The history of interventional ultrasound.

Ultrasound has been used to guide interventional procedures for more than 30 years. Initial applications included biopsy techniques and simple aspiration of fluid collections. However, with improved sonographic imaging and the use of different ultrasonic probes as well as development of less invasive therapies, there has been an increase in the use of ultrasound to guide interventional procedures. Interventional ultrasound has become routine in most medical specialties. Because of the remarkable success of interventional procedures guided by sonography, combined with an outstanding safety record, there is no doubt that there will be a future increase in the number and types of interventional procedures performed under sonographic guidance.