HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRANSDUCER FOR AN ULTRASOUND SCANNER?

The efficiency of the scanning device largely depends on the  ultrasound sensors that are installed in it. Their number in one scanning device can reach up to 30 pieces. What are the sensors, what are they for and how to choose them correctly – let’s take a closer look.

TYPES OF ULTRASONIC SENSORS:

• linear probes are used for diagnostic examination of shallow structures and organs. The frequency at which they operate is 7.5 MHz;
• convex probes are used to diagnose deeply located tissues and organs. The frequency at which such sensors operate is within 2.5–5 MHz;
• microconvex sensors – the scope of their application and the frequency at which they operate is the same as for the first two types;
• intracavitary sensors – used for transvaginal and other intracavitary studies. Their scanning frequency is 5 MHz, sometimes higher;
• biplane sensors are used mainly for transvaginal diagnostics;
• intraoperative sensors (convex, neurosurgical and laparoscopic) are used during surgical operations;
• invasive sensors – used to diagnose blood vessels;
• ophthalmic sensors (convex or sectoral) – used in the study of the eyeball. They operate at a frequency of 10 MHz or more.

THE PRINCIPLE OF SELECTING SENSORS FOR AN ULTRASOUND SCANNER

There are many types of various ultrasonic sensors . They are selected depending on the application. The age of the subject is also taken into account. For example, 3.5 MHz sensors are suitable for adults, and for small patients, sensors of the same type are used, but with a higher operating frequency – from 5 MHz. For detailed diagnosis of pathologies of the brain of newborns, sectoral sensors operating at a frequency of 5 MHz, or higher-frequency microconvex sensors are used.

To study internal organs located deep, ultrasound sensors are used , operating at a frequency of 2.5 MHz, and for shallow structures, the frequency should be at least 7.5 MHz.

Cardiac examinations are performed using ultrasonic sensors equipped with a phased antenna and operating at a frequency of up to 5 MHz. To diagnose the heart, sensors are used that are inserted through the esophagus.

The study of the brain and transcranial examinations are performed using sensors, the operating frequency of which is 2 MHz. Ultrasound sensors are used to examine the maxillary sinuses , with a higher frequency – up to 3 MHz.