Q. Which transducer for which application?
A. Available transducer styles- there is two (2) different styles of transducers where each style has significant advantage over the other style depending upon the application. To achieve the best results and image quality it is important to select the correct style suited for the scanning job at hand. The two basic styles are:
Available Transducers
Sector Linear
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Linear - the linear array is electronic with multiple crystals arranged in a line within a bar-shaped transducer face. The narrow beam is swept through a rectangular field by firing a group of crystals at a time in sequence.
Sector - sweeps the scanning beam through the field of view by movement of the crystal. The sector provides very high image resolution and a large field of view.
If one considers the methods in which the transducers fire it becomes apparent that a specific transducer style has advantages over the other style by application. As illustrated above a Linear Transducer will display a rectangular image, wide near field, which would be desired in evaluating a large follicle or pregnancy in equine. A Sector style transducer on the other hand, displaying a pie shaped image, will display a large wide far field which is desired when scanning trans -abdominal scanning of sows, sheep, etc., or any procedure where deep tissue penetration is required. Also, a sector is a must in scanning of close intercostals space such as penetration between the ribs for a cardiac procedure.
Consider that a scan desiring to evaluate a 40 mm structure from 4 to 8 cm in depth from the crystal face and it is readily visible that the Linear style would be required to see the entire structure. If a Sector style was utilized in this application the structure would be up in the apex of the scanning angle thus not providing a complete display of the 40mm structure.
4-8cm
Near field displaying the 40 mm structure. Sector scan at 4-8 cm depth will not display the 40 mm structure.
When scanning trans-abdominal it will require deep penetration and a large far field of view is desirable therefore a Sector style transducer would be selected.
Selection of transducer frequency - as a general “rule of thumb” transducers can be rated as the higher the frequency the less the tissue penetration but the greater the image quality. Example if it is desired to see tissue structures 10 to 19 cm in depth a 3.5 MHz frequency would be selected. Whereas if the scan was right under the skin, such as a tendon on a horse, a 7.5MHz would be the transducer of choice. Below will depict approximate penetration depth vs. crystal frequency.
Selection of Transducer Frequency by Application
Application
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Preferred Transducer
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Preferred Frequency (MHz)
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Regardless of transducer frequency or style one of the more important variables during scanning to obtain the maximum image quality is preparation of the scanning surface. Basically the cleaner the scanning surface the better the image quality. Keep in mind the dirt, hair, or air will directly affect the image quality therefore it will be necessary to clip the hair from a horses leg if studying tendons, clip the hair from a dog for an abdominal scan or on occasion wipe the surface when repro scanning of sheep. When scanning swine it is very rare that the scanning surface will have to be prepared in any way as there is not enough hair to significantly affect the image. Under all scanning conditions it is an absolute that a good scanning jell is used for surface contact. Using any oil based material, as a contact media is highly discouraged, as it will damage the transducer cabling.
Q. How long will the Battery run?
A. The battery is a Lithium battery that fits directly into the main scanning system. There are no wires or cables to get in your way or tangled on objects. The battery will run for approximately 4 hours of continuous scanning. The real advantage comes in the 70-90 minutes that it takes to completely recharge the battery. Special Note: You will not damage the life of the battery if it is recharged after only being partially used.
Q. Does scanning in direct Sunlight affect my view of the Ultrasound Image in the ei-headset Goggles?
A. No, the special ei-headset goggles were specially designed for use in sunlight. The 640,000 pixel goggles are 100% digital which guarantee you (the scanner) a clear, detailed image equivalent to a 62-inch TV monitor even in direct sunlight! They are lightweight and very comfortable to wear with an adjustable nosepiece and strap the ei-headset goggles can even be worn comfortably with glasses. Again this is just another feature of the “Bantam” that makes it completely portable from animal to animal.
Q. How early can I accurately Preg Check?
A. Depending on the species of animal the day can vary. Please refer to our animal pages that individually discuss the species of animal you will be checking for further information and specific days.
Q. Can someone who has never used ultrasound or palpated themselves become proficient at using this machine? “How hard is it to learn?”
A. Yes, even if you have never palpated or preg checked your own animals, you can learn to ultrasound. E.I. Medical will supply you with a product manual and training CD to help get you started. Remember: Practice makes Perfect! The more animals you scan, the better you will be at diagnosing. If you would like to develop your skills in ultrasound, see our calendar page for Wet Labs that are held throughout the year. E.I. Medicals professional and friendly technical support and sales team is always happy to answer any questions that you might have in the meantime. Call (970) 669-1793.
