Active Acoustic Array for Ultrasonic Biomedical Applications
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device having an acoustic array, which device has utility in ultrasonic biomedical applications, particularly in the detection of breast cancer. (2) Description of the Prior Art Current breast cancer screening techniques which rely on X- rays are painful to undergo and often ineffective for detecting early stages of cancer. Conventional ultrasound Systems, i.e., hand-held linear b-scan arrays, are limited by the maximum allowable levels of exposure to the ultrasound set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ultrasound technology has been used in the medical field for many applications ranging from monitoring the heart condition of individuals to monitoring fetal development. There are a number of patents which illustrate various features of ultrasound equipment used in medical applications. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,042,492 to Dubut illustrates a probe used in ultrasound apparatus. The probe is formed with a concave attack face using a continuous acoustic transition blade. The blade is metallized and is in common contact with all the front metallizations of a series of piezoelectric elements of the probe. The rear metallizations of the elements terminate electrically and independently backwards of the probe. The probe has utility in ultrasound experiments where good focusing is desired.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 30, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADD019966
Entities
People
- Kim C. Benjamin
Organizations
- United States Department of the Navy