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Last Updated:
2024-11-05 06:44:46

Ultrasound

High-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, aiding in medical diagnoses
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
High-frequency sound waves to create images of internal body structures, aiding in medical diagnoses

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that utilizes sound waves above the range of human hearing (typically above 20 kHz). When these sound waves are emitted from a transducer, they penetrate the body and bounce off internal structures, creating echoes. These echoes are then captured and converted into visual images by a computer. Ultrasound is widely used in medical settings for prenatal scans, assessing organs like the heart and kidneys, and guiding procedures such as biopsies. It is favored for its safety, lack of ionizing radiation, and real-time imaging capabilities.

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1794
Lazzaro Spallanzani analyzes navigation of bats using sound waves

In 1794, Italian physicist Lazzaro Spallanzani analyzed how flying bats navigate in the dark and deduced that they use sound waves for orientation, not light.

1826
Jean-Daniel Colladon's Speed of Sound Experiment

Jean-Daniel Colladon demonstrated that sound travels faster in water than in air, laying the foundation for understanding sound wave propagation.

1841
Christian Doppler and the Doppler Effect

Christian Andreas Doppler's 1841 treatise on the Doppler Effect revolutionized the understanding of spectral shifts in light due to motion. His work laid the foundation for Doppler ultrasound, a key technique in medical diagnostics.

1880
Discovery of Ultrasonic Waves by Jacques and Pierre Curie

Jacques and Pierre Curie determined that applying electrical currents to quartz crystal could produce ultrasonic waves, a significant advancement in the understanding of sound technology.

1880
Curie brothers discover piezoelectric effect in quartz crystal

In 1880, Jacques and Pierre Curie discovered the piezoelectric effect in a crystal of quartz, where electricity could be generated through mechanical vibrations.

1912
Reginald Fessenden's Ultrasound Collision Avoidance System

Reginald Fessenden developed an ultrasound-based collision avoidance system after the Titanic sinking, using high-frequency sound waves to detect objects.

1912
Scientific efforts post Titanic sinking lead to underwater visualization system development

After the Titanic sank in 1912, scientific efforts were initiated to develop a system for visualizing underwater structures.

1915
Invention of Hydrophone by Paul Langevin

Physicist Paul Langevin was commissioned to invent a device to detect objects at the bottom of the sea after the sinking of the Titanic. He created the hydrophone, which is now considered the first transducer.

1928
SY Sokolov conceptualizes ultrasound for imaging techniques

In 1928, Russian physicist SY Sokolov was the first to conceptualize the use of ultrasound for imaging techniques. He focused on using this method to detect imperfections in metallic structures rather than for medical diagnostics. Despite his original intention, the device he invented produced shadow images that could be interpreted.

1937
Karl Theodore Dussik's Ultrasonography

Karl Theodore Dussik, along with his brother Friederich, pioneered medical ultrasonography in the late 1930s. They used a 1.5-MHz transmitter to scan the human brain and produced images called 'hyperphonograms,' marking a significant advancement in ultrasound imaging.

1941
Donald Sproule creates reflective ultrasound technique

In 1941, Donald Sproule developed a system where ultrasound waves were generated and detected by the same transducer, improving reflective techniques.

1942
Dr. Karl Theodore Dussik's Work on Transmission Ultrasound Investigation

Dr. Karl Theodore Dussik conducted transmission ultrasound investigation of the brain in Austria in 1942, marking the beginning of the use of ultrasound in medicine during and after World War II.

1942
First Use of Ultrasonic Waves in Diagnostic Tool

Neurologist Karl Dussik utilized ultrasonic waves for the first time in 1942 to detect brain tumors by transmitting an ultrasound beam through the human skull.

1948
Development of A-Mode Ultrasound by George D. Ludwig, M.D.

In 1948, George D. Ludwig, M.D. developed A-mode ultrasound, which was used for detecting gallstones.

1949
Ultrasound for Gallstone Detection

In 1949, George Döring Ludwig utilized ultrasound technology to successfully detect gallstones, marking a significant advancement in medical diagnostics.

1949
George Ludwig conducts research on ultrasound interactions with animal tissues

In 1949, George Ludwig conducted pioneering research on the interactions between ultrasonic waves and animal tissues, laying the groundwork for ultrasound use in medical practice.

