Patent ID: 6193665
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
In an ultrasound imaging system for calculating the velocity of fluid flow in at least a portion of a subject being studied, improved apparatus comprising in combination:a transducer assembly operable in a first position for transmitting ultrasound waves toward the portion of the subject and receiving first reflected ultrasound waves from the portion and operable in a second position for transmitting ultrasound waves toward the portion of the subject and receiving second reflected ultrasound waves traveling from the portion, the angle between the first position and the second position being unknown;an ultrasound receiver unit connected to generate a first signal having a first value related to a velocity component of the fluid flow in at least the portion of the subject in response to the first reflected ultrasound waves and connected to generate a second signal having a second value related to a velocity component of the fluid flow in at least the portion of the subject in response to the second reflected ultrasound waves;a memory for storing first scan data responsive to the first ultrasound waves received from the portion of the subject at the first position and second scan data responsive to the second ultrasound waves received from the portion of the subject at the second position; anda logic unit connected to calculate the angle of rotation of the transducer assembly between the first position and the second position in response to the first and second scan data and also connected to estimate the velocity of the fluid flow in at least the portion of the subject based on the angle of rotation and the first and second values of the first and second signals.