Reviews and News on Ultrasound Machines

Some medical and scientific communities are advocating therapeutic ultrasound machine technology as a more effective treatment for certain patients that suffer from chronic pain, than prescription chemical medications. The primary basis for this endorsement is that research has shown that the body will actually heal more quickly when pain medications are not used as a crutch to mask the pain.

Chiropractors often treat patients with arthritis and sports injuries with neuromuscular stimulators. The neuromuscular stimulators used in therapeutic ultrasound are extremely effective at stimulating the muscle tissue more effectively than traditional massage by penetrating the surface of the skin at a much deeper level. The stimulators are able to improve blood circulation which promotes a more rapid healing of the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage. Frequently, chiropractors also enable their patients to continue treating themselves at home using portable ultrasound machine devices that provide patients with similar results to those they received in the office, which allows them to reduce the number of office visits required for treatment.

Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used to treat patients that are diagnosed with edema to improve circulation and reduce swelling. By reducing the swelling, not only is the pain minimized, but the therapeutic treatment allows the patient more movement and flexibility in the affected region, which is a necessary element for long-term rehabilitation.

Treating patients with chronic pain and healing patient injuries are just some of the benefits of therapeutic ultrasound machine technology. The Sports Medicine industry has been known to use this technique as a preventative measure, in their work with professional athletes, both before and after an athlete’s intense physical workouts as a way to soothe aching muscles. Therapeutic ultrasound is a practical alternative to improving the quality of life for the millions of patients that are struggling with chronic pain.

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Ultrasound technology was first introduced in obstetrics about thirty years ago. In obstetrics, standard ultrasound machines produce a two-dimensional image of a developing fetus. It is used to obtain measurements, detect any abnormalities, and to determine gestational age. However, with a 2-D ultrasound machine, the image is usually grainy and it requires a qualified physician or sonographer to identify different parts of the body or problems. One of the undeniable advantages to 3-D and 4-D ultrasound imaging is that it provides patients and doctors with multi-planar images. While 3-D ultrasound scans are capable of showing 3-dimensional images, there is a delay in regard to time.

By contrast, a 4-D ultrasound machine provides health care professionals and patients with advantages that 2-D and 3-D ultrasounds do not offer. First, it provides a three-dimensional, more detailed image that clearly shows facial features and can show movements of the fetus in real- time. Soon-to-be parents can get a much clearer photographic image of what their child will look like. In fact, the video images that are captured are similar to those that are taken with a video camera. The ability to see movement as it is happening makes it easier to diagnose heart or spinal cord abnormalities, and respiratory problems. In addition, if there is a need to extract liquid from the fetus for diagnostic purposes, 4-D technology is more precise in pinpointing the exact location.

Currently, the most common reason a 4-D ultrasound is ordered by an obstetrician is to detect suspected abnormalities having to do with the internal organs of the fetus. 4-D ultrasound machines offer physicians better quantitative tools to assist with diagnosis, treatment and management of fetal healthcare. While 4-D ultrasound machines are still not common, they are beginning to make progress moving into routine clinical medical practices.

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People tend to think about ultrasound machines in terms of obstetrics, but not everyone is aware of their use in regard to physical therapy treatment. Today, ultrasound machines are more portable than ever, and they are now available to be used at home for therapy and pain relief. Home ultrasound machine units can be as effective at relieving pain as professional ultrasound machines. Professional ultrasound machines use a continuous wave and the home units use pulsed waves, which makes them safer for the general public to use. Since they are safer to use, patients that use a home ultrasound therapy machine are able to perform treatments on themselves more frequently than a professional medical office would.

With ultrasound therapy, high-frequency sound waves provide circulation through pulsation of the deep tissue that is located under the surface skin and by providing a therapeutic massage that releases tight muscles, reduces inflammation or muscle spasm by increasing by increasing blood flow to the area being treated.  Ultrasound therapy can be used to treat several pain related medical conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and bursitis. In addition, research has shown that ultrasound therapy can be used to help heal bone fractures more rapidly. The ultrasound machine can combine sound pulses with heat which can be very soothing to the patient.

