Ed Carstensen—Elucidating the physical mechanisms for biological effects of ultrasound

Abstract

Ed Carstensen was a pioneer in the field of biomedical ultrasound, and his ground-breaking research set the foundation for our understanding of physical mechanisms for the interaction of ultrasound with biological tissues and systems. In this presentation, I share my perspectives on Ed’s research advances from my viewpoint as his past student and research colleague for many years at the University of Rochester. Trained as a physicist, Ed focused on elucidating the physical mechanisms for biological effects of ultrasound. His early work identified ultrasound absorption mechanisms in blood, and later work studied effects of heating, cavitation, radiation force, and shear force on biological tissues. Ed’s research provided a basis for safety guidance of diagnostic ultrasound imaging, and for the development of new ultrasound therapies that exploit the physical interaction of ultrasound fields with tissues. Ed was a wonderful teacher and mentor who generously shared his time and insight. His leadership in the development of biomedical engineering and the founding of the Rochester Center for Biomedical Ultrasound have had lasting impact. Through his research and personal interactions, Ed positively influenced many in the field nationally and internationally, and set paths for the advancement of new applications of biomedical ultrasound.