Time-Bar Interface for Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Protocol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual execution of timed sequences in contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging protocols is prone to errors, leading to data loss and repeated injections due to the complexity and precision required in imaging and contrast injection timing.
Innovation Solution
A system with a graphical user interface that allows users to create and manage editable protocols, featuring time-based actions and visual indications for upcoming events, and displays for image and loop acquisition during the exam, reducing manual errors through real-time reminders and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual timing and execution of imaging sequences is used, then operator flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but precision and reliability of timing are compromised leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol allows operators to pre-configure timing parameters, image acquisition schedules, and contrast injection sequences before the actual imaging procedure. This preliminary setup ensures precise timing execution during the exam while reducing manual intervention complexity during the procedure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through a time-bar display that shows current protocol progress, upcoming events, and timing status. This feedback mechanism helps operators monitor timing accuracy and make adjustments if needed, while the system automatically manages the complex timing sequences.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise manual timing is required for image acquisition and contrast injection, then data quality is improved, but operator workload and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol executes automatically once configured, with the system self-managing timing sequences, image acquisition triggers, and contrast injection coordination. This reduces operator workload during execution while maintaining precise timing through automated control of imaging parameters and contrast delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging protocol is divided into discrete, configurable segments or steps, each with specific timing parameters and actions. This segmentation allows operators to configure complex procedures in manageable units while the system handles the precise coordination between different segments during execution.
3Reliability
If repeated manual timing and image acquisition is performed, then complete contrast circulation capture is achieved, but time loss and potential data gaps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol enables continuous, automated image acquisition sequences without manual intervention between frames or loops. The system maintains continuous monitoring and data collection throughout the contrast circulation phases, eliminating gaps that would occur with manual start/stop operations and reducing overall procedure time.
Data Source
AI summary
A display (150) for a contrast-enhanced examination ultrasound (CEUS) exam is disclosed. The display (150) includes a user interface (160) with an editable protocol (200) adapted to allow a user to select time-based actions and events of an upcoming CEUS exam on the display (150); a first time-bar display (300) adapted to allow the user to alter time-based actions during the CEUS exam, and to provide visual indications of upcoming actions on the display (150); and a second time-bar display (400) adapted to allow the user to display (150) images (512) and loops acquired during the CEUS exam on the display (150). A method (600) of controlling an imaging procedure is also described.