Development and application of new equipment for transrectal ultrasonography

Abstract

Abstract We have successfully developed a new type of equipment for transrectal ultrasonography. The equipment consists of three parts: a transducer assembly, a radial scanner, and a chair. The specially designed transrectal transducer assembly consists of a double tube system; a concave oscillating disc is attached to the rotative inner tube. The top of the transducer tube is covered with a water‐filled rubber balloon which is kept in contact with the rectal wall. The chair has a hole over which the anus is positioned and the tube with the radial scanner is introduced into the rectum from below. The angle of the. projecting transducer tube can be shifted freely with a lever. The depth of insertion of the transducer is controlled by the scanner handle. This “sitting posture” procedure has several advantages over the lithotomy position. The diagnostic application of this method is described for examination of different intrapelvic organs such as the prostate, the urinary bladder and the uterus.