Laparoscopic ultrasound for minimally invasive surgery

Laparoscopic ultrasound is a new surgical imaging method which provides direct contact imaging of organs with high frequency. This paper reviews a variety of issues related to overall system design, transducers and arrays, and delivery systems. Laparoscopic ultrasound imaging system design addresses the requirements for high frequency, high resolution imaging in direct contact with tissue. Transducer arrays are typically high frequency, fine pitch, low profile devices that can be packaged in five and ten millimeter diameter delivery systems. Delivery systems include rigid and articulated probes with accessories for guided biopsy and therapy. Results of recently published clinical trials to evaluate performance of this modality used in laparoscopic cancer staging as compared to preoperative diagnostic imaging are discussed. Results of clinical trials that compare laparoscopic ultrasound to cholangiography for detection of common bile duct stones are also described.