User guide

Chapter 3: Imaging 31
Imaging
Needle visualization
About MBe
The MBe control turns on SonoMBe™ imaging,
which enhances linear structures within a selected
angle range and can facilitate needle guidance
during catheter placement and nerve-block
procedures. A three- or four-sided outline indicates
the enhancement area. (See Figure 1 on
page 31.)
For curved array transducers, MBe can help identify
the direction of the needle, although only segments
of the needle shaft may show in the image. (See
Figure 2 on page 32.) Use movement and fluid
injection to help verify the needle-tip location.
The MBe control is available in full-screen imaging
only and on the following:
• Transducers: C60x, HFL38x, HFL50x, L25x,
L38xi
• Exams: Breast, Musculoskeletal, Nerve, Small
Parts, Vascular (L25x only), Venous (L25x
only)
Figure 1 Image with MBe on (linear transducer):
1 - Needle
2 - Outlined area enhanced by MBe
3 - Dotted line
4 - Unenhanced area
WARNING:
To avoid incorrect needle
placement when MBe is on:
• Using movement and fluid
injection, verify the needle-tip
location and trajectory. MBe
enhances linear structures within
a selected angle range on the
ultrasound plane. Linear
structures outside the selected
angle range or the ultrasound
plane
—such as a bent
needle
—may be less apparent.
• Note that linear structures are
enhanced only in an outlined
portion of the image. The area
outside the outline remains
unchanged. (See Figure 1 on
page 31.)
• Note that the beam divergence
of a curved array transducer may
prevent a segment of the needle
shaft from showing in the image.
(See Figure 2 on page 32.) The
needle tip may not show.
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