Burns Scanning
New high-definition scanner heads
Now two further higher frequency probes have been introduced are already in use at the Christie Hospital skin cancer unit in Manchester, England. These have centre frequencies of 35MHz and 45MHz, which give progressively finer resolution at lesser penetration.
Following a severe burn it can be important to evaluate the burn depth in various locations, but obviously for the patient's sake it is beneficial to keep physical intervention to the minimum. Equally during the healing process it can be helpful to gain insight into progress and development but again physical intervention is to be avoided if at all possible.
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Most ultrasound scanners are designed for deep penetration into the body but are unable to image the dermis and epidermis for burns assessment.
The EpiscanŽ dermal ultrasound scanner on the other hand is able to handle the higher sound frequencies that are necessary to achieve this.
EpiscanŽ was originally designed to detect pressure sores before they become apparent to the naked eye and the 18MHz centre frequency probe images changes beneath the surface of the skin as ulcers develop or as wounds heal.
The EpiscanŽ dermal ultrasound scanner on the other hand is able to handle the higher sound frequencies that are necessary to achieve this.
EpiscanŽ was originally designed to detect pressure sores before they become apparent to the naked eye and the 18MHz centre frequency probe images changes beneath the surface of the skin as ulcers develop or as wounds heal.
EpiscanŽ also reveals difficult objects such as glass splinters or adhesions, for which X-ray is not very effective.
Depending upon the depth of burn, either the 18MHz or the 35MHz probe can deliver very useful images of dermal burns and the probes are easily interchangeable during use. Linear and area measurements can be taken and saved as required. Results are shown instantly on screen as B-scans and virtual biopsies can be taken at different angles or locations until the best results are achieved.
The picture on the right is of a needle stick injury, with the area of inflammation beneath the surface marked and the cross-sectional area displayed. This is an example of the sort of image which can be created with the 18MHz probe and information which can be made available which cannot be obtained from a visual inspection of the wound surface.
Quick, safe and non-invasive
The image on the left is of a skin lesion, taken using the 35MHz scanner head, together with a visual comparison of the same object. Using the EpiscanŽ dermal ultrasound scanner it is therefore possible to get a clear assessment of the wound in three dimensions both before intervention and after treatment or skin grafting.
A virtual biopsy with EpiscanŽ is quick, safe and minimises distress for the patient. Images can be saved as a record, with digital photographs attached if desired, or used to monitor the recovery process.
A virtual biopsy with EpiscanŽ is quick, safe and minimises distress for the patient. Images can be saved as a record, with digital photographs attached if desired, or used to monitor the recovery process.
For more information on the EpiscanŽ dermal ultrasound scanner please visit the Dermatology page
www.a1med.co.uk
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