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Orange County, California, Regional Chapter of the
Acoustical Society of America (OCASA)
Previous Meeting Review
 

Previous Meeting Review

Dr. Joie P. Jones
Department of Radiological Science at the University of California Irvine
 (949) 824-6147  jpjones@uci.edu

"Non-contact ultrasonic imaging for the evaluation of burns and other injuries: An example of engineering problem solving applied to biomedicine"

Dramatic burn sonograms to demonstrated the viability of Dr. Jones' non-contact medical ultrasound system. To produce them, Jones invented a way to overcome the staggeringly large energy loss caused by the impedance mismatch between transducer and tissue. The sonograms allow doctors to rapidly distinguish between deep 2nd and 3rd degree burns, a feat previously impossible. The sonograms also localize 3rd degree burns, permitting immediate surgical intervention and eliminating the typical two week diagnostic delay. This simultaneously reduces the duration of patient suffering and reduces the chance of infection. The extremely high daily cost of maintaining patients in burn centers is also dramatically reduced, and this fact alone may justify their purchase.

During the post-lecture question period we learned that Jones has had ongoing research applying ultrasound imaging to the scientific study of acupuncture. His findings astounded the audience.

I was proud to learn that developments in acoustical science and engineering were continuing to improve the human condition. The revelations in Jones’ lecture kept me bubbling with enthusiasm for days afterwards. I found great satisfaction in telling colleagues and associates about the inspiring and exciting developments we learned about that evening.

OCASA’s new lecture room at Cal State Fullerton is cozy and comfortable. Lectures and discussions by leading practitioners of acoustical science will resume in the fall.

David Lubman. Acting Chair

 
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