Scanhead assembly for ultrasonic imaging having an integral beamformer and demountable array

A scanhead assembly for a ultrasonic imaging system, comprising:

• a first portion having a frontally positioned active section that is electrically coupled to a first connective interface;
• a second portion having an internally positioned beamformer that is electrically coupled to a second connective interface;
• and
• an interposer portion having a first end structured to be received by the first connective interface on the first portion, and an opposed second end structured to be received by the second connective interface on the second portion, the interposer portion electrically coupling the active region in the first portion to the beamformer in the second portion when the first and second portions are coupled to the interposer and wherein the beamformer is substantially enclosed in the second portion when the second portion is decoupled from the interposer.

A method of performing an ultrasound diagnostic procedure on a patient, comprising:

• selecting a first scanhead portion containing an ultrasonic transducer capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy and receiving ultrasonic echoes;
• removably attaching the first scanhead portion to a second scanhead portion containing a beamformer capable of dynamically focusing the ultrasonic signals and ultrasonic echoes, the beamformer being substantially enclosed within the second scanhead portion when the second scanhead portion is separated from the first scanhead portion;
• placing the removably attached first and second portions against the skin of the patient;
• projecting ultrasonic energy into the body of the patient;
• and
• receiving ultrasonic echoes from an interior portion of the body.