Instrumentation

Abstract

Standard EUS is performed with radial ultrasound imaging perpendicular to the endoscope shaft. Radial ultrasound imaging is preferred for some diagnostic and staging purposes because of ease of use as well as the production of a full 360° field of view like a CT scan. The convex array echoendoscope incorporates a transducer placed at the tip of an oblique viewing endoscope and provides ultrasound images in a plane parallel to the direction of the insertion of the echoendoscope [1]. Use of the convex device offers the significant advantage of facilitating intervention. The curved linear array design also makes it possible to direct needle aspiration for biopsy and/or fine needle injection, a useful feature in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of clinical conditions [1, 2].