| Theme | Endoscopic Ultrasonography | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Development of Endoscopic Ultrasonography | |
| Publish Date | 1999/05 | |
| Author | Morimichi Fukuda | Sapporo Medical University Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Transabdominal sonography has well established as a safe, relatively inexpensive and quick imaging modality based on ultrasonic backscatter signals. To solve the problem of limited resolution of US in general, and for GI tract in paticular, direct scanning of the digestive tract, using higher frnquency transducers has been of major interest. The very first atempt at endoscanning was desribed by Wild and Reid in 1957. EUS, endoscopic ultrasonography, has been developed by combining US with a fiberendoscope. The first trials, both a Japan and the USA began in the late 70's, using the fixed ultrasonic prove with rotating ultrasonic mirror and linear array probes, resoectively. The fusion of different modalities, endoscope and US imaging, has lead to a single instrument, requiring highly specific skills and perspectives for its research and development. Repeated trial and error was inevitable before the modalitybecome clinically established. During past two decades, the diagnostic indication has expanded to cover the entire length of the GI tract. The rang of applications broadened fron merely determing the stage of established malignancy in the GI tract to daiagnosing very early stage mucosal cancer, so small thet the EMR may be performed without laparotomy or open chest surgery. One can choose scanning modes from a choice of radial, convex array or miniprobe systems, and even 3D rendition has become available for lesion assessment. In spite of these swift advaces, the major application is the diagnosis of stage of malignant tumors and histological confirmation after biopsy is required for deep seated lesions. |
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