Abstract of paper presented at the 1995 IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium

Laparoscopic ultrasound is a new surgical imaging method which provides direct contact imaging of organs with high frequency ultrasound. This paper reviews a variety of issues related to overall system design, transducers and arrays, and delivery systems. Laparoscopic ultrasound imaging system design addresses the requirements of high frequency, high resolution imaging in direct contact with tissue. Transducer arrays are typically high frequency, fine pitch, low profile devices that can be packages in five and ten millimeter diameter delivery systems. Delivery systems include rigid and articulated probes with acccessories for guided biopsy and therapy. Results of recently published clinical trials to evaluate the performance of this modality used in laparoscopic cancer staging as compared to preoperative diagnostic imaging will be discussed. Results of clinical trials that compare laparoscopic ultrasound to cholangiography for detection of common bile duct stones will also be described.

For a reprint of this paper, please send email to Dennis Dietz.