Ultrasound is a technique that uses sound waves above human hearing to detect.
It is used in hospitals and clinics to create two-dimensional or 3-dimensional images. The signal is received by the transducer, which emits ultrasonic waves at high frequencies into the area to be studied.
The transducer transmits small impulses of high-frequency acoustic waves that are inaudible to human ears and directed towards the inside of the body.
The role of the transducer is to record sound waves that bounce off tissues, fluids, and organs.
The computer transforms the signals from the transducer into images that can be displayed on a screen.
The ultrasound machines are an extremely useful tool that allows you to see your heart’s structure and study its hemodynamic function (ability to pump blood).
It is possible to diagnose congenital, acquired, and cardiac issues accurately.
An ultrasound can help you classify cardiac conditions based on their intensity and origin. The body emits ultrasound through its bounce, and the results are recorded using the same equipment.
Ultrasound uses the Doppler technique, which is a basic method that allows you to see the heart structure and the speed of blood flow.
Ultrasound can be classified into two types: non-contrast and contrast. The majority of ultrasounds are contrasting. This is because the transducer receives more signals from the resonance phenomenon.
This allows you to distinguish between healthy and sick tissues. You will see sick tissues in a lighter shade.
The transthoracic pathway is the traditional method of cardiac ultrasound. This is where the heart is examined through the space between the ribs.
Cardiac ultrasonography can be obtained using an apparatus that consists of three elements:
Transducer The transducer is a device that can transform or convert a particular manifestation of input energy to a different output. However, it has very low relative values with respect to a generator.
Computer: This is what is responsible for analyzing and managing data from the transducer. They also convert them into images and record and reproduce them on the screen.
Display or Monitor: This is essentially a screen that is attached to a surface. It has smooth and flat qualities made with different materials.
The function of the monitor is to allow the projection of images in real-time, so we can see what’s happening within the body.
When was the first ultrasound machine created?
After the Second World War, the development of the first medical diagnostic equipment began. These prototypes were made by European, Japanese, and American researchers.
In 1950, the first ultrasound device was invented. It was further developed in 1980. This was the time when images could be captured in real-time.
Ultrasonography has been widely used since then. In 1969, ultrasound was used for detecting the presence of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
But like any other device, the ultrasound may also have some flaws.
Sometimes, ultrasound may not be as accurate as one would expect.
Ultrasound information may not be clear sometimes and may lead to unnecessary biopsies, surgeries, or other procedures that could be harmful to the patient.
In order to operate and interpret ultrasound results, the equipment must be controlled by a person.
This allows for a very narrow field of view.
It cannot visualize deeper structures (patients with increased physical contexture), does not cross bones structures, and does not allow for analysis of intra-articular structure.
What is an ultrasonogram?
You will need to follow these steps to take an ultrasonogram.
The patient is first placed on a stretcher, and the area where the ultrasound will be performed is revealed. Next, the health professional applies a gel to the area where the ultrasound will be performed.
After the gel has dried, place the transducer in the area to be examined. Then move the transducer to locate the organs and get the desired image.
The transducer sends sound waves to the body that are so sharp they can’t be seen by the patient.
The transmitted waves are captured and converted into images that are displayed on the monitor. This can be viewed by the health professional as they are being taken.
The test lasts between 30-60 minutes. After the test, it is necessary to clean the gel applied at the beginning.
The transducer is placed on the chest wall to obtain images. Images of different parts of your heart can be obtained if the orientation and location of the transducer are changed.
You can place the transducer in different orientations and locations.
- Position parasternal
- Position of apical importance.
- Position parasternal
- Position subcostal
Physicians can detect heart conditions using cardiac ultrasound without having to perform invasive procedures that could cause harm to the patient’s health.
Ultrasound is a sign that science has developed significantly, and it can be used to benefit healthcare professionals by allowing them to diagnose more accurately in a shorter period of time.
This allows for better treatment.
As a final: Different types of ultrasound machines
There are currently two types of ultrasound equipment on the market: portable and cabinets.
The portable ultrasound machine serves the same purpose as the cabinet. However, it’s lighter and portable, so the doctor can quickly and clearly see the ultrasound in any location.
The benefits of portable ultrasound machines are numerous. They can be used for emergency room assistance at home, in the hospital, or to transport patients in an ambulance.
Portable ultrasounds have another advantage: they are easy to transport to the location of the patient, particularly for those who cannot move due to health reasons.
Sandra is a health blogger based in San Diego, California. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and exploring new places with her husband. She is a mom of two awesome kids and a dog named Luna!