Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation

Catalog description

This course enables students to become familiar with the physical principles governing the use of medical ultrasound equipment. Emphasis will be on diagnostic imaging systems, but students will also become acquainted with therapeutic devices including shock wave and thermal delivery systems. Basic principles of acoustic transmission and reflection in tissues are covered at an elementary level. Design and performance of transducers, pulse-echo imaging equipment, Doppler and color flow equipment, and physical therapy systems are emphasized. The physics leading to image artifacts is described, as are methods for evaluating performance of ultrasound devices. Finally, acoustical exposure measurements and levels from diagnostic equipment are discussed, as well as biological effects and risk. Prerequisite: admission to Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program. Offered Spring.