Fourth Generation Portable Ultrasound Scanner
We are in the process of developing the fourth generation of a versatile, mobile ultrasound system, while the third generation system is undergoing clinical testing. Both systems are lightweight self-contained diagnostic ultrasound system, intended for use in a helicopter, an ambulance, at disaster and triage sites and in rural clinics. They are based on the Terason t3000 PC based ultrasound scanner system.
The system is ‘reconfigurable’, in that it can be configured to be worn in a vest, to be packaged in a compact bag. It is designed to operate in a dusty or wet environment, provides full day battery operation, and is equipped with wireless image upload and two-way radio communication. Because of its intended use is indoors as well as outdoors, a traditional keyboard cannot be used to control the scanner, but instead it can use a touch screen for display and control, or it can use a wearable display together with voice commands. It can be augmented to be equipped with physiological sensors and/or examination camera. The latter can be used to embed a small image in the ultrasound image as to how the operator uses the ultrasound transducer.
For critical injuries, the “Golden Hour” is a period of an hour or so when fairly severe injuries can still be treated and lives saved, provided that diagnosis can be made and the treatment is administered quickly. The ultrasound system is designed to used anywhere and to allow the EMT or physician to move about freely and to have one hand free for supporting the injured person.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: March 11, 2008 14:04:06