Articles tagged with Ultrasound
Studies demonstrate the utility of ultrasound in emergency medicine, yielding rapid and accurate diagnoses. Clinician-performed cardiac ultrasound has been shown to improve prognostic value, with significant correlation between GP and cardiologist measurements.
Early ultrasound training can enhance diagnostic skills and detect life-threatening conditions like cardiac tamponade. Medical students performed better in detecting valvular disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiac dysfunction using ultrasounds compared to trained cardiologists.
A new focused ultrasound exam has been shown to accurately identify athletes with undetected cardiovascular conditions, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol could become the sports medicine physical of the future.
Experts argue that stethoscopes may become obsolete due to the rapid advancement of point-of-care ultrasound technology, which has improved image quality, reduced cost, and increased portability. The shift towards ultrasound is driven by its ability to diagnose heart and lung problems with greater accuracy than traditional stethoscopes.
A new study demonstrates that ultrasound directed to a specific region of the human brain can enhance sensory perception. The technique showed significant improvements in distinguishing pins at closer distances and detecting small frequency differences.
A new device developed at the University of Washington is testing the use of low-power ultrasound to move small kidney stones, potentially reducing pain and treatment times. The technology has been tested on artificial kidneys and pigs before moving to human trials, with promising results.
Researchers develop a new method of wirelessly recharging medical device batteries with ultrasound, offering a safe and efficient means of wireless power transmission. The technology has been tested in animal tissue and demonstrated promising results.
A new technique uses nanoparticles and ultrasound to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics, potentially eliminating the need for insulin injections. The method involves injecting biocompatible nanoparticles into the skin, which are then activated by a small ultrasound device to release insulin painlessly.
Researchers in China's Nanjing University have designed a novel acoustic diode that could provide brighter and clearer ultrasound images by eliminating acoustic disturbances. The device, which uses a near-Zero Index Metamaterial, achieves one-way transmission of sound waves, crucial for medical ultrasound applications.
Researchers found that bedside ultrasound reduced x-ray usage by 5 times and CT scans by 3.5 times, without affecting mortality rates or health outcomes. This cost-effective alternative is a significant improvement over traditional imaging methods.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully tested a hands-free ultrasound device combined with clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in ischemic stroke patients, showing promising results. The device improved outcomes by 65% and enabled some patients to recover without significant disability.
A hands-free ultrasound device combined with a clot-busting drug was safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke patients, with 65% returning home or to rehabilitation. The technology opens up more arteries in the brain, helping stroke patients recover, according to researchers.
New diagnostic thresholds published in the New England Journal of Medicine aim to balance ultrasound use and ensure accuracy in diagnosing viable pregnancies. The guidelines suggest raising gestational sac size limits and improving blood test reliability to prevent misdiagnosis.
A recent 'gold standard' imaging study found no significant difference in rates of venous narrowing among people with MS, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated individuals. The study suggests that chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is not a valid theory for multiple sclerosis.
A definitive imaging study has found no connection between vein narrowing and multiple sclerosis, challenging the controversial CCSVI theory. Venous narrowing was present in over two-thirds of people with MS, their siblings, and healthy volunteers, but differences were not statistically significant.
UltraHaptics allows users to experience multi-point haptic feedback above an interactive surface without touching a device. The system projects tactile sensations through a screen and directly onto the user's hands using ultrasonic vibrations.
A clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing of delivery for preterm pregnancies complicated by poor fetal growth. The study compares three groups and shows better-than-expected health outcomes for the babies, with low mortality rates and minimal severe health issues.
Researchers found three ultrasound nodule characteristics associated with thyroid cancer risk: microcalcifications, size >2cm, and solid composition. Adopting a stringent approach requiring two abnormal nodule characteristics could reduce unnecessary biopsies while maintaining low cancer risk.
A new screening strategy for ovarian cancer has shown high specificity in detecting the disease before it becomes lethal. The two-stage approach incorporates changes in a blood protein called CA125 and has been found to have a positive predictive value of 40% for invasive ovarian cancer.
A multicenter trial found that BI-RADS 3 breast lesions have a malignancy rate of 0.8%, with most cancers detected at 12-month follow-up imaging. The study suggests that extending the follow-up interval from six to 12 months for these lesions may reduce unnecessary biopsies and exams.
