Ultrasound -- Engadget

ultrasound posts

GE VScan portable ultrasound earns the Leonard McCoy seal of approval

by Ross Miller posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 2:45AM

Well, would you look at this little beaut from from the Web 2.0 summit. General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt swung by the event last night pocketing the not-quite-flip phone ~~tricorder~~ Vscan, which all kidding aside is one of the smallest functional ultrasound machines we've seen. The goal is for doctors to have better access to specialist tools, reducing the number of referrals and improving diagnoses, etc. -- and we're sure selling an absolute ton of these is probably on the to-do list as well. See a glimpse of it in action after the break.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Continue reading GE VScan portable ultrasound earns the Leonard McCoy seal of approval

Elliptic Labs returns with more red hot touchless UI action

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 8th 2009 at 1:54PM

Elliptic Labs is back on the scene with another demo of its touchless UI. This time 'round the company's teamed up with Opera and presents us with a much more polished affair, not to mention a couple technical details. According to CEO Stian Aldrin, the device is based on ultrasound, tracks the hand itself (no reflector or sensor necessary), has a range of one foot, and has been designed to be either embedded in any electronic device (including a cellphone) or to connect to devices via USB. The company's current demo shows the technology being used to flip through photos in an Opera widget. Sure, a couple simple one-gesture commands isn't exactly "pulling all the stops," as far as a proof-of-concept goes, but we're looking forward to seeing what this company comes up with in the future. Peep for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Elliptic Labs returns with more red hot touchless UI action

Acoustic superlens could mask ships from sonar... in theory, anyway

by Darren Murph posted May 31st 2009 at 9:32PM

Man, the mad scientists are really on a roll of late. First we hear that Li-ion cells are set to magically double in capacity, and now we're learning that a new form of invisibility cloak is totally gearing up for its Target debut. As the seemingly endless quest to bend light in such a way as to create a sheath of invisibility continues, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Nicholas Fang has reportedly developed a metamaterial that acts as a type of acoustic superlens. In theory, at least, this approach would rely on phreaking with sound rather than light in order to intensely focus ultrasound waves; by doing so, one could hypothetically "hide ships from sonar." To be fair, this all sounds entirely more believable than hiding massive vessels from human sight, but we're still not taking our skeptic hat off until we see (er, don't see?) a little proof.

[Via Slashdot]

USB ultrasound device coming to a Windows Mobile phone near you?

by Laura June posted Apr 21st 2009 at 6:43PM

Two computer science professors at Washington University in St. Louis have produced a USB ultrasound probe which is compatible with Windows Mobile smartphones. The project, funded by Microsoft, has developed and optimized probe that uses less power, and is enhanced for data transfer rates on cellphones. The devices could be especially useful in on-the-go situations -- for ambulances, emergencies, and for use by traveling medical staff. The makers also foresee that the device could positively effect medical practice in the developing world, where equipment and doctors can be scarce, and a small, but cellphone access is ever increasingly prevalent. We don't know when these might be commercially available, but they are hoping to sell them for around $500 -- significantly cheaper than many portable ultrasounds, which can cost almost $30,000.

Update: Check out another image after the break.

[Via Physorg]

Continue reading USB ultrasound device coming to a Windows Mobile phone near you?

Robot doctors join the fight against breast cancer

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Feb 11th 2009 at 1:36PM

From Da Vinci robosurgeons to helpful nursebots , robots are becoming commonplace in hospitals the world over -- and now researchers at Duke University have developed a rudimentary tabletop robot that uses 3D ultrasound technology to detect a 'lesion' in a simulated sponge breast, pinpoint its exact location, and perform a biopsy. All the calculations are performed by the device itself, using what has been described as "a basic artificial intelligence program." The next step in the research will be an upgrade that will that the robotic arm from three-axis to six-axis capability, and a change from the old sponge-based simulated breast to one made from turkey breasts, which approximates the density of human breast tissue. According to Stephen Smith, director of the Duke University Ultrasound Transducer Group, if things stay on track, robots will be performing routine breast exams and biopsies in five to ten years. Video after the break.

