Articles tagged with Ultrasound
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a novel ultrasound display that allows doctors to view images within the object being scanned, reducing the need for visualization. This innovation improves accuracy in surgeries guided by ultrasound technology, which relies on combining direct perception and visualization.
A new, portable ultrasound device created by Cornell graduate student George K. Lewis can treat prostate tumors and kidney stones by breaking them up, while also relieving arthritis pressure. The device is smaller, more powerful, and less expensive than traditional models, paving the way for its use in hospitals and medical research labs.
A new study finds that pediatric obesity can alter thyroid function and structure, with a potential link between fat excess and thyroid tissue modification. Thyroid function returns to normal after weight loss, but the persistence of abnormalities in obese children may progress into chronic disease in early adulthood.
A study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine found that portable ultrasound was clinically beneficial in urban and rural settings in Ghana. The technology offered a range of applications, including musculoskeletal, obstetrical, and abdominal examinations, with 81% of performed ultrasounds being abnormal.
A computer model developed by Koos Huijssen predicts sound transmission of improved ultrasound instrument designs, processing large data sets on PC and parallel supercomputers. The model is being used to design a new sonographic transducer at Erasmus University Medical Centre.
Neuroscientists at Arizona State University developed pulsed ultrasound techniques to remotely stimulate brain circuit activity, offering insights into noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits. The findings provide a new tool for modulating neural circuit activity, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic b...
Researchers propose new ultrasound screening criteria to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which may misdiagnose individuals with the milder form of the disease. The new criteria improve detection in individuals with mutations in either PKD1 or PKD2 genes.
A new study published in Radiology found that 3-D power Doppler ultrasound can accurately distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses. The technique detects higher flow velocities in malignant tumor-feeding vessels, making it a potentially useful tool for breast cancer diagnosis.
A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new, simpler diagnostic method for detecting blood clots in the leg has been shown to be as effective as a more complex method. The study found that compression ultrasonography was highly accurate, with rates of detection equivalent to whole-leg ultrasonography.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-IOUS) outperforms intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in characterizing liver tumors by enhancing nodule vascularity and tissue microcirculation. This improves the accuracy of surgeons during hepatic surgeries for cirrhotic livers.
A new technique using flexible gastrointestinal endoscope with miniature ultrasound transducer can directly inject cancer fighting agents into tumors, avoiding normal tissue damage. This approach, combined with systemic chemotherapy, shows promise in treating certain cancers.
The carotid artery's intima-media thickness (IMT) is a valuable research tool that can predict cardiovascular events. Measuring IMT using non-invasive ultrasound allows for monitoring over time and assessing the impact of risk factor interventions.
A novel 3D ultrasound probe guides catheter procedures with clearer real-time images, eliminating x-ray radiation and contrast agent risks. The device is portable and provides continuous imaging, enabling wider range of interventional procedures.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to measure carotid artery plaque density and predict cardiovascular events. Patients with reduced plaque density had a significantly increased risk of near-future adverse events, highlighting the potential for this non-invasive technique to improve cardiovascular disease management.
Researchers at OHSU have devised an ultrasound imaging technique that picks up subtle early evidence of PAD, which current conventional tests miss. The test could lead to early treatments that head off serious complications like gangrene and death.
The study found that the gestation-adjusted projection method (GAP) produced impressive results, accurately predicting birth weights in over 90% of cases. The GAP method uses ultrasound measurements and a mathematical formula to determine whether the baby is larger than average size for its gestational age.
Scientists are exploring the use of sound waves to assess atherosclerotic plaques, monitor chronic liver disease, and deliver drugs to specific locations in the body. Researchers have also developed new techniques for treating cancer, including minimally invasive thermal ablation methods and microbubbles-based therapies.
A new study suggests that an ultrasound exam of the heel may be able to predict if a woman is at heightened risk for fractures due to osteoporosis. The research found that women who were considered higher risk had a significantly lower bone strength, increasing their fracture risk.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that Kylie Minogue's breast cancer diagnosis led to a significant increase in breast imaging and biopsies among low-risk women, particularly those aged 25-34. Despite the surge in screening activity, the rates of breast cancer detection did not change significantly.
