What does "tissue harmonic imaging" improve in ultrasound examinations?

Tissue harmonic imaging improves image clarity and resolution in ultrasound examinations by utilizing the nonlinear propagation of ultrasound waves as they travel through tissue. When the ultrasound waves are emitted into the body, they can create harmonics—higher frequency signals that are generated as the waves travel through different tissue densities. This process enhances the quality of the images produced because the harmonics tend to be less affected by obstacles in the tissue, such as noise and artifacts, leading to clearer and higher-resolution images.

This technique also allows for improved contrast resolution, meaning it is better at differentiating between structures of similar echogenicity. By focusing on these harmonic frequencies instead of the fundamental frequencies, tissue harmonic imaging minimizes the interference and improves both the detail and overall clarity of the ultrasound images, making it easier for clinicians to accurately assess and diagnose conditions.