[Via PhysOrg]

Continue reading Robot doctors join the fight against breast cancer

Ultraportable ultrasound machine paves the way for wacky ultrasound pranks

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Dec 24th 2008 at 12:06PM

It might look more like a Radio Shack project kit than a serious piece of medical equipment, but George K. Lewis -- a third year biomedical engineering PhD student -- has developed a pocket-sized ultrasound device that can be manufactured for about $100. Typically, a biomedical ultrasound unit can weigh 30 pounds and cost upwards of $20,000. The developer has high hopes for the device -- not only will an ultraportable ultrasound bring the technology to places where it might have been impractical before (such as combat units in the field and remote populations), hopefully the inexpensive contraption will spur innovative new uses for the device. So, what's stranger -- scoping your unborn child with a homebrew ultrasound, or using an incubator that once lived as a Toyota 4Runner? That's a tough call...

[Via Inventor Spot]

Nokia planning touch-less, gesture-controlled devices?

by Thomas Ricker posted Nov 21st 2008 at 8:09AM

Usually when we're talking about Nokia and patents, a mention of Qualcomm can't be far behind. This time however, we're looking at something entirely less boring, fascinating even: ultra-sound sensors that detect hand gestures in the air in front of the device. Now the stretch. Nokia's chief designer, Alastair Curtis, was asked at a recent cocktail party why Nokia's N-series of multimedia devices have yet to see a multi-touch interface, Curtis replied, "We've not launched what we think is right for N-series in a touch product. You'll see in the coming months, years... what we feel is right." Curtis then elaborated, "Much as I'm talking to you now with gestures." Hmm. Ok Alastair, if such devices are in the chute, as long as they don't resemble the Palm V-series... we're cool.

[Thanks, Pdexter]

Read -- Patent application
Read -- Curtis quotes

NanoVibronix cleared to market ultrasonic painkiller PainShield MD

by Samuel Axon posted Oct 27th 2008 at 6:01PM

NanoVibronix's PainShield MD reminds us (a little bit) of DARPA's wound-healing ultrasound wrap, but its purpose is to stop pain, not bleeding. The pocket-sized device emits ultrasonic waves through a disposable patch that can easily be slapped onto the patient's skin. The fundamental tech isn't new, but NanoVibronix is hoping doctors and patients will pick PainShield up because it's portable and convenient; the patch means medical personnel don't have to hold or operate anything during treatment. It's just been cleared by the FDA, so it should reach the market soon-ish.

DARPA's latest: a wrap that stops bleeding with sound

by Tim Stevens posted Oct 24th 2008 at 8:32AM

If we had our way, all our military tax dollars would go to DARPA. Whether it be nano planes, robot arms, or high-resolution sniper scopes, it always has something interesting cooking, and today's defense-minded gadget is no different. It's called a DBAC device, for Deep Bleeder Acoustic Coagulation; basically a portable ultrasound wrap that can identify wounds ("bleeders") and reduce their severity. It uses Doppler waves to find an internal leak, then turns up the frequency and amplitude on that location to stem it, all in a completely automated fashion able to be managed by any Joe in a hot zone. Okay, so perhaps it's not as cool as a remote-controlled zombie shark, but this cuff has the potential to save many lives and limbs on the battlefield -- assuming it works. DARPA hopes to have a functional prototype ready in 18 months. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via CNET News]

Portable medical scanners built to interface with cellphones

by Darren Murph posted May 2nd 2008 at 6:10AM

You know those elephant-sized medical scanners? Totally amazing machines, sure, but things like that aren't apt to be shipped into obscure jungles throughout Africa. Thankfully, a team of researchers have developed something that could bring medical scanning to an even larger chunk of the world: a real live Tricorder. Of course, it's not really going by that moniker, but the diminutive scanner is able to interface with a cellphone via USB and utilize its 3G / WiFi access to send raw scan data to servers and receive images back. Granted, you won't get any high-resolution viewing from your average mobile, but it's certainly a step in the right direction.

