Articles tagged with Ultrasound
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.
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.
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.
New imaging methods, including computer-assisted analysis of X-ray images and ultrasound imaging, show promise in detecting early stages of arthrosis. The methods could lead to targeted treatment and improved prediction of disease progression.
Researchers in Norway used ultrasound to enhance absorption of chemotherapeutic compounds Gemcitabine into pancreatic cells, increasing treatment cycles and median survival time from 7 months to 18 months. The technique, called sonoporation, showed promising results without increased toxicity or side effects.
The OPINION study shows that OFDI-guided PCI achieves equivalent clinical and angiographic outcomes to IVUS-guided PCI at 12 months. The study results contribute to defining the clinical value of OCT guidance in PCI.
Armen Sarvazyan has been awarded the Helmholtz-Rayleigh Interdisciplinary Silver Medal by the Acoustical Society of America for his contributions to ultrasound imaging and its applications. He made significant findings on elasticity imaging technology and developed ultrasonic devices for biomolecular interactions.
A novel wavelet variational model is proposed to segment ultrasound videos efficiently, tackling low contrast, shadow effects, and complex noise statistics. The model achieves accurate ROI tracking with robustness and flexibility, making it suitable for real-time clinical applications.
This year's top winners include a study on benign disorders simulating thoracic malignancies and a thorough understanding of ankle nerves for nerve entrapment evaluation. B-flow imaging is also highlighted as a promising method to complement color Doppler ultrasound.
A study found that most patients with asymptomatic carotid disease underwent unnecessary carotid imaging tests ordered for uncertain or inappropriate indications. The majority of these patients received endarterectomy, while others had stenting performed.
Researchers used an advanced form of ultrasound to map blood flow activity in the brain, detecting changes that differentiate healthy and concussed athletes 83% of the time. The study suggests a new tool for quickly recognizing concussions on the sidelines.
Scientists develop SkinHaptics technology that sends ultrasound waves through the hand to create targeted tactile sensations on the palm. This innovation solves a major challenge for wearable devices by allowing users to feel what they are doing without interrupting the display.
Patients evaluated with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) had significantly less time on vasoactive agents, fewer ICU days, and decreased morbidity. POCUS also resulted in cost savings of about $20,000 per patient.
Adding tomosynthesis or ultrasound scans to standard mammograms detects more breast cancers in women with dense breasts. These imaging technologies picked up an extra 24 cancers, improving detection rates.
A study by UCLA researchers found associations between Zika infection and grave outcomes, including fetal death, placental insufficiency, and central nervous system damage. The study suggests that Zika can cause a range of abnormalities in pregnant women, even if the fetus is not directly affected.
TUM researchers are developing self-healing materials to repair cracks in concrete structures. They use bacteria, hydrogels, and epoxy resin to create a material that can close cracks and prevent water damage. The technology has shown promising results in laboratory tests and is being further developed for use in real-world applications.
A study developed a simple risk scoring system to predict the likelihood of cesarean delivery in nulliparous women. The five-factor risk score accurately predicts an individual woman's risk of cesarean delivery, including advancing maternal age, short height, and increased fetal abdominal circumference.
Researchers have created a new equation to estimate gestational age from fetal biometrics, showing a slight improvement in accuracy compared to the traditional Hadlock formula. The study validates the new formula using a large, multi-center dataset and demonstrates its potential to reduce unnecessary interventions like induction of labor.
A Columbia University team led by Elisa Konofagou will develop a new method for using focused ultrasound to stimulate peripheral nerves, potentially treating chronic pain and neuropathy. The four-year grant aims to advance the field of electrical prescriptions for targeted neural and bio-interface technologies.
A new algorithm assesses adnexal masses with ultrasound, identifying 89-99% of patients with ovarian cancer. The approach allows for individualized patient management and potentially levels the playing field in expert interpretation.
Researchers at KU Leuven have fine-tuned a test for ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian tumours, improving accuracy and providing exact risk assessments. The new test has been analysed in 5,000 patient cases from 22 countries and is now ready for clinical use.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that ultrasound sensitivity is comparable to mammography, but with a higher false-positive rate. The researchers suggest considering ultrasound as a supplemental test for women with dense breasts or those unable to tolerate MRI.
Researchers have developed a novel method to reposition an FDA-approved anti-cancer compound for targeting liver cancer tumors. The 'triple attack' technique uses nanobubbles filled with the drug to specifically target cancer cells, minimizing harm to healthy tissue.
A study combining parents' and professionals' views sets research priorities for stillbirth, identifying areas such as ultrasound evaluation and bereavement care as key focuses. The study received over 1600 responses, providing valuable insights into the complexities of stillbirth and its impact on families.
Researchers at Caltech developed a novel technique called TRUME that utilizes microbubbles to focus light inside biological tissue. The technique can be used as an effective 'guidestar' to target specific locations in tissues, enabling minimally invasive treatments such as tumor destruction and diagnostic imaging. This innovation has t...
Researchers recorded simultaneous audio and visual evidence of knuckle cracking using ultrasound imaging. The study found a correlation between the audible crack and a bright flash on ultrasound, suggesting that the sound results from gas bubble dynamics in the joint.
A new study published in The Lancet found that adding ultrasound to standard mammography tests results in higher rates of detection for breast cancer in Japanese women. The J-START trial showed a sensitivity of 91% with ultrasound combined with mammography, compared to 77% for mammography alone.
Researchers have found a way to enable ultra-rapid drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract using ultrasound waves, which could aid in treating inflammatory bowel diseases. The technology, tested in pig and mouse models, showed improved absorption of insulin and mesalamine, paving the way for potential new treatments.
Advanced laser surgery and echocardiography predict fetal development and survival in complicated monochorionic twin pregnancies. Dr. Audibert presents results from 115 treated cases, exploring the usefulness of these techniques to improve outcomes.
