Innovation spurs novel nontraditional applications

The inherent strengths of ultrasound-low cost, wide availability, nonionizing radiation-make this modality a favorite to get the diagnostic ball rolling. Technological advances headed for the RSNA exhibit floor will give added impetus to its use, as engineers have tackled some of sonography's most vexing shortfalls: lack of reproducibility from one user to another, and distinguishing anatomical structures.

• Breast imaging tools. Algorithms and automation bring out details in dense or fatty breasts that may reduce the need to perform biopsies of suspicious lesions found on mammography.

• Streamlining procedures increases efficiency. Preprogramming and intelligent software ease the tedium of ultrasound scans, reducing key strokes and cutting exam time. A side benefit, greater reproducibility, comes from less dependence on the user's skill set.

• The power of fusion. The real-time advantages of ultrasound merge with the anatomical clarity provided by CT and MR, raising the potential of greater accuracy during interventions.

-GF