Ultrasound scanners

Fig. 4.5 Ultrasound image of a mouse heart using a dedicated animal scanhead on a clinical ultrasound scanner. A microbubble contrast agent provides a high contrast between blood (white) and myocardium. (Data courtesy K. Tiemann, University of Bonn, Germany).

FIGURE 25.1 Range of ultrasound scanners. As can be seen the ultrasound scan-nets come in a range of jdiysical sizes. Courtesy ofGE Medical Systems.)... 

This chapter has reviewed the fundamentals of the design of ultrasound scanners with a particular focus on the beam formation process. Different types of image data acquisition methods are described. 

Callen, Peter W. Ultrasonography in Obstetrics and Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia Saunders/Elsevier, 2008. Starts with techniques, then proceeds to diagnosis. Includes information on three-dimensional ultrasound and ultrasound scanners. Jacobson, Jon A. Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound. Philadelphia Saunders/Elsevier, 2007. Presents the techniques of ultrasound in diagnosing musculoskeletal problems. 

In industry you could be involved in the design, development and production of instruments for monitoring health and diagnosis such as X-ray machines or ultrasound scanners for companies such as Siemens or GE Healthcare. Perhaps you ll take on a role in the design and production of implants such as replacement joints, or of metal plates to hold fractures in place while they heal, for comparries such as Smith and Nephew or Corin. Or maybe you ll want to develop devices such as prosthetic limbs or mobihty devices to help people to rehabilitate arrd live their lives more easily after suffering a physical impairmerrt. 

Foster F, Mehi J, Lukacs M et al (2009) A new 15-50 MHz based micro-ultrasound scanner for preclinical imaging. Ultrasound Med Biol 35 1700-1708. 

Two types of ultrasonic systems are available that can be used for predictive maintenance structural and airborne. Both provide fast, accurate diagnosis of abnormal operation and leaks. Airborne ultrasonic detectors can be used in either a scanning or contact mode. As scanners, they are most often used to detect gas pressure leaks. Because these instruments are sensitive only to ultrasound, they are not limited to specific gases as are most other gas leak detectors. In addition, they are often used to locate various forms of vacuum leaks. 

P. V. Nelson, M. J. W. Povey, Y. Wang 2001, (An ultrasound velocity and attenuation scanner for viewing the temporal evolution of a dispersed phase in fluids), Rev. Sci. Instrum. 72, 4234. 

Developments in ultrasound equipment and scanners hold promise for further understanding and characterizing different types of renal disease. Delineation of a specific ultrasonic pattern for glomerulonephritis would dispense with the need for many renal biopsies. Advances in computers and mechanical scanners that can produce a picture in 2 seconds should enhance the usefulness of ultrasound, which is currently the logical choice for uremic patients who are unable to excrete isotopes and contrast media. 

Fig.23.2. A 3D ultrasound system based on magnetic position and orientation measurement (POM). The Bird System (Ascension Technology Corp., Burlington, Vermont, USA) consists of a sensor that can be attached to the scanhead, a magnetic field generator, and a system control unit (usually hidden in the scanner)...

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