Ultrasonic measuring device, examination apparatus and method for operating same

An ultrasonic measuring device, comprising:

• an ultrasonic array configured to detect ultrasonic signals, wherein the ultrasonic array is arranged both as an emitter of ultrasonic waves and as a detector of ultrasonic waves in order to generate images of an area to be examined from the ultrasonic signals detected,
• a housing comprising an acoustic window portion and a housing wall, the ultrasonic array being arranged in the housing in acoustic contact with the acoustic window portion,
• an electrically actuated actuator device which comprises a piezoelectric ring motor being enclosed by the housing and which is configured for an adjustment and movement of the ultrasonic array relative to the acoustic window portion and the area to be examined, wherein the piezoelectric ring motor comprises at least two piezoelectric actuators and a rotor which is coupled with the ultrasonic array via a drive shaft, and
• a position sensor using which a spatial position of the ultrasonic measuring device can be detected, and
• a directional sensor using which the alignment of the ultrasonic array in the housing can be detected, wherein
• the acoustic window portion is a plastic film which allows a transmission of ultrasonic waves, and comprises an external surface provided with an adhesive material such that the acoustic window portion is configured for an adherence to a surface of the object to be examined,
• the housing forms an electromagnetic shielding comprising a screening of the ultrasonic array and the piezoelectric ring motor and a balun at a line connection coupled with the housing, wherein the electromagnetic shielding is effective against fields in an MRI tomography device, and
• the ultrasonic array, the piezoelectric ring motor and the housing are made of magnetic-resonance-compatible materials that do not emit or emit negligible magnetic-resonance signals in reaction to high-frequency fields occurring in an MRI scanner.