Patent ID: 6533728
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for detecting a contrast agent in the tissue of a subject using ultrasonic signals, the method comprising the following steps:(a) directing an ultrasound pulse signal having a selected transmission frequency at a region of interest in the subject; (b) receiving an echo signal from the region of interest; (c) generating a Fourier broadband spectrum from the received echo signal; (d) mathematically synthesizing a fundamental spectral component centered around the selected transmission frequency using the Fourier broadband spectrum; (e) mathematically reconstructing a harmonic spectral component using the Fourier broadband spectrum; and (f) determining a relationship between the energy characteristics of the fundamental spectral component and the harmonic spectral component, wherein the relationship indicates a proportion of the echo signal that is returned from contrast agent versus a proportion which is returned from tissue.