Initial clinical evaluation of a new ultrasonic camera.

Real-time transmission ultrasonic imaging of the abdomen in adult patients has been accomplished with a new camera system developed by Stanford Research Institute. Some inherent limitations of the transmission technique are apparent; these include obscuration of some structures by overlying bone or gas-filled organs. Other limitations produced by diffraction and refraction effects of the ultrasound beam in complex objects may be eliminated by additional research effort. With further improvements, this camera system may become a useful diagnostic instrument.