Development of the bi-directional ultrasound system for base of tongue imaging.
The use of conventional ultrasound systems to image the upper airway has been limited because ultrasound energy is attenuated by the air column. In an attempt to study upper airway geometry, we developed a computer controlled bi-directional ultrasound system which combines two conventional ultrasound devices with computer image processing to yield images of upper airway structures. Human studies and cadaver studies were performed to evaluate the system. Images acquired by the bi-directional ultrasound system were comparable to images from 3D volume rendered CT scans. This system may provide valuable data in the study of upper airway physiology and pathology.
Department of Surgery, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, PA 17033.
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D002138:Calibration; D003199:Computer Systems; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012985:Software Design; D014059:Tongue / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods