HL2010 Ultrasound 6.0 credits

• Lecture sessions in the course are dedicated to cover following topics:

  1. Propagation of the acoustic waves through different media: gas, liquids, solids; at normal and oblique incident. Specific characteristic parameters and governing equations.
  2. Design of ultrasound transducers and their key elements.
  3. Biological effects of ultrasound: harmonic imaging, acoustic streaming, cavitation, sonoporation.
  4. Application of ultrasound in clinical practice. Visualization and quantification of the diagnostic data by Doppler, speckle tracking, 3D-4D ultrasound and shear wave elastography.
  5. Basic principles and resent advancements in ultrasound contrast agents: from manufacturing, through testing to visualization.
  6. Ultrasound safety
  7. Standards for digital image acquisition, archiving and communication. Clinical practice and risk management.

  Laboratory works in a course are dedicated to provide hands on experience on:

  1. Basic principles of ultrasound physics and discussion on propagation of the acoustical waves in different mediums and accompanied effects.
  2. Calibration and performance testing of the clinical ultrasound.
  3. Clinical protocol in handling patients.

  Demonstration

  in a course is designed to appreciate and assess the biological effect of ultrasound on living cells on an example of cavitation.

  One written assignment complements the laboratory works and allows correlating experimental finding with theoretical calculations.

After the course is successfully completed, student will acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge and will be able to:

1. Discuss and perform calculations related to propagation of the acoustical waves in homogeneous media, i.e. gasses, liquids or solids; and in complex media, i.e. biological tissue.
2. Based on the medical requirements design and optimize characteristics of the ultrasound transducer and emitted acoustic wave.
3. Discuss the fundamental physical principles, biological effects and safety issues related to the application of ultrasound in connection with harmonic imaging, acoustic streaming, cavitation and sonoporation; and exemplify different practical applications of each process.
4. Discuss clinically approved and routinely used ultrasound techniques such as Doppler, speckle tracking and more recent advanced modalities such as 4D ultrasound, shear wave elastography and contrast enhanced ultrasound.
5. Identify strengths and weaknesses of the modalities for evaluation of various tissue types such as cardiac, vascular and fetus.

Bachelor’s degree in Applied or Theoretical Physics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is recommended.

Bachelor’s degree in Applied or Theoretical Physics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is recommended.

1. Hand-out material
2. Hoskins PR, Martin K, Thrush A, "Diagnostic Ultrasound: Physics and Equipment" Cambridge Medicine, Second edition, 2010

• TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Passed written exam (TEN1; 4.5 cr.) grading A-F.
Passed lab work (LAB1; 1.5 cr.) grading P/F.

Dmitry Grishenkov

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Course is provided in cooperation with SK2540 Physics and Applications of ultrasound.