Method and apparatus for non-invasive ultrasonic fetal heart...

Details Method and apparatus for non-invasive ultrasonic fetal heart... Method and apparatus for non-invasive ultrasonic fetal heart...

2004-05-04

2008-12-30

Casler, Brian L. (Department: 3768)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation

Reexamination Certificate

active

07470232

ABSTRACT:
A continuous, non-invasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer array patches that are adhered or attached to the mother. Each ultrasound transducer array is operated in an autonomous mode by a digital signal processor to obtain data from which fetal heart rate information can be derived. Each ultrasonic transducer array patch comprises a multiplicity of subelements that are switchably reconfigurable to form elements having different shapes, e.g., annular rings. Each subelement comprises a plurality of interconnected cMUT cells that are not switchably disconnectable. The use of cMUT patches will provide the ability to interrogate a three-dimensional space electronically (i.e. without mechanical beam steering) with ultrasound, using a transducer device that is thin and lightweight enough to stick to the patient's skin like an EKG electrode. The ultrasound device can track the fetal heart in three-dimensional space as it moves due to the mother's motion or the motion of the unborn child within the womb.

REFERENCES:
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patent: 6454716 (2002-09-01), Zumeris
patent: 7022077 (2006-04-01), Mourad et al.
“Entwurf Und Erprobung Eines Systems Zur Automatischen Verfolgung Sich Langsam Bewegender Objekte Mit Ultraschall”; Westhues, Dirk; am Institut fur Hochfrequenztechnik Ruhr-Universitat, Bochum; vorgelegt im Sep. 1994. (English translation provided).

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