Ultraäänikuvaussonografia

Ultraäänikuvaussonografia, commonly known as ultrasound imaging or sonography, is a non-invasive medical diagnostic technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures. These sound waves, which are beyond the range of human hearing, are transmitted into the body by a transducer, a handheld device. As the sound waves encounter different tissues and organs, they are reflected back to the transducer. The device then processes these returning echoes to generate real-time images displayed on a monitor.

The principles of sonography are based on the piezoelectric effect, where certain crystals within the transducer vibrate when an electric current is applied, producing sound waves. Conversely, when these crystals receive returning sound waves, they convert them back into electrical signals. The time it takes for the echoes to return and their intensity provide information about the depth and composition of the tissues. Different tissues reflect sound waves differently, allowing sonography to distinguish between various organs, fluids, and solid masses.

Sonography is widely used in various medical specialties. In obstetrics, it is crucial for monitoring fetal development, assessing pregnancy complications, and guiding prenatal procedures. It plays a significant role in cardiology for evaluating heart structure and function, and in abdominal imaging for examining organs like the liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. It is also employed in radiology for diagnosing a range of conditions, including tumors, cysts, and inflammatory processes, and in vascular studies to assess blood flow. The safety and versatility of ultrasound make it an indispensable tool in modern medical diagnosis.