The Diagnostic Imaging ultrasound modality focus page provides information, videos, podcasts, and the latest news about industry product developments, trial results, screening guidelines, and protocol guidance that touch on the use of ultrasound across the healthcare continuum, from cardiovascular, breast, abdominal, neurological imaging, and more, including point-of-care ultrasound.
August 29th 2025
The AI-powered cardiovascular ultrasound device reportedly offers enhanced spatial and contrast resolution as well as bolstered 4D imaging that enables improved evaluation of cardiac function for a wide range of patients.
Report from ARRS: Image-guided biopsy helps patients hang onto their kidneys
May 8th 2006Image-guided percutaneous biopsy is safe and accurate, and it holds potential for eliminating needless nephrectomies, according to two studies presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society meeting in Vancouver.
GE launches laptop-sized 4D ultrasound at ACOG
May 8th 2006GE Healthcare introduced today a miniaturized version of its 4D ultrasound system for women’s health and prenatal applications. The Voluson i is about the size of a laptop yet produces real-time volumetric images and displays them on a screen as big as the company’s cart-based 4D Voluson 730.
California ultrasound legislation implements Cruise control
May 5th 2006A California lawmaker has announced a bill that would restrict sales of ultrasound machines to medical professionals. The move follows public safety concerns raised by actor Tom Cruise’s November 2005 purchase of sophisticated equipment to perform ultrasound exams on his pregnant fiancée.
Intravascular 'sonic lysis' busts peripheral thrombi
May 1st 2006For years, interventional radiologists have seen vascular disease management slip through their fingers and into the hands of cardiologists and surgeons. A new ultrasound-based technique, however, may help them reclaim lost turf.
Vendors win FDA clearance for 34 radiological devices
April 19th 2006The industry rebounded in March from a sluggish start to the year as the FDA cleared 34 devices under 510(k) review, nearly matching the number cleared in the previous two months together. March brought the total to 72 radiological devices cleared so far in 2006, making up for the slow start and putting vendors on track with previous years.
MSCT assists in renal cell cancer workup
April 14th 2006Renal cell cancer is the most frequently encountered malignant tumor in the kidney. Over 30,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Many cases are now detected incidentally, as a result of the widespread use of multislice CT. MSCT usage is also redefining diagnostic workup of renal lesions and facilitating renal cell cancer staging.
Miniature ultrasound transducers open 3D windows on heart
April 6th 2006Duke University engineers have developed a miniature ultrasound transducer capable of generating data for high-quality real-time 3D images, transducers so small they fit in a laparoscope, intracardiac catheter, or transesophageal probe. So far the images have been only of dogs, but Duke’s lead engineer on the project believes the step to human application is a small one.
Ultrasound predicts outcome of ectopic pregnancy remedy
April 2nd 2006Results from a new study confirm that ultrasound reliably predicts success and failure of single-dose methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy. On the basis of their findings, Boston Medical Center researchers say a change is needed in clinical protocols.
False positives foil hopes for ovarian cancer screening
April 2nd 2006Transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA 125 blood tests, used individually or in combination, can detect ovarian cancer early, according to preliminary results from a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute. But both tests produce too many false positives, prompting needless surgeries.
Contrast ultrasound finds a niche in molecular imaging
April 2nd 2006Data from around the world released at the 2005 RSNA meeting suggest that contrast-enhanced ultrasound use in molecular imaging will expand. Applications include the evaluation of tumor angiogenesis and lymph node metastases at nearly cellular levels as well as guidance, delivery, and assessment of gene therapy.
Hospitals ponder residents’ role in night call sonography
March 24th 2006Findings of a Stanford University survey suggest teaching hospitals should reinforce training for radiology residents if they are to perform after-hours ultrasound scanning. Using residents to make up for the shortage of qualified sonographers could undermine medical education and compromise patient care. Data were published in the February issue of Academic Radiology.
Ultrasound elastography reduces need for breast biopsy
March 20th 2006A decade has passed since luminaries began generating promising clinical results using ultrasound elastography, which measures the elastic properties of tissue. Two years ago, Hitachi Medical began commercializing this technology. Now that company’s experience with its EUB Logos 8500 and pioneering work with a modified Siemens Allegra suggest that efforts to push elastography forward could soon begin paying dividends for vendors, customers, and patients.
Intensive statin therapy reverses plaque buildup
March 15th 2006Using intravascular ultrasound, researchers have found that intensive cholesterol lowering with a statin drug can regress the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology in Atlanta.
Report from ECR: Urologist shows radiologists how to get ahead in prostate imaging
March 7th 2006An unusual eulogy by a urologist sparked peals of laughter from radiologists during a prostate cancer imaging session at the European Congress of Radiology. The topic focused on a physical test that men have come to know, if not exactly love.