Rectus Abdominis Ultrasound Angle Selection for Precise Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging for diagnosing and monitoring Rectus Abdominis Diastasis (RAD) is operator-dependent and lacks precision, requiring extensive training to obtain reliable measurements, which can be subjective and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a processor to obtain and select ultrasound image data from different angles, automatically identifying the clearest image for measurement by ensuring the ultrasound transducer is tilted at approximately 90 degrees to the skin surface, minimizing operator dependence and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging is used for diagnosing and monitoring RAD, then real-time capability and low cost are achieved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to operator dependence and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-evaluation by automatically assessing image quality metrics (focus, noise, artifacts) and selecting the optimal image from multiple acquisitions, eliminating the need for operator judgment and subjective interpretation in image selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/subjective process of operator-based image selection with an automated computational system that uses algorithms to objectively evaluate and select the clearest image, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing operator dependence
2Reliability
If extensive training is provided to sonographers to improve image quality, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and training time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for operator inexperience through automated image quality assessment and selection, allowing less trained sonographers to obtain reliable measurements by relying on the system's objective criteria rather than subjective expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple images before measurement, automatically identifying and selecting the optimal image based on predefined quality metrics, thereby ensuring measurement reliability before the actual measurement process begins
3Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasound images are acquired at different angles to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to additional image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual review and processing of multiple images with an automated algorithm that rapidly evaluates image quality metrics and selects the optimal image, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system autonomously processes multiple acquired images by automatically assessing their quality and selecting the best one for measurement, eliminating the need for operator intervention in image selection and reducing overall processing time
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
This approach allows for more robust and reliable measurements of muscle thickness and separation in RAD, reducing the need for extensive training and improving precision and repeatability of ultrasound imaging.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a sequence of ultrasound image data of the rectus abdominis muscles, the sequence of ultrasound image data having been obtained using an ultrasound transducer tilted at different angles to the surface of the skin of the subject and thus having different angles of ingress of the ultrasound waves into the skin
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in analysing ultrasound image data of rectus abdominis muscles of a subject. The apparatus comprises a memory comprising instruction data representing a set of instructions, and a processor configured to communicate with the memory and to execute the set of instructions. The set of instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: obtain a sequence of ultrasound image data of the rectus abdominis muscles, the sequence of ultrasound image data having image data having been obtained using an ultrasound transducer tilted at different angles to the surface of the skin of the subject and thus having different angles of ingress of the ultrasound waves into the skin. The processor is further caused to select ultrasound image data from the sequence of ultrasound image data, the selected ultrasound image data comprising image data in the sequence in which a region of the rectus abdominis muscle appears clearest compared to other image data in the sequence of ultrasound image data, and make a measurement of the rectus abdominis muscles in the selected ultrasound image data.