by
Barbara Kram, Editor | March 19, 2008
Philips has reduced the beam aberration problem. The C5-1 transducer accommodates the change in speed of sound waves as they move through adipose layers. In a sense the technology is "aware" of the effect of fat on sound waves and uses correction algorithms to provide a sharp image.
"Coded beamforming allows Philips to send more energy into the body without sacrificing axial resolution, all while staying within regulated acoustic power limits," explained Jim Walchenbach, Ultrasound Market Manager, Global Sales & Service/International, Philips Healthcare. This is accomplished by transmitting a longer, lower amplitude pulse than usual. This longer pulse is "coded" or given a recognizable shape. "This coded pulse is then sent into the body and the signal that returns is decoded to form a shorter effective pulse, thus preserving axial resolution. The overall effect of coded beamforming relative to our traditional beamforming is an image with more penetration while maintaining detail resolution."
The company conducted a study of the new ultrasound technology at six sites in North America and Europe and found it vastly reduced exam times and sonographer burden, while improving color sensitivity and reducing the need for additional studies in other modalities.
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