Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering (Sep 2024)

Towards examiner-independent reproducible abdominal ultrasound examinations

  • Baader Tobias,
  • Nam Bach Thanh,
  • Yavuz Sümeyra,
  • Brand Lukas Klaus,
  • Güler Beyda,
  • Grupp Peter,
  • Malek Nisar Peter,
  • Hoffmann Tatjana,
  • Pauluschke-Fröhlich Jan,
  • Fröhlich Eckhart,
  • Burgert Oliver

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2024-1070
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 2
pp. 71 – 74

Abstract

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The proposed system aims at reproducibility in ultrasound follow-up examinations by storing the position of the ultrasound transducer in relation to acquired images. The system utilizes an electromagnetic tracking system. It includes a guidance feature to assist in placing the transducer correctly on the patient. Evaluation of the system involved technical accuracy tests on a phantom and accuracy tests on human subjects. The results showed that the technical accuracy of the system met the required criteria, but the transducer positioning error in realistic scenarios was above the threshold. Usability testing indicated potential benefits for medical training and provided suggestions for improving the user interface. Overall, the system shows promise for further development and can already be used for training ultrasound examinations.

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