Diagnostic posture control system for seated-style echocardiography robot.

Area of Science:

• Medical robotics
• Diagnostic imaging
• Cardiovascular ultrasound technology

Background:

• Conventional robotic ultrasound systems require patients to be in a supine position, posing challenges for emergency evacuation.
• Patient immobility between the robot and bed in traditional systems creates safety concerns during emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the feasibility of a seated-style echocardiography robot.
• To assess diagnostic image quality and physical load in a seated robotic echocardiography setup.
• To enhance patient safety and evacuation efficiency compared to conventional systems.

Main Methods:

• Preliminary experiments evaluated diagnostic image quality and physical load based on sitting posture angles.
• Incorporated a leg pendulum base mechanism to mitigate leg strain with increased lateral bending.
• Implemented roll angle division using lumbar lateral bending and thoracic rotation mechanisms to reduce physical burden.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic image quality comparable to conventional examinations was achieved with adjusted seated posture angles, capturing cardiac disease features.
• The integrated body load reduction mechanisms effectively decreased physical strain during seated echocardiography.
• The seated system demonstrated enhanced safety and significantly shorter evacuation times than conventional robotic ultrasound systems.

Conclusions:

• Seated-style echocardiography robots can successfully obtain diagnostic echocardiographic images.
• The proposed system offers reduced physical load, improved safety, and efficient emergency evacuation.
• This study confirms the potential utility of seated-style echocardiography robots in clinical practice.