ABSTRACT
A versatile, flexible piezoceramic array has been developed for a variety of ultrasound applications. The transducer can be configured as a linear or curvilinear transducer array, or mounted directly onto the body as a patch or wearable device. Results using a prototype 16-element array demonstrated equivalence to commercial linear array probes in accuracy of vessel diameter measurements in vascular phantoms. The ability to view needle insertion for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) procedures was also demonstrated. Opportunities for wearable ultrasound devices include point-of-care imaging, combat casualty care, ultrasound therapy, patient monitoring, and personal health.
Subject(s)
Monitoring, Ambulatory/instrumentation , Point-of-Care Testing , Transducers , Ultrasonography/instrumentation , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems/instrumentation , Miniaturization , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Ultrasonography/methodsABSTRACT
A mobile, affordable product that provides clinicians and patients with comprehensive asthma assessment is needed to improve asthma control. Our solution is an integrated system consisting of a portable, inexpensive, easy-to-use spirometer and a mobile application that communicates wirelessly with the spirometer. Results demonstrated that the wireless asthma management solution meets recommended American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) standards. The device is expected to empower patients to accurately self-assess their asthma for better self-management at home, work, or leisure.
