Ultrasound machine - uses, types, history, dimensions & precautions

What is Ultrasound machine?

An ultrasound machine also known as USG machine or sonography machine, is a medical device used to visualise internal structures of the body using high-frequency sound waves. It uses a non-invasive and safe imaging technique that allows medical professionals to examine organs, tissues, blood vessels, and even developing foetus in real-time.

Overview / Product Profile of Ultrasound machine:

The ultrasound machine consists of several components which works together for performing sonography. The transducer is a portable instrument that emits off sound waves and checks for echoes that are reflected back from tissues in the body. These sound waves are delivered via the skin using a conductive gel that reduces air gaps and improves sound wave transmission.

The console that holds the computer system in charge of analysing the received echoes and producing the ultrasound images is connected to the transducer. Usually, the console has a monitor that shows the images in real time. Additionally, it has controls for changing parameters like depth, frequency, and image orientation.

Two-dimensional (2D) images created by the ultrasound machine can give a precise perspective of the anatomy. It can also produce Doppler images, which show how blood flow changes within blood vessels. This enables an evaluation of blood flow and the identification of abnormalities such blood clots or narrowing of vessels.

Dimensions:

Width:

The width of an ultrasound machine typically ranges from 30 cm to 60 cm.

Height:

The height of an ultrasound machine is usually around 30 cm 45 cm tall.

Depth:

The depth of an ultrasound machine ranges from approximately 20 cm to 40 cm.

Weight:

The weight of an ultrasound machine ranges from around 7 kilograms to over 100 kilograms for larger, cart-based systems.

Display Screen Size: 

The display screen size of an ultrasound machine represents the diagonal screen and ranges from small handheld screens of a few inches to large cart-based systems with screens measuring 15 inches or more.

Note: The above dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and specific design of the device. It's always advisable to consult with the manufacturer's specifications and guidance for accurate measurements.

Uses of Ultrasound machine:

1) Obstetrics and gynaecology: During pregnancy, ultrasound is frequently used to track foetal growth, assess the position of the baby, and look for any anomalies or difficulties. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate the female reproductive system and identify diseases such ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.

2) Abdominal Imaging: Ultrasound is used to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen in the abdomen. It can aid in the early detection of illnesses such abdominal masses, kidney stones, liver tumours, and gallstones.

3) Cardiology: Echocardiography uses ultrasound devices to provide images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns. This aids in the diagnosis of heart diseases, congenital heart defects, and faulty heart valves.

4) Vascular Imaging: Ultrasound is used to assess the health of the body's blood vessels and blood flow. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery disease (PAD), carotid artery disease, and aneurysms are a few examples of the illnesses it can help diagnose.

5) Musculoskeletal Imaging: Muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, and soft tissue imaging can all be done with ultrasound technology. It helps in the diagnosis of diseases like tendonitis, bursitis, tendon rips, and joint inflammation.

6) Breast imaging: Ultrasound and mammography are both used for examining breast tissue. It aids in guiding biopsies, separating solid masses from fluid-filled cysts, and detecting breast cancer in thick breast tissue.

7) Interventional treatments: A variety of minimally invasive treatments, including aspirations, injections, and biopsies, can be guided by ultrasound. Real-time imaging is provided, assisting in accurate needle placement and reducing problems.

8) Urology: The urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and prostate gland, is examined using ultrasound. It aids in the diagnosis of diseases such kidney stones, bladder tumours, urinary tract infections, and enlarged prostate.

9) Paediatrics: In paediatric medicine, ultrasound is used to evaluate a range of disorders, including congenital anomalies, developing hip dysplasia, and fluid buildup in the belly.

10) Emergency Medicine: Hospitals for emergencies are using ultrasound more and more in order to quickly evaluate trauma patients, direct treatments, or find issues like internal bleeding or organ damage.

Types of Ultrasound machine:

Portable Ultrasound Machines:

These machines are designed for easy mobility and can be easily transported to different locations within a healthcare facility or even used in remote settings. They are lightweight, compact, and typically have built-in battery systems for cordless operation.

Cart-Based Ultrasound Machines:

Cart-based ultrasound machines are larger and more comprehensive than portable units. They are mounted on a rolling cart and offer more advanced features and capabilities compared to portable units. Cart-based machines often have larger screens, more transducer ports, and enhanced processing power.

2D Ultrasound Machines:

Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound machines are the most basic type and provide black and white images in real-time. They use a single transducer to produce a cross-sectional view of the scanned area. 2D ultrasound is commonly used in obstetrics, gynecology, and general imaging applications.

3D Ultrasound Machines:

Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound machines create a 3D volume dataset of the scanned area, providing a more detailed view compared to 2D imaging. The technology uses multiple 2D images acquired from different angles and combines them to reconstruct a 3D image. 3D ultrasound is often used in obstetrics, fetal imaging, and certain diagnostic applications.

4D Ultrasound Machines: 

Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound machines add the element of real-time motion to 3D imaging. They provide live video loops of the scanned area, allowing healthcare professionals to observe dynamic movements in real-time. 4D ultrasound is particularly useful for evaluating fetal development, assessing cardiac function, and visualizing musculoskeletal structures.

