Combined 2D Pulse-Echo Ultrasound And Optoacoustic Signal
First Claim
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1. An apparatus adjunct to conventional pulse-echo ultrasound systems adapted to add the capability of combining pulse-echo ultrasound data with optoacoustic (thermoacoustic) data and display a combined image, the apparatus comprising:
- pulsed electro-magnetic source adapted to generate radiation;
hardware/software for acquisition, processing and optoacoustic image generation;
pulse-echo ultrasound image and optoacoustic image merger;
signal and control lines connecting the conventional pulse-echo ultrasound system with the apparatus.
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Abstract
The present invention provides an adjunct apparatus to conventional ultrasound systems and method for combining ultrasound images that reflect pulse echo ultrasound properties together with optoacoustic properties of tissues and body fluids as a function of spatial location. The present invention in another aspect consists of the addition of a new operating mode to ultrasound imaging systems.
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22 Claims
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1. An apparatus adjunct to conventional pulse-echo ultrasound systems adapted to add the capability of combining pulse-echo ultrasound data with optoacoustic (thermoacoustic) data and display a combined image, the apparatus comprising:
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pulsed electro-magnetic source adapted to generate radiation;
hardware/software for acquisition, processing and optoacoustic image generation;
pulse-echo ultrasound image and optoacoustic image merger;
signal and control lines connecting the conventional pulse-echo ultrasound system with the apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An ultrasound imaging apparatus supporting pulse-echo ultrasound modes of operation as well as optoacoustic, (thermoacoustic) ultrasound mode of operation and displaying simultaneously the mode relevant images overlaid one on top of the other on a combined image;
- the system comprising;
conventional pulse-echo ultrasound probe;
pulsed electro-magnetic source generating radiation;
control lines connecting said pulsed electro-magnetic source and the ultrasound imaging apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
- the system comprising;
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