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E lectrolytic echo enhancement: A novel method to make needles more reflective to ultrasound
Author(s) -
Cockburn John F.,
Khosh Stefan K.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1754-9485
pISSN - 1754-9477
DOI - 10.1111/1754-9485.12103
Subject(s) - medicine , echo (communications protocol) , ultrasound , medical physics , radiology , computer network , computer science
This study examines the effect of augmenting the ultrasound reflectivity of needles using a novel electrolytic echo enhancement method. Methods Needles were connected by a lead to the negative terminal of a 4.5 V direct current source. A grounding pad, connected to the positive terminal, was positioned on the undersurface of an ex vivo ox liver phantom. During needle insertion into the liver, electrolysis was induced creating a layer of gas on the needle electrode. Results Analysis of images showed a significant increase in needle brightness using electrolytic echo enhancement. Brightness was found to increase by a factor of ×3.6 compared with controls ( P < 0.001). Conclusion E lectrolytic echo enhancement has the potential to make ultrasound‐guided procedures safer and quicker for patients and increase the confidence of operators in their ability to see the whole needle including its tip.