Method for exploring and displaying tissues fo human or animal origin from a high frequency ultrasound probe

Abstract

A method for displaying scanned ultrasound images of tissue employs an apparatus including an ultrasound probe mounted to a mechanical head. A three-dimensional positioning system mounts the head for positioning the probe in proximate orthogonal relation to the tissue. A computer controls the three-dimensional positioning system thereby moving the probe during a scan. The probe transmits high frequency ultrasound waves whose nominal frequency is included within the range from 30 to 100 MHz and with a large pass band, adapted to frequencies reflected by the tissue. The beams of ultrasound transmission are focused in a given zone of the tissue over a vertical penetration distance of between 20 and 30 mm. Reflected signals are acquired and processed for display.

1 . A method for the investigation and display of tissues of human or animal origin in 2 or 3D, comprising the use of a probe with a fixed focusing area or a dynamic focusing area capable of generating beams of ultrasound, convergent waves in a nominal broad bandwidth, adapted to the frequencies reflected by the tissue investigated.  
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said probe is a multi-element with circular symmetry, made up of several concentric annular transducers evenly spaced over a plane surface or with spherical concavity, said transducers being independent of each other and being controlled individually in transmission and in reception by pulses which are offset in time.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the focal distance is modified by an electronic control process.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the focal distance is modified by a numerical process.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the focal distance is adjusted to 20 to 30 mm to investigate the posterior segment.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , applicable in gynecology and obstetrics, in gastroenterology, in the field of cardiovascular examinations and examinations by coelioscopy, or in dermatology.