Overview of Ultrasound Theory and Techniques

Abstract

Ultrasound is an increasingly popular and useful diagnostic and interventional imaging modality in contemporary pediatric surgical practice. Among its advantages are portability, real-time instantaneous visualization, wide availability, and lack of ionizing radiation. Relatively unique to ultrasound compared to other imaging is the heavy reliance on the individual skill of the user in determining the quality of the study; thus, a basic understanding of the fundamental theory and techniques of the technology can greatly enhance the practitioner’s ability to successfully employ it. Medical ultrasound images are created in a pulse-echo manner based on three principal processes: creation of a pulsed ultrasound wave, detection of its echoes, and formation of an image based on the time elapsed between pulse and echo. Also described in this chapter are commonly used ultrasound modes, types of probes, and practical considerations including ergonomics and knobology.