The present study clearly indicates that contrast-enhanced sonography using Sonovue and Cadence Contrast Pulse Sequencing allows real-time imaging with high accuracy and thus will be a competitive alternative to other modalities such as CT and MR imaging for liver imaging.

The results of this study show that parametric imaging can be used in place of original videoclips for clinical reporting of FNH; furthermore, it could help less-experienced sonologists diagnose FNH.

This paper presents the acoustical design, manufacture and evaluation of an ultrasound catheter array for endobronchial imaging. In order to be used in an existing bronchofiberscope, the 64 elements transducer is included in a 7 French (2.3 mm Outer Diameter) catheter, using a ribbon-based cabling technology. The ultrasound array has a 200 µm pitch, a 1.5 mm elevation, and operates at 10 MHz center frequency. The piezoelectric material is based on 1-3 piezo-composite technology and the front layer (optimized multilayer stack of passive materials) is selected to act both as a matching and protection layer. The probe is integrated into the 7 French catheter and interfaced to a commercial ultrasound system. Besides the manufacturing process of the whole transducer, the paper reviews electro-acoustical characteristics including sensitivity, frequency, bandwidth and homogeneity performances. The aim of this probe is the detection of epithelial abnormalities, transparietal extension of lesions and detection of lymph nodes related to local cancer. Finally, in vivo images obtained through a bronchofiberscope are presented and discussed from a clinical point of view.

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