Innovative Wearable Miniaturized Wireless Wrist-Worn Ultrasound System Developed for Extended Fast Exam with Integrated Dual-Plane Finger Probe

BLANDFORD Ian1, Scott CORBETT1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences, COMP–Northwest,... [ view full abstract ]

BLANDFORD Ian1, Scott CORBETT1, Brion BENNINGER1-9. Medical Anatomy Center1, Departments of Medical Anatomical Sciences2, Neuromuscular Medicine3, Family Practice4, Western University of Health Sciences, COMP–Northwest, Lebanon, OR. USA. Departments of Orthopaedics5, General Surgery6 and Sports Medicine7, Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, OR. USA. Departments of Surgery8, Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation9, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. USA.

INTRODUCTION. Portable ultrasound (US) has proven to be a valuable triage tool for civilian trauma emergency services. Wilderness medicine and evacuation groups have different limitations regarding portable US. Essentially, they need wearable ultrasound (WU), which is light and efficient. The objective of this study was to further develop WU for dangerous and non-threatening arenas. METHODS. Literature search was conducted on WU. We collaborated with Sonivate to develop a dual-plane ultrasound finger probe (DPFP). Previous WU prototypes were wearable and successfully acquired images, but size and weight were unacceptable. Fukuda-Denshi UF-760AG US system will be integrated with SonicEye DPFP to address weight and size. The system will communicate wirelessly with a “smart” phone, tablet or computer. WU will be tested with medical students conducting the extended FAST exam on donor cadavers and subsequently with healthy individuals. RESULTS. Literature search revealed no known results. The 3rd has conducted previous research with WU. This study successfully acquired diagnostic quality images with acceptable size and weight considerations. DISCUSSION. Literature search revealed one previous study by the research team. Novel DPFP is 2nd generation device based on Sonivate’s original prototype. It was developed and built for the military arena with benefits to civilian medicine. WU with integrated DPFP was successfully designed. It is extremely difficult to manage US technology in the field. The research team has experience with designing and developing WU. This project demonstrates the design and development of the evolving WU technology. Second generation design will be tested on donor cadavers and healthy individuals for image acquisition, quality of imaging and wearable practicality. Testing on donor cadavers has proven a useful training ground for medical students and could be used to train providers. It will enable the provider to become efficient with US while learning relevant anatomy. CONCLUSION. This study successfully demonstrated a DPFP which acquired quality images, integrated with a newly designed 2nd generation wearable US to be used efficiently by providers in both dangerous and non-threatening arenas.