echoendoscopes
Echoendoscopes are specialized endoscopes equipped with an ultrasound transducer at the tip, allowing endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging from within the gastrointestinal tract. They enable high-resolution visualization of structures adjacent to the GI tract and provide a path for tissue sampling and various interventional procedures under real-time ultrasound guidance.
There are two main configurations. Radial echoendoscopes emit ultrasound in a 360-degree sector perpendicular to the
Echoendoscopes are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They help evaluate pancreaticobiliary disease, submucosal lesions, mediastinal
Procedures with echoendoscopes are typically performed under sedation or anesthesia. Practitioners consider patient factors, anticoagulation status,
Historically, EUS emerged in the late 20th century, with radial scopes introduced first and linear scopes enabling