Reviews and News on Ultrasound Machines

Thanks to a simulation training course in ultrasound guided procedures, many medical residents have been able to hone their skills in a learning environment that doesn’t affect patient safety. The Henry Ford Hospital conducted a study that found this to be a highly effective teaching tool that will undoubtedly improve confidence among residents when they start using these new skills on the job. While conducting an ultrasound test may look easy enough to the outsider, practitioners need practice to gain the knowledge needed to use ultrasound machines with dexterity and speed.

The study was conducted while would-be doctors performed some of the most common ultrasound procedures, including biopsies of the breast, liver and thyroid, as well as the draining of excess fluid from the body. Students were able to use mannequins instead of actual patients, which allows for a more standardized form of teaching. Because they can practice the same procedure again and again, students were able to become more proficient than they would otherwise have been if their procedures were done on humans.

Each radiology student participating in this study was given a chance to learn techniques when using ultrasound machines through a combination of live training, video and written coursework. They each had six months to learn the skills within a simulated medical environment that recreates live surgical procedures as well as emergency care, intensive care and routine medical scenarios.

The mannequins themselves were equipped with hypo-echoic and hyper-echoic nodules that allow for a real-life ultrasound experience. Both before and after their training, student doctors were tested on their proficiency and knowledge of ultrasound technology. Not surprisingly, the students showed significant improvements after learning in a simulated hospital environment.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, ultrasound transducer

One of the hottest selling ultrasound machines on the market is the new SonoSite MicroMaxx, which lives up to its impressive name. By packing a lot of power into a compact, portable system, the SonoSite Micromaxx delivers the quality and features of a much larger, console-style ultrasound system in a small device that can be carried almost anywhere.

In addition to being highly portable, the MicroMaxx offers incredible image quality. And despite its small size, it produces images quickly. It can go from the off position to being ready to start scanning in about fifteen seconds, which can be extremely helpful with a critical-care patient. This state-of-the-art ultrasound system can be used in a number of different applications as well, including the ER, anesthesia, radiology and off-site locations.

In addition, medical professionals who tested this machine found it highly durable. Drop-testing has also shown that this machine to be rugged, even in extreme conditions, making it the ideal solution for rescue operations and natural disasters.

Available in color Doppler and 2-D modes, the SonoSite Micromaxx ultrasound machine allows for dual, M-Mode and Duplex imaging and works with three sweep speeds. Broadband, multi-frequency imaging allows for quick transmission to a medical facility, and images can be processed using compression, contrast enhancement, persistence and dynamic range/gain, using 1-8 focal zones.

While its portability makes it the ideal ultrasound equipment for a mobile rescue unit, it also moves quickly with a medical facility, from surgery and radiology to cardiology and anesthesia departments. Many healthcare facilities are opting for mobile systems like the Micromaxx, as it is sometimes easier to move the machine where it is needed than to move the patient to the machine.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, portable ultrasound machines, Ultrasound Machines, ultrasound transducer

The medical ultrasound field plays an important role in preventive healthcare and diagnostic testing. As a result, the medical ultrasound community has joined forces to educate the public about the importance of medical ultrasound in healthcare.

While most people are familiar with ultrasound use during pregnancy, the general public is generally unaware of how ultrasound is used throughout other stages of life, and with various medical indications.

During the month of October, which is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, medical ultrasound professionals will plan special activities and educational materials to educate their patients, as well as the public, about how medical ultrasound works. Included in their educational programming will be ultrasound’s use in medical diagnoses, which areas of the body can be imaged with ultrasound, and the terminology related to medical ultrasound testing.

Medical Ultrasound Awareness month will:

* Educate the public about the certification process for those who perform medical ultrasound exams, and help them make informed decisions about their care;
* Inform the public about technological advancements in medical ultrasound over the past 50 years and how they have positively impacted the quality of healthcare;
* Introduce the public to professionals who specialize in this area of medicine, and educate students about potential careers in medical ultrasound; and
* Celebrate the profession of professional ultrasound imaging specialists.

