(MPR) Multiplanar Reconstruction is a post processing technique for reformatting of a 3D data set at any angle; reconstructing e.g. the axial images into coronal, sagittal and oblique anatomical planes.

(PII) Pulse inversion imaging (also called phase inversion imaging) is a non-linear imaging method specifically made for enhanced detection of microbubble ultrasound contrast agents. In PII, two pulses are sent in rapid succession into the tissue; the second pulse is a mirror image of the first. The resulting echoes are added at reception. Linear scattering of the two pulses will give two echoes which are inverted copies of each other, and these echoes will therefore cancel out when added.
Linear scattering dominates in tissues. Echoes from linear scatterers such as tissue cancel, whereas those from gas microbubbles do not. Non-linear scattering of the two pulses will give two echoes which do not cancel out completely due to different bubble response to positive and negative pressures of equal magnitude. The harmonic components add, and the signal intensity difference between non-linear and linear scatterers is therefore increased. The resulting images show high sensitivity to bubbles at the resolution of a conventional image.
In harmonic imaging, the frequency range of the transmitted pulse and the received signal should not overlap, but this restriction is less in pulse inversion imaging since the transmit frequencies are not filtered out, but rather subtracted. Broader transmit and receive bandwidths are therefore allowed, giving shorter pulses and improved axial resolution, hence the alternative term wideband harmonic imaging. Many ultrasound machines offer some form of pulse inversion imaging.

See also Pulse Inversion Doppler, Narrow Bandwidth, Dead Zone, Ultrasound Phantom.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy utilizes high frequency (10 - 50 MHz) diagnostic ultrasound to examine living tissue at a microscopic level and allows to image the skin with extremely high resolution to a depth of 2-3 centimeters. Ultrasound biomicroscopy images provide detailed anatomical information that can lead to better and more accurate treatments and avoid a biopsy.
Ultrasound biomicroscopy improves also the spatial resolution of US images of the anterior segment of the eye. US biomicroscopy of the eye operates in the 50 MHz range with a possible axial resolution on the order of 30 μm. In this frequency range, tissue penetration of only approximately 5 mm is attainable. Both continuous wave Doppler and high-frequency pulsed Doppler can be used.

See also Ultrasound Imaging Procedures, A-Scan, B-Scan and C-Scan.

The ultrasound equipment includes the ultrasound machine, the coaxial cable, the transducer assembly, different modalities to print out and store the ultrasound pictures, ultrasound gel, and a couch for the patients.
Often, the ultrasound system is connected with the internal radiology information system which allows the takeover of patient data, and a picture archiving and communication system to store images.

See also Ultrasound System Performance.

Ultrasound machines, widely used in medical imaging, are essential tools in the field of diagnostic ultrasound. These devices utilize high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures. Ultrasound machines consist of several key components that work together to generate diagnostic images. These include:
B-mode machines represent the vast majority of machines used in echocardiology, obstetrical scans, abdominal scans, gynecological scans, etc. B-mode ultrasound machines usually produce the sector (or pie segment-shaped) scans. These ultrasound scans require either a mechanical scanner transducer (the transducer moves to produce the sector scan), or a linear array transducer operated as a phased array.


Ultrasound machines come in different types, each catering to specific clinical needs. The two primary types are stationary and portable ultrasound machines:


See also Handheld Ultrasound, Ultrasound System Performance, Equipment Preparation, Coaxial Cable, and Microbubble Scanner Modification, Environmental Protection and Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies.