Reviews and News on Ultrasound Machines

Still one of the most inexpensive and effective imaging techniques in the medical field, ultrasound helps radiologists and other healthcare professionals gather significant data about their patients. In fact, no other imaging option is so well-suited to patient safety and overall healthcare. By giving patients a real-time look at their own anatomy, they can enter into more productive discussions with their physicians about their conditions.

Ultrasound machines have become quite commonplace among cardiologists, surgeons, urologists, obstetricians and physical therapists, among others. As the applications for ultrasound expand, medical equipment suppliers are responding to new market opportunities by creating highly advanced systems that use ultrasound technology.

For example, new miniaturized ultrasound machines are growing in popularity across many areas of medicine. A broad range of professionals, from internists to orthopedists are carrying these handheld systems in their pockets for use throughout the day. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are using handheld ultrasound equipment to quickly assess injuries before a patient is ever transported to a hospital. Ultrasound technology is a natural fit for portable medical equipment because of its compact size, user-friendliness and ease of mobility.

This trend toward miniaturization has swept the medical equipment industry so quickly; suppliers are scrambling to keep up with customer demand. Hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) lends itself so well to a variety of different applications. In fact it is so popular that it has even been added as an optional “app” for the iPhone. However, the portable ultrasound devices carried by doctors are far more advanced and are usually $9,000 and up.

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Usually, when one hears the word “ultrasound”, the first thing that comes to mind is a photo or video of an unborn baby.  But surprisingly, there are a number of ways to use ultrasound machine technology that do not involve pregnant mothers.  The reason ultrasound has become so widely used throughout the medical profession is that it is a non-invasive way to make a diagnosis.

1.    In addition to giving mom and dad a “picture” of their baby-to-be, ultrasound helps the doctor check the baby’s position in the uterus, make sure the internal organs and brain are growing properly, and that the baby is the size that it should be for a specific stage of development.  Recently, ultrasound has been adapted to check for chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s syndrome as well.

2.    Using special ultrasound probes, gynecologists can also diagnose a cystic or solid mass in the pelvic area.  Urologists have a separate set of custom-designed probes to screen men for prostate problems.  And both men and women may have an ultrasound screening of the colon.

3.    General surgeons and internists often use ultrasound machines to examine the thyroid, breasts, gall bladder and spleen, as well as other organs.  There are ultrasound probes that can locate foreign objects in places as delicate as the eye, and they are not being used to guide doctors in performing fine needle biopsy procedures.

4.    People are not the only subjects where ultrasound is used.  Recently, a team of veterinarians from the Mississippi State University developed an ultrasound procedure that will help them to better understand the biology of cattle.  Ultrasound machines can also be used to make a quick diagnosis on horses, sheep, dogs and cats.

5.    Physical therapists use ultrasound machines in conjunction with deep tissue heat to treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, and certain injuries.  This process increases circulation to the affected area, which promotes healing.

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