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is a joint effort of the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM), the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU).

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Portable Ultrasound, Ultrasound, Ultrasound Machines, ultrasound transducer

Color Flow Mode (CFM) is also called as Color Flow Doppler Imaging (CFD). These are the ultrasonic imaging techniques used for measuring the blood flow through the heart. They display the flow data on the 2-D echocardiography image. The technique is mainly used for determining the congenital, valvular and other forms of disease related to heart.

The color flow mode imaging is based on the Doppler Effect of the acoustics. The Doppler Effect helps to find out the blood flow from different parts of the body. It helps to identify the direction of the flow of blood. Color flow mode imaging is understandable to the common user. They avoid the displays of the complex spectral velocity structures.

In the color flow imaging different colors defines the direction of the given jet. The red color and blue colors are taken for defining the direction. The change in the hues from bright to dull depicts the change in the velocities. When there is turbulence in the blood flow a mosaic of colors is formed. Therefore a 2-D display of the blood flow is depicted by the identification of size, velocity and direction.

Red color is used to depict the flow towards the transducer and the blue color is used to depict the flow away from the transducer. Different color references can always be seen in different Doppler Imaging devices. Generally in color flow mode the color bar of black color represents zero flow.

Color flow mode is a very easy and understandable way to study the ultrasonic waves to calculate the blood flow. By making different colors as the codes to measure the flow of blood people can get easily the meaning of the reports generated. These techniques work in the normal hearing range of the humans thus are not harmful for humans.

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Mammography machines help analyze breast tissue for possible incidence of cancer and are the choicest tools for guiding breast biopsy procedures. It works by directing a low frequency X-ray through the breast tissue and rendering detailed images for the physician to analyze. The high clarity and definition of these images helps perceive even delicate tissues within the breast. The GE Senographe DMR Mammography Machine is a highly advanced state of the art piece of medical equipment from GE that delivers high performance at affordable costs. GE has been a pioneer in mammography machine manufacturing and over the years has set high industry standards which are rarely matched by competitors.

The machine is very user friendly and has 5 photocells for expansive imaging functionalities in breast placement and digital angulations display. It also provides hands free compression and offers more interaction with the patient by way of vertical height adjustment. The quality of images rendered by a mammography machine is of utmost importance. The high image quality increases the diagnostic capabilities of physicians and the GE Senographe DMR is ahead of the competition in that it delivers high quality images with superb clarity by using dedicated MaxiRay X-ray tube and SharpIQ grid. The MaxiRay bi-metal rhodium or molybdenum tube offers extensive penetration and comes with an inner focusing cone. The high X-ray spectrum provided by these metals penetrates even the densest of breast tissues and reveals details that are obscure in images rendered by other machines.

The unrivalled image quality and magnification provided by this tube sets the machine apart from its competitors. The machine reduces exposure time, which ensures image quality and cuts down dose by 40 percent which allows for examination of dense breasts without reduction in image quality. The anti scatter grid movement is also optimized by the SharpIQ and DMR features which provides high definition images. The machine as with most GE products is consistent and reliable and also ensures automatic optimization of parameters. The digital display, flipping markers and single magnification stand all add to overall design and renders it highly user friendly.

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Echocardiogram, also known as ECHO, is an ultrasound of the heart to know its inner workings and to assess the condition of the heart.

It is mostly an initial examination to rule out abnormalities in the heart effectively. In the event of any suspicious activity the patient is further subject to detailed investigations.

Echocardiogram is similar to an ultrasonography, where a patient’s chest is smeared with transparent gel and an ultrasound transducer (sound sensitive device), is placed and moved very slowly over the heart. This instrument sends out high frequency sound waves and receives back an ‘echo’ of these waves as reflected by the heart. These echoes are recorded on a moving sheet of paper by the ultrasound machine, which is interpreted by cardiologists to check the proper functioning of the heart valves. This procedure is also known as Transthoracic echocardiogram, it is essential in initial diagnosis of conditions such as coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease etc.

