Silicon-based ultrasound generates images

Sensant has created the first clinical images using a novel ultrasound technology that uses silicon-based transducers. The images of the carotid artery, breast, and musculoskeletal system were presented for comparison with conventionally made images at the 10th Congress of the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology in Montreal June 1 to 4. The Montreal-based company generated images in collaboration with staff from Esaote and radiologists at the Valduce Hospital in Como, Italy. Sensant claims its images rival those produced by state-of-the-art ultrasound systems, which rely on piezoelectric crystal technology. The tiny silicon structures, known as capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducers, provide superior acoustic response, according to Sensant (SCAN 1/2/03).