Thermoacoustic imaging
Thermoacoustic Imaging
Thermoacoustic imaging (pronunciation: ther-mo-uh-koo-stik im-uh-jing) is a medical imaging technique that combines principles of ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the body.
Etymology
The term "thermoacoustic" is derived from the Greek words "thermo" meaning heat, and "acoustic" meaning sound. It refers to the process of generating sound waves through the absorption of electromagnetic energy, such as radio waves or microwaves, which causes a rapid thermal expansion that produces an acoustic signal.
Technique
In thermoacoustic imaging, short pulses of microwave or radio wave energy are directed into the body. The energy is absorbed by the tissues and converted into heat, causing a rapid thermal expansion that generates an acoustic signal. This signal is then detected by an ultrasound transducer and used to create an image of the internal structures of the body.
Thermoacoustic imaging has the potential to provide high-resolution images of deep tissues, making it a promising tool for the detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Related Terms
- Medical imaging: The technique and process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention.
- Ultrasound: An imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body.
- Photoacoustic imaging: A medical imaging technique that combines ultrasound and laser-induced photoacoustic signals to create detailed images of the body's internal structures.
- Microwave: A form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about one meter to one millimeter.
- Radio wave: A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum longer than infrared light.
- Ultrasound transducer: A device that converts electrical signals into ultrasound waves and vice versa.
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Cardiovascular disease: A class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thermoacoustic imaging
- Wikipedia's article - Thermoacoustic imaging
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski