Real-time imaging with a new ultrasonic camera: part I, in vitro experimental studies on transmission imaging of biological structures.

Results are described of in vitro biological experimentation using a new through-transmission ultrasonic camera system developed at the Stanford Research Institute. The camera system produces real-time focused, orthographic images of a 15 times 15 cm field. The in vitro studies, which demonstrate the diagnostic potential of the new technique, include transmission images of selected excised organs such as liver, kidney, spleen, and uterus. In addition, preliminary studies evaluating ultrasonic image quality and the effect of out-of-focus structures are discussed.