Usefulness of the new electronic radial endoscopic ultrasonography (GF-UE260) for evaluating upper GI and Bilio-Pancreatic diseases

Abstract

The endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has been introduced in succession. It has been reported the usefulness of EUS for evaluating gastrointestinal and bilio-pancreatic diseases. The newly developed electronic endoscopic ultrasonography (GF-UE260) was introduced into clinical fields by OLYMPUS CO. It has doppler and tissue harmonic echo functions, so we can get radial images with color and power doppler function. We have investigated the usefulness of GF-UE260 for diagnosing upper GI and bilio-pancratic diseases in this paper. The GF-UE260 has switchable 5, 6, 7.5 and 10MHz frequencies. Its maximum diameter is 13.8mm. Scanning method is electronic radial, and scanning field is 360°. The ultrasonographic unit is Aloka ProSound SSD-α5 (Aloka Co., Tokyo). We had performed the GF-UE260 in 46 patient for evaluating bilio-pancreatic diseases and 20 upper GI diseases from Mar.2004 to Jur.2005. We have evaluated its image quality and usefulness in basic model and clinical examination. 1, Maneuverability of the electronic radial EUS is similar to that of the GF-UM2000. 2, Image quality of the electronic radial EUS is basically same as that of the GF-UM2000. 3. The electronic radial EUS has variable focal depths that can be adjusted by the processor.4. Color and power doppler function is helpful for evaluating pancreas tumor etc.5. Artifacts surrounding the scope is significantly improved.6. Tissue harmonic echo reduced its artifact. We concluded that the newly developed electronic radial EUS (GF-UE260) is useful for diagnosing upper GI and bilio-pancratic diseases.