Sonography as Alternative Medical Management
From its humble 2D beginning in the early 1900s, and even further with studies made on sound waves in the 1700s, sonography – ultrasound, as it is more commonly known – has come quite a long way. From a simple diagnostic procedure, it is used in many cases as alternative treatment for different conditions. Read on to find out more about using sonography in medical management.
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From diagnosis to treatment
The use of sound waves has long been touted as safe or risk-free, making sonography quite popular among pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The diagnostic procedure itself is very safe, with no known risks, because the sound waves are generally harmless. Today, the sonogram machine has been altered in order to produce sound waves at even higher frequencies, and with a small enough transducer to emit a beam-like wave of sound – this is called FUS or focused ultrasound.
Diagnostically speaking, focused ultrasounds are used to visualize small areas in the body such as the heart, parts of the abdomen, and vessels in the extremities. If the sound waves are sent at higher frequencies, they have proven effective in removing uterine fibroids (small cysts in the uterus; more information on Focused Ultrasound: Alternative for Hysterectomies through the link) and even promoting circulation and wound healing.
The use of sound waves has long been touted as safe or risk-free, making sonography quite popular among pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The diagnostic procedure itself is very safe, with no known risks, because the sound waves are generally harmless. Today, the sonogram machine has been altered in order to produce sound waves at even higher frequencies, and with a small enough transducer to emit a beam-like wave of sound – this is called FUS or focused ultrasound.
Diagnostically speaking, focused ultrasounds are used to visualize small areas in the body such as the heart, parts of the abdomen, and vessels in the extremities. If the sound waves are sent at higher frequencies, they have proven effective in removing uterine fibroids (small cysts in the uterus; more information on Focused Ultrasound: Alternative for Hysterectomies through the link) and even promoting circulation and wound healing.
FUS – How does it work?
Focused ultrasound is currently being used on OB-GYNE cases as mentioned above, but how does it work? It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic resonance-guided imaging while the ultrasound ablation is being performed. The modified transducer (where the crystal sheets that emit sound waves are) sends focused waves into the fibroid or affected area, which is able to remove small pieces of the tissue.
The generalizations of sonography studies
While these studies on the therapeutic value of sonography have been largely positive, there are negatives. These studies that are considered “negative” often have inconclusive results or at most, show that sonography has no therapeutic effectiveness. But the fact that studies have been showing positive results says a lot. That means that advanced sonography has the ability to heal and treat rather than just diagnose – a reason enough to further advance its technology and more studies to be performed.
In certain hospitals, therapeutic sonography procedures are available with permission from the FDA or other similar governing bodies on allied health and health care. If you plan on having an FUS procedure performed, make sure to talk it through with your primary physician and, if needed, get a second opinion.
Focused ultrasound is currently being used on OB-GYNE cases as mentioned above, but how does it work? It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic resonance-guided imaging while the ultrasound ablation is being performed. The modified transducer (where the crystal sheets that emit sound waves are) sends focused waves into the fibroid or affected area, which is able to remove small pieces of the tissue.
The generalizations of sonography studies
While these studies on the therapeutic value of sonography have been largely positive, there are negatives. These studies that are considered “negative” often have inconclusive results or at most, show that sonography has no therapeutic effectiveness. But the fact that studies have been showing positive results says a lot. That means that advanced sonography has the ability to heal and treat rather than just diagnose – a reason enough to further advance its technology and more studies to be performed.
In certain hospitals, therapeutic sonography procedures are available with permission from the FDA or other similar governing bodies on allied health and health care. If you plan on having an FUS procedure performed, make sure to talk it through with your primary physician and, if needed, get a second opinion.