Course content

Ultrasonic wave propagation and beam forming. Non-linear effects. Ultrasound probe technology for 2D and 3D imaging.
Resolution, contrast media, acoustic noise and imaging artefacts. Continuous and pulsed ultrasound for blood flow measuring. Hemodynamics and application in vascular medicine and cardiology. Color Doppler imaging and tissue Doppler imaging. Ultrasound strain and strain rate imaging. Ultrasound contrast media. Experimental imaging (high-frequency). Patient safety. Thermal and mechanical effects on human tissue. Software for visualization and analysis of 2D and 3D ultrasound data. Overview of applications in cardiology and vascular imaging etc.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should:
1 Know the function of the different parts of an ultrasound scanner.
2 Know how to use a standard ultrasound scanner, including archiving recordings.
3 Have detailed knowledge on the different imaging modalities (m-mode, B-mode, 2D, 3D, Doppler, contrast).
4 Be able to apply this knowledge to explain limitations and sources of error in the different modalities.
5 Know limitations and errors when using the Doppler-effect to measure blood velocities and flow, and in estimation of pressures in different parts of the cardiovascular system.
6 Know how ultrasound can be applied in gynaecology/obstetrics, general radiology, cardiology, vascular surgery and image guided surgery.
7 Know how high-frequency ultrasound can be applied in experimental research.
8 Understand the physical principles behind the use of ultrasound in medical imaging.
9 Know the risks associated with medical ultrasound, and the formal regulations that apply.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures in english for International students, mandatory participation in regular study groups in two separate weeks. Image analysis and data organization. MasterClass demo of Doppler ultrasound.
Minimum number of students: 5

Compulsory assignments

• Lab oppgave m/skriftlig rapportering

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Experience in clinical use of ultrasound.

Required previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in mathematics and physics. Knowledge in anatomy and physiology equivalent to a Medical Doctor degree, Master's degree or similar. Medical students at the Student Research Programme. Candidates with a lower degree will be assessed individually.

Course materials

1) Medisinsk ultralydavbildning.
Sverre Holm: http://heim.ifi.uio.no/~sverre/papers/99_FFV.pdf.
2) Hoskins, Peter R. et al. Diagnostic Ultrasound: Physics and Equipment. Publisher: Cambridge University Press Date Published: June 2010 Print ISBN: 9780521757102
Accessible online for NTNU students: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/ntnu/reader.action?docID=10406671&ppg=185