Articles tagged with Ultrasound
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fetuses under the 10th percentile of weight account for 19% of stillbirths, with those below the 1st percentile facing a 9.5 times higher risk. Severe underweight and overweight states confer the highest risk of stillbirth.
A new study found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a highly effective method for monitoring patients after endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms. The technique offers real-time exploration without ionizing radiation or kidney damage, supporting its integration in EVAR follow-up.
A new study reveals that automated breast ultrasound can detect additional clinically significant breast cancers missed by mammography, in just three minutes of physician time. This technology is a game-changer for women with dense breasts, who are at higher risk of missing cancer diagnoses.
A study of 449 patients found that follow-up CT scans had positive findings in 32.9% of cases with inconclusive abdominal ultrasound results, while 42.7% were non-significant and 11.7% equivocal. The exams were most useful for diagnosing renal lesions.
Researchers found that automated breast volume sonography (ABVS) detected suspicious lesions and uncovered additional cases compared to hand-held ultrasound. ABVS helped identify new breast cancers in mammographically negative cases, improving breast cancer detection rates.
A study found that CT exams increased among pediatric patients with non-traumatic abdominal pain in emergency departments from 1999 to 2007, while ultrasound use remained stable. This trend is concerning due to the potential risks of radiation exposure on children.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) awarded four grants to investigators in 2012, supporting research on point-of-care focused cardiac ultrasound and detection of physiologic changes within the median nerve. Funding aims to advance medical ultrasound technology and education.
A study found that combining annual mammography with screening ultrasound in women at high risk for breast cancer and dense breasts resulted in a higher detection rate of incident breast cancers. Supplemental MRI further increased cancer detection, adding 14.7 cases per 1,000 women.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) recognized outstanding achievements in medical ultrasound at the 2012 Annual Convention. Awards were presented to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and scientific progress of medical ultrasound.
Charles C. Church will receive the prestigious award for his 30-year commitment to AIUM and extensive research on high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy, among other notable achievements.
Dr. Stephanie R. Wilson, MD, will receive the Joseph H. Holmes Clinical Pioneer Award for her significant contributions to the growth and development of diagnostic ultrasound. She is a renowned educator with numerous prestigious teaching awards and has completed over 47 visiting professorships worldwide.
J. Oscar Barahona will receive the Distinguished Sonographer Award for his significant contributions to medical ultrasound. He has been a driving force in advancing the field, serving on various committees and boards within the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
Dr. Joshua A. Copel, a renowned expert in maternal and fetal medicine, will receive the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award. He has significantly contributed to the scientific progress of medical ultrasound through his innovative research efforts.
A new technique published in JoVE uses MRI-guided microbubbles and focused ultrasound to disrupt the blood-brain barrier, potentially opening new treatment avenues for devastating conditions like Alzheimer's and brain cancers. The method is safer than current methods, which can leave large areas of the barrier exposed to toxins.
Researchers at the Academy of Finland have developed a new, laser-based ultrasound technique to accurately assess osteoporosis. This method uses photo-acoustic methods to produce an ultrasound pulse that propagates along the bone, providing a more accurate measurement than current X-ray methods.
A study of 3,800 pregnancies has provided the most accurate evidence to date that malaria infection reduces early fetal growth. The research found that even single episodes of treated malaria can affect fetal head size at mid-pregnancy, but may not have a lasting impact on birth weight.
Researchers found ultrasound images to have 100% diagnostic correlation with X-rays for detecting developmental dislocation of the hip. The study showed ultrasound to be a reliable alternative imaging method for DDH screening in young children.
Tarsiers have been largely unchanged for 45 million years and possess the most extreme ultrasonic calls in the animal kingdom, surpassing all other primates. Researchers discovered that these animals emit ultrasonic alarm calls when humans are near, potentially as a means to evade detection by predators.
A recent study found that musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound volume increased significantly among non-radiologists, particularly podiatrists, from 2000 to 2009. The study's findings raise concerns about self-referral and the potential for increased healthcare costs.
Scientists develop ultrasound technology that uses 'Twinkling Artifact' to detect and treat kidney stones. The technology can push stones toward the exit of the kidney, avoiding surgery, and has potential for other medical applications.
Researchers have confirmed that therapeutic ultrasound can be used as a male contraceptive, providing up to 2.5 months of protection in rats with two 15-minute sessions. The method was initially overlooked for decades due to concerns over its effectiveness, but new evidence suggests it may offer an alternative to existing options.
