What is the main purpose of TGC in ultrasound imaging?

In ultrasound imaging, Time Gain Compensation (TGC) serves primarily to boost or reduce echoes independently at varying depths within the body. This capability allows for the adjustment of the brightness of the returning echoes based on how deep the sound waves have traveled. As ultrasound waves penetrate tissue, they can be attenuated, meaning the intensity of the echoes decreases. TGC enables sonographers to optimize image quality by compensating for this attenuation, ensuring that structures at different depths are accurately represented on the final image.

By adjusting the gain at multiple depths, TGC improves the visibility of both superficial and deeper structures within the ultrasound field. This tailoring of echo strength is crucial for distinguishing smaller or subtler details that could be lost due to varying tissue densities and depths. Therefore, the primary role of TGC is to enhance the echo signal appropriately across different depths, facilitating improved diagnostic capabilities.