Ultrasound technology has evolved significantly, providing sonographers with a wide range of ultrasound machines. As technology has advanced, portable ultrasound equipment, including handheld ultrasound systems, have emerged in the field of medical imaging. However, these devices may have limited imaging capabilities and reduced image quality compared to larger systems.
Types of ultrasound systems compiled according to their portability:

In summary, pros and cons of portable ultrasound machines:

See also Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies, Environmental Protection, Sonographer, Ultrasound Technology and Equipment Preparation.

(CEUS) Contrast agents increase the reflection of ultrasonic energy, improve the signal to noise ratio and caused by that the detection of abnormal microvascular and macrovascular disorders. Contrast enhanced ultrasound is used in abdominal ultrasound (liver sonography) as well as in cerebrovascular examinations e.g., for an accurate grading of carotid stenosis. The used contrast agents are safe and well tolerated.

The quality of the enhancement depends on:
The additional use of ultrasound contrast agents (USCAs) may overcome typical limitations like poor contrast of B-mode imaging or limited sensitivity of Doppler techniques. The development of new ultrasound applications (e.g., blood flow imaging, perfusion quantification) depends also from the development of pulse sequences for bubble specific imaging. In addition, contrast enhanced ultrasound improves the monitoring of ultrasound guided interventions like RF thermal ablation.

See also Contrast Enhanced Doppler Imaging, Contrast Harmonic Imaging, Contrast Imaging Techniques and Contrast Pulse Sequencing.

Ultrasound imaging procedures are widely used in medicine. It is possible to perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures with the guidance of ultrasonography (interventional ultrasound biopsies or drainage of fluid collections). Sonography or ultrasound scanning involves the application of an ultrasound transducer used to transmit high frequency sound waves, which bounce off internal structures to produce an image that can be displayed and recorded.
Ultrasound imaging procedures include for example:

Ultrasound machines, with their various components and types, have revolutionized the field of medical imaging. These devices enable healthcare professionals to visualize internal structures, assess conditions, and guide interventions with real-time imaging capabilities. Today, medical ultrasound systems are complex signal processing machines. Assessing the performance of an ultrasound system requires understanding the relationships between the characteristics of the system, such as the point spread function, temporal resolution, and the quality of images. Image quality aspects include the detail resolution, contrast resolution and penetration. Systems with microbubble scanner modification are particularly suitable for contrast enhanced ultrasound.


In summary, ultrasound machines have diverse performance levels and corresponding price ranges, catering to various medical imaging needs. From low-performance systems with basic imaging capabilities to high-performance and premium systems with advanced features, ultrasound technology continues to advance healthcare imaging capabilities.
See also Ultrasound Physics, Handheld Ultrasound, Environmental Protection, Equipment Preparation.

(LIPU / LIUS) Low intensity pulsed ultrasound is a form of mechanical power that is transmitted through and into tissues as an acoustic pressure wave. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound is often used in musculoskeletal and joint ultrasound and has therapeutic benefits for healing of (fresh) fractures, those that demonstrate either a delayed union or nonunion, and soft tissue repair.