Articles tagged with Ultrasound
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using focused ultrasound and immunotherapy to destroy metastatic breast cancer cells. The treatment aims to prompt an immune response, allowing the body's white blood cells to recognize and kill the cancer cells.
A $10 microchip can be mounted onto a traditional ultrasound probe, providing 3-D imaging abilities similar to CT scans or MRIs. This technology has the potential to improve patient care, especially in emergency medicine and trauma cases where CT scans are not available.
A small pilot study found that focused ultrasound treatment improved hand tremor by up to 62% in participants with Parkinson's disease, with minimal side effects. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and potential role of this scalpel-free surgery approach.
A longitudinal neuroimaging study found that fetal MRI can detect brain damage caused by Zika exposure in utero more effectively than standard ultrasound. The study revealed three pregnancies with abnormal fetal MRIs showing extensive areas of brain damage, which were not detected by ultrasound.
A new cardiac catheter combines fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) with intravascular ultrasound to measure plaque composition, providing a more accurate prediction of heart attacks. The device has been tested in living swine hearts and human coronary artery samples, showing promising results.
Pediatric emergency departments are more likely to use ultrasounds over CT scans to diagnose abdominal pain in children due to reduced radiation exposure. According to the study, general emergency departments still rely heavily on CT scans for this purpose.
The study found that utilization rates for musculoskeletal extremity imaging modalities increased significantly between 1994 and 2013, with MRI experiencing an initial period of rapid growth. The four most common modalities - radiography, ultrasound, MRI, and CT - saw increases in volume and per-beneficiary utilization.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a novel system using ultrasound to trigger the release of nerve-blocking agents, providing on-demand pain relief. The system, using ultrasound-triggered liposomes, has potential for replacing addictive opioids and short-lasting local anesthetics.
A team of researchers from UCR developed a ceramic skull implant that allows doctors to deliver therapeutic sound waves into the brain. The material, made of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia, is biocompatible and shatter-resistant, making it ideal for implants.
Chulhong Kim, a POSTECH Associate Professor, has received the IEEE-EMBS Early Career Achievement Award for his contributions to biomedical imaging. His lab developed world-first photoacoustic gastro-intestinal tract imaging using organic agents.
Researchers have developed new noninvasive ultrasound techniques to image the brain and liver, overcoming limitations caused by bones in these areas. The DORT method uses a multi-element array to focus ultrasound waves through bones, while a lens-based transcranial focusing device has been patented for transskull imaging.
Researchers use tiny bubbles and ultrasound to safely open the blood-brain barrier, a heavily guarded system that prevents drug delivery. This breakthrough approach aims to advance next-generation brain therapies without surgery.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new surgical tool using low-frequency intravascular ultrasound to break down blood clots. The tool breaks down clots into fine particles, reducing the need for high doses of blood thinners and potentially lowering treatment time.
A new study has investigated the use of one-needle versus two-needle procedures for ultrasound-guided irrigation in treating rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. The results showed that using two needles was more efficient for hard calcifications, while one needle was sufficient for fluid calcifications.
Researchers found no difference in important clinical outcomes for pediatric trauma patients who received routine ultrasound evaluations compared to those without. The study aimed to determine whether ultrasound could safely decrease CT scan use and improve resource use, but results showed minor savings of $1,200 per patient.
A recent study found that follow-up imaging is significantly less when initial emergency department (ED) ultrasound examinations are interpreted by a radiologist rather than a nonradiologist. Radiologists interpret the vast majority of ED ultrasounds, with 81.6% of cases handled by them and 36,788 cases handled by nonradiologists.
Machine learning techniques are successfully applied to image-based diagnosis, disease detection, and prognosis in medical imaging. The review focuses on denoising methods using machine learning approaches to develop a systematic decision for diagnosing and prediction of medical images.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for thyroid cancer in asymptomatic persons results in harms that outweigh the benefits due to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis with a 98.1% 5-year survival rate.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) assessment is accurate, timely, and associated with low pain levels and high caregiver satisfaction. POCUS was compared to X-ray for diagnosing distal forearm fractures in children, yielding a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 93.5%.