With recent development in medical equipment, another procedure known as the Transoesophageal Echocardiogram is also used in detailed diagnosis of the condition of the heart. It is a procedure similar to endoscopy consisting of a miniature transducer at the end of a long flexible tube with controls on the other end to guide the probe in through the throat in order to capture clearer images for detailed analysis of the heart.

With this indispensable tool, the ability to obtain 3-dimensional images of the heart using a group of minute transducers probed into the heart cavity is invaluable. With appropriate computer programs, one can view cross sections of the heart as well as make a detailed study of the conditions of the heart and determine its treatment.

This procedure is simple and non-evasive; the patient’s throat will be sprayed with a local anaesthetic to avoid discomfort.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Medical Equipment, ultrasound machine, ultrasound transducer

In part 1 we looked at the technical specification that needs to be considered when purchasing an ultrasound machine. In part 2 we will be paying attention to qualities such as the mobility and financing of ultrasound machines.

A mobile or a static ultrasound machine

Just as it was mentioned in the technical specifications, before you decide if you want to make use of mobile or static ultrasound equipment, your choice would largely depend on various factors. Questions you need to ask yourself such as how much space you have at your disposal, what your primary function for the ultrasound device would be and how and where you would prefer to employ the ultrasound machine. Once these questions are answered, you should know if a portable ultrasound machine or a static installed device would suit your needs, purpose and practice best.

Portable ultrasound machines are the perfect solution for institutions where resources are limited, especially in remote areas or where it is required to move equipment between various separated venues to facilitate more than institution. However, this may be very comfortable, and can be seen as a cost saving method in third world countries where resources and funding are extremely limited, the down sides to portable ultrasound machines are that the versatility thereof is reasonably limited. With the majority of portable ultrasound machines it is restricted by allowing the user to connect only one ultrasound transducer at a time. In addition, with a rather small space for a keyboard, the use of a portable ultrasound device can become very challenging due to multiple functions that are assigned to most of the keys.

Financing

Paying brief attention to financing, like most expensive medical equipment, it is likely to find reasonable ways to aid in the financing of ultrasound machines such as normal credit term purchases, leasing and other options available.

New vs. Used

When purchasing an ultrasound machine for your organization, you may have the choice of buying/leasing new or pre-owned ultrasound equipment. Just like with most things such as automobiles you can typically save thousands of dollars looking for a pre-owned ultrasound with all of the specifications you need and is a couple of years old. It is best to look for a system that has been under continuous service contract or coverage. Having a system inspection and certification at the time of delivery ensures that the system is in good operational condition and ready for use.

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The Ultrasound Transducer is a highly sensitive and technical piece of medical equipment. As with any equipment which comes into contact with a patient, it requires special care and handling.

The most important thing to remember when caring for your transducer is that you must follow your manufacturer’s directions for care and cleaning. If you do not, you run the very real risk not only of irreparably damaging your transducer, but of also voiding your warranty. So step one is, alas, read the manual.

That said, there are some general guidelines for care and safety of ultrasound transducers in general.

1. Properly store transducers when not in use. Most machines have a designated storage place for transducers, such as a dedicated holder.
2. Avoid dropping the transducer, or subjecting it to any kind of impact.
3. Mind the cable. The cable is, in essence, an electrical cord. Unnecessary bending or folding of the cable can damage the cable insulation, which may lead to electrical shock.
4. Always inspect the transducer apparatus, including lens and cable, before each use. If the transducer is damaged, it can cause injury to the patient or operator. If you notice a problem with a transducer, do not use it and contact the manufacturer for service and/or replacement.
5. Use only approved coupling gels to avoid damage to the medical equipment and discomfort for the patient.

Now that you know how to care for your transducer, how about cleaning?

1. Step one is read the manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The importance of this step cannot be overstated.
2. Use the manufacturer’s specified cleaning products and germicides. To do otherwise can damage your equipment and void your warranty.
3. Do not allow the connector end of the cable or transducer to become immersed in the cleaning product.
4. If your transducer must be soaked in germicide, follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to length of soaking time.
5. Steam cleaning, using a heat autoclave or gas process, is generally not recommended.

