AI Sonogram Analysis for Trauma Free Fluid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination has variable test characteristics due to operator expertise, leading to inconsistent detection of intraabdominal hemorrhage, which is a critical issue in trauma care.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods that utilize machine learning, specifically deep learning techniques, to analyze sonograms of the abdomen and identify the presence or absence of free fluid, thereby assisting in the point-of-care diagnosis of internal bleeding without requiring input from a radiologist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FAST examination is performed by operators with varying levels of expertise, then the examination can be conducted in diverse settings, but the test characteristics become variable and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an AI-based image analysis system as an intermediary between the ultrasound operator and the diagnostic interpretation. The system automatically analyzes sonogram images to detect free fluid, thereby mediating the variability in operator expertise and providing consistent, objective diagnostic results across different settings and operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of human operator interpretation with an automated AI-based detection system. The AI model processes ultrasound images and provides diagnostic conclusions, substituting the variable human judgment mechanism with a consistent algorithmic approach that maintains high accuracy across different operators and settings.
2Reliability
If highly trained and experienced operators perform the FAST examination, then the test characteristics improve, but the availability of such operators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the ultrasound system to perform self-diagnosis through integrated AI analysis. The system automatically analyzes the sonogram images and provides diagnostic conclusions without requiring expert operator interpretation, allowing any operator to achieve reliable test characteristics consistent with highly trained experts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical system of expert operator judgment with an automated AI-based detection system. This replacement maintains high diagnostic accuracy while eliminating the limitation of operator availability, as the AI system can be deployed universally without requiring specialized training for each user.
3Speed
If the FAST examination is performed rapidly in emergency settings, then time to intervention is improved, but the complexity of obtaining accurate images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing and analysis automatically as part of the rapid examination workflow. The AI system pre-processes the sonogram images, enhancing key features and preparing them for rapid diagnostic evaluation, which reduces the overall time required for accurate imaging and interpretation in emergency settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual image analysis with automated AI-based processing. The system automatically identifies anatomical structures, detects free fluid, and provides diagnostic conclusions, substituting the complex manual evaluation process with a rapid automated system that maintains accuracy while reducing the time and skill required for image acquisition and interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for analyzing sonograms of abdomen to identify presence or absence of free fluid in the abdomen. The systems and methods are useful for performing or assisting with point of care diagnosis of presence of internal bleeding in trauma patients without requiring input from a radiologist or another clinician trained to analyze sonograms for presence or absence of free fluid. Also provided are methods and system for training a medical imaging system for analyzing sonograms of abdomen to identify presence or absence of free fluid in the abdomen.