A study found that radio advertising free ultrasounds increased pregnant women's modern medical care attendance in rural Uganda by 490%. The use of portable ultrasound machines helped detect serious anatomical problems and infectious diseases, leading to improved health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose cancer using ultrasound and microbubbles that can identify malignant tumors with high accuracy. The technique has shown promise in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast and ovarian tumors, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries.
Researchers at UAB have designed triple-threat cancer-fighting polymer capsules that can deliver drugs to tumors while protecting against collateral damage. The capsules show good imaging contrast, stably encapsulate cancer drugs, and can be triggered by low- or high-power ultrasound to release their cargo.
Researchers designed a new focusing method for HIFU therapy, generating a subwavelength-scale focal region and extremely high ultrasound intensity. The lattice Boltzmann method modeling improves acoustic simulations and provides detailed information needed for estimating transducer performance.
Researchers have developed a new method using ultrasound to measure fluid in the lungs, which could help diagnose scarring and fibrosis. The technique allows for quantitative information on lung fluid levels, potentially tracking treatment progress more effectively.
Researchers are developing a portable, painless 3-D ultrasound device that can detect swelling in the optic nerve sheath, indicating potential brain damage. The device aims to provide instantaneous evidence of head injuries and is expected to be accurate compared to existing MRI and CT technology.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a hybrid exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with powered exoskeletons. The system will utilize wearable ultrasound sensors to measure muscle fatigue, allowing for real-time sensing and prediction of muscle function.
A team of University College London researchers created a method for generating ultrasound via the photoacoustic effect by tailoring optoacoustic surface profiles. They used 3D printing to create samples with specific shapes, allowing them to control where sound fields would focus and even create continuous shapes.
Researchers found that ED patients with ultrasounds interpreted by nonradiologists underwent more follow-up imaging studies, with a mean increase of 1.08, 1.22, and 1.34 procedures within seven, fourteen, and thirty days respectively.
A panel of international experts recommends abandoning the costly and ineffective treatment, citing a lack of benefit for outcomes important to patients. The guideline advises against using ultrasound therapy for bone healing after fracture, suggesting future research focus on other interventions that may speed up healing.
A new digital library of artery sounds recorded during Doppler ultrasound procedures will be created to help clinicians better interpret the data. The database aims to increase accuracy and confidence in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
Northwestern University scientists have developed a tiny, transparent device that can detect ultrasound waves, potentially helping diagnose diseases like macular degeneration and diabetes. The Micro-ring resonator detector uses optical ultrasound detection methods to create high-resolution images of biological materials.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that lung ultrasound enhances pretest risk stratification for pulmonary embolism, detecting alternative diagnoses such as pneumonia or pleural effusion. This improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new beam pattern, dubbed the 'needle-pulse' beam, which can create incredibly thin and intense beams that expand outward again after a mere nanosecond. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize fields such as ultrasound, radar, and microscopy.
Researchers developed an acoustofluidic chip to concentrate fluorescently labeled biomarkers using ultrasound, enabling the detection of smaller particles and boost their signal. The technique shows promise for point-of-care diagnostic applications, including the potential analysis via smartphone apps.
Biomedical engineers at Johns Hopkins create a method to deliver and release concentrated amounts of drugs to the brain using ultrasound pulses. The technique has the potential to advance many therapies and research studies, minimizing side effects and potentially bringing new treatments to humans within a year or two.
A study published in The Lancet found that adding an MRI scan after a 20-week ultrasound scan can increase the accuracy of diagnosing fetal brain abnormalities, with almost all scans being correct. This extra information helps doctors give more accurate diagnoses and advice to parents.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique that uses focused ultrasound and nanoparticles to enhance cancer biomarker detection in blood samples. This non-invasive method has been shown to be as accurate as traditional biopsies, with potential applications for personalized medicine.
The new device produces clearer images through 3D printed lenses, allowing doctors and surgeons to have greater control and precision in non-invasive diagnostic procedures and medical surgeries. The technology has the potential to reduce image distortions and accurately differentiate cancerous from non-cancerous soft tissue.
Researchers have developed a technique using microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver drugs directly to the brain, opening the blood-brain barrier. This method shows promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a portable device that uses low-frequency ultrasound to heal chronic wounds. The device, which is battery-powered and compact, has shown promising results in clinical trials, with patients experiencing improved healing by 15% per week.
