PC-based high-resolution, high-frequency ultrasound system for gastroenterology

A personal-computer-based system for ultrasound imaging that has been helpful in assessing the clinical potential of high-frequency ultrasonography is described. At these higher frequencies, the system should provide images of the intact rectal wall with a tissue penetration capability of 1 cm. In order to meet these requirements the system design was broken down into the following parts: (1) transducer design, (2) mechanical scanning device (probe design), (3) electronics interface design, and (4) PC-based hardware/software design. The design philosophy and practical solutions as they relate to each of these items are described. The system has been shown to be capable of producing high-quality images in a laboratory environment