As the owner of a diagnostic ultrasound facility and as a sonographer myself, I am constantly amazed by the advancements in technology and the evolution in our field. Although diagnostic ultrasound became available in the 1950's, it wasn't often used and then mainly used in obstetrics. And its use in obstetrics was limited, primarily for diagnosing multiple pregnancies or fetal abnormalities. That is definitely not the case anymore. 

 

Ultrasound has grown a great deal since that time, especially over the past 15 years. It is now used daily in many other specialist practices such as vascular surgery and cardiology. It has become the go to tool used to diagnose many illnesses such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease, just to name a few. It now plays an active role in many medical specialties from obstetrics, urology and cardiology to vascular, musculoskeletal, and pediatrics.   

 

Like other modalities such as MRI, PET, and CT which have achieved importance in the field of diagnostic imaging, diagnostic ultrasound capabilities and technology continues to grow and expand. Many feel that ultrasound is quickly becoming the gold standard for many aspects of imaging.

 

There are several fast growing segments of ultrasound. One example is 3D and 4D imaging. Although it has been around for ten plus years, its use is no longer limited to pregnancy. One of the newer applications includes aiding in pelvic reconstruction. Another expanding segment is the use of tissue Doppler imaging which is an echocardiographictechnique that uses Doppler principles to measure the velocityof myocardial motion to measure myocardial function. These are just examples of numerous growing segments in our field.

 

The advances over the past 15-20 years are innumerable, and there seems to be no end in sight. New studies are being performed constantly to evaluate new uses for diagnostic ultrasound. One example is elastography, a new type of ultrasound currently being tested. Studies show that elastography may substitute for some biopsies, distinguishing between malignant and benign tissue. There appear to be many uses and benefits to elastography from guiding surgeons to be more precise in removing cancerous tumors to determining the amount of cancerous tissue remaining after a tumor ablation. While elastography is still being closely studied, it shows that the advancements in technology and new discoveries are pushing forward continuous growth in the field.

 

There is one other, very important factor attributing to the growth and advancement of diagnostic ultrasound. Sonographers. The training and capabilities of sonographers today doesn't compare to the training offered 20 years ago. No longer do they simply "point and click," taking images of whatever is there. Today's sonographers go through rigorous schooling and are taught to follow well defined protocols. Sonographers that choose a specialty or specialties go through a grueling certification process. Not only must they be certified in their area of specialty, they must also adhere to continuing education guidelines, ensuring that they stay abreast of the latest technologies and advancements as well as remain aware of new or changing protocols. Many sonographers hone their craft and reach for new standards for better patient care and demand increases in technology. Because of the new technologies and continuous growth of ultrasound, these well trained sonographers are in high demand.

 

There are many reasons that ultrasound is quickly becoming the gold standard in diagnostic imaging. Today's breed of sonographers is rigorously and continuously trained. Physicians are depending more on ultrasound technology and sonographers are evolving to meet the challenges and demands. The cost of ultrasound is miniscule compared with MRI and CT. It's non-invasive and no radiation is used. Also, with the current state of the healthcare industry and upcoming cuts to reimbursements coupled with the new emerging capabilities, I have a feeling we are going to see even more growth in the field of ultrasound compared to advanced imaging modalities like MRI, PET and CT studies.

 

 

Chad Hall is the Owner and Clinical Director of Weston Diagnostics, a full body ultrasound provider with multiple locations in the Central Florida area. You can contact Chad at Chad@westondiagnostics.com.