Articles tagged with Ultrasound
A team of University of Washington undergraduate students has developed a low-cost ultrasound system that uses a modular design and off-the-shelf parts. The system aims to improve access to maternal healthcare in developing countries, where an estimated 1,000 women die each day from childbirth-related mortality.
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional metamaterial that captures evanescent sound waves, allowing for super-resolution acoustic imaging. The device, mounted on an ultrasound probe, can resolve image features as small as one-fiftieth of the wavelength of the sound waves.
A study by researchers at the University of Missouri has found that students' spatial abilities are crucial for success in sonography. Students with greater spatial abilities were more likely to score high on scanning proficiency tests over two semesters.
Researchers used low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to treat patients with delayed unions of the tibia, resulting in a 34% increase in bone mineral density. This non-invasive treatment modality shows promise as a viable option for patients suffering from these injuries.
The UCLA-developed Combat Casualty Care educational program provides critical training for U.S. armed forces medical personnel in traumatic injury management, applicable to both military and civilian settings. The program incorporates cutting-edge video footage, patient cases, and ultrasound training modules to enhance trauma care.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the incidence of serious infection after common ultrasound-guided procedures is low. The researchers reviewed 13,534 procedures and reported only 14 procedure-related infections, with nearly all patients improving on antibiotics alone.
Using ultrasound and a minimally-invasive procedure, radiologists can identify and remove embedded foreign objects from patients with self-embedding behavior. Early detection and removal are key steps for effective therapy and recovery.
Researchers discovered two methods to increase antioxidants in potatoes, including electric shocks and ultrasound treatment, resulting in up to 50% more phenols and chlorogenic acid. The process could have widespread commercial application for functional foods with potential health benefits.
Researchers have developed revolutionary ultrasonic transducers that can generate and detect ultrasound at scales a thousand times smaller than conventional ultrasonics. These tiny devices can be used to perform intracellular ultrasonics, produce high-frequency ultrasounds smaller than visible light wavelengths.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a robot's ability to locate and sample lesions in simulated human organs without human assistance. The robot uses artificial intelligence to process real-time data from ultrasound scans and perform tasks such as biopsies.
A new study finds that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer. EUS evaluation was found to improve overall survival, possibly due to earlier cancer detection and more selective surgery. The study analyzed a large population-based cancer registry and demonstrated the...
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring ultrasound to combat blue-green algae blooms in water supplies, a significant global problem. They aim to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using low-amplitude ultrasound to immobilize the algae without releasing toxins.
Researchers at the University of Leeds are developing a new cancer treatment that uses gas bubbles and sound waves to deliver toxic drugs directly to tumors. The technique has the potential to be adapted for other diseases and could provide a more effective and targeted treatment for colorectal cancer.
A new study from NYU Langone Medical Center shows that carotid artery ultrasound is a valuable screening tool for diagnosing and excluding coronary artery disease. The non-invasive test can identify severe plaque buildup in the neck arteries, potentially avoiding the need for invasive angiography.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method of noninvasive brain stimulation using pulsed ultrasound, which stimulates action potentials and drives intact brain activity without surgery. The approach shows promise for diagnosing and treating brain dysfunctions such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
Transcranial doppler ultrasound detects cerebral emboli in asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients, revealing those at high risk of stroke and low risk of benefiting from surgery. The technique identifies a small group with high stroke risk, while others have a low risk that may not warrant intervention.
Researchers discovered that low-intensity ultrasound therapy can improve the survival and function of tissue grafts after surgery. The treatment increased cellular activity, reduced waste buildup, and enhanced molecular motion, leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing various surgical procedures.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed a male contraceptive method using therapeutic ultrasound, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The method involves 15 minutes of ultrasound treatment for six months of contraception, with permanent sterilization achieved with no vasectomy needed.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Exploration Grant to develop a long-term, reversible male contraceptive. They plan to use therapeutic ultrasound instruments to depletion testicular sperm, making it impossible for men to father children.
Ultrasound imaging is a highly effective and non-invasive test for characterizing peroneal nerve damage in patients with foot drop. High-resolution ultrasound was found to be more effective than EMG and MRI for evaluating common causes of foot drop, making it the recommended first-line imaging choice.
A study found that ultrasound can effectively diagnose muscle tears in soccer players during games, allowing for immediate play cessation. This non-invasive imaging modality helps prevent further injuries by detecting partial or complete muscle tears on-site.
