The enhancement makes possible diagnoses that would previously have required other diagnostic tests, repeated ultrasound exams or costly invasive exams.

It is particularly valuable because often the most difficult-to-image patients are also the most ill. These include smokers, the elderly and those who are overweight and very muscular.

Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that produces images of internal areas of the body.

The image is created by bouncing sound waves off organs or tissue.