Ultrasound probe with integrated ECG lead: feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Medical Device Innovation

Background:

• Traditional cardiac assessments require multiple devices, increasing complexity and cost.
• Integrating electrocardiogram (ECG) leads with ultrasound transducers offers potential for streamlined cardiac data acquisition.
• Portable cardiac diagnostic tools are crucial for remote and point-of-care applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated device combining electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac ultrasound capabilities.
• To simplify the process of collecting cardiac information by minimizing the number of required devices.
• To explore the feasibility of recording a precordial ECG using non-standard lead placement on an integrated device.

Main Methods:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads were integrated directly onto the surface of a cardiac ultrasound transducer.
• The ECG leads were also incorporated into the external casing of a simulated small, portable ultrasound scanner.
• A precordial electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded using the integrated leads, deviating from standard lead placement protocols.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of ECG leads onto both the ultrasound transducer face and the portable scanner chassis was achieved.
• The integrated system allowed for the simultaneous collection of cardiac ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) data.
• A functional precordial ECG was successfully recorded despite non-standard lead positioning.

Conclusions:

• Integrating ECG leads with cardiac ultrasound transducers and portable scanners is feasible.
• This integrated approach can reduce the number of medical devices needed for comprehensive cardiac assessment.
• The developed system demonstrates potential for more efficient and accessible cardiac monitoring.