From Bayer Schering Pharma AG:
Echovist-200® was an effectively one-pass-only contrast medium for contrast sonography and Doppler-echocardiographic examinations for the detection, exclusion or follow-up of pathological states leading to hemodynamic changes. Because of the short intravascular life of the microparticles and microbubbles, transit through the pulmonary circulation is unusual. In cardiac evaluations Echovist-200® has been replaced by newer ultrasound contrast agents (USCA), therefore the manufacturing was discontinued.
Another range of echo contrast application is the female genital tract, in particular for the demonstration or exclusion of acquired or congenital changes of the uterine cavity and for the visualization of the Fallopian tubes and investigation of their patency.
1 g Echovist-200 granules contain 1 g D-galactose microparticles. 1 ml aqueous solution for production of the suspension contains 200 mg D-galactose.
Brand names in other countries: Ecovist.

Efficiency is defined as the ratio of the acoustic power generated to the total electrical power input. Efficiency varies with frequency and is expressed as a percentage.

An ultrasound element is a single slab of piezoelectric crystal that is cut into a linear collection of separate pieces. The separate pieces are called elements. Each element is wired separately to the transducer and they are fired in groups that are coordinated by a microprocessor. The elements are electrically configured to control the direction and characteristics of the sound beam.

See also Subdicing.

The usual applications of endocavitary echography (also called internal echography / endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)) are examinations of the pelvic organs through internally introduced probes, which give a more precise and correct image.
Transrectal ultrasound is a well established method for rectal or prostate carcinoma assessment.
A transvaginal echography uses a small transducer that is inserted directly into the vagina.
Used are high-frequency (10-12 MHz) for superficial organs, endocavitary echography, and intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound. A sterile cover is slipped over the probe, which is then covered with lubricating ultrasound gel and placed in the cavitary (see Equipment Preparation).

See also Endoscopic Ultrasound, Prostate Ultrasound, Interventional Ultrasound, Transurethral Sonography, Vaginal Probe, Rectal Probe.

(EUS) Endoscopic ultrasound uses a small probe that is inserted in the rectum either through a proctoscope or by itself. During the test biopsies of any suspicious areas are possible. The usual necessary preparation is an enema to empty the rectum. Endoscopic ultrasound provides additional information about rectal polyps, rectal cancer, perianal infection, and sphincter muscle injuries and improves the selection of patients for local excision.
Transrectal echography using a high-frequency transducer is a well established method for preoperative rectal carcinoma assessment.
Endoscopic scanning is limited by the ultrasound physics (depth and axial resolution) of the endocavitary probe. Therefore, the combination of endoscopic and transcutaneous ultrasound is most favorable.