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| Ultrasound Innovation Award |
| Online Abstract Submission |
| (Author: Peter Cheng, Adrian Badillo, Jeffery Christensen ) |
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| Abstract |
| Type: New imaging technique |
| Title: Advantages of the curvilinear over the linear array transducer for needle visualization |
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| Disclosure Statements |
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My research & development of my invention is not supported by a commercial company |
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| Abstract |
| Ultrasound has improved the manner and efficacy at which physicians can perform regional nerve blocks and ultrasound-guided injection is quickly becoming a necessary skill in regional anesthesia. Many types of blocks are being attempted with improving success rates given the arrival of ultrasound in anesthesia. Most will agree the benefits of ultrasound in modern day medicine will continue as more are trained in ultrasound. Despite what ultrasound provides in regional anesthesia, needle visualization can often be difficult, in particular visualization of the needle tip, even among more experienced practitioners.
This paper will explain the advantages of using a curvilinear transducer to more effectively and quickly visualize the needle. Specifically, this paper will show that with techniques requiring needle approaches greater than 60 degrees, the curved transducer (figures 1 and 2) is superior to its counterpart linear transducer (figures 3 and 4). Typically, needles are difficult to visualize if an angle greater than 60 degrees is used due to fewer reflective echoes. The curvilinear transducer has a curved array of crystals that extends up the sides of the transducer from the transducer face, which allows a greater number of ultrasound beams to be perpendicular to a steep-angled needle (figure 2). With more horizontally oriented ultrasound beams, one can often see the needle at skin level and make corrections before skin entry to ensure a correct path to the target. |
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| Clinical Significance |
| A greater benefit exists to improved visualization with the curvilinear transducer versus the linear transducer. The smaller and deeper the target, greater usefulness exists in using the curved transducer. With practice, application of the curvilinear array can result in efficient and accurate local nerve blocks with more successful first attempts. |
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| Ultrasound Equipment |
| Manufacturer: SonoSite |
| Model: M Turbo |
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| Probe Used |
| Type: curved |
| Size: 11 mm |
| Frequency: 5-8 Mhz |
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| Files |
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1. Filename: Microsoft PowerPoint - Needle3.pdf
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