Probe

Question 1

Transducer componenets

Answer 1

The transducers used in echocardiography systems create a brief pulse of ultrasound that is transmitted into the tissue (Fig. 1.5). To achieve this goal, most TEE transducer designs use the following components:
A ceramic piezoelectric crystal, which acts as an ultrasonic vibrator and receiver
Electrodes, which both conduct electric energy to stimulate the piezoelectric crystal and record the voltage signal from returning echoes
Backing, which acts to rapidly dampen the vibrations of the crystal
Insulation, which prevents unwanted vibration of the transducer from standing waves or extraneous incoming waves
A faceplate, which optimizes the acoustic contact between the piezoelectric crystal and the esophagus. The faceplate may also include an acoustic lens to focus the beam
The following sections detail the inner workings of the modern ultrasound transducer and their effects on the transmitted sound beam and the echocardiographic image.