Who Invented the First Ultrasound Machine?
An ultrasound machine uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images. The images, often of the body's organs or soft tissues, offer noninvasive alternatives in the health care industry. Ultrasound machines are most commonly used in the medical fields of obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology and in cancer detection. Ultrasound machines have a history dating back to the 1800s with more than one person playing a role in the creation of ultrasound machines.
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Transducer Probe
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The transducer probe, which generates and receives sound waves, is the most important part of the ultrasound machine. Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered the piezoelectric effect in the early 1880s. The piezoelectric effect is the basis for the transducer probe.
Ultrasonic Energy
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Dr. George Ludwig of the Naval Medical Research Institute was the first to use ultrasonic energy. Dr. Ludwig used ultrasonic energy as a medical tool on the human body in the late 1940s.
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Medical Use
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The ultrasound machine was inspired by military use of sonar. The medical field began use of the ultrasound machine in 1950. Ultrasound machines became a popular way to find gallstones, breast masses and cancer in the 1970s.
Computer Technology
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Computer technology was applied to ultrasound machines in 1979. Samuel H. Maslak was the first to apply computer technology to ultrasound machines to enhance images.
Visual Enhancements
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The image information on ultrasound machines was improved the Sequoia 512 system. The Sequoia 512 system was created by the Acuson Corporation in 1996 and doubled image information available.
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