Silicon-Based Ultrasound Offers High-Frequency Imaging

The images were presented at the annual conference of the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology in Montreal (Canada).

Tiny silicon MEMS (microelectronic mechanical systems) structures known as capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducers (cMUT) are designed to give silicon ultrasound a superior acoustic response that forms the basis for clearer medical images. Originally developed at Stanford University (Stanford, CA, USA), cMUTs resemble tiny silicon drums, each smaller than the width of a human hair, fabricated on the surface of a silicon wafer.

Silicon Ultrasound is being commercialized by Sensant Corp. (San Leandro, CA, USA), in collaboration with Esaote (Genoa, Italy) and the Valduce Hospital (Como, Italy). The system's images of carotid anatomy clearly depict the intima, the lumen's innermost layer, while breast and musculoskeletal images capture a more informative image than traditional ultrasound, states the company. These new capabilities may broaden ultrasound's suitability for applications usually reserved for more-expensive imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).

"We're looking forward to the growth of a platform of new imaging innovations, among them true volumetric 3D ultrasound, that will deliver profound improvements in the quality and cost of care,” said Igal Ladabaum, CEO of Sensant.




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