Ergonomic Ultrasound ProbeErgonomic Ultrasound Probe

Yao LuYao LuMeghan OlsonMeghan OlsonEmily PutzerEmily PutzerHeather WaldeckHeather Waldeck

Team Members:Team Members:

University of Wisconsin - MadisonBiomedical Engineering Design Courses

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Advisor:Advisor: Client:Client:

Mark Kliewer, M.D.Mark Kliewer, M.D.Department ofDepartment of

RadiologyRadiologyUW HospitalUW Hospital

ProfessorProfessorNaomi CheslerNaomi Chesler

Department of Department of Biomedical Biomedical EngineeringEngineering

University of University of WisconsinWisconsin

Problem StatementProblem Statement

During ultrasound procedures, sonographers During ultrasound procedures, sonographers must must apply high levels of force while apply high levels of force while performing detailed movementsperforming detailed movements,, the the combination of which increases the number of combination of which increases the number of work-related injuries. Our goal is to work-related injuries. Our goal is to develop develop an ergonomic design to minimize the an ergonomic design to minimize the forces appliedforces applied and improve the current and improve the current ultrasound procedure.ultrasound procedure.

Background InformationBackground Information

Current Ultrasound Current Ultrasound ProceduresProcedures– Console andConsole and TransducerTransducer– ProceduresProcedures

EchocardiogramEchocardiogramBiopsyBiopsy

Background InformationBackground Information

Musculoskeletal Musculoskeletal disordersdisorders– Occur in 80% of sonographersOccur in 80% of sonographers

Carpal TunnelCarpal Tunnel TendonitisTendonitis Shoulder BursitisShoulder Bursitis

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Problem SpecificationsProblem Specifications No interference with the collection of dataNo interference with the collection of data

Reduce force appliedReduce force applied

Reduce strain on jointsReduce strain on joints

Still allow for precise movements and adjustmentsStill allow for precise movements and adjustments

Adaptable Adaptable

Able to maintain a stable positionAble to maintain a stable position

Design Proposal 1: Handle RedesignDesign Proposal 1: Handle Redesign

Decouple the ‘push’ Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’ and ‘pinch’ – Force applied by palmForce applied by palm– Fingers supply precise Fingers supply precise

movementsmovements

Use splint to support Use splint to support wristwrist

Design Proposal 1: Handle RedesignDesign Proposal 1: Handle Redesign

AdvantagesAdvantages– Allows mobilityAllows mobility– Prevents wrist strain by reducing pinch forcePrevents wrist strain by reducing pinch force– Can be used for many proceduresCan be used for many procedures

DisadvantagesDisadvantages– Does not prevent strain on shoulder and upper armDoes not prevent strain on shoulder and upper arm– Still must apply a large force for a long timeStill must apply a large force for a long time– Sanitation concernSanitation concern– May be uncomfortableMay be uncomfortable

Design Proposal 2: Transducer Design Proposal 2: Transducer RedesignRedesign

Force is applied using Force is applied using entire hand in ‘handle entire hand in ‘handle bar’ grip positionbar’ grip position

Transducer movement Transducer movement separate from main separate from main handle using elastic handle using elastic material material – Allows for small Allows for small

movementsmovements

Design Proposal 2: Transducer Design Proposal 2: Transducer RedesignRedesign

AdvantagesAdvantages– Applies force with more natural position of handApplies force with more natural position of hand

No pinchNo pinch– Can be used for many proceduresCan be used for many procedures

DisadvantagesDisadvantages– May reduce amount of precisionMay reduce amount of precision– Apply a large force for a long timeApply a large force for a long time– Does not prevent strain on shoulder Does not prevent strain on shoulder

Design Proposal 3: Mechanical ArmDesign Proposal 3: Mechanical Arm

Arm is locked into place to Arm is locked into place to apply forceapply force

Arc design Arc design

3 segments attached with 3 segments attached with ball & socket and hinge ball & socket and hinge jointsjoints

Design Proposal 3: Mechanical ArmDesign Proposal 3: Mechanical Arm

AdvantagesAdvantages– Manual force not needed for long durationsManual force not needed for long durations– Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’ armAllows for many positions without ‘twisting’ arm

DisadvantagesDisadvantages– Not applicable to all ultrasound proceduresNot applicable to all ultrasound procedures– Does not allow for fast position adjustmentsDoes not allow for fast position adjustments– Possible stability issue?Possible stability issue?

Additional Client RequirementsAdditional Client Requirements

Prefer eliminating applied force Prefer eliminating applied force

Currently many ideas for handle redesignCurrently many ideas for handle redesign

Focus on echocardiogram and biopsy Focus on echocardiogram and biopsy proceduresprocedures– Transducer held stable for long periodTransducer held stable for long period

Evaluation of DesignsEvaluation of DesignsHandle Handle

redesignredesignTransducer Transducer

redesignredesignMechanical Mechanical

armarmAbility to reduce forceAbility to reduce force 11 11 33Ability to make Ability to make precise movementsprecise movements

22 11 33

ComfortComfort 11 22 33FeasibilityFeasibility 33 11 22Ease of useEase of use 33 22 22Adaptability to Adaptability to different peopledifferent people

11 33 33

Lack of interference Lack of interference with procedureswith procedures

33 22 22

TotalTotal 1414 1212 *18**18*

Final DesignFinal Design

Mechanical arm with adjustmentsMechanical arm with adjustments

– Allow arc to move underneath the bedAllow arc to move underneath the bed

– Size-adjustable arcSize-adjustable arc

– Allow movement back and forthAllow movement back and forth

– Allow storage on the side of bedAllow storage on the side of bed

Future WorkFuture Work

Determine maximum force needed to be Determine maximum force needed to be applied by armapplied by arm

Determine type of materialDetermine type of material

Method to securely lock all arm segments Method to securely lock all arm segments and hingesand hinges

Allow transducer to be removableAllow transducer to be removable

Questions?Questions?