Ultrasound machines that are being used in the home can benefit patients with chronic pain in many ways. Many patients have claimed that treatment from an ultrasound therapy machine provided them with much better results in terms of relieving their pain than other common treatments including cortisone injections and surgery. Home ultrasound machines can also be a worthwhile investment in terms of costs. Consecutive ultrasound treatments at a medical equipment facility are much more costly than a one-time investment in a home ultrasound machine.

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Medical innovation and technology is always evolving. For example, in 2005, a doctor by the name of Scott Dulchavsky conducted a reach project on the International Space Station (ISS) that involved teaching astronauts how to use a portable ultrasound machine, while they were on a space mission. With the help of doctors at the base, the astronauts were able to diagnose some of their own medical issues. This research project benefited and inspired more improved medical equipment technology, in the following years, both on the ground and in space. In fact, the original ultrasound machine that was aboard the ISS was recently replaced with a more advanced piece of ultrasound machine equipment that is called the Ultrasound 2.

The Ultrasound 2 is a much smaller and sufficiently more sophisticated and capable piece of medical equipment. The chief engineer in charge of flight systems implementation for the Ultrasound 2, Joe Gensler, says that the machine is more advanced than its predecessor and it can run a series of self-diagnostic tests. The actual prototype for the Ultrasound 2 was GE’s Healthcare Vivid q. However, it was tweaked to meet orbit flight standards. The device is linked to a video convertor that produces real-time ultrasound images that can be viewed and evaluated by a medical ground crew.

The features of the Ultrasound 2 are much more current and in-line with the current technology that is available today in larger hospitals and more modern medical facilities. Because the new machine has so many features, it was necessary to provide a more depth instruction for usage than with the previous device. Features include improved resolution, enhanced color imaging, panoramic scanning, smart-depth, and 2D and Doppler imaging. Another added advantage of this particular machine is that it was mobile and did not have to be mounted. The Ultrasound 2 was successfully used in space for the first time in August of 2011, and it is planned to be used aboard the ISS through the year 2020.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment

In 2005, a Detroit-based trauma surgeon by the name of Dr. Scott Dulchavsky, began to study the use and effectiveness of ultrasound machine technology in outer space Since astronauts in space had no access to doctors or other medical professionals during a space mission, Dr. Dulchavsky’s ultimate goal in the study was to provide a way for the astronauts to assist in diagnosing their own medical problems. Based on his research, he concluded that ultrasound machine technology would be effective in diagnosing approximately five hundred various health problems that could occur while astronauts were traveling in space.

While it is true that there are a variety of diagnostic imaging machines that are available, ultrasound machines are by far, the most lightweight, compact, and transportable, making them ideal for places with a limited amount of space such as spaceships. Another advantage to using ultrasound machines in this capacity is that imaging results are delivered instantly, unlike traditionally x-rays, where there is a waiting period to develop the x-ray. Ultrasounds are able to find a problem quickly.

The test was conducted by NASA aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the project was called ADUM (Advanced Ultrasound in Microgravity). Although the astronauts used in the study only had about four hours of training using the ultrasound machine equipment, with the guidance of medical experts on the ground, they were able to use the machines with little effort. The images were then broadcasted back down to the ground for doctors to evaluate.

This study provided an important gateway for non-medical, average people to use ultrasound technology interactively with medical professionals to obtain necessary diagnostic medical information. Is was an important breakthrough since it could later be used in various other situations, like in ambulances, sport team locker rooms, rural areas, and on battlefields.

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A vascular ultrasound (US) is a special Doppler ultrasound that is used to diagnose heart problems and examine blood vessels to determine blood flow patterns and if there is any narrowing or blockage. The most frequently examined vessels are in the arms, legs, and neck and include both veins and arteries. Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive, painless procedure that utilizes high frequency sound waves and does not require the use of radiation, dyes, needles, or and anesthesia.

