Medical ultrasound instruments are medical devices developed based on the principles of ultrasound technology; they are utilized within the healthcare sector for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Ultrasound refers to sound waves with a frequency exceeding 20,000 hertz—a range imperceptible to the human ear—characterized by excellent directionality and strong penetrative power. Typically, the ultrasound frequencies employed in medical diagnostics range from 1 to 5 megahertz. The operational principle of medical ultrasound examinations bears certain similarities to that of sonar: ultrasound waves are transmitted into the human body, where they undergo reflection and refraction upon encountering internal tissue interfaces, and may also be absorbed and attenuated as they traverse through bodily tissues. Since the morphology and structure of various human tissues differ, the extent to which they reflect, refract, and absorb ultrasound waves varies accordingly; physicians utilize the wave patterns, curves, or imaging characteristics displayed by the instrument to differentiate between these tissues. Furthermore, by integrating this information with anatomical knowledge and an understanding of both normal and pathological changes, clinicians can diagnose whether the organ under examination is functioning normally.
Medical ultrasound instruments used in clinical practice are broadly categorized into two main groups: diagnostic and therapeutic. Among these, medical diagnostic ultrasound instruments—distinguished by their wide variety and extensive application—constitute an indispensable and critical component of medical equipment within hospital clinical settings.