Ultrasound imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same

An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising:

• a probe;
• a memory configured to store a program;
• and
• a processor configured to execute the program to:
• control the probe to transmit an ultrasound signal of a third mechanical index to an object;
• determine whether an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) flows in the object based on at least one of detecting a peak of a harmonic frequency signal included in an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal of the third mechanical index allowing the UCA to collapse, detecting that the harmonic frequency signal changes by more than a threshold amount, and detecting that the harmonic frequency signal has a level greater than a threshold level;
• control the probe to transmit an ultrasound signal of a second mechanical index lower than the third mechanical index in a first cycle based on determining that the UCA flows in the object, the first cycle having a relatively long pulse cycle to allow the UCA to collapse;
• obtain a UCA collapse image based on an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal of the second mechanical index;
• control the probe to transmit the ultrasound signal of the second mechanical index in a second cycle that allows the UCA to move nonlinearly;
• and
• obtain a UCA image based on an echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal of the second mechanical index allowing the UCA to move nonlinearly.