As long as you follow the proper procedures for transducer care, use and cleaning, your equipment will serve you well, allowing you to better serve your patients.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Medical Equipment, ultrasound transducer, Ultrasound Transducers

In the face of modern medical miracles, we have lost sight that it was not that long ago that the idea of open heart surgery was the height of fantasy. Opening a living heart, fixing it, and then reviving the patient was the stuff of dreams.

Now that this is a reality, there became a new wrinkle – how can be know what is going on in the heart before it is laid open? Could we fix abnormalities as we discover them? Fortunately, ultrasound is giving us both of those abilities.

Catheter technology has been around for a while, but that had to be combined with external radiographic techniques to get a picture, and that was at times only a precursor to more invasive procedures like open heart surgery. And, as amazing as that surgery can be, there should be other, less dramatic options.

This used to be the province of external ultrasound machines only. Even catheter based ultrasounds radiated sound in a circle, a good technology for circular structures like the esophagus or arteries. But in order to image a structure with the complex volume of the heart, there had to be something better.

Fortunately, the researchers at Acuson Corporation of Mountain View, CA have developed an intracardiac ultrasound catheter. It will allow surgeons to see the structures within the heart with greater clarity than ever before. They can now precisely determine any affected area. Gone is the radial pattern of the ultrasound. This new sixty four element transducer projects a sideways wave. Normally, there is some form of focusing lens to direct the ultrasound. That would be too big for the tip of this catheter. This new ultrasound transducer has no need of that to maintain a tight focus that is ideal for such a tight area.

This new technology works across a wider range of sound waves. This allows a cardiologist to determine the amount of penetration they need. The upshot of this is that, even if the catheter is on the right side of the heart, you can still visualize the left side just as well. It just depends on where you set the machine.

This new ultrasound machine technique will undoubtedly provide greater diagnostic specificity for cardiac patients, leading to better care and better outcomes.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: ultrasound machine, Ultrasound Machines, ultrasound transducer

The good sides of therapeutic ultrasound hide a big problem: these ultrasound machines are large and expensive. Add to that some focusing issues and therapeutic ultrasound shows definite limitations for clinical use for the here and now. That all may have changed.

A doctoral candidate at Cornell University has just set the world of therapeutic ultrasound on its ear. George Lewis has created ultrasound devices that are pocket sized, instead of the current ones that can top out at thirty pounds. These small devices are more powerful than their large predecessors and the cost? Around USD$100. For comparison, that larger ultrasound we mentioned earlier regularly sells in the neighborhood of USD$20,000.

How was this accomplished? Mr. Lewis (remember he’s not a PhD yet) has increased the efficiency of an existing transducer. In the traditional method, a great deal of the energy used to convert the voltage to sound waves is lost. Lewis has created a way to increase the efficiency of this process. In his versions, up to 95% of the source energy goes into the transducer.

This means that his smaller ultrasound transducer can use less power to make the same output, or use the same power to generate a much more powerful output. Lewis envisions small, cell phone sized devices that can cauterize wounds at the scene of the accident, for example. Smaller probes will be able to get closer to tumors, but have the same output as larger probes.

Clinical trials are currently underway. This is significant because it is the first step toward getting approval of the new technology for patient use. The initial work is being done with a form of drug delivery. Hydrogen sulfide, a substance toxic at high doses, is being administered in small doses that are targeted to a particular area by this new small ultrasound unit. This will cut down the toxic risk of a systemic dose of the medication, but increase the effectiveness by localizing the small dose.

These are only the first tentative steps for this novel technology. FDA approval and widespread clinical use is still years ahead, but the avenues for this new therapeutic ultrasound machine are limitless. This innovation will shift not only the use, but the effectiveness and the accessibility, of therapeutic ultrasound.

Ultrasound Machine Tags: Medical Equipment, ultrasound machine, Ultrasound Machines, ultrasound transducer