NEW ULTRASOUND IMAGING TECHNIQUE EMPLOYING TWO-DIMENSIONAL ELECTRONIC BEAM STEERING.

Abstract

A new ultrasound imaging system which removes or substantially reduces many previous limitations has been developed. This imaging system is based on phased array principles rather than the usual mechanical positioning to scan the ultrasound beam through the object volume. The system was specifically designed for diagnostic use in evaluating the dynamic behaviour of the heart. However, even in its present form, this instrument may have considerable usefulness in many areas of ultrasound diagnosis.