New research presents findings on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), showing it significantly affects transplant outcomes and highlighting alternative diagnostic methods. A scoring system, known as the NAFLD fibrosis score, also predicts poor outcomes in patients with NAFLD.
A new automated 3-D mapping and labeling system has been developed to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and speed of routine freehand ultrasound exams. The system reduces scanning time by up to 16 seconds per target and accurately measures mass locations in relation to the nipple.
Gerald Posakony, a pioneering ultrasound expert, was honored with the John Fritz Medal for his contributions to medical diagnostic ultrasound and nondestructive evaluation technologies. His work led to modern ultrasound technology advancements, including obstetric sonography.
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new interventional radiology tool showing promise in treating uterine fibroids, offering lasting relief from symptoms without surgery. In a study of over 100 patients, women experienced significant improvement in symptoms, with 90% reporting considerable or excellent relief.
A world-renowned radiologist advocates for using ultrasound as the first-line imaging test for better diagnosis capability in evaluating acute female pelvic and lower abdominal conditions. Ultrasound is considered safer, radiation-free, and superior in diagnostic capability compared to CT scans.
A clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness of a miniature ultrasound device in reducing joint pain in osteoarthritis patients. The device, created by Cornell University graduate student George K. Lewis, sends ultrasound waves deep into muscles via a coin-sized pad and has shown promise in improving mobility and reducing pain.
A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and Yale University found that measuring the fetal zone of the adrenal gland using 2D ultrasound is a better predictor of preterm birth than measuring cervical length. The d/D ratio was calculated as an index of FZE, which showed significant correlation with cAGV and d/D.
Plant leaves can be studied using ultrasound in a quick and simple way, revealing properties such as thickness, density, and water content. This method allows for non-contact analysis of leaves, which is useful for diagnosing agricultural and natural systems.
A review and meta-analysis of previous studies suggests that withholding anticoagulation therapy after a negative whole-leg compression ultrasound is associated with a low risk of developing a blood clot during the subsequent 3 months. This finding may lead to reconsidering multiple ultrasounds for low-risk patients.
Researchers discovered a noninvasive contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging technique that can aid in the detection of early-stage ovarian cancer when combined with proteomic blood analyses. This method has shown high accuracy and the potential to save lives by detecting disease at an early stage.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that Doppler ultrasound can reduce infant deaths and caesarean sections in high-risk pregnancies by monitoring fetal health. However, the quality of the included studies is questionable, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Peter Kuchment, a leading researcher at Texas AüM University, is developing mathematical tools for improved medical imaging methods. Hybrid imaging methods like photoacoustic imaging aim to combine the strengths of different imaging modalities, enhancing tumor detection and treatment options.
A study found that almost 1 in 5 pregnant women receive 4 or more ultrasounds, despite guidelines recommending only two. This increase is more pronounced in low-risk pregnancies, highlighting the need to review current practices.
Two studies found targeted ultrasound effective in distinguishing between cancerous and benign masses in young women, reducing the need for biopsies and expensive diagnostic procedures. The procedure's low malignancy rates among women under 30 make it a safer alternative to surgery or needle biopsy.
A clinical trial found annual ultrasound screening significantly improves early breast cancer detection in women with dense breasts, while MRI increases sensitivity but also false-positive findings. The study suggests annual ultrasound as a suitable alternative to expensive MRI for these women.
A recent study found that MRI is highly accurate in detecting placenta accreta, a condition where the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterus. The condition can lead to severe bleeding and maternal death if not diagnosed early. With an accuracy rate of 90.1%, MRI has become a valuable tool in prenatal care.
Researchers used high-frequency ultrasound with elastography to identify skin cancer with high accuracy, distinguishing between malignant and benign lesions by measuring their elasticity. This non-invasive procedure can aid physicians in treatment and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies of benign skin lesions.
Elastography improves ultrasound's specificity by measuring a lesion's compressibility and mechanical properties, accurately identifying cancerous lesions. The technique reduced unnecessary biopsies, correctly identifying 98% of malignant lesions and 82% of benign ones, according to the study.
A new study from Henry Ford Hospital found that simulated training for ultrasound-guided procedures significantly improved medical residents' knowledge, dexterity, and confidence in performing these procedures. The study showed a significant improvement between pre- and post-test scores on both written and practical exams.
