Essentials of Medical Ultrasound, 1982 A Practical Introduction to the Principles, Techniques, and Biomedical Applications Medical Methods Series

One of the first applications of ultrasound was in submarine sonar equip­ ment. Since then ultrasound has found increasing applications, particularly in industry, but increasingly in biomedicine. For many years ultrasound has been used in physical therapy, although only in the past decade or two has it evolved from laboratory curiosity to a well-established diagnostic imaging modality. Ultrasound is now a widely accepted, indeed pervasive, diagnos­ tic and therapeutic tool in the medical field, and its applications are increasing rapidly. Our intent in developing this book is to provide a coherent tutorial intro­ duction to the field of medical ultrasound at a level suitable for those en­ tering the area from either medical or scientific backgrounds. The topics discussed should be of interest to nearly all medical and health care per­ sonnel needing to understand or operate ultrasonic devices, including clini­ cians, medical technicians, physiotherapists, medical physicists, and other biomedical scientists interested in the field. The book opens with a description of the basic principles of propagating acoustic waves, explains how they interact with a wide range of biological systems, and outlines the effects they produce. To provide practical infor­ mation to operators of ultrasound equipment, we have included thorough coverage of the details of ultrasonic instrumentation and measurement techniques, and set forth the framework for an effective quality assurance program.

1 Physical Characteristics of Ultrasound.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Acoustic Waves.- 3. Parameters on an Ultrasonic Wave.- 4. Ultrasonic Transducers.- 5. Characteristics of Ultrasound Beams.- 6. Reflection and Refraction.- 7. Absorption and Scattering.- 8. Conclusion.- Appendix: Mathematical Derivations of Physical Characteristics.- References.- 2 Biophysical Mechanisms of Ultrasound.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Thermal Mechanism.- 3. Stress Mechanisms.- 4. Cavitation.- 5. Conclusions.- References.- 3 Ultrasonic Measurement Techniques and Equipment Output Levels.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Measurement Parameters.- 3. Techniques and Instrumentation.- 4. Ultrasound Equipment Output Levels.- References.- 4 Selected Biological Effects of Ultrasound.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Whole-Body Radiation.- 3. Tissues and Organs.- 4. Cells and Microorganisms.- 5. Biomacromolecules and Their Assemblages.- 6. Concluding Remarks.- 7. Acknowledgments.- References.- 5 Clinical Applications of Diagnostic Ultrasound.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Head.- 3. Neck.- 4. Chest.- 5. Abdomen.- 6. Pelvis.- 7. Extremities.- 8. Conclusion.- 6 Ultrasound Therapy.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Therapeutic Devices and the Ultrasound Field.- 3. Quality Assurance and Standards.- 4. Ultrasound Transmission and Absorption in Biological Materials.- 5. Applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound.- 6. Minimizing Operator and Patient Exposure.- 7. Contraindications for the Application of Ultrasound in Therapy.- 8. Summary.- References.- 7 Quality Assurance in Diagnostic Ultrasound.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Description of Equipment Displays.- 3. Equipment Operation.- 4. Routine Preventive Maintenance.- 5. System Performance and Testing.- 6. Routine Performance Tests.- Performance Test Worksheets.- 7. Summary.- Sample Service Logs.- References.- Bibliography: Selected Quality Assurance Publications.- 8 Ultrasound Standards: Regulations and Guidelines.- 1. Philosophy of Developing Standards.- 2. Biological Effects.- 3. Types of Standards.- 4. Device or Emission Standards.- 5. Safe-Use Guidelines and Education.- 6. International Activities.- 7. National Standards.- 8. Summary.- References.- Glossary of Ultrasound Terminology.