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Physics and Principles of Ultrasound

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Ultrasound of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands

Abstract

Ultrasound has a storied history which achieved reality during World War II in finding German submarines in the protection of North Atlantic convoys. It was initially employed for its therapeutic benefits in physical therapy to produce deep heat and ablation of brain lesions for Parkinson’s disease. The wave characteristics have been altered in diagnostic ultrasound to the point where energy transfer is limited, and deep tissue heat is virtually nonexistent. Ultrasound systems are comprised of a transducer, console (which contains the computer software, electrical components, Doppler technology, and storage), and the display. The physics of ultrasound waves and the means of their delivery are important to meld into this discussion. Artifacts which are demonstrated in the display of clinical ultrasound can be used to advantage in understanding what is actually portrayed.

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Correspondence to Robert A. Sofferman .

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Sofferman, R.A. (2012). Physics and Principles of Ultrasound. In: Sofferman, R., Ahuja, A. (eds) Ultrasound of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0974-8_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0974-8_2

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-0973-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-0974-8

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