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.
Researchers at Yale University found that prolonged and frequent ultrasound exposure on pregnant mice causes brain abnormalities, including scattered neurons in inappropriate cortical layers. The study suggests caution against non-medical ultrasound use on human fetuses, but supports its medical applications.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a device that generates coherent ultrasonic waves, allowing them to study laser dynamics and measure material properties. The 'uaser' has potential applications in modeling and studying laser behavior, as well as sensing changes in materials.
Researchers explore new GI technologies, including endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle intervention, to visualize the heart and coronary arteries with improved accuracy. The studies show promising results, suggesting that these techniques may be safe alternatives to traditional methods.
Researchers found CT angiography to be highly accurate in detecting high-grade artery stenosis, with excellent visualization of vessels and accurate identification of stenoses. The study emphasizes the importance of combining MD-CTA and vascular ultrasound for surgical planning and therapy.
A study of 157 women with acute pelvic pain found that both CT scans and ultrasounds were highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing the condition. The researchers concluded that patients are unlikely being over-imaged, and that both imaging techniques can be used effectively in emergency settings.
Researchers used nano-sized particles injected into mice to improve ultrasound image quality, detecting nanoparticles in the liver. This technology aims to identify early-stage diseases like cancers at a cellular level.
Dr. Lawrence Platt is a renowned expert in ultrasound technology, particularly in prenatal diagnosis and 2D/3D/4D imaging. He has authored numerous publications and holds leadership roles in prominent professional organizations.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine has awarded a New Investigator Award to Dr. Elisa Konofagou for her groundbreaking work on treating neurodegenerative diseases using ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening. Seven nominees presented their research, showcasing the diverse applications of ultrasound technology.
J. Brian Fowlkes and Harvey L. Nisenbaum were selected for the award due to their dedication to the AIUM and commitment to the ultrasound community. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented the prestigious awards to recognize their outstanding contributions.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has awarded several ultrasound research grants to its members through the Educational Enhancement Research (EER) program. The recipients include T. Douglas Mast, PhD for quantitative real-time monitoring of thermal ablation using pulse-echo ultrasound imaging and Roxana Vlad, MSc ...
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine presented notable awards to Lawrence Platt, David Sahn, Marie De Lange, Genevieve Berger, and Kurt Jaeger for their groundbreaking contributions to diagnostic ultrasound. The honors recognize individuals who have significantly advanced the field through research, education, and innovation.
A new 3D ultrasound scanner is being developed to improve minimally invasive surgeries, offering a more precise view of the target area in real-time. The technology has shown promise in animal testing, particularly for monitoring heart function during cardiac surgery without general anesthesia.
A study found that ultrasound identified all cancers, while mammography detected 90% of tumors in pregnant women. Imaging helped diagnose and treat cancer in pregnancy without harm to the fetus.
A new method using ultrasound and genetically modified algae can remove up to 60% of mercury from contaminated water, according to Ohio State University researchers. The technique uses ultrasonic waves to release mercury from sediments, which is then absorbed by the algae, leaving the sediment clean.
Scientists discovered that rare Chinese frogs can communicate using high-pitch ultrasonic sounds, a trait previously thought to be exclusive to mammals. The frogs' ability to hear and respond to these sounds allows them to facilitate communication in noisy environments.
Researchers find that a unique ear canal in the concave-eared torrent frog allows it to detect and produce ultrasounds, a skill also seen in dolphins and bats. This discovery may lead to new strategies for humans to hear in noisy environments.
Researchers have developed a portable device that uses Doppler ultrasound to find veins quickly and accurately. The device is composed of two parts: a reusable unit with signal processing components and a disposable coupler box with a reflector and needle guide.
Researchers developed a noninvasive ultrasound treatment that immediately stops blood flow in fibroid tissue, leading to significant symptom relief for up to 12 months. The optimized protocol allows for treatment of larger fibroid volumes, resulting in greater symptomatic relief and quality of life improvement.