Experts recommend a second ultrasound scan within 7-14 days after initial scan to avoid misdiagnosis of healthy pregnancies. The study analyzed 2,845 women's scans and provides new criteria for repeat scans.
Researchers call for improved early miscarriage diagnosis guidelines as a new study reveals the current standard may lead to misdiagnosis. A two-scan approach up to 14 days apart can improve accuracy and reduce false positives.
Researchers found early ultrasound signs of water absorption changes in cervix before delivery, indicating potential preterm birth risk. Current cervical length measurement methods are limited in their usefulness.
Salk scientists use ultrasonic waves to selectively activate brain, heart, muscle and other cells, offering an alternative to optogenetics for human therapeutics. The technique, dubbed sonogenetics, has the potential to noninvasively reach any tissue of interest in the body.
A study by Dr. Raffaella Leoci and colleagues found that a specific ultrasound treatment regime can permanently sterilize male dogs without affecting testosterone levels. The method involves three applications of ultrasound at 1 MHz, lasting five minutes, and resulted in significant reduction in testicular volume and degeneration.
A small study found microfocused ultrasound to be safe and effective in treating laxity of the skin in adults with darker skin types. The treatment resulted in only three temporary adverse events, which resolved without complications.
A proof-of-concept study suggests using ultrasound to detect cervical stiffness changes that indicate an increased risk of preterm labor. Researchers found patients between 24 and 35 weeks pregnant with below-average cervical stiffness were at higher risk of preterm birth.
Researchers have discovered that low-intensity ultrasound can stimulate and accelerate wound healing in individuals with chronic wounds, particularly those with diabetes or age-related circulatory issues. This breakthrough has the potential to save the NHS £3.1 billion annually and improve treatment outcomes for over 200,000 patients.
Researchers at Brunel University have developed a cost-saving ultrasound degassing method for aluminum melt, achieving efficiency rates of up to 75% in batch operation. The method uses a plate sonotrode and has the potential to unlock greater efficiencies, pending industrial-scale engineering challenges.
Physicists at UC Berkeley have created lightweight ultrasonic loudspeakers and microphones using graphene, allowing humans to communicate and gauge distance like bats and dolphins. The devices offer improved fidelity and efficiency compared to traditional ultrasound or sonar methods.
A new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor measures 3D images of a finger's surface and tissue, making biometric solutions more robust and secure. The technology, developed by the University of California, Davis, has potential applications in medical diagnostics and personal health monitoring.
Two studies show ultrasound can identify RA patients in clinical remission with active subclinical synovitis, highlighting the risk of progressive joint damage. High-resolution ultrasound diagnoses active subclinical synovitis identifies patients who benefit from more intensive treatment.
A study presented at EULAR 2015 found that ultrasound diagnosis of tenosynovitis was superior to clinical symptoms in predicting early RA. This procedure has the potential to improve clinical outcomes by identifying the need for treatment before symptom onset.
Research reveals that detection rates of critical congenital heart disease before birth have improved, but disparities remain in poor and rural communities. The study found that those living in these areas are less likely to receive a diagnosis before birth due to limited healthcare resources.
A study found that using a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) with physical examination can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the number of tests needed. The PUD was found to be comparable in performance to standard ultrasonography, but improved the accuracy of physical examinations, resulting in a 37% reduction in further testing.
Higher field strength improves image signal-to-noise ratio and anatomical detail for better visualization of subcutaneous fat and osseous structures. The use of stronger 3-T field strengths may allow for improved assessment of complex prenatal diseases.
Experts recommend using ultrasound as the first line of imaging for patients with pelvic symptoms due to its cost-effectiveness and safety. Ultrasound has evolved to be an effective tool for evaluating gynecologic patients, providing accurate results without radiation exposure.
A recent Loyola University Health System study found that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for biopsy in many cases. The study concluded that if breast masses meet certain criteria, biopsies may be unnecessary.
The use of ultrasound for supplemental breast cancer screening is hindered by the lack of intensive training programs for physicians and interpreters. This limitation is attributed to MRI's restricted use due to pacemaker and claustrophobia concerns, making it an alternative option.
A new study combines lab tests and ultrasounds to diagnose appendicitis in children, significantly improving clinical value and risk profiles. The approach can be adapted to individual settings, providing better care for patients with suspected appendicitis.
A new study presents a non-invasive test using optic nerve ultrasound to measure sheath thickness, which can help identify acute stroke patients at high risk of dying within days or months. The findings suggest that larger nerve sheath measurements are associated with increased death risk and disability six months later.
A portable ultrasound study found that nearly a quarter of participants had plaques in at least one artery, with added iliofemoral examination increasing identification by 5%. The technology showed promise for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis before symptoms arise, potentially preventing disease through preventive treatment.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that breast density notification laws substantially increase costs and save relatively few lives. The study suggests that these laws would result in limited health gains and substantially increased expenses.
A new technology has been developed that allows for the creation of an invisible 3D haptic shape using ultrasound. This innovation enables surgeons to explore complex medical imaging data, such as CT scans, in a more immersive and tactile manner.
A new technique allows ultrasound to penetrate bone and metal, enabling medical professionals to monitor blood flow in the brain or treat brain tumors more effectively. The metamaterial structure offsets distortion caused by these 'aberrating layers,' increasing wave energy transmission by up to 88%.
Researchers developed a compact probe that produces detailed images of blood vessels using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging modalities. The system enables real-time imaging and can reveal important medical information, such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation, for monitoring tumor progression.
Researchers have developed a high-speed imaging technology that can take precise three-dimensional images of plaques lining arteries and identify deposits likely to rupture and cause heart attacks. The system uses a fast-pulsing laser to generate ultrasound signals without damaging tissues.