Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
Published on: August 21, 2018
Changes in ultrasonographic echogenicity and visibility of needles with changes in angles of insonation
Kremer Nichols1, Lonnie B Wright, Trey Spencer
1College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Purpose:
To objectively compare the echogenicity of several types of needles at clinically important angles of insonation.
Materials And Methods:
Four commercial needles (Echotip, Mini-Stick, Echo-Coat, Surflo) and a prototype dimpled needle were tested in a liver phantom at angles of insonation ranging from 90 degrees to 15 degrees. Photodensity measurement determined echogenicity levels in arbitrary echogenicity units (EU).
Results:
At 90 degrees angles of insonation all needles were easily seen (60-76 EU) and echogenic levels were similar (P =.264). All values decreased with angulation. From the 35 degrees to 15 degrees angles, the prototype and Echotip needles were superior (P <.05). At 15 degrees the values were 43 EU for the prototype needle, 40 EU for the Echotip needle, 9.0 EU for the Echo-Coat needle, and 5.0 EU for the Surflo needle.
Conclusion:
With angulation, all needles drop in echogenicity, with prototype dimpled and Echotip best maintaining visibility at clinically important angles.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called a...
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion, evaluates...
Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...

