Progress and perspectives in ultrasound imaging

Ultrasonic waves are more and more widely used in medicine for the examination of organs by Doppler echography. The most frequently used ultrasonic frequencies range between 2 and 20 MHz. The relatively low cost and the non-invasiveness of ultrasound explain its increasing use in patients for both diagnosis and follow-up. In the near future, strong perspectives exist for the use of ultrasound for the treatment of tumours and also for local drug delivery. Several French research teams linked to University hospitals or research institutions have conducted key works for the progress of knowledge together with the development of new clinical methods. Several business units or industrial activities have been created after these works. Some landmarks will be found in this text on the features that today make the success of ultrasonic imaging and related modes, with the emphasis of the great and constantly renewed potential of creativity linked to those waves in the human body. (C) 2009 published by Elsevier Masson SAS.