"Ultra" means above or greater than. "Sono" refers to sound. Finally
"graphy" refers to recording, writing, mapping, etc. Ultrasonography,
therefore, is the science of using high frequency sound to map or
graphically represent something.
The science of ultrasonography has its roots in our understanding of
the behavior of waves of sound. Certain sounds are too low (in
frequency) to be heard by the human ear. Some sounds are also too
high in frequency to be heard. Earth's animals have used the
techniques of bouncing sound waves to "see" with expert precision. Bats,
whales, dolphins, and many more animals use echos to determine a
mental map of their surroundings. Humans have used this technology
in devices such as sonor for underwater mapping. Ultrasonography is
the logical extension of this principle into medicine.
A computer is tied to devices which project high frequency sound into
the human body at various places and angles. The computer then "listens"
for the echo of the sounds as they bouce off the structures in the
body. Sound is reflected back at different depths in the body and is
slowed down by the tissues. Using these principles, the computer can
generate a map or image of the interior structures of the body. This
technology is also capable of adding color maps based on the blood
flow and speed. The shades and colors give the technologists visual
cues not only about the structure of an organ, but also its functionality.
At Regional Cardiology Consultants, we have available to us several
ultrasonographic testing methods which allows our physicians to best
serve our patients. Two state-of-the-art Acuson stations are used
both in our main office and in our mobile ultrasonography unit. Our
mobile unit is available at our several satellite clinics throughout
western Tennessee.
Below you may follow links which will detail each of the tests our
clinics offer. Should you have further questions do not hesitate to
contact us. Simply click on the "mouse" icon on any page within our
site.
