Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a new technique that makes use of microbubble-based contrast agents to improve the echogenicity of blood and thus improve the visualization and assessment of cardiac cavities, large vessels and tissue vascularity. The combination of ultrasound contrast agents with the latest evolving equipment has the potential to transform the whole clinical role of ultrasound to provide a flexible low-cost diagnostic imaging capability equivalent or superior to many existing modalities such as CT, MRI and Nuclear Medicine.

Ultrasound contrast agents offer high sensitivity (the ability to ‘see' a single bubble) with a safety profile that is at least as good as conventional contrast agents. CEUS offers several advantages over the alternative imaging modalities. It can be performed immediately after baseline ultrasound, the first-line imaging modality in many clinical settings, and it can be carried out in a variety of scenarios (echo labs, bedside, operating room, CT suite, etc.). It does not involve exposure to ionizing radiations, and it allows prolonged real time examinations where also rapid changes can be captured, or the study repeated if needed.

Targeted bubbles, computer aided diagnosis, focused ultrasound therapy are just a few of the potential equipment-contrast combinations that will provide cost-effective future healthcare solutions. 

Bracco Imaging has developed a dedicated Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound website to place the rapidly changing role of contrast ultrasound into clinical perspective. This website gives more information about the approved clinical indications, techniques, official guidelines etc., as well as detailed information about Bracco Imaging ultrasound products.

If you are a Healthcare Professional, please click here.