A team of German researchers has developed a way to use microbubbles to power micro-robots wirelessly, offering multiple advantages over previous techniques. The approach allows for individual addressing, no on-board electronics, and scalability to sub-millimeter size.
Three new studies provide insight into the effects of Zika virus on congenital brain damage in babies and adults with neurological disorders. The research highlights common CT brain findings, including decreased brain volume and calcifications, as well as MRI findings such as orbital injuries and anatomical changes in brain tissue.
Researchers in Brazil have created 3-D virtual reality models of unborn babies using fetal MRI results. The technology allows doctors to visualize the fetus's internal structure, including the respiratory tract, which can aid in assessing abnormalities.
Researchers at TUM develop a new method for non-destructive testing using ultrasound that combines a computerized model and experiment to provide precise information on the inner world of objects. This method uses waveform inversion to utilize the entire information content of the wave field measured, providing improved results.
A large international study led by McMaster University researchers found that low-intensity ultrasound treatment after surgical repair of a bone fracture has no effect on recovery time or quality of life. The study involved 501 patients and showed that using either an active or placebo device did not improve outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant differences between ultrasound and sham treatment for tibial fracture healing or functional recovery. The study suggests abandoning low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography (LIPUS) as an ineffective treatment option for patients with tibial fractures.
Researchers have developed a new 3-D printed device that can harness high-pressure ultrasound to manipulate tiny objects like particles, drops or biological tissue. This control enables precise applications in surgery, material analysis and scientific research.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple, energy-efficient way to create three-dimensional acoustic holograms using Lego-like metamaterials. The technique manipulates sound waves into desired patterns, enabling applications such as improving sound quality in speakers and creating realistic ultrasound images.
Researchers discovered that mice create ultrasound by directing a small air jet against the inner wall of their larynx, producing an ultrasonic whistle. This innovative mechanism has implications for understanding social sounds in rodents and potentially even human speech disorders.
A total of 820 Hip surgeries were performed, with the overall VTE incidence being 12.2%. The incidence was lower for PAO compared to SHF and THA/Revision THA. Chemoprophylaxis therapy showed effectiveness in reducing VTE incidence.
A new study aims to develop objective indicators for diagnosing concussions using transcranial Doppler ultrasound to measure blood vessel function in the brain. The researchers hope to create a non-invasive, inexpensive method to accurately diagnose concussions and prevent second-impact syndrome.
A study by researchers at UW Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute found a link between exposure to diagnostic ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy and increased autism symptom severity. The study suggests that current FDA guidelines may need to be revised to account for this potential risk.
A team of scientists engineered protein-shelled nanostructures called gas vesicles to exhibit properties useful for ultrasound technologies. The modified gas vesicles were shown to produce distinct signals, target specific cell types, and help create color ultrasound images.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that MRI-guided focused ultrasound significantly improves tremors and quality of life for patients with essential tremor. The treatment was shown to achieve nearly 50% improvement in tremors after three months, while retaining a 40% improvement after a year.
A 25-year-old man recovering from a coma made remarkable progress after receiving an ultrasound treatment at UCLA. The technique, called low-intensity focused ultrasound pulsation, targets the thalamus to excite brain tissue and improve consciousness. Researchers plan to test the procedure on additional patients this fall.
A clinical trial led by Jeff Elias at the University of Virginia Health System found that focused ultrasound is safe and effective in reducing shaking caused by essential tremor. Participants showed significant improvement in disabilities and quality of life, with mean tremor scores improving by 47% at three months.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach using ultrasound energy and microbubbles to selectively open cells, allowing delivery of therapeutic agents. The study's findings will help refine this technique as a clinical tool and translate it into an effective gene or drug delivery tool for patients.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed dust-sized wireless sensors that can be implanted in the body to monitor internal nerves, muscles, or organs in real-time. The technology also enables stimulation of nerves and muscles to treat disorders such as epilepsy or stimulate the immune system.
Researchers used high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate placental blood vessels in sheep, successfully occluding vessels with minimal complications. The technique shows promise for treating twin-twin transfusion syndrome and related pregnancy disorders.
The FDA has approved the ExAblate focused-ultrasound device to treat essential tremor in patients who do not respond to medication. The procedure shows promise as a less invasive alternative to deep-brain stimulation, with significant reductions in tremor symptoms after three months and one year.