The use of diagnostic imaging is growing rapidly as its value increases exponentially with each new advancement and innovation that improves performance. Physicians can gain critical insights into a patient’s condition or a specific area of concern through its use. In addition, imaging technologies can help aid with the navigation of instruments during medical procedures.

While ultrasound is still often commonly associated with pregnancy and enabling parents an opportunity to view their developing baby, it proves to be a valuable tool for an array of other clinical applications. Ensuring the utmost quality for these other situations will often require a specialized needle to enhance the visual result for the physician. Development of such an instrument requires a company with specific skills.

To help further explain the development and considerations involved with these needles, Balaji Janardhanan, Senior Managing, Engineering, at Elevaris Medical Devices, shared several comments. In the following Q&A, he explains what echogenicity is, how it impacts ultrasound innovations, and where the needle fits into the equation with this technology.

Sean Fenske: Can you first please explain what echogenicity is?

Balaji Janardhanan: Sure thing. Echogenicity is the ability to reflect sound waves to produce an ultrasound image. The National Institutes of Health explains it as, “the brightness of an image caused by…