Uses of Ultrasound Technology
Ultrasound technology, also known as diagnostic medical sonography, is the use of sound wave equipment to produce images of internal organs for the purposes of physician assessment and diagnosis. Although ultrasound technology is commonly associated with monitoring the progress of a fetus during pregnancy, Ultrasound technology is also used for several other medical purposes.
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Abdominal Sonography
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Abdominal sonography is the process of examining a patient's abdominal cavity. Doing so helps doctors prevent, diagnose and treat diseases in the abdomen involving the bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, male reproductive organs and kidneys. Abdominal sonography also allows doctors to detect cysts, tumors and other abdominal abnormalities.
Breast Sonography
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The use of ultrasound technology on the breast has aided physicians in the detection of breast cancer. Breast sonography is used for taking tissue biopsy, tracking tumors and monitoring blood supply; doctors now have special transducers that emit high frequencies specifically for the purpose of examining breast tissue.
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Neurosonography
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Ultrasound technology is used on the nervous system and brain in the form of neurosonography. Sonographers observe, diagnose and treat neurological and nervous system conditions in premature babies, children and adults. Although used to examine fetuses, neurosonography utilizes beam shapes and sound wave frequencies different than the ones uses for abdominal and obstetric purposes.
Echocardiography
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When ultrasound technology is used to create images of the heart, it's called echocardiography or EKG. Echocardiography assists physicians, nurses and nurse aides in monitoring patient coronary activity and blood flow. Echocardiography is used to detect cardiac swelling, blockages and other problems in fetuses, as well as pediatric and adult patients.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ultrasound technology is most commonly known for its use in obstetrics and gynecology. Sonographers examine the reproductive organs of women, as well as track and monitor fetal progression during the stages of pregnancy.
Vascular Technology
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Vascular technologists use special ultrasound equipment to create visual images of blood flowing through the veins and arteries to specific parts of the body.
Invasive Procedures
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Ultrasound technology is not typically used for invasive procedures, with a few exceptions. During a transrectal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into a man's rectum for prostate examination; a tranducer is also placed in a woman's vagina to create an image of her uterus and ovaries. In a transesophageal echocardiogram, the tranducer is inserted in the patient's esophagus to produce images of their heart.
Surgical Procedures
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Sonography has a very important role in certain surgical procedures. Ultrasound technology allows surgeries to be minimally invasive; doctors are able to see inside the patient's body to guide needles, cameras and small scalpels during surgery without having to open the patient.
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References
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