| 摘要 |
The object of the invention is to provide an ultrasonograph wherein the decrease of the density of a stabilized microbubble contrast agent in a desired living area can be inhibited, radiating ultrasonic energy required to acquire satisfactory image signal-to-noise ratio and an enough frame rate. The invention is based upon an ultrasonograph for obtaining an image of the inside of a living body by transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to the living body into which a contrast agent is introduced using an ultrasonic probe and is characterized in that the ultrasonic probe transmits an ultrasonic pulse acquired by superimposing higher harmonics including at least a second harmonic of a fundamental wave on the fundamental wave. For examples of the ultrasonic pulse, a maximum positive pressure enhanced waveform in which the peak value on the side of positive acoustic pressure of maximum amplitude is larger than the peak value on the side of negative acoustic pressure, a maximum negative pressure enhanced waveform in which the peak value on the side of negative acoustic pressure of maximum amplitude is larger than the peak value on the side of positive acoustic pressure, an acoustic pressure rise enhanced waveform in which the leading edge of an ultrasonic waveform is sharper than the trailing edge and an acoustic pressure fall enhanced waveform in which the trailing edge of an ultrasonic waveform is sharper than the leading edge are recorded beforehand, and one waveform of them is suitably selected and used.
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