Pros And Cons Of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The evolution of diagnostic medical sonography has been evolving and progressing since the early 1900’s. During those times, technology wasn’t nearly as advanced as it is today in modern medicine. The first Ultrasound ever performed, dates back to year 1940, whom was executed by Dr. George Ludwig of Bethesda, Maryland (Woo, 2013). Diagnostic medical sonographers use high frequency waves to create images of internal structures within the body; this can also be referred to as Ultrasound. The sound waves that are used by ultrasound are extremely high in sound that they create a certain frequency that the human ear doesn’t recognize or perceive audibly (Woo, 2013). Ultrasound serves as a huge part in the medical community revolutionizing the way diagnosis are made and creating better quality treatments. Advances in medicine over time greatly influence how we use technology and

further enhance our knowledge in the field.
There are many different uses for sonography in the medical field. Different fields that use sonography for medical purposes consist of emergency medicine, cardiology,
obstetrics, etc. One of the more popular uses for ultrasound is obstetrics. Obstetrics is the profession within sonography that deals primarily on childbirth and pregnancy. With advances being made rapidly in health, researchers have created a new way of viewing images within the body. Olaf Von Ramm was the first to bring light to 3D images in ultrasound during the year of 1987 (Duke BME, 2015). These 3D images can be used for any type of viewing of the human anatomy. This makes early detection, viewing of tumors, obstructions, and other space occupying lesions easier and more affective for

diagnostic purposes. Although this procedure is costly, the outcome and accuracy when viewing these images is much more affective. Doctors have also come out with a 4D ultrasound system, which lets you view images with movement. This gives off a movie-like affect on the screen, showing the movement of the baby. Considering the costly equipment and because its so new, a lot of doctors have yet to get the 3D and 4D systems. The procedure, just like 2D, is non invasive and serves at the same purpose. In the near future, it is predicted that all doctors will have this advanced state-of-the-art equipment. With our medical system becoming more and more progressive, it is crucial that researchers continue to make these advancements in modern day technology.
Some of the major reasons patients tend to prefer ultrasound is because it is non invasive, meaning they don’t require any needles or injections of any sort.

The procedures done for the most part are usually quick and safe procedures. One of the major pros about the use of ultrasound is that patients aren’t exposed to ionizing radiation during the procedure. Procedures such as CT scans and X-Rays use ionizing radiation which is not as safe as using non-ionizing. Another surprising benefit of sonography is it

tends to be less expensive than most other imaging methods such as CT or MRI’s. It is important for the patient to know how this procedure works and the risks involved in order to make a decision whether or not to have the procedure done. Luckily, sonography is considered one of the more harmless methods.

Other than using ultrasound for disease and various medical purposes, Ultrasound is most commonly used for pregnancy. During pregnancy, many patients get ultrasounds done to see a clear image of the fetus. It is important to get a clear image without

being

invasive in order to get information connected to the baby. This technique is used on pregnant women because it is neither harmful to the baby or the mother. Ultrasound helps determine the size of the baby, how the heartbeat is pulsating, and also detection of autism and birth defects. Ultrasounds also observe the sex of the baby and if there are two present fetuses instead of one, in which case twins will be the result. Even after birth they continue to use ultrasound in order to see placement of the placenta. According to the SOGC, it is recommended having an ultrasound done on a full bladder as result of sound waves being passed more affectively through tissue (COGC, 2015). It is suggested that pregnant women must be sure to have ultrasounds throughout their pregnancy to ensure that the baby is healthy and well.
Sonography is used widely around hospitals and private practices making it easier to view images using sound waves. This technology has been a major benefactor for the way images have evolved overtime and continues to astonish health care workers worldwide. This revolutionized technology has been around for over 70 years and continues to progress rapidly. The influence of Sonograpghy will forever be recognized by the medical community and will continue to advance in the near future.