Doppler Ultrasound Machines: 

Doppler ultrasound machines use the Doppler effect to evaluate blood flow within the body. They can assess the direction, velocity, and characteristics of blood flow, helping diagnose vascular conditions and abnormalities. Doppler ultrasound is commonly used in cardiology, vascular medicine, and obstetrics.

Handheld Ultrasound Devices: 

Handheld ultrasound devices are small, compact devices that can be held in the hand or connected to a smartphone or tablet. They are designed for point-of-care applications and allow healthcare professionals to perform basic ultrasound examinations at the bedside or in remote locations

Precautions with Ultrasound machine:

1) Training: Only persons with the necessary training and credentials should use ultrasound equipment. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of ultrasound techniques, equipment settings, and safety procedures.

2) Sterilisation and hygiene: To stop the transmission of diseases, clean and sterilise the ultrasonic transducers and accessories in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Utilise the proper disinfectants and adhere to the suggested cleaning procedures.

3) Gel safety: Only use ultrasonic gel that has been approved for use in medicine. Before applying the gel to the patient's skin, check for allergies or sensitivity to it. To avoid causing skin irritation, avoid using gel excessively.

4) Equipment maintenance: To ensure optimal performance, calibrate and maintain the ultrasound equipment on a regular basis. For maintenance, examination, and servicing, adhere to the manufacturer's instructions.

5) Electrical safety: Make sure the ultrasound machine is securely grounded and plugged into a reliable power source. Power cords should be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary.

6) Ergonomics: Follow the proper ergonomic guidelines when using the ultrasound equipment to avoid strain or damage. To ensure operator comfort, maintain good posture, place the monitor at eye level, and use adjustable furniture and accessories.

7) Patient safety: Place the patient in a comfortable position throughout the examination, offering proper support and employing suitable positioning aids as needed. Understand the patient's condition as well as any restrictions or constraints on using ultrasonic imaging.

8) Acoustic output and exposure: Follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) guidelines to reduce the patient's exposure to ultrasound energy without sacrificing the accuracy of the diagnosis. Utilise the proper imaging mode and modify the power settings to meet the needs of the patient and the examination.

9) Radiation protection: Ensure that all precautions are taken to protect against radiation, such as using the proper shielding for patients who are pregnant or of reproductive age. Avoid using ultrasound unless absolutely required in delicate areas like the eyes or foetus.

10) Documentation: Keep complete records of all ultrasound exams, including patient data, photos, findings, and any unfavourable outcomes or incidents that may arise.

History of Ultrasound machine:

Invasive operations are no longer necessary because to the advancements in ultrasound technology, which has transformed medical imaging and diagnosis. The discovery of the piezoelectric effect, which involves the creation of electricity when pressure is applied to specific materials like quartz crystals, by Pierre Curie and his brother Jacques at the beginning of the 20th century is credited with the invention of ultrasound devices. The development of ultrasonic technology was made possible by this discovery.

Researchers started experimenting with ultrasound for medical purposes in the 1940s and 1950s. They made images using simple tools that generated low-frequency sound waves and depended on the reflection of those waves. These early imaging systems were largely utilised to find tumours and gallstones due to their limited imaging capabilities.

With the invention of the A-mode ultrasound, the 1960s witnessed a key turning point in ultrasound technology. This method made it possible to see individual echoes on a screen, giving the interior structures under study a more accurate portrayal. The pictures were still quite simple, though.

The B-mode ultrasound was created in the 1970s, and it scanned a plane area of the body in real-time to provide two-dimensional images. This innovation substantially enhanced diagnostic capabilities and made it possible to visualise organs, tissues, and growing foetuses with greater accuracy. B-mode ultrasonography swiftly spread over many different medical specialities.

The subsequent decades witnessed significant advancements in ultrasound technology. Doppler ultrasound, introduced in the 1980s, enabled the assessment of blood flow and velocity by detecting changes in frequency caused by moving red blood cells. This innovation was particularly useful in cardiovascular examinations.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, ultrasound machines became more compact, portable, and technologically advanced. Higher-frequency transducers and improved image processing algorithms enhanced image quality and resolution, facilitating more precise diagnoses. Doppler capabilities were further refined, allowing for the evaluation of complex blood flow patterns and detecting abnormalities.

The development of ultrasound technologies has accelerated recently. Ultrasound in three and four dimensions, which can produce real-time moving images and intricate volumetric representations, is becoming more and more popular. The ability for expectant parents to see their unborn children with amazing clarity and detail has proven beneficial in obstetrics.

Furthermore, modern ultrasound devices include cutting-edge capabilities like elastography, which assesses tissue stiffness and aids in the identification of diseases like liver fibrosis or breast tumours. Microbubbles are used in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography to make blood vessels and lesions more visible.

The development of ultrasound technology has been a remarkable journey of scientific discovery, technological innovation, and medical application. Today, ultrasound is still a crucial tool in many medical specialties, allowing non-invasive and instantaneous imaging for precise diagnoses and better patient care.