The AIUM Consensus Report on Potential Bioeffects of Diagnostic Ultrasound provides in-depth analysis and recommendations for assessing the risks and benefits of diagnostic ultrasound. The report covers five bioeffect categories and builds upon a previous consensus conference held in 1998.
A study found that adding ultrasound to mammography for high-risk women increased cancer detection by 4.2 cancers per 1,000 women, while also increasing false-positive results by 10.4%. The diagnostic accuracy of combined screening was higher than mammography alone
A clinical trial found that adding ultrasound screening to mammography increases the detection of breast cancer, but also raises the risk of false positive findings and unnecessary biopsies. The study suggests that women at high risk of breast cancer may benefit from supplemental ultrasound screening.
A multicenter trial found that breast ultrasound combined with mammography detected more cancers than mammography alone in high-risk women. The study used over 2,800 participants, including 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, and showed that breast ultrasound is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening option.
A new study suggests that color Doppler ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing suspected acute appendicitis in adults, with a 97% specificity rate and 74% sensitivity rate. The test's advantages include lack of radiation exposure and lower cost compared to CT scans.
Researchers have developed an approach to degrading Congo Red using ultrasound technology, transforming it into less toxic intermediates. This method combines the power of sonolysis with conventional industrial waste water biodegradation treatment, effectively removing the color and reducing toxicity from dye-contaminated effluent.
Researchers at Duke University have made significant advancements in autonomous robot surgeries, demonstrating the feasibility of robots performing complex procedures under real-time 3-D ultrasound guidance. The technology has the potential to improve patient safety by reducing radiation exposure and enhancing surgeon precision.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D ultrasound technology that can see in real-time the arteries within the brain, improving stroke diagnosis and care. The technology uses advanced imaging techniques to compensate for the thickness and unevenness of the skull, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College found that 3T MR-guided focused ultrasound effectively reduces symptoms of uterine fibroids in 20 patients, with minimal side effects. The non-invasive procedure allows for quick recovery times and eliminates risks associated with surgery.
A study by SLU cardiologist Melda Dolan found that ultrasound contrast agents are safe and beneficial for diagnosing life-threatening heart disease. The researchers examined nearly 24,000 patients who received contrast agents during echocardiograms and compared their results to those of approximately 6,000 patients without the agents.
Researchers at Duke University developed a high-energy form of ultrasound imaging that produces clearer images of liver tumors. The Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) method uses sound waves to push on tissues, capturing their elasticity and stiffness, which can help distinguish between hard and soft tumors.
A new study by Queensland University of Technology scientists found that exposure to air pollution significantly reduces foetus size during pregnancy. Mothers with higher exposure to air pollution had foetuses that were smaller in terms of abdominal circumference, head circumference and femur length.
A new study found that experienced ultrasound examiners can accurately classify ovarian tumors using pattern recognition, outperforming blood test CA-125 levels. The method could improve diagnosis and treatment for women with ovarian cancer.
The study found that transcutaneous cervical esophageal ultrasound (TCEUS) is not a substitute for 24-hour pH monitoring or manometry in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal motor disorders. TCEUS can aid in estimating GER and motility disorders, but it cannot replace these established diagnostic methods.
A new acoustic absorber developed by National Physical Laboratory has improved the calibration accuracy of physiotherapy ultrasound machines, reducing the risk of patient injury. The upgrade enables equipment to accommodate spreading beams and provides greater calibration accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new emergency treatment using high-intensity focused ultrasound to seal punctured lungs. The technique, inspired by Star Trek technology, shows promise in replacing painful and invasive procedures for lung injuries.
The article challenges the routine use of ultrasound as a screening procedure for chromosome abnormalities, suggesting that foetal 'nuchal thickness' measurements are not supported by scientific data. This could lead to the 'loss' of normal babies in attempts to prevent Down's syndrome and trisomy 18.
A Mayo Clinic-led collaborative study finds that focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids offers sustained symptom relief and durable outcomes. The more complete destruction of tumors by focused ultrasound results in improved quality of life and lower incidence of severe side effects.
