A rotating transducer real-time scanner for ultrasonic examination of the heart and abdomen.

A mechanical real-time ultrasonic scanner utilizing a rotating transducer head has been successfully applied clinically to visualize the heart and abdomen. The design features of this scanner are discussed. The small dimensions and the 90 degree field of view of the sealed oil-filled transducer head optimize visualization of the heart avoiding bone and lung. The single point of entry aspect of this scanner results in a good field of view from any point on the abdominal surface. For example, in upper abdominal studies the liver and kidney can be readily viewed. Rapid and thorough searching of the abdomen is easily carried out and good quality selected sections can be captured by optimizing frame rate and angle of view. In obstetrical applications the complete mature fetus can be visualized using the alternative large 180 degree field of view.