Siemens rolls out ultrasound-equipped MacBook Pro

by Donald Melanson posted Nov 26th 2007 at 11:39AM

We've seen MacBooks re-purposed for various uses in the past, but never quite like Siemens new "P50" laptop, which takes a standard issue (if slightly outdated) MacBook Pro and outfits it with some ultrasound equipment to accomodate doctors that just can't be tied down. Apparently designed specifically for cardiology and vascular applications, this one boasts an "array of transducers," along with an integrated stress echo function and a range of cardiology application packages which, Siemens says, "considerably simplifies and accelerates the workflow in echocardiography and vascular diagnosis." Mac fans may not want to boast too much about this one, however, as it seems that Siemens has opted to use Windows as a basis for the platform.

[Via The Raw Feed]

Siemens unveils the P10 handheld ultrasound machine

by Nilay Patel posted Jun 26th 2007 at 11:14PM

Ultrasound machines have been getting smaller for a while now, leading some doctors to claim that they'll eventually replace the stethoscope -- and Siemen's latest model, the ACUSON P10, is another step in the transition. The 1.6-pound P10 is designed to fit inside a standard white coat pocket, and can store images and video clips for later examination. The unit is currently undergoing clinical trials in the US; hopefully that "optimized price" Siemens is touting means that we'll be seeing the P10 pop up in hospitals very soon.

[Via MedGadget]

Ultreo toothbrush uses ultrasound, but can it clean teeth?

by Jeannie Choe posted Feb 24th 2007 at 5:45PM

Riveting news from the world of dental hygiene: the Ultreo ultrasonic toothbrush has officially launched, promising what sounds like the ultimate brush session -- oh you know, "ultrasound waveguide technology" and "precisely tuned sonic bristle action" and stuff like that. Unlike traditional sonic units that only use audible frequencies of 20Hz to 20,000Hz, Ultreo uses a tuned sonic / ultrasonic (over 20,000Hz) combo to offer more enamel-rattling power without compromising the user's veneers, bridges, or general safety. There's a programmable replacement indicator that prompts a brush head switch-out every 3 months, and the 2-minute auto shut-off timer makes sure you don't cop out too early. For about $149.00, true tooth-o-philes can sink their chompers into this latest addition to the bourgie toothbrush market.

[Thanks, Eric B]

Mini-Z T-ray imaging device takes home the gold

by Darren Murph posted Feb 17th 2007 at 6:05AM

We're all about giving golf claps where they're due, and a healthy round is certainly in order for Mr. Brian Schulkin. The doctoral student in physics developed a breakthrough terahertz imaging device, dubbed a T-ray, that has already demonstrated its ability to "detect cracks in space shuttle foam, image tumors in breast tissue, and spot counterfeit watermarks on paper currency." The Mini-Z marks the first time such a powerful device has become portable in nature, weighing just five pounds and taking up about as much space as your average laptop. Taking home the first Lemelson-Rensselaer Student Prize ($30,000), Schulkin explained that this device didn't pose the same health risks as typical X-rays, and unlike ultrasound, terahertz waves can provide images and spectroscopic information without contacting an object. As expected, the patent-pending technology is already up for licensing, and has already received quite a bit of fanfare and commercial interest from larger companies. So while you may never personally encounter Brian's earth-shattering invention, we're fairly sure this young lad's working days are already drawing nigh if he so chooses.

[Via Physorg]

LipoSonix aiming for non-invasive body sculpting

by Darren Murph posted Jan 1st 2007 at 11:28AM

We're sure there's quite a few of you out there that have already vowed to make good use of that Nike+iPod kit you received this holiday season in order to shape up in 2007, but for those who just don't have the time (or adequate willpower), LipoSonix could help you fool everyone into thinking you actually kept your resolution. While liposuction has become frighteningly common here in the States, a Seattle-based medical device company is hoping to give folks a "less invasive" alternative to the messy methods currently used. Preferring the term "body sculpting," the company claims that its technology "works by focusing high-intensity ultrasound through the skin into precise locations within subcutaneous adipose tissue, which permanently disrupts the adipocytes without damaging the epidermis, dermis, or underlying tissues and organs." In short, a specially crafted ultrasound transducer can purportedly eliminate unwanted tissue quickly, causing "minimal downtime and bruising" to patients, and hopefully costing less than procedures done today. Although we can't promise this (admittedly bizarre) technology will be available by year's end, initial clinical testing has reportedly been quite successful, but until a few more guinea pigs have survived for an extended period of time, we'll be sticking with the tried and true "working out" method.