Medical ultrasound or echocardiographic studies are highly operatordependent and generally require lengthy training and internship to perfect. To obtain quality echocardiographic images in remote environments, such as on-orbit, remote guidance of studies has been employed. This technique involves minimal training for the user, coupled with remote guidance from an expert. When realtime communication or expert guidance is not available, a more autonomous system of guiding an inexperienced operator through an ultrasound study is needed. One example would be missions beyond low Earth orbit, in which the time delay inherent with communication will make remote guidance impractical.
The Virtual Ultrasound Guidance system is a combination of hardware and software. The hardware portion includes, but is not limited to, video glasses that allow hands-free, full-screen viewing. The glasses also allow the operator a substantial field of view below the glasses to view and operate the ultrasound system. The software is a comprehensive video program designed to guide an inexperienced operator through a detailed ultrasound or echocardiographic study without extensive training or guidance from the ground. The program contains a detailed description using video and audio to demonstrate equipment controls, ergonomics of scanning, study protocol, and scanning guidance, including recovery from sub-optimal images.
The components used in the initial validation of the system include an Apple iPod Classic third-generation as the video source, and Myvue video glasses. Initially, the program prompts the operator to power-up the ultrasound and position the patient. The operator would put on the video glasses and attach them to the video source. After turning on both devices and the ultrasound system, the audio-video guidance would then instruct on patient positioning and scanning techniques.
A detailed scanning protocol follows with descriptions and reference video of each view along with advice on technique. The program also instructs the operator regarding the types of images to store and how to overcome pitfalls in scanning. Images can be forwarded to the ground or other site when convenient. Following study completion, the video glasses, video source, and ultrasound system are powered down and stored. Virtually any equipment that can play back video can be used to play back the program. This includes a DVD player, personal computer, and some MP3 players.
This work was done by Timothy Caine and David Martin of Johnson Space Center. MSC-24800-1
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Virtual Ultrasound Guidance for Inexperienced Operators
(reference MSC-24800-1) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the "Virtual Ultrasound Guidance for Inexperienced Operators," a system developed by NASA's Johnson Space Center to assist inexperienced operators in performing ultrasound or echocardiographic scans autonomously. This innovation addresses the challenges of conducting medical ultrasound studies, which are highly operator-dependent and typically require extensive training. In remote environments, such as space missions, traditional methods of remote guidance from experts can be impractical due to communication delays.
The Virtual Ultrasound Guidance system utilizes an Apple iPod Classic as a video source and Myvue video glasses for hands-free viewing of instructions. The system guides the operator through the ultrasound process by providing real-time audio-visual instructions on patient positioning, scanning techniques, and study protocols. It also offers advice on how to correct sub-optimal images and when to store them. This approach allows operators with minimal training to perform ultrasound studies effectively, as evidenced by tests where users without ultrasound training were able to obtain diagnostically adequate images.
The document highlights four unique features of the system: real-time guidance during exams, hands-free viewing through video glasses, step-by-step audio instructions, and comprehensive support that goes beyond basic protocols. These features collectively enhance the quality of ultrasound exams, making the system particularly valuable in remote or extreme environments where expert guidance is not readily available.
Additionally, the document discusses potential commercial applications for the technology, suggesting that the concept of virtual guidance could be expanded to other training-intensive tasks requiring autonomous execution with limited expert assistance. The system's design allows for flexibility, as it can be adapted to various video playback devices beyond the initial setup.
In summary, the Virtual Ultrasound Guidance system represents a significant advancement in medical imaging technology, enabling inexperienced operators to perform ultrasound studies with greater confidence and effectiveness. This innovation not only improves the quality of medical examinations in challenging environments but also has the potential to be applied in other fields requiring similar autonomous guidance solutions.
