Ultrasound scanning system
(Titan, Sonosite)
Ultrasound waves are sound waves with a frequency of above 20kHz; although the Titan operates on frequencies of 2-10 MHz depending on the probe used. Ultrasound is generated by a piezo-electric crystal which vibrates within a hand held probe. Ultrasound waves are emitted into the underlying tissue; some of the ultrasound will be transmitted through the tissues but some will be reflected back to the probe. Within the probe is a receiver which converts the sound waves into an electrical signal. It is this reflected sound wave (or echo) which allows an image of the underlying tissues to be produced.
Some structures will absorb much of the ultrasound wave and therefore there will be little echo and the resulting image will be poor (and will show up black or hypoechoic, e.g. air). Other tissues absorb little of the ultrasound waves and there will be a strong echo, and thus a bright image (hyperechoic, e.g. bone). Ultrasound is therefore a useful tool to scan soft tissues such as muscle, ligaments and nerve. In addition Doppler can be used to look at flow rates; e.g. blood flow through an artery. Doppler works by monitoring the velocity of moving structures by detecting frequency changes in the reflected signals.
Technical
Titan Ultrasound System (Sonosite, Hitchin, UK)
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
Features:
Transducer
L38/10-5MHz 38mm linear array (5.5ft/1.7m)
Imaging Modes:
2D (256 grey shades)
Colour power Doppler
Colour Doppler
M Mode
Pulsed wave Doppler
Continuous wave Doppler
Tissue Harmonic Imaging
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