Point of Care Ultrasound - Functions and Settings of the Ultrasound Machine - AMBOSS Video

Summary

This video serves as an introduction to ultrasound scanning for beginners, focusing on the basic functions and settings of an ultrasound machine. Key topics include setting up the B-mode image, adjusting gain, depth, and focus for optimal clarity, and using documentation functions like freeze and measurement tools. The video also covers Color Doppler mode for assessing blood flow and M-mode for visualizing motion over time. By explaining these fundamental concepts, the video helps users gain confidence in using ultrasound equipment for accurate imaging and diagnosis.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ultrasound scanning is introduced as a beginner-friendly topic, with explanations of the basic functions of the ultrasound machine.
• 😀 Familiarity with the ultrasound machine's controls is essential for effective operation, with variations in controls across machines.
• 😀 The B-mode image is the most important setting to adjust in most scans, and it must be optimized for clarity.
• 😀 Gain control allows for amplification of the ultrasound signal, improving image visibility, but over-increasing it can cause noise.
• 😀 Depth control helps focus on the structures of interest, adjusting the ultrasound signal's penetration for optimal viewing.
• 😀 Focus control can enhance image resolution in a specific area, improving the clarity of key structures.
• 😀 The freeze function allows the operator to pause and analyze an image at a specific moment, with most machines offering the ability to scroll through frames.
• 😀 Measurement functionality allows for precise assessment after freezing the image, with options to set measurement points and calculate distances.
• 😀 Color Doppler mode is used to visualize blood flow, with red indicating flow toward the probe and blue indicating flow away from it.
• 😀 M-mode allows for visualizing movement of structures over time, using a cursor line to plot changes in the B-mode image.

Q & A

What is the B-mode image in ultrasound scanning?

The B-mode image is the basic ultrasound imaging mode used to generate 2D images of the internal structures, showing real-time, cross-sectional images. It is essential to optimize this image to clearly display the area of interest.

Why is it important to adjust the gain in ultrasound scanning?

Adjusting the gain is important to optimize the brightness of the image. If the gain is too low, the image will be too dark, making it hard to distinguish structures. If it’s too high, the image becomes overexposed, amplifying noise and reducing clarity.

How does depth adjustment affect the ultrasound image?

Adjusting the depth determines how far the ultrasound signal penetrates into the body, affecting the visibility of structures. The depth should be set just enough to visualize the structures of interest without unnecessary clutter in the image.

What does the focus function do in ultrasound imaging?

The focus function increases the resolution of the image in a specific area of interest, ensuring that structures in that zone are displayed in greater detail. It is particularly useful when focusing on a particular anatomical structure.

What is the purpose of the freeze function in ultrasound?

The freeze function allows the operator to capture a still image of the scan at a specific moment in time. This is useful for reviewing the image or performing measurements without the image continuously updating.

How are measurements taken after freezing the ultrasound image?

After freezing the image, measurements can be taken by using the caliper function. The starting and ending points of the measurement are set using the trackball, and the result is displayed after pressing the 'SET' button.

What is Color Doppler mode used for in ultrasound scanning?

Color Doppler mode is used to visualize the movement of blood in arteries and veins. It shows blood flow toward the probe in red and away from the probe in blue. This helps assess circulation and detect abnormalities.

How do you activate and adjust the Color Doppler mode on an ultrasound machine?

The Color Doppler mode is activated by pressing the 'CDI' button. Once activated, the settings can be adjusted, including the gain, to optimize the visualization of blood flow in the arteries and veins.

What does M-mode do in ultrasound scanning?

M-mode, or Motion-mode, is used to observe the movement of structures along a specific line over time. It displays the movement in a side-by-side image format, helping to assess the motion of organs or vessels.

How is M-mode activated and used on an ultrasound machine?

M-mode is activated by pressing the 'M' button on the ultrasound machine. The position of the cursor line can be adjusted with the trackball, and the diagram showing movement over time is displayed on the left side of the screen.