Frederick W. Kremkau

Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool which provides an image from pulses reflected off various internal tissues. The tissues interact with sound, the acoustic propagation properties, providing bioeffects.

Ultrasound is like ordinary sound that we hear, but this is at higher wave frequency than our detection.

Curiously, this text elects not to even touch upon the possible therapeutic effects of ultrasound applications.[166] However, it does carefully address the question about the safety or hazard of this diagnostic method.[166] It uses the risk/benefit approach -- weighing the minimized risk with the alternatives and diagnostic benefits.

Three mechanisms of action for ultrasound bioeffects are generally recognized [170]: 1. Heat, from vibration; 2. Cavitation, or bubble formation from rapid movement within tissue; and 3. Mechanical effects.

While insuring that lowest-intensity levels and short-duration should be favored, no independently confirmed significant bioeffects in mammalian tissues has been identified.… (meer)