Ultrasound Transducer Probes

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the transducer probe in an ultrasound machine?

To process the ultrasound images

To print the ultrasound images

To store the ultrasound data

To send and receive sound waves (correct)

What is the principle behind the generation of sound waves in the transducer probe?

Electromagnetic induction

Piezoelectric effect (correct)

Elastic deformation

Thermal expansion

What is the purpose of the sound absorbing substance in the transducer probe?

To eliminate back reflections from the probe (correct)

To adjust the frequency of the sound waves

To amplify the sound waves

To increase the intensity of the sound waves

What is the footprint of the transducer probe also known as?

Aperture Signup and view all the answers

How do the piezoelectric crystals in the transducer probe respond to electrical currents?

They change shape rapidly Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the acoustic lens in the transducer probe?

To focus the emitted sound waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the footprint of the transducer probe?

Variable Signup and view all the answers

What happens when sound waves hit the piezoelectric crystals in the transducer probe?

They emit electrical currents Signup and view all the answers

What type of probe is used for abdominal scans due to its wider and deeper view?

Convex probe Signup and view all the answers

Which type of probe is used for vascular, breast, thyroid, and tendon examinations?

Linear probe Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical frequency range of convex probes?

2.5 to 5 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What type of probe is used to scan images of the heart?

Phased array probe Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the piezoelectric crystals in a linear probe?

Linear Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical beam shape of a linear probe?

Rectangular beam Signup and view all the answers

Which type of probe is used for examinations that require a more detailed view, such as the uterus or prostate gland?

Endocavitary probe Signup and view all the answers

What determines the field of view of a transducer probe?

Shape of the probe Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency range of endocavitary probes?

3.5 MHz - 11.5 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the lens and array in endocavitary probes?

U-shaped Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of endocavitary probes?

Wider field of view Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Phased Array transducers?

To create an image on the screen Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Phased Array transducers that allows for greater depth penetration?

Fewer crystals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the transducer pulse controls?

To change the amplitude, frequency, and duration of the pulses Signup and view all the answers

What type of probes are used for scanning the inside of the body?

Endocavitary probes Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the CPU in an ultrasound machine?

To process the data and form the image Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ultrasound Imaging

Uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body
Helps diagnose causes of pain, swelling, and infection in internal organs
Helps examine the fetus in pregnancy
Guides biopsies and diagnoses heart conditions
Safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation

Transducer Probe

Sends and receives sound waves
Main part of the ultrasound machine
Generates and receives sound waves using the piezoelectric effect
Piezoelectric crystals change shape rapidly to produce sound waves
Sound waves travel outward and hit the crystals, emitting electrical currents
Sound absorbing substance eliminates back reflections from the probe
Acoustic lens helps focus emitted sound waves
Footprint (aperture) is the part in contact with the body, comes in different shapes and sizes

Types of Probes

Linear probes
- Flat array and appearance
- Piezoelectric crystals in a linear formation
- Rectangular beam, high near-field resolution, and high frequency (5-10 MHz)
- Suitable for vascular, breast, thyroid, tendon, and small parts examinations
Curvilinear (Convex) probes
- Curved array and appearance
- Piezoelectric crystals in a curvilinear fashion
- Convex beam, low frequency (2.5-5 MHz), and wider field of view
- Suitable for abdominal, OB/GYN, nerve, and musculoskeletal examinations
Phased Array (Cardiac) probes
- Smaller handle with a square-shaped lens and array
- Low frequency (2-8 MHz), narrow beam, and greater depth
- Suitable for cardiac examinations
Endocavitary probes
- Longer probe handle with a “U” shaped lens and array
- Small footprint, varying frequency (3.5-11.5 MHz)
- Suitable for scanning inside the body (e.g., endovaginal, endorectal)

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Brain of the ultrasound machine
Does all calculations and contains electrical power supplies
Contains microprocessor, memory, amplifiers, and power supplies
Sends electrical currents to the transducer probe to emit sound waves
Receives electrical pulses from the probe and processes data
Forms the image on the monitor and stores data/image on disk

Transducer Pulse Controls

Changes the amplitude, frequency, and duration of the pulses emitted from the probe
Allows operator to set and change the frequency and duration of ultrasound pulses
Allows operator to change the scan mode of the machine

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Description

Learn about the characteristics and functionality of ultrasound transducer probes, including frequency, penetration, and image resolution.