Ultrasound color flow imaging at high frame rates

摘要

A method is provided to improve the frame-rate in color-flow ultrasound imaging using simultaneous spatially-distinct transmit beams with one or more frequency bands per transmit beam. Pulses of different center frequencies are used simultaneously in different (lateral and/or elevational) directions, thereby reducing the scanning time and improving the frame-rates. Optionally, a multi-modal pulse is used, and flow is estimated separately for the different frequencies. The flow estimates for these pulses are appropriately combined to improve low-velocity sensitivity and to reduce aliasing. A flow sample count with two or more different pulse repetition intervals can be used to further improve low-flow sensitivity and minimize aliasing.