A McMaster University study published in PLOS ONE found no abnormalities in the veins of MS patients, contradicting a popular CCSVI theory. The research examined 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls, using ultrasound and MRI to test for venous blockages.
Researchers found that a non-invasive ultrasound treatment can prevent acute kidney injury in mice by stimulating an anti-inflammatory response. The therapy, which uses sound waves to activate the immune system, showed promise as a potential prevention method for patients at risk of kidney damage after surgery.
A new ultrasound patch has been shown to significantly accelerate healing in patients with venous ulcers, a type of chronic wound that affects millions. The patch, developed by researchers at Drexel University, delivers low-frequency ultrasound directly to wounds and was found to reduce wound size in just four weeks.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a method to join nanoparticles together using ultrasound, forming strong agglomerates without changing their useful properties. This discovery could lead to the development of new hybrid materials with various everyday applications, such as improving catalytic converters in car exhausts.
The new report provides detailed criteria to optimize the use of noninvasive vascular tests in patients with venous disorders. Vascular testing is essential for diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal if left untreated.
University of Arizona researchers have discovered that ultrasound waves applied to specific areas of the brain can alter patients' moods. The study, led by Dr. Stuart Hameroff, found improvements in mood for up to 40 minutes following treatment with brain ultrasound, compared to no difference when the machine was switched off.
Dr. Partho Sengupta presented the first-ever hologram presentation at the ASE's 2013 24th Annual Scientific Sessions, utilizing 3D digital images and expert interview recordings to analyze cardiovascular system structure, function, and flow patterns. This innovative presentation format was made possible through collaborative efforts of...
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital have successfully integrated robotic ultrasound into kidney cancer surgery, providing direct control for the surgeon. This technology has been shown to reduce the need for assistant guidance and improve precision in measuring tumors from certain angles.
A new study finds that certain hawkmoth species produce ultrasonic sound as a defense against bats. The researchers used high-energy lamps and pre-recorded bat sounds to capture the insects' behavior, revealing a system that jams the echolocation ability of their predators.
A new non-invasive prenatal test detecting fetal DNA in pregnant women's blood accurately identifies Down's syndrome and other genetic abnormalities. Routine screening using this test is superior to current methods, offering a reliable alternative for early detection.
Research by Iowa State University engineers found that ultrasound consistently enhances biomass conversion into high-value fuels and chemicals. The technology also accelerates lignin removal, hydrolysis of corn starch, and transesterification, leading to faster production times and potentially significant cost savings.
A new research study from Fox Chase Cancer Center presents a breakthrough in pain relief for patients with bone metastases. The MR-guided focused ultrasound technique shows promise in providing quick and largely tolerable side effects relief, with most patients reporting significant improvement within three days.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a novel delivery method for the enzyme plasmin, which is more effective at dissolving blood clots than the standard treatment rt-PA. The new technique uses liposomes and ultrasound waves to target plasmin directly to the clot.
Scientists at the University of Strathclyde have identified the greater wax moth as capable of sensing sound frequencies up to 300kHz, surpassing human and dolphin limitations. This discovery has significant implications for air-coupled ultrasound technology and may lead to advancements in micro-scale acoustic systems.
The Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound marks a significant milestone in the field, focusing on translational and clinical research. This open-access journal aims to accelerate the adoption of therapeutic ultrasound as a clinical tool for treating various medical disorders.
Researchers developed phase shift nanoemulsions that produce tiny microbubbles, which accumulate in tumors and amplify the effects of ultrasound. This reduces treatment time and power needed to destroy tumor tissue by over half, showing promise for improving cancer therapy.
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging distinguishes between benign and malignant prostate tissue with a high degree of accuracy. The new technique, which combines laser optics and ultrasound imaging technologies, predicts 25 out of 26 benign tissues and 13 out of 16 malignant tissues correctly.
A new breast imaging algorithm is being implemented in Uganda to diagnose and treat women with palpable breast masses. The program combines a unique diagnostic algorithm with targeted community outreach to combat myths surrounding cancer, aiming for early diagnosis and effective care.
Researchers create a new imaging technique using nanoparticles to track stem cells in real-time, allowing for better initial placement and optimization of therapeutic approaches. The technique enables precise guidance and monitoring of stem cells, potentially improving regenerative medicine treatments.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a new metamaterial that enables the conversion of ultrasound waves into optical signals, resulting in high-resolution images. This breakthrough technology has the potential to significantly improve diagnostic capabilities in various biomedical applications.
