Importance

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Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic system is provided that automatically measures a volumetric flow rate of a vessel presented on a graphical display by estimating the vessel size and direction. The Doppler information signals received from an ultrasonic transducer include frequency components representing fluid flow through a region of interest. The operator selects a vessel represented graphically on the display in which a volumetric flow rate measurement is desired. The ultrasonic diagnostic system then performs a search in a plurality of directions that extend radially outward from a location within the vessel for an upper and a lower set of edge points that correspond to inner wall surfaces of the vessel. Once the upper and lower set of edge points are identified, curves are fitted through the respective sets of edge points to define respective estimates of the inner wall surfaces. Next, an angular difference between the respective curves and a beam direction of the Doppler information signals is measured. Finally, a volumetric flow rate measurement of the selected vessel can be derived within a region defined by the respective curves and based on the measured angular difference.

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First Claim