Week 2 - Ultrasound Flashcards
What are the scanning planes of ultrasound?
Longitudinal (related to specific structure – in axis)
Transverse (related to specific structure – off axis)
What is the surface orientation of the transverse plane?
Anterior
Posterior
Right (medial or lateral)
Left (medial or lateral)
What is the surface orientation of the longitudinal plane?
Anterior
Posterior
Superior
Inferior
How do you ensure proper orientation of the transducer on the screen?
The indicator of the transducer must match the screen orientation
*indicator may be different depending on the manufacturer – either grooves, colored dots, or light
What are the three primary ways to use ultrasound for needle guidance?
In Axis In Plane – long of anatomy, needle in plane
Off Axis Off Plane – trans of anatomy, needle out of plane
Off Axis In Plane – trans of anatomy, needle in plane *most popular for regional anesthesia
Define Echogenic and Anechoic/Sonolucent related to ultrasound
Echogenic = having echoes, white
Anechoic/Sonolucent = without echoes, black
Define Hyperechoic, Hypoechoic, and Isoechoic related to ultrasound
Hyperechoic = having more echoes when compared to adjacent structure
Hypoechoic = having less echoes when compared to adjacent structure
Isoechoic = having the same echogenicity as adjacent structures
What is Through Transmission/Posterior Enhancement/Acoustic Enhancement artifact in ultrasound?
When the structures deep to a structure are displayed too bright
Due to low attenuation (absorption) of US through a fluid filled structure
What is Acoustic Shadow artifact in ultrasound?
When the structures deep to an object are missing, not displayed
Due to high attenuation (absorption) of US by dense structures, stones or bone
What is the basic principle of sonographic imaging? (How does it work)
Pulse-Echo Technique
-US sent into body (typical frequency of 2-15 MHz) – reflects off structures – returns to the transducer
Instrument/computer process the reflections into an image
*each pulse produces one line of information
What does the US instrument assume?
- The US went straight through the body
- It was reflected off different structures
- The reflections traveled straight back to the transducer
- This path only happened once
What are scan lines of an ultrasound?
Displays reflections of varying intensities based on the intensity of the returning echo and in locations corresponding to the direction the beam was sent out and depth of reflectors
Beam is moved through the body in a sweeping action producing real-time
How is particle motion related to wave direction in longitudinal sound waves?
In longitudinal waves particle motion is PARALLEL to wave direction
Define Frequency
What are the audible frequencies? What is the diagnostic range?
Frequency = # of cycles per sec (measured in Hertz)
Audible 20-20,000 Hz – “pitch” of the sound — Ultrasound = >20,000 Hz
Diagnostic range 2-15 megahertz (millions of cycles/sec)
How does high and low frequency affect the ultrasound image?
High Frequency:
- better resolution (detail of image)
- more attenuation (absorption of sound energy)
- most useful for viewing superficial structures
Low Frequency:
- poorer resolution
- less attenuation
*use highest frequency possible that allows for adequate penetration – low frequency penetrates deeper
When do reflections occur during ultrasound? What are the types?
Reflections occur when there is a change in impedance of the medium
Types = Specular and Non-specular (diffuse, scatter)
*everything that is white or gray is a reflection