A study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that chest ultrasound is a viable alternative to chest CT for evaluating pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia. The study suggests using chest radiography and ultrasound as initial evaluations, with CT reserved for cases where ultrasound is technically difficult or di...
A new study suggests that invasive procedures may not be necessary for all patients with narrowed arteries in and around the kidneys. The researchers found that only a small percentage of cases progress to a dangerous blockage, and progression does not always predict severe kidney function decline.
Researchers have identified two ultrasound patterns that can accurately identify cancer spread and tumor burden in melanoma patients. These patterns can predict overall survival and help doctors decide on the amount of surgery required.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed an equation to measure the volume of the placenta, providing a reliable way to monitor fetal growth and prevent pregnancy loss. The 'Estimated Placenta Volume' (EPV) test has shown accuracy of up to 89%, with potential to become routine for pregnant women.
Researchers found that abnormal findings on ultrasound can predict future stroke and cardiovascular ischemic events in TIA patients. The study supports the routine use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in addition to extracranial Doppler ultrasonography for risk assessment.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has designed a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze ultrasound images and predict whether a woman's breast cancer has metastasized. The pilot study, which analyzed 50 women with suspected breast cancer, found that the AI tool accurately identified 20 cases of m...
Researchers used high-speed ultrasound imaging to categorize N|uu clicks, a series of consonants distinct to southern Africa's Kalahari Desert. This breakthrough could change how linguists describe click languages and aid speech scientists in understanding speech production.
A study found that mental stress causes vasodilation in healthy subjects, resulting in a net increase in brain blood flow. However, individuals with high blood pressure showed no vasodilation or change in brain blood flow under similar conditions.
A new minimally invasive procedure has been shown to provide immediate symptom relief for patients with rotator cuff tendonitis. The treatment uses ultrasound-guided percutaneous therapy to break up calcium deposits and restore mobility. Results showed significant improvement in pain and mobility, even at long-term follow-up.
A study published in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy examined polyp detection rates at screening colonoscopy and identified factors contributing to variability. Procedure time was found to be significantly associated with polyp detection rates across all models, indicating the need for quality standards for colonoscopy performance.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology suggests that breast ultrasound examinations can eliminate the need for excisional biopsies in many cases. The study found that 15 out of 21 lumps were benign and did not require biopsy, highlighting the potential benefit of using ultrasound as a diagnostic tool.
Researchers at Duke University developed a laboratory robot that can detect tiny pieces of metal within flesh using 3D ultrasound technology. The robot successfully guided a needle to its location without human assistance, paving the way for potential treatments of shrapnel injuries and medical procedures like prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are developing revolutionary ultrasonic nanotechnology that can image individual cells. This technique could help diagnose serious illnesses such as some cancers by providing detailed insights into cell structure and function.
A literature review published in Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography concludes that ultrasound provides accurate diagnoses at a lower cost than MRI and CT scans. The study's findings highlight the widespread adoption of ultrasound in various clinical settings, including obstetrics, cardiology, and emergency medicine.
A study found that ultrasound significantly changed management decisions for 50% of patients with rheumatic hand and foot conditions. Ultrasound increased certainty in clinical findings, ranging from 24% to 56%, and led to a decrease in the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for difficult-to-assess patients.
A new imaging technique called breast elastography enables accurate diagnoses of breast cancer by analyzing tissue stiffness. This study found that breast elastography outperformed conventional ultrasound in diagnosing breast cancers, reducing unnecessary biopsies and patient anxiety.
A study by Dr. Federica Pediconi found that second look ultrasound enhances breast cancer detection in cases where MRI and mammography miss lesions. In some cases, it even helps determine a lesion's malignancy or benignity.
Researchers have successfully coupled USB-based ultrasound probe technology with smartphones, enabling compact, mobile medical imaging devices. This innovation has far-reaching implications for global healthcare, particularly in developing countries where access to medical imaging is limited.
A multicenter study found EUS elastography to be highly sensitive and specific in distinguishing benign from malignant tissue, with a sensitivity of 92.3% for pancreatic lesions and 91.8% for lymph nodes. The technique may help characterize pancreatic masses after negative EUS-FNA and increase the yield of EUS-FNA for lymph nodes.
Jean Spitz, MPH, RDMS, receives the 2009 Distinguished Sonographer Award for her significant contributions to diagnostic ultrasound growth and development. She is recognized for her extensive work as an educator, researcher, and practitioner in obstetric and gynecologic sonography.