Physicians typically request a vascular ultrasound test for patients that are suspected to have circulatory system problems. Stroke patients may also benefit from a vascular ultrasound to determine what factors caused the stroke. Lastly, it is used by physicians as a tool to evaluate the success of bypass surgery and to determine if someone is a good candidate for angioplasty.

A vascular ultrasound should be performed as frequently as it is recommended by a physician. It is typically administered by a technologist who places a water-based gel on the area that is being examined. A transducer, or small wand is firmly rotated against the body (across the area being studied) to capture the desired images on ultrasound machines. Most ultrasound exams take approximately 30 minutes, or less and the results are either given to the patient immediately or sent to their physician.

Vascular ultrasound machines are an effective diagnostic tool that can accurately evaluate the human circulatory system. An ultrasound of the veins can locate blockage (thrombosis) which can cause arm and leg pain or swelling. It allows medical professionals to locate abnormalities and obstructions, such as plaque build-up and blood clots. For patients with varicose veins, vascular ultrasounds can also assist surgeons in dealing with the condition. Since the procedure does not require any type of radiation, it is relatively a risk-free procedure.

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Tendonitis is a condition that describes an irritation or inflammation of a tendon, which is a connective tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons are located at the end of muscles and are typically resilient. However, tendons lack flexibility and can be prone to tearing, which results in pain and stiffness. Repetitive strain or an acute injury can tear or cause swelling of tendon tissue and cause soreness, irritation, and a burning type of pain.

Patients who are most susceptible to this condition typically exert the same tendons repetitively and the motion that aggravates the tendons is frequently relived by the application of cold therapy. Tendonitis can sometimes be prevented by stretching muscles on a consistent basis. Stretching the muscles creates more flexibility and tendons are less likely to tear. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, tendonitis can become chronic and severe problem.

Previously, ultrasound machine therapy treatments were used mostly for professional athletes. Today, ultrasounds are being used to treat a variety of painful conditions. Portable home ultrasound machines can help heal and relieve this condition for patients that are diagnosed with chronic tendonitis. Therapeutic ultrasound treatments use sound waves that penetrate surface layers of the skin which cause a vibration in the tissues and produce a deep heat to soothe pain, inflammation, pain, and relieve muscle spasm. Ultra sonic technology increases oxygen and blood circulation and which lessens swelling and expedites the healing and recovery process.

Tendonitis occurs with constant re-injuring of an area and results in additional scarring, pain, and limited performance. For these types of injuries, a particular home ultrasound machine is required to treat the soft tissue injuries. It is necessary that the home ultrasound machine is capable of producing heat. Heat is produced by constant frequency using a pulsed mode and creates therapeutic physiological relief.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment

Chronic neck pain is a common condition experienced by people at some time in their adult life. The most popular form of treating chronic pain in the neck has been pain medication. However, drug treatments seldom correct the problem and often pose a risk of harmful side effects. More frequently, ultrasound machine therapy is being used outside of obstetrics. In fact, patients are discovering that ultrasound therapy is an effective therapeutic tool to relieve chronic pain. Ultrasonic sound waves, when used for the treatment of the neck help to reduce muscle and nerve pain, minimize muscle and nerve spasms, and minimize healing time. Ultrasound therapy is a newer and better alternative to traditional treatments provided by medical professionals.

How does it work?

Ultrasound machines are commonly used in physical therapy and is used to help heal tissue at a cellular level. It enables the muscles to relax by transmitting sound waves into soft tissue. Through a crystal head, known as a transducer, sonic waves of high frequency are able to produce kinetic, or motion energy, that stimulates the cells. The energy from the vibration of cells creates warmth to the area being treated and creates a deep heating effect. The warming effect of the ultrasound increases blood flow and circulation to the injured or damaged tissue and can ultimately speed healing time.

What are the benefits of treatment?

