Protocol-Driven Ultrasound System for Cardiac Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound examinations for cardiac structures are operator-dependent, complex, and prone to errors due to reliance on manual protocols and cumbersome reference materials, especially during time-critical surgical procedures, where efficient comparison and selection of images are labor-intensive and stressful.
Innovation Solution
A protocol-driven ultrasound system and method that includes a front-end for transmitting ultrasound waves and a processor for acquiring and selecting images based on predefined protocols, allowing for efficient image acquisition, labeling, and display, with user-configurable protocols and icons to guide professionals through standardized views and studies, facilitating quick comparison and storage of images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual protocols and handouts are used to guide ultrasound examinations, then professionals can perform comprehensive examinations, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound system automatically guides the operator through protocol steps, automatically acquiring and organizing images according to predefined sequences. The system self-manages the examination workflow, reducing dependency on manual reference materials and minimizing human error while maintaining comprehensive examination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A computerized protocol management system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the examination process. This intermediary automatically interprets protocol requirements, guides probe positioning, and manages image acquisition sequences, eliminating the need for operators to manually consult handouts and drawings during procedures.
2Loss of information
If multiple views and clips are acquired during cardiac ultrasound, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but searching and comparing clips becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The examination protocol divides the comprehensive cardiac ultrasound into distinct, organized segments or views (e.g., apical 4-chamber, parasternal long axis). Each view is automatically labeled and stored in a structured manner, enabling rapid retrieval and comparison of specific clips without manual searching through unorganized archives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-organizes and pre-labels images and clips according to the protocol sequence during acquisition. Metadata including view type, timing, and diagnostic relevance is automatically attached to each clip, enabling instant retrieval and comparison during emergency situations or surgical procedures without requiring manual organization later.
3Reliability
If strict protocols are followed to ensure examination quality, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the examination process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol management system dynamically adapts to the examination flow, automatically adjusting the sequence of views based on real-time diagnostic needs and patient anatomy. The system maintains comprehensive protocol coverage while optimizing the examination path, allowing experienced operators to skip redundant views when already visualized, thus maintaining diagnostic accuracy while improving efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances consistency, quality, and speed of ultrasound examinations, improves workflow, and facilitates communication by providing an efficient tool for training and surgical planning, reducing the burden of manual protocol adherence and enabling quick access to relevant images during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a front-end arranged to transmit ultrasound waves into the moving cardiac structure and blood, generating received signals in response to the ultrasound waves backscattered from the moving cardiac structure and blood
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for performing a protocol-driven ultrasound examination for generating an image of moving cardiac structure and blood of a heart. One embodiment comprises a front-end and at least one processor. The front end is arranged to transmit ultrasound waves into the moving cardiac structure and blood, generating received signals in response to the ultrasound waves backscattered from the moving cardiac structure and blood. The at least one processor, responsive to the received signals, acquires at least one image of the structure in at least one of a predetermined order and a predefined protocol, and selects at least one of the acquired images taken along at least one of a given view and study.