. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of selectable clinical objects comprises multiple of the following: Uterine artery, middle cerebral artery, Umbilical artery, intravenous catheters, and Aorta.

12. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein the imaging parameters of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulse wave Doppler profile each include multiple of the following: Pulse repetition frequency (PRF), frequency, Wall motion filter settings, Baseline, gain, and Door size.

13. The ultrasound system of claim 8, wherein the at least one measurement comprises: Peak systolic velocity (PS) measurement, End-diastolic velocity (ED) measurement, Minimum diastolic velocity (MD) measurement, The ratio of peak systolic velocity to end-diastolic velocity (PS / ED) (S / D) is measured. Pulsatility Index (PI) measurement, Resistivity Index (RI) measurements, and / or Time average maximum velocity (TA MAX )Measurement.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program having at least one code segment, the at least one code segment being executable by a machine to cause the machine to perform steps comprising: presenting at a display system a plurality of selectable clinical objects, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being a different specific anatomical structure, each of the plurality of selectable clinical objects being associated with a color flow Doppler profile and a pulsed wave Doppler profile, each of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile comprising imaging parameters of an associated one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects, wherein one or both of the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile specify measurements of the specific anatomical structure to be automatically performed upon receiving a freeze input; retrieving the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile associated with a selected one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects; acquiring color flow Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved color flow Doppler configuration file and presenting the color flow Doppler ultrasound data at the display system; Start pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode; acquiring pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data based on the imaging parameters of the retrieved pulsed wave Doppler configuration file and presenting the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data at the display system; receiving the freeze input; automatically performing the measurements of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data as specified by the one or both of the color flow Doppler configuration file and the pulsed wave Doppler configuration file after receiving the freeze input; and The measurements of the color flow Doppler ultrasound data and / or the pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound data are automatically presented at the display system.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, comprising receiving patient information including a gestational age of a fetus, wherein the color flow Doppler profile and the pulsed wave Doppler profile are retrieved based in part on the gestational age of the fetus.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the pulsed wave Doppler imaging mode is initiated in response to receiving placement of a gate in the color flow Doppler ultrasound data.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, comprising: prior to presenting the plurality of selectable clinical objects at the display system, initiating a B-mode ultrasound imaging mode; as well as After receiving a selection of the one of the plurality of selectable clinical objects, switching to a color flow Doppler imaging mode is performed.

Images