Importance

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Abstract

A computer implemented method and apparatus for generating a vascular volume flow measurement in a living subject using an ultrasonic system by determining a velocity measurement and an area measurement at the same location in a blood vessel. The present invention generates an angle correct cursor on a display indicating where in a vessel a velocity measurement is being obtained. A diameter measure cursor is fixed perpendicular to the angle correct cursor to determine a diameter of the vessel at the same location of the vessel where the velocity measurement is obtained. The diameter is multiplied with the time averaged means velocity to accurately generate the volume flow. In one embodiment, the length of the diameter measure cursor is adjustable to extend a first end and an opposing second end of the diameter measure cursor, approximately to the walls of the vessel. In a second embodiment, the diameter measure cursor is adjustable to slide the cursor along its length to be approximately in a center of the vessel, while maintaining the diameter measure cursor to be perpendicular to the angle correct cursor. The velocity measurement, in the present invention, is generated by emitting pulses into a subject under examination, receiving echoes and determining Doppler frequency shifts from the pulses, and translating the Doppler frequency shifts to velocity information.

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First Claim