1952
John J. Wild's B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging

John J. Wild pioneered B-mode ultrasound imaging, producing two-dimensional images of internal structures, leading to advancements in soft tissue imaging.

1953
First Echocardiogram

Physician Inge Edler and Engineer C. Hellmuth Hertz performed the first successful echocardiogram.

1953
Development of B-mode ultrasound equipment

Douglas Howry and Joseph Holmes, from the University of Colorado, were pioneers in developing B-mode ultrasound equipment, such as the 2D B-mode linear compound scanner.

1953
Invention of handheld B-mode device for detecting breast tumors

John Reid and John Wild invented a handheld B-mode device specifically designed to detect breast tumors.

1955
Jaffe's Discovery of Piezoelectric Properties

In 1955, Jaffe discovered the piezoelectric properties of polarized solid solutions, which led to the development of smaller and better ultrasound transducers. This finding contributed to the technological advancements in ultrasound during the 1960s and 1970s.

1956
Ian Donald fuses ultrasound with diagnostic medicine

Ian Donald was the first to combine ultrasound with diagnostic medicine in 1956. He initially used the device to measure the diameter of a fetus's head, showcasing the early application of ultrasound in medical imaging.

1956
Development of Ultrasound Imaging

Ultrasound imaging technology was developed in 1956, allowing medical professionals to visualize internal organs and tissues using high-frequency sound waves.

1958
Ian Donald publishes article on Investigation of Abdominal Masses by Pulsed Ultrasound

In 1958, Ian Donald published an article in The Lancet introducing the use of ultrasound to detect abdominal tumours and cysts. This marked a significant advancement in the field of medicine.

1958
Donald and Brown present ultrasound image of female genital tumor

In 1958, Donald and Brown showcased an ultrasound image of a female genital tumor, marking a significant advancement in ultrasound application in medicine.

1958
First successful echocardiogram

Physician Inge Edler and Engineer C. Hellmuth Hertz performed the first successful echocardiogram using an echo test control device from a Siemens shipyard.

1962
Development of Octason Static Scanner

George Kossoff of Australia engineers the Octason static scanner, which allows detailed fetal anatomy imaging, marking an important milestone in ultrasound development.

1963
Commercial use of B mode ultrasound devices begins

In 1963, the commercial use of B mode ultrasound devices started, allowing examiners to visualize two-dimensional images.

1966
Development of pulsed Doppler ultrasound technology

Don Baker, Dennis Watkins, and John Reid designed pulsed Doppler ultrasound technology, enabling imaging of blood flow in different layers of the heart.

1983
Development of High-Resolution Machine by Sam Maslak

Sam Maslak develops a machine in 1983 that sets new standards in spatial and contrast resolution, contributing to the advancement of ultrasound technology.

1984
Establishment of BMUS Historical Collection

The BMUS Historical Collection was founded in 1984 to gather and preserve artifacts and materials related to diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound in the UK.

1986
Development of 3D Ultrasound Technology

Kazunori Baba from the University of Tokyo created 3D ultrasound technology and successfully produced three-dimensional images of a fetus.

1989
Introduction of Lung and General Sonography in Intensive Care Units by Daniel Lichtenstein

In 1989, Daniel Lichtenstein introduced lung and general sonography in intensive care units, revolutionizing critical care practices.

1993
Introduction of Power Doppler Imaging

Jonathan M. Rubin and Ronald S. Adler introduced power Doppler imaging, enhancing the visualization of weak flow signals in ultrasound imaging.

2004-07
Recognized that the first experiments on Non-Audible Sound by Lazzaro Spallanzani

In 2004, it was noted that the first experiments indicating the existence of non-audible sound were conducted on bats by Lazzaro Spallanzani. These experiments laid the foundation for the development of ultrasound technology.

2022
Vista Health Private Ultrasound Scans Launch in the UK

Vista Health, a leading provider of specialized healthcare and diagnostic services in the United Kingdom, launches private ultrasound scans at clinics in London and the North West for just £125. They work with major insurance providers and clinicians to offer quick assessment turnarounds to clients.

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Ultrasound
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