What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a type of medical imaging. Ultrasound uses sound waves to see inside the body. The ultrasound machine sends sound waves then detects them when they bounce back.
Clinicians can also use ultrasound to guide minimally invasive procedures. These procedures can be an alternative to surgery because they have lower risks and shorter recovery times.
What are the risks of ultrasound?
Ultrasound is safe. Ultrasound does not expose you to radiation like an x-ray or CT scan. If stronger sound waves are focused on one spot for a long time, they can heat that spot. However, the sound waves used to see inside the body are not so intense.
What are the alternatives to ultrasound?
Different types of medical imaging can be used to guide procedures. Like ultrasound, MRI does not use radiation. Fluoroscopy and CT use radiation. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Your clinician will choose the type of imaging that allows them to see clearly and perform the procedure safely.
You may also choose not to have the ultrasound-guided procedure. Your alternatives depend on your preferences, overall health, and the reason why your clinician is recommending this procedure.
More information about ultrasound can be found here: