Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal organs and tissues. The reflected sound waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they show movement of internal tissues and organs and enable physicians to see blood flow and heart valve functions. It is a very safe and effective method of imaging. In fact, ultrasound is often used to evaluate the fetus.
How does it work?
Ultrasound uses a device known as a transducer to send out high frequency sound
waves into the body. The transducer is placed on the patient?s skin and
the waves reflect off organs and transmit back into the ultrasound machine, producing
images of the area.
What can it diagnose?
Ultrasound can provide images of soft tissue to identify conditions of the
abdomen and pelvis. Ultrasound is also used to assess portions of the musculoskeletal
system and joints. Expectant parents can see the first "picture" of
a fetus with obstetric ultrasound examinations of the uterus.
Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the pelvis and abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels, and can help a physician determine the source of pain, swelling or infection in many body parts.
Because ultrasound produces real-time images it can also be used to guide procedures
such as needle biopsies.
