Project Title:

A Hand-Held Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound B-Mode Scanner with Doppler

12.01-9769
901129
A Hand-Held Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound B-Mode Scanner with Doppler

Abstract:

A hand-held medical ultrasound instrument for cardiology weighing 10 pounds, occupying
0.1 cubic feet of space and complete with 2-dimensional imaging, EKG display, doppler,
and digital image storage is a significant innovation in diagnostic devices. Capable
of imaging the heart, the great vessels and intra-abdominal organs with performance
comparable to that of a full sized instrument, this novel device could be used on
board the space craft or in the laboratory and play a vital role in the health care
of astronauts. The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of producing
such a device by exploring strategies for miniaturizing major functional areas of
two-dimensional ultrasound imaging systems. Specifically, the project will investigate
a novel beam forming technique; design a digital scan convertor using application
specific integrated circuit technology; design a low component count single channel
EKG system; demonstrate the feasibility of doppler spectral calculations using a
digital signal processor; and investigate the feasibility of on board storage using
data compression techniques. The feasibility report at the end of Phase I will permit
the development of full scale prototypes usable by NASA during Phase II.
Initially targeted for use by cardiologists, this device could create potentially
new markets for the application of diagnostic ultrasound in medicine by being used
for conducting general exams by primary care physician; for assessing trauma in the
battlefield or other emergency situations by para-medical personnel; and as an aid
to establishing of central intra-venous lines.
ultrasound, medical, diagnostic, miniature, imaging, cardiology, doppler, EKG