A study found that lung ultrasound can detect asymptomatic lung congestion in dialysis patients, who are at high risk of premature death and cardiac events. Treating this condition may improve cardiovascular health and prevent deaths.
Researchers developed a method to reduce scar tissue and improve cardiac function in mice after a heart attack. The treatment uses microbubbles that oscillate with focused ultrasound, stimulating growth hormones and improving circulation.
Researchers investigate using heparin to optimize therapeutic delivery with ultrasound into the brain, increasing treatment efficacy for CNS diseases. Initial results show promising potential in enhancing drug permeability and reducing side effects.
Researchers analyzed 48 studies on second trimester markers and found that most single markers have only a small effect on modifying the odds for Down's syndrome. However, some markers such as dilated brain ventricles, increased neck thickness, and absent nose bone significantly increase the risk by three- to four-fold.
A new therapeutic ultrasound approach converts light to sound, focusing high-pressure waves to finer points than ever before. The device can blast and cut with pressure, rather than heat, potentially operating painlessly.
Researchers found that commercial ultrasonic frequency devices did not deter or attract bed bugs, suggesting alternative methods may be more effective. The study's results highlight the importance of understanding bed bug bioacoustics and exploring low-frequency sounds produced by human hosts.
Researchers found that pulsed ultrasound can selectively activate functional subsets of nerve fibers, providing a new method for studying pain pathways. The discovery has implications for diagnosing and treating neuropathy, affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a method that drastically reduces E. coli numbers on spinach leaves by over 99.9%. The technique combines continuous ultrasound treatment with chlorine washing, achieving a four-log reduction in pathogenic bacteria.
Research using ultrasound scans distinguishes between yawns and simple mouth openings in fetuses, with more than half of all mouth openings being yawns at 24 weeks gestation. The study suggests that fetal yawning trends may be used to monitor healthy development, possibly related to brain maturation.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America proposes guidelines to minimize the risk of infection from contaminated ultrasound gel. The guidelines suggest using sterile, single-dose ultrasound gel in invasive procedures involving non-intact skin or fresh surgical wounds.
Researchers have developed biodegradable iron-doped silica spheres to tag breast tumors, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries by up to 50%. The particles can be used to destroy tumor tissue with high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, improving surgical precision and patient trauma.
The study found that trainee presence during EBUS procedures significantly increased procedure length and propofol dose used, with more complications also reported in the trainee group. Researchers analyzed 607 EBUS procedures and concluded that the absence of a trainee resulted in fewer complications.
A dedicated critical care ultrasound training program significantly improves physician trainees' knowledge of ultrasonography and image acquisition skills. The program resulted in notable improvements in confidence levels and bedside performances among participants.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound detected higher-grade prostate cancers in 55% of patients, compared to 17% with conventional biopsy methods. The technique uses microbubbles to measure changes in blood flow and requires fewer needle biopsies.
MIT engineers enhance skin permeability using ultrasound waves, enabling efficient transdermal drug delivery. The technology could pave the way for needle-free vaccinations and improve treatment of skin conditions like acne or psoriasis.
The low-cost scanner can be manufactured for £30-40 and produces an output power that is 10-100 times lower than conventional hospital ultrasounds. It aims to provide basic antenatal imaging to women in developing countries where such tests are not available, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
Researchers have developed a new technique to measure muscle loss in critically ill patients using ultrasound. This breakthrough may help identify those at high risk of muscle-wasting and inform targeted interventions.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) advises against routine screening for chronic kidney disease in asymptomatic adults due to insufficient evidence supporting its benefits. Commercial screening tests can also inflate healthcare costs and undermine physician efforts to provide cost-conscious care.
Researchers at UNC Health Care developed a non-invasive ultrasound method to detect cancer using blood vessel 'tortuosity.' This technique filters out tissue signals, allowing for clear visualization of small blood vessels. The study found a definitive difference between tumor and healthy vasculature, with limitations in detection depth.
Caltech engineers enable focusing of light deep into biological tissue, opening up possibilities for non-invasive diagnoses and treatments. The technique uses ultrasound waves to shift the frequency of light, allowing for image creation without scattering effects.