Abstract
The first and second editions of this book, published in 2003 and 2009, were a resounding success. These editions enhanced the market by providing a detailed, succinct and applicable account of the physics and technology underpinning diagnostic ultrasound. They become the standard text for academics, clinicians, students and trainees throughout the world.
Ten years later, the need for a text to stretch the heart and mind of medical and non-medical ultrasound practitioners (undergraduate and postgraduate students, academics and clinicians) on the fundamental principles and technological advances remains. This third edition fits the brief admirably. It includes a new chapter on advanced techniques for imaging flow and tissue motion. The three-dimensional ultrasound, contrast agents and elastography chapters have been developed with the increasing potential for these modalities. These chapters allow the reader to gain deep and broad understanding of the physics and technological perspectives. The third edition again provides an overview of the clinical value of these modalities. The editors provide useful references for the academic, clinician, student and trainee to enhance their understanding of the issue of the diagnostic value of the technological changes in these modalities.
The original chapters have been revisited and updated successfully. The editors have written with clarity and brevity on topics such as developments in transducer technology and recent developments in beam forming for array probes. This is necessary given the types of profession and disciplines who will use this text book for the next 10 years and beyond. All chapters include clear subheadings, diagrams and appropriate equations. The questions at the end of each chapter and the answers at the end of the book are an aid for the life-long student of ultrasound to reflect on and action.
Two appendices deal with the decibel, and acoustic output parameters and their measurement.
The book is well produced with images of diagnostic quality in both greyscale and colour, and appropriate diagrams. This reviewer found it very difficult to come up with any sensible substantial negative comments. That is probably because this is an excellent book; it fills a major gap in the field (previously only filled by the previous editions) and it is a major contribution to the education and instruction of ultrasound practitioners, whatever their background. It works admirably both as a textbook and as a reference volume. I recommend you use it and its e-book version throughout your career.