Ultrasound Transducers
What Probe Do I Need for My Ultrasound System?
An ultrasound scanner can be used to examine a wide variety of structures in a non-invasive way. However, for perfect tissue imaging it is important to use the right type of probe for specific applications. The most common ultrasonic transducers are linear and convex ultrasound probes - but there are also a number of other special probes for use during specific medical examinations.
Linear Transducers
In an ultrasonic transducer, the piezoelectric elements are arranged in a linear fashion. This results in parallel sound waves which produce a rectangular ultrasound image. The linear-array ultrasonic transducer has a low penetration depth and is therefore particularly suitable for imaging superficial structures, such as the thyroid gland, skin or joints. The nominal frequency is between 7.5 and 18 MHz.
Sector Transducers
Also known as a phased array probe, the sector transducer produces trapezoidal image shapes and has a penetration depth of 10 - 20 cm. In terms of width and depth, an ultrasonic sector transducer gives a very good overview. Thanks to a small coupling area, this ultrasonic probe can also be used in hard-to-reach places without any problems. Phased array transducers are often used in echocardiography and for focused lung sonography and brain examinations. The typical frequency of such a probe is between 1 and 8 MHz.
Convex Transducers
Convex probes (also called curved linear transducers) have a curved array with piezo elements arranged in a curvilinear fashion with a curved transducer head that allows for a wider field of view. Convex probes are particularly suitable for overview examinations - such as of the abdomen, due to their wider and deeper view. Although deeper structures can be visualised the resolution in depth is significantly lower. Convex ultrasound transducers are mostly used for abdominal sonography, renal sonography and prostate sonography. The nominal frequency of a convex probe is between 2 and 8 MHz.
Special Application Transducers
Whether you are looking for transducers for paediatrics, general medicine, gynaecology or orthopaedics - at Praxisdienst you will find high-quality ultrasound heads for every specialist area. We stock a wide range of accessories from name brand manufacturers such as Mindray, Chison, SonoScape or Youkey at affordable prices.