The advent of ultrasound transformed the way we evaluate, diagnose, and treat certain medical conditions. It allowed for a more in-depth examination of lesions, masses, tissues, and organs, such as the heart. Today, ultrasounds are widely used as a medical imaging technique and a useful diagnostic tool.

There are several common medical procedures that use ultrasound—here are just a few.

WHAT’S AN ULTRASOUND?

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize muscles, tendons, and internal organs and detect abnormalities in their structure or operation. It can detect certain diseases, conditions, injuries, and cancerous lumps, making it a valuable tool for diagnosis. Ultrasounds are quick, safe, and, in most cases, non-invasive.

During the procedure, a transducer is outfitted with a thin layer of gel and placed on or within the body. Waves are transmitted through the gel and reflect back to the transducer. As these reflected waves hit the transducer, they generate electrical signals that transfer to the scanner. The scanner uses these signals to generate a two-dimensional image of tissues and organs.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Ultrasounds are a common diagnostic tool, used for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various medical conditions. They’re used in wide range of procedures, including the following.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal ultrasounds visualize a patient’s abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. Connected blood vessels, such as the inferior vena cava and aorta, can likewise be examined via ultrasound.

These ultrasounds can help professionals evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating and check for kidney stones, liver disease, and tumors.

For patients at risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a one-time screening is recommended. Men between the ages of 65 to 75, especially those who are smokers, are the most susceptible to the condition.

Bone Sonometry

Bone sonometry is used to determine a bone’s level of fragility. It provides information about the bone’s strength, structure, and elasticity. The procedure detects conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, in which the bone has few minerals, poor density, and an increased risk of fractures. Bone sonometry is commonly used to examine the heel, fingers, wrist, or tibia.

Echocardiogram

Echocardiograms monitor the movement of the heart’s valves and chambers. They’re used to assess the overall function of your heart and detect conditions such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, cardiac masses, and congenital heart disease. Echocardiograms can track the progress of a patient’s disease and gauge the effectiveness of their medical or surgical treatments over time. Physicians frequently pair them with color Doppler and Doppler ultrasounds, which allow for the evaluation of blood flow across the heart valves.

Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasounds produce images of a fetus, or fetuses, in the uterus. They’re a widely used tool for tracking an unborn infant’s developmental progress, evaluating potential birth complications or abnormalities, and gauging the mother and baby’s health. Depending on the pregnancy’s risk level, physicians may offer them during the first or second trimester. Third-trimester ultrasounds are rarer but do exist.

Among other things, fetal ultrasounds can confirm a pregnancy, determine a baby’s gestational age, identify multiples, and, later, confirm the sex of the baby. Genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, can be predicted with ultrasounds, as can heart defects.

There are two types of fetal ultrasound: transvaginal and transabdominal. The former is recommended during early pregnancy when the pea-sized fetus is difficult to detect through tissue and skin. The latter is intended for pregnancies that are further along.