Ultrasound therapy can increase elasticity of ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which increases the mobility of the shoulder joints and neck. Administering high frequency sounds waves creates a pumping action within the patient’s muscles that minimizes swelling and reduces inflammation of injured neck tissue. Ultrasound machines therapy provides patients with a drug-free and non-invasive option for treating chronic neck pain. After treatment, patients frequently report that they are able to experience more motion when they turn their necks.

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Standard blood tests are not always conclusive in determining thyroid (a gland in the neck that is responsible for regulating metabolism) conditions in patients. More and more physicians are taking it one step further and requesting that patients, especially those with a family history of thyroid problems, use a digital imaging system known as ultrasound machines, to detect thyroid problems that can often be misdiagnosed by blood tests. A thyroid ultrasound test is usually performed to check the shape, size, and position of the thyroid, and is done in the radiology or ultrasound department. It is a painless technique that creates images, using sound waves of organs inside the body.

An ultrasound of the thyroid gland requires no fasting or advanced preparation. The patient lies with their neck hyperextended (stretched beyond usual limit). An ultrasound technician moves a wand known as a transducer over the thyroid area that produces sound waves that penetrate the body and bounce off the thyroid gland. An internal computer located in the ultrasound machine translates the sound wave pattern into an image.

A thyroid gland can be overactive or underactive. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid is underactive, thereby producing too little of the thyroid hormone.  Ordinary symptoms of hypothyroidism may include: weakness and fatigue, tremors and nervousness, insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, dry or coarse skin, cold intolerance (low basal temperature), cold feet and hands, immune system problems, heavy menstrual periods in women, forgetfulness, poor memory, and depression.

An overactive thyroid condition known as hyperthyroidism, is caused when the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormone than usual. The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include: tremors and nervousness, weakness and fatigue, insomnia, weight loss, frequent defecation, dry, coarse, clammy skin, hair loss, heat intolerance, warm feet and hands, immune system problems, light menstrual periods in women, forgetfulness, poor memory and depression.

Women over 35 years of age and individuals with a family history of thyroid conditions should be screened every three years with ultrasound machines or sooner if recommended by a physician.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment

Doppler ultrasound machines (DUS) are a painless and comfortable diagnostic procedure that is performed by sonographers to show accurate images of the movement of blood or other fluids through the body. A Doppler probe, or ultrasound probe is helpful in providing doctors with evidence of blood clotting, reverse flow, or restricted flow, and DVT (deep vein thrombosis), and to determine if a patient is at a high risk for strokes. It is placed on the body part being examined and uses high-frequency sound waves to transmit sound pulses into the body by use of a probe. Once the sound pulses detect an object, they are reflected back to the probe. When the pulse is returned it is translated into a picture or a sound. The examination lasts about an hour and once it is complete, the images are printed, reviewed, and interpreted by a certified radiologist.

Doppler Ultrasounds provide physicians with important information. They are most frequently used to:

· Abnormalities of blood vessels

· Abnormalities of heart valves

· Diastolic heart failure

· Valvular heart disease

· Valve stenosis

· Valve regurgitation

· Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)

Four Basic Types of Doppler Ultrasound
The four basic types of Doppler Ultrasounds that are commonly used by medical personnel to diagnose and treat patients are:

1. Continuous Wave Doppler (Bedside)

A Continuous Wave Doppler is a type of ultrasound that is done with portable ultrasound machines, bedside in a hospital and the doctor listens for a change in pitch of sound waves to evaluate blood flow and is able to determine if an area is blocked.

2. Color Doppler

A color Doppler converts sounds into colors that show the direction and speed of the blood flowing through the vessel.

3. Duplex Doppler

A duplex Doppler produces an image and an internal computer in this device converts Doppler sounds into an informational graph that provides information about the area being evaluated.
4. Power Doppler

A Power Doppler is based on newer technology and is approximately five times more sensitive than the standard color Doppler. It can capture images and provide information that is nearly impossible for another ultrasound machine to detect.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, Used Medical Equipment