Two dimensional ultrasonic demonstration of lateral pharyngeal wall movement in real time--a preliminary report

Preliminary observations are reported in three normal subjects using a multi-element, ultrasonic transducer unit for demonstrating in real time and two dimensions the movements of the lateral nasal and oropharyngeal walls during phonation. Ultrasonic images produced are similar to those seen on frontal roentgen motion recordings. Present limitations, potential applications and advantages of this technique are discussed.