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. will be given.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should have the following knowledge, skills and general knowledge in the field of ultrasound imaging:

Knowledge

• Have detailed knowledge on the different imaging modalities (m-mode, B-mode, 2D, 3D, Doppler, contrast)
• Be able to apply this knowledge to explain limitations and sources of error in the different modalities
• 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
• Know how high-frequency ultrasound can be applied in experimental research

Skills

• Know the function of the different parts of an ultrasound scanner
• Know how to use a standard ultrasound scanner, including archiving recordings

General knowledge

• Know how ultrasound can be applied in clinical medicine and research with emphasis on cardiology and the cardiovascular system
• Understand the physical principles behind the use of ultrasound in medical imaging
• Know the risks associated with medical ultrasound, and the formal regulations that apply

Learning methods and activities

The course will be held as an intensive course over 2 weeks 4 weeks apart; Lectures, practical demonstrations and five exercises. Lectures will be in english if there are international participants, if not, Norwegian will be the language of the course. Mandatory participation in regular study groups in two separate weeks. Image analysis and data organization. A minimum of 5 students required to conduct the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

Experience in clinical use of diagnostic ultrasound with Doppler.

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.

https://folk.ntnu.no/htorp/Undervisning/MEDT8002/litteratur/MedUlAvb_SH.pdf

Comment: Short, technical and good introduction.

2) Hoskins, Peter R. et al. Diagnostic Ultrasound: Physics and Equipment. Second ed. Publisher: Cambridge University Press. Date Published: June 2010 Print ISBN: 9780521757102. (e-version/e-book on NTNU University Library web-site, free of charge).

Comment: Thorough, general introduction to technical aspects on medical ultrasound.

3) Aakhus S, Brabrand K, Dalen H, Husebye. Medisinsk ultralyddiagnostikk. Gyldendal Akademisk 2016.

Comment: Concise introduction to clinical medical ultrasound diagnostics with focus on cardiovascular use.

4) Thrush A, Hartshorne T, Deane CD. Vascular Ultrasound: How, why and when. 4th Ed. Elsevier 2022

Comment: A very good book on vascular ultrasound comprising technical and clinical diagnostic perspectives. Do not cover echocardiography.

Credit reductions