3 types of ultrasound commonly used in medicine

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by MSc, BS. Dang Manh Cuong - Doctor of Radiology - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. The doctor has over 18 years of experience in the field of ultrasound - diagnostic imaging.
Ultrasound is a method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of a part of the inside of the body. Ultrasound scans can be used to monitor an unborn baby, diagnose a medical condition, or direct surgeons in certain pathologies.

1. Types of ultrasound

Ultrasound is a method of using high-frequency sound waves through a transducer to create images of the inside of the body or the organs and organs that the person appointing the ultrasound needs to observe. Ultrasound is often used to monitor the growth of the fetus, detect abnormalities in the abdominal organs, pelvis, muscles, heart and blood vessels.... Ultrasound is usually performed externally. body (non-invasive ultrasound) however in some cases the ultrasound probe will be inserted into some natural opening of the body such as the vagina to observe the female genitalia or the esophagus to check. Check the heart and some blood vessels or also rectally in case a rectal exam and prostate exam are needed.
Depending on the purpose of the doctor and the organ to be examined, people divide ultrasound into 3 main types: Non-invasive ultrasound, invasive ultrasound and endoscopic ultrasound.

Non-invasive ultrasound: Often used to examine the organs and internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis such as the liver, kidneys... or some other tissues such as muscles and joints. In addition, non-invasive ultrasound is also used for echocardiography and fetal ultrasound in monitoring the development of the fetus in the womb. The external ultrasound procedure is relatively simple. The doctor will first apply a layer of gel to the area to be examined, then use the probe to slowly move over the part of the body being examined to obtain the clearest complete image for later diagnosis. this. The gel layer will help the transducer move more easily, and they also prevent the creation of crevices between the transducer and the skin. If performing an ultrasound of the uterus or pelvis, the patient will be asked to drink a lot of water to stretch the bladder, so there may be discomfort, want to go to the toilet
Invasive ultrasound: In many cases doctors An internal ultrasound will be required to get a clearer picture of certain organs such as the prostate, ovaries or uterus... This is also a form of transrectal ultrasound. The typical form of ultrasound of this type is the transvaginal and anal ultrasound. The patient is asked to lie on their back or side, depending on the case, with their knees towards the chest. A small, sterile probe (condom or latex) is gradually inserted by the technician into the vagina or anus and an image is displayed on a screen. An internal ultrasound may cause some discomfort to the patient, but this should clear up by the end of the ultrasound. This form of ultrasound is usually done quickly and takes little time.

Endoscopic ultrasound: During endoscopic ultrasound, a long, flexible endoscope is inserted into the patient's body, usually through the mouth, to examine the stomach or esophagus. The patient is asked to lie on his side and the endoscope is slowly inserted into the stomach. At the top of the tube is a light and a transducer that emits sound waves like a normal transducer in 2 types of internal and external ultrasound, the resulting image will be displayed on the screen.
Usually, before the ultrasound, the patient will be given an anesthetic and numb the throat because endoscopic ultrasound can bring a very uncomfortable feeling. In addition, the patient also protects the mouth and teeth, avoiding the case of biting the endoscope.

2. Types of ultrasonic waves

2.1. Definition of Ultrasound An ultrasonic wave is a sound wave with a frequency greater than 20kHz. They travel at the speed of sound. Therefore, their wave length is less than 333200cms-1/20000Hz = 1.66 cm
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2.2. Types of Ultrasonic Waves Ultrasonic waves can propagate through a medium as medium, strong, or intense waves, depending on the elastic properties of the medium. Based on the particle displacement of the medium, ultrasonic waves are classified into the following four types:

3. Types of ultrasound machines

On the market today, there are many types of ultrasound machines, diverse in types, uses, forms, quality and different prices. Here are some common types of ultrasound machines:

Vinmec International General Hospital system uses the most modern generations of color ultrasound machines today in examining and treating patients. In addition, a team of experienced doctors and nurses will greatly assist in the diagnosis and early detection of abnormal signs of the body in order to provide timely treatment.

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