Real-time imaging with a new ultrasonic camera: part II, preliminary studies in normal adults.

A new transmission ultrasound camera system has provided focused images in real time through the abdomen of adult volunteers at average incident sound intensity levels of less than 1 mW/cm-2. The camera uses a unique acousto-mechanical lens/deflection system and a linear array of piezoelectric transducers to detect the ultrasound image. BONY STRUCTURES AND COSTAL CARTILAGES WERE CLEARLY SEEN. The colon was regularly seen and the kidney could be outlined in several subjects. The stomach and duodenal bulb were demonstrated and peristalsis was observed using a barium contrast material. The camera has the potential of extending the use of ultrasound in clinical medicine by providing an ultrasound soft tissue imaging system analogous to an x-ray fluoroscope. The need for further clinical evaluation and research to improve the images is emphasized.