Mayo Clinic physicians have developed a new technique using real-time 3-D ultrasound to block nerve function in selected areas of the body prior to surgery. This allows patients to recover faster and with less need for pain medication. The technique has been successfully used in over 150 surgeries, showing improved outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that following ultrasound diagnosis of probably benign breast masses is a safe alternative to biopsy for stable masses. The study showed an overall negative predictive value of 99.8%, indicating only 0.2% risk of cancer development.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University researchers enables better brain tumor detection and minimally invasive surgery guidance. The device, inserted through a small hole in the skull, produces high-quality images of brain structures, overcoming limitations of traditional MRI and CT scans.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center re-evaluated carotid artery narrowing standards, finding that existing methods may be too aggressive. The new standards, developed using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, indicate a lower threshold for determining significant narrowing.
The June 2007 issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) highlights the growing significance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the US. CEUS is used effectively globally but has limited approval for clinical use, hindering optimal imaging and patient care.
A multicenter clinical trial found that magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) effectively shrinks uterine fibroids and significantly relieves symptoms in women. The optimized protocol allowed treatment of a greater fibroid volume, resulting in even greater symptomatic relief.
A study using dynamic sonography found that 46 of 50 male soccer players had muscle tears and/or hematomas in the thigh and calf regions. The imaging modality successfully diagnosed complete muscle tears surrounded by hemotomas and partial tears with pseudo-tumor-like appearances.
The study demonstrates that MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective option for treating uterine fibroids, offering rapid and sustained relief from symptoms. The treatment has a reduced need for alternative, invasive treatments in the future.
A new study suggests that diagnostic ultrasound can be used for biometric identification by matching paired images of fingerprints based on internal structures. The researchers found a high accuracy rate of 96% among four readers, with radiologists achieving a 100% success rate.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an ultrasound imaging software that enables the display of real-time stereo image pairs, improving early diagnosis of birth defects and surgeons' depth perception during medical procedures. The technology has potential to be upgraded in existing 3D scanners with minor software changes.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that torcetrapib increased good cholesterol levels but failed to slow plaque buildup in coronary arteries. The drug also raised blood pressure, leading researchers to question its efficacy as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers developed a new ultrasound-based test that can accurately predict ovarian response and IVF success. The antral follicle count was found to be an effective predictor of egg production, providing a less costly and invasive alternative to current hormone-based tests.
Dr William O'Brien Jr is recognized for his numerous contributions to the scientific progress of diagnostic medical ultrasound. He has published 318 papers and received a National Institutes of Health MERIT award.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine honored several individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of medical diagnostic ultrasound. The awards, including the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award and the Distinguished Sonographer Award, were presented at the 2007 AIUM Annual Convention in New York City.
Researchers used 3-D ultrasound to measure fetal adrenal gland size, identifying a preterm risk of delivery within five days. This method has the potential to assist clinicians in devising better therapeutic and preventive interventions for preterm birth.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered that a combination of ozone, high-intensity ultrasound, electrolyzed water, irradiation, and temperature is most effective in reducing E. coli 0157:H7 pathogens to meet FDA standards.
Researchers developed an ultrasound-based stethoscope that can accurately read heart and lung sounds at high noise levels, revolutionizing medical auscultation for critically injured patients. The new device is expected to save lives by enabling doctors to diagnose conditions like collapsed lungs and asthma in noisy environments.
A recent study reports a 100% success rate for ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterisation, reducing bloodstream infections and arterial punctures compared to traditional landmark methods. The use of real-time ultrasound images also significantly reduces the time required to insert the catheter and the number of attempts.
A 3D ultrasound scanner developed by Duke University engineers successfully guides a surgical robot to pinpoint targets in real-time. The technology has the potential to enable surgeries to be performed without surgeons, especially in remote locations or space stations.
The University of Virginia Health System has been awarded a $5.5 million grant to develop new contrast agents for detecting and treating atherosclerosis, a disease that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers aim to create tiny ultrasound contrast agents that can be used during simple examinations to detect vuln...
Researchers at MIT use sound waves to identify pockets of natural gas and oil in fractured rocks, offering a new method for finding sweet spots. By combining data from seismic surveys and microseismic events, the team aims to improve the accuracy of hydraulic fracturing, potentially unlocking a larger share of US gas reserves.
Researchers have demonstrated how ultrasound can briefly open cell membranes to allow entry of therapeutic molecules, which could advance gene therapies and targeted chemotherapy. The cells then quickly close the door, allowing for non-invasive drug delivery.