New research uses commercially available therapeutic ultrasound equipment to reduce sperm counts in male rats, resulting in infertility. The non-invasive treatment reduced sperm reserves far below levels seen in fertile men.
Fetal tracheal occlusion significantly improves infant survival in severe cases of CDH by enhancing pulmonary growth, increasing survival rates from less than 5% to about 50%. The study establishes FETO as standard care for severe forms of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Tel Aviv University researchers create mathematical models using machine learning and signal processing to improve echo localization and accuracy in medical imaging. The new technology could lead to earlier detection of defects in embryos and non-invasive cancer tumor detection.
A nationwide study found that radiologists performed 55% of non-cardiac ultrasound studies in 2009, while non-radiologists accounted for 41%. The role of radiologists in non-cardiac ultrasound is strong but may be impacted by miniaturization of ultrasound equipment
Studies by Dr. Culbertson and Dr. Packer confirm the advantages of laser cataract surgery, including reduced ultrasound energy use and protection of corneal endothelial cells. Laser pre-treatment may lead to safer and faster surgery with improved vision outcomes.
Research published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that current definitions for miscarriage diagnosis can lead to incorrect diagnoses. The studies also revealed a 20% variation in gestational sac sizes reported by different clinicians, which can cause false conclusions about pregnancy growth.
Limited evidence underpins current ultrasound test for miscarriage diagnosis, prompting calls for large-scale study to ensure accuracy. Gaps in existing guidelines and concerns over misdiagnosis highlight urgent need for research prioritization.
A meta-analysis found a strong association between CCSVI and multiple sclerosis, but the low quality of included studies prevents a definitive conclusion. The variation in study results suggests that factors such as sample size, ultrasound techniques, and training of operators may contribute to the heterogeneity.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends preventive treatments for patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. The guideline suggests using mechanical compression devices and anticoagulants, such as blood thinners, to prevent clots.
Columbia University researchers developed a technique to reach neurons through the blood-brain barrier using short ultrasound pulses, enabling safe and noninvasive drug delivery. The study aims to improve treatment options for devastating neurological disorders.
Researchers have produced a comprehensive guide for using low-intensity, pulsed ultrasound to non-invasively stimulate brain circuits. The approach holds promise for treating life-threatening epileptic seizures and has been shown to be effective in animal studies.
A UK study found that pulse oximetry screening detected 75% of critical cases and 49% of all major congenital heart defects in newborns. Combining pulse oximetry with routine ultrasound and physical examination improved detection to 92%, avoiding undiagnosed deaths.
Scientists have developed new ultrasound tools that can be used in space and remote areas, allowing non-physician astronauts to perform diagnostic exams. The tools include a catalog of 'space-normal' imagery of the human body, enabling astronauts to provide care without consulting a physician on Earth.
A recent study presented at the American Society of Echocardiography conference supports the safety profile of GE Healthcare's diagnostic heart ultrasound contrast agent Optison. The study data confirm that Optison is safe for use in patients with certain medical conditions, providing further assurance of its efficacy and safety.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new imaging technology that uses nanosecond laser pulses to measure ultrasound signals from molecules, enabling precise three-dimensional images of arterial plaques. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
Researchers have discovered that dolphins can generate two sound beam projections simultaneously, each with different frequencies and directions. This ability could help dolphins locate objects more accurately, according to Dr. Josefin Starkhammar, who led the study published in Biology Letters.
A study found that gamma imaging outperformed ultrasound in detecting breast cancer, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Gamma imaging provided 100% sensitivity and 82% specificity, leading to a better prognosis for breast cancer patients.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has found that ultrasound scans are as effective as CT scans for diagnosing head and neck ailments, suggesting a safer alternative. The study's results have implications for the use of CT scans in medical procedures, particularly those involving radiation exposure.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering School have developed a new, non-invasive technique called Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) to map the electrical activation of the heart. This breakthrough method could help doctors treat arrhythmias more efficiently and precisely.
Researchers found that combining ultrasound with pre-operative MRI is a cost-effective strategy for evaluating rotator cuff tears. The study showed that this hybrid approach can be more cost-effective than using MRI alone, especially in populations with lower pre-test probabilities of rotator cuff tear.
A study found that sonography with power Doppler can identify subclinical disease and joint activity in children with JIA, which complements the physical exam. The study also showed that certain combinations of physical exam findings are highly sensitive and ultrasound does not add value to clinical management.
Dr. Jamie Tyler will discuss medical uses of ultrasound in treating neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety through selective brain stimulation. The presentation aims to explore the safety and efficacy of emerging technologies like ultrasound for non-invasive therapies.