Sounds of the future? Ultrasonography in the field.

During the past two decades, the development and maturation of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool has revolutionized the practice of radiology, cardiology, obstetrics and surgery. In fact, few areas of medicine have not been affected by this technology. Unlike the still-frame images of standard X-rays and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, ultrasound technology displays an ongoing cross-sectional image of an anatomic area in "real time," which can then be stored and played back on videotape. This ability to quickly assess function, as well as anatomy, has become invaluable in the management of critically ill patients.