Archive for April, 2010

The Next Dimension of Ultrasound Technology

Ever since ultrasound machines emerged as a new medical imaging technique in the early 1960’s, its diagnostic capabilities have expanded far beyond obstetrics to include cardiology and many surgical and therapeutic applications. Non-radiologists are now using ultrasound machines in record numbers as a non-invasive method of clinical treatment.

Perhaps some of the reasons for ultrasound’s expansion are its relatively low cost, high degree of safety and immediate results. Because of its ability to utilize sound waves rather than damaging radiation, it can be used to create images of a wide variety of bodily structures. Since its inception, ultrasound has emerged as one of the more cost-effective diagnostic procedures.

Recent advancements in ultrasound technology have made it possible for imaging to be carried out in 3D and 4D versions using more complex computing and signal processing. This relatively new technology is expected to create a new wave of interest in developing technologically advanced applications for ultrasound machines. It has already revolutionized the way that obstetricians can create images of unborn babies.

Another development is the use of ultrasound in liver elastography, which will help doctors detect early-stage liver disease. Using cutting-edge ultrasound scanners from Siemens, it is possible to analyze the elasticity of liver tissue in intricate detail for early diagnosis of liver diseases like cirrhosis. Ultrasound machines can also be used to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors in many parts of the body.

Ultrasound technology has also been used to study the heart through the use of echocardiograms, and researchers continue to explore new uses for focused ultrasound in carrying out non-invasive heart procedures. With all of this rapid advancement, there is little doubt that we will continue to see ultrasound play an important role in every area of patient care.

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Ultrasound Machines for Therapeutic Use

The use of ultrasound machine technology in a physical therapy setting originated in Europe, in the 1940’s. Over the years, advancements have been made in regards to therapeutic ultrasound. Today, ultrasound machines are now more commonly being used by chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and in the field of Sports Medicine. Ultrasound machines utilized for therapeutic treatment has proven to be an effective tool in treating arthritis, muscle pain, and joint pain. Typically, the treatment is performed by a professional therapist and is recommended for approximately fifteen minutes on a daily basis for two to ten weeks. This is a non-toxic, non-invasive treatment that has been successful in providing relief from pain enabling the muscles to relax.

Ultrasound machine technology uses sound waves which generate heat to a particular area of the body. With the vibration generated from ultrasound machines, heat is generated by way of high frequency sound waves, and inflammation and swelling can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, when this type of heat is applied to a joint, it helps to loosen tissue and improves blood flow circulation. It can relieve some chronic and acute pain for patients participating in this type of treatment. Professionals have been known to successfully treat bursitis, shoulder dislocations, sprains, and tendinitis using ultrasound machine therapy treatments.

Ultrasound machine technology for therapeutic use is not a new concept. There are still some who are skeptical about its degree of effectiveness. However, ultrasound machines are being used more frequently by the medical community. While it is not guaranteed that it will alleviate pain indefinitely, or for all types of injuries, there are many patients who have been pleased with the results. When combined with stretching exercises, patients and therapists have concluded that the treatment is longer lasting and more noticeable. Patients have reported that some soreness is common immediately following treatment. Other benefits included repairing damaged tissue, relaxing muscle spasms, and a more rapid healing process.

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How safe are Ultrasound Machines?

Since its inception back in the 1940s, ultrasound technology has become a very important and useful tool in the fields of medicine and science, and it continues to be one of the safest noninvasive forms of medical diagnostic imaging. Unlike some more harmful techniques, such as radiation, ultrasound machines have very few potential side effects. However, they have been linked to two potential physiological problems.

One area of concern with ultrasound machines is their ability to enhance the body’s inflammatory response. Studies have shown that ultrasounds can produce a certain type of mechanical pressure as its beams are conducted through soft tissue, which can result in bubbles within the tissue. It can also influence ions and cellular reactions, or distort the cell membrane by increasing the temperature of soft tissues.

Conversely, another group of researchers has claimed that the beams produced by ultrasounds can destroy blood clots in the brain before they can cause a stroke. In contrast to detractors of the technology, most medical practitioners have a fairly positive view of ultrasound equipment and technology. Any noninvasive technique without serious side effects is considered a “win” for the medical community.

Recent advancements in ultrasound machines have enabled them to be reduced to a 2 pound size compact version, which can take a picture of a patient’s neck arteries to show if they are thickened or clogged with plaque. According to researchers, if the neck arteries are clogged, then chances are that other arteries are as well.

Like any other medical device or treatment, one must balance the various risks and benefits of ultrasound technology to determine their comfort level with this type of treatment.

Posted on April 7, 2010 in Medical Equipment, Ultrasound Machines