Convex transducers are today standard on every new scanner. A convex surface allows the scanning of a larger area with a smaller array. The method of focusing and beam sweeping of a convex or curvilinear / curved array is similar to a linear array transducer, except of the shape of the probe and the sector format of the created image.
The better fit to the body, caused by the curved shape with smaller convex contact surface, and the wider field of view further from the transducer face are advantages in abdominal ultrasound.
However, also a convex array is often too large to image the heart when probing between the ribs. Caused by combining a large field of view with smallest array size, phased array transducers are the best choice in cardiac ultrasound.

See also Curved Transducer.

The diastole is the period of relaxation in the cardiac cycle which alternates with systole. During diastole, the ventricles fill and the aortic and pulmonary valves are closed. On a Doppler spectrum analysis, diastole can be identified as beginning at the dicrotic notch (a small abrupt upswing in the deceleration phase of systole) and ending with the systolic upstroke.

See also Echocardiography and Cardiac Ultrasound.

(DCPD) Directional color power Doppler combines power (amplitude) of Doppler signal with directional (phase) information to encode direction and variations in blood flow. DCPD is used in analysis of blood flow to assess blood vessel or vascular function.

See also Color Power Doppler, Quadrature Detection, and Directional Indicators.

Dynamic focusing controls the axial position of the focus of an ultrasound beam. Dynamic focusing is often managed by controlling the phase of the signals detected by a transducer array.

See also Real-Time Transducer.

EchoGen® is a fluorocarbon-based (dodecafluoropentane) third generation USCA. EchoGen® consists of microbubbles stabilized with surfactants in a phase shift colloid emulsion (perflenapent). EchoGen® requires no preparation, reconstitution, or refrigeration.
Perflenapent emulsion would represent a significant advance in contrast echocardiography caused by effective and long lasting opacification of the left ventricle and enhanced endocardial border delineation.
The persistence of the contrast effect permits interrogation in multiple echocardiographic views, as well as the visualization and localization of myocardial perfusion deficits at rest by producing a negative contrast effect.
October 12, 2000
Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a strategic decision to refocus the Company on the development of its drug delivery and blood substitute products. At the same time, Sonus has withdrawn the NDA (New Drug Application) and discontinued clinical activity for its ultrasound contrast product, EchoGen®.
August 06, 2001
Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its ultrasound contrast assets for $6.5 million to Amersham plc. As part of the agreement, Sonus has also assigned to Nycomed its interest in the ultrasound contrast patent license agreement entered into with Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. and Molecular Biosystems Inc in January 2001.