Ultrasonic diagnostic systems for imaging medical instruments within the body.

摘要

An ultrasonic imaging system for guiding a user in the placement of a medical instrument (10) within the body is described. As the medical instrument (10) approaches the image plane of an imaging transducer (14), ultrasonic wave energy (18) is received by a transducer (22) located on the medical instrument. The level of received energy is detected and used to develop a control signal which varies as a function of the quantum of received energy. The control signal is used to modulate an audible indicator (90), which provides an audible indiction of proximity of the medical instrument to the image plane as the instrument approaches and intersects the plane. A visual marker is produced on an image display (16) which represents the location of the instrument within the body. As the instrument approaches and intersects the image plane the visual marker is also modulated. The system includes a test and calibration mode of operation, which exercises components of the medical instrument transducer signal processor (12), and also transmits calibration signals to the image display for calibration and verification purposes prior to the commencement of a medical procedure.