A study of premature babies born at 26 weeks gestation found that certain aspects of brain development were compromised compared to full-term infants. The brains of premature babies showed delayed growth and changes after birth, indicating that early stimulation may hinder normal brain maturation.
A prestigious team of international editors led by Professor Donnan is launching the International Journal of Stroke, focusing on clinical aspects of stroke and providing regional news, world press reports, and topical reviews. The journal aims to reduce the burden of stroke worldwide through research and debate.
A study of over 300,000 medical procedures in Winnipeg found that high-income individuals were significantly more likely to receive diagnostic imaging services. The differences in access varied by procedure and patient illness level, highlighting the need for social policy interventions to address healthcare disparities.
Duke engineers have developed a new ultrasound device that combines 3-D imaging with therapeutic heating, potentially improving doctors' most widely used method for destroying aberrant tissue in the heart. The device uses sound waves to heat tissue from a distance, eliminating the need to physically touch the tissue.
Researchers at Penn University School of Medicine have developed an ultrasound-based treatment that can disrupt the blood flow to tumors, reducing growth. This innovative approach targets newly formed vessels created by tumors and may lead to new cancer therapies.
Researchers at NSBRI have developed an ultrasound training method that reduces learning time to two-to-three hours a year. The program uses computer-based instruction and remote guidance to enable non-physicians to assess and manage emergency medical conditions in space, sports, and emergency response situations.
Researchers added optical tomography to ultrasound, allowing for non-invasive detection of malignant tumors with higher accuracy. The new technique uses near-infrared light to measure oxygen-carrying blood cells and microvessels in breast lesions.
A study published in JAMA Network found that a diagnostic strategy combining Transesophageal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and mediastinoscopy can identify more patients with tumor invasion or lymph node metastases, reducing unnecessary thoracotomies by 16%.
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) has announced grant recipients for its Endowment for Education and Research program. The awarded researchers will explore innovative applications of ultrasound technology, including high-resolution imaging, selective intracerebral drug delivery, and peripheral nerve imaging. These...
Dr. Niermann received the New Investigator Award for his outstanding scientific abstract on ultrasound research. The award recognizes early-career investigators who demonstrate potential in advancing the safe and effective use of ultrasound in medicine.
Dr. Jon Meilstrup and Dr. Mel Stratmeyer received the Presidential Recognition Award from AIUM for their intense participation, teaching, and leadership roles in the organization. The entire AIUM staff also received a surprise award for outstanding contributions to advancing ultrasound in medicine.
Researchers used diffusion MRI to measure water movement in treated fibroids, showing significant signal intensity and ADC values. This non-invasive technique may improve monitoring of ultrasound treatment success and be useful for other focused ultrasound treatments.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic Translational Ultrasound Research Unit have developed a new ultrasound technique that can detect subtle changes in heart muscle motions, potentially predicting heart problems. The technology uses high-resolution imaging to measure transitional tissue deformations and analyze their impact on cardiac function.
Researchers used real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) to diagnose coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain. The study found that perfusion imaging was more effective than wall motion analysis in detecting the condition and predicting patient outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D cardiac imaging probe that offers sharper, high-contrast images and real-time guidance for therapeutic treatment devices. The probe's ability to generate three-dimensional images may shorten patient time in clinics and reduce radiation exposure.
A new sonic flashlight device allows physicians to visualize ultrasound images during catheter placement, making the procedure faster and more efficient. This innovation has the potential to increase patient safety, decrease costs, and improve patient comfort, enabling medical personnel to perform procedures with greater ease.
Researchers successfully transmitted ultrasound images from Yugoslavia to the US using compressed files, with radiologists able to diagnose patients accurately in 67% of cases. The study aims to expand access to medical technology globally, particularly in areas without internet access.
Dr. Meyer, a distinguished pediatrician and echocardiographer, received the prestigious award for his contributions to ultrasound in medicine and research. With over 50 years of promoting safe and effective use of ultrasound in clinical settings, Dr. Meyer continues to serve as a leading figure in the field.