Ultrasound-on-chip platform for medical imaging, analysis, and collective intelligence

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)

Background:

• Ultrasound imaging is vital but often limited by expensive, complex systems.
• Portable and low-cost ultrasound can significantly improve global health access and research.
• Current systems require specialized expertise, hindering widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and fabrication of an integrated ultrasound-on-chip system.
• To demonstrate the system's capability for whole-body imaging and specific medical applications.
• To introduce innovations in miniaturization and on-chip processing for ultrasound probes.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a two-dimensional array of silicon-based MEMS ultrasonic sensors.
• Integration of sensors with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) control and processing electronics.
• Implementation of approximately 9,000 individually addressable pulsers, over 11,000 amplifiers, and over 1,100 analog-to-digital converters.

Main Results:

• The developed ultrasound-on-chip is the first FDA-cleared for 13 indications.
• The system achieves whole-body imaging capabilities, potentially replacing three traditional probes.
• Demonstrated applications include augmented reality guidance for cardiac imaging and automated ejection fraction measurement.

Conclusions:

• The integrated ultrasound-on-chip platform offers a low-cost, portable, and versatile solution for medical imaging.
• This technology has the potential to broaden access to diagnostic ultrasound globally.
• Advanced features like AR guidance and automated analysis enhance diagnostic accuracy and usability.