Portable Ultrasound Device

Project Title

Portable Ultrasound Device

Project Area of Specialization Biomedical EngineeringProject Summary

In this project we will be working on Portable Ultrasound Device. Since this is probably the first effort in Pakistan, it’s important to come up with a suitable TPP (Target Product Profile). In this regard, extensive literature survey and field visits will be performed. Usability is very important for a country like Pakistan where infrastructure and trained manpower is limited. There may be multiple TPPs based on different locations, manpower, uses and infrastructure considerations. We will get feedback from real potential users including healthcare staff at BHUs (Basic Health Units) and probably LHWs (lady health workers). Based on our study, a prototype may be developed keeping in view the time and resources although it may not be possible. We will also consider various options for such a device based on analysis and simulations.
 

Project Objectives

The objectives of this project will be to come up with initial TPP (Target Product Profile) for portable ultrasound tailored to the requirements of Pakistan, Develop analytical/numerical models to decide system configurations, performance estimation, modeling of human body for ultrasound.

Project Implementation Method

The project will be divied into three parts. First part will include the Development of TPP (Target Product Profile) which will include extensive surveys and litrature review. Field visits to rural as well as urban areas will be a part of this stetp. In the second step, we will work on the Development of Simulations and simulator design working on PYTHON and MATLAB. Final part of the project will include the development of basic proof of concept prototype development in which we will use all our basic knowledge that we would have learned.

Benefits of the Project

Ultrasound is widely accessible and less expensive technique than other medical imaging modalities. It captures images of soft tissues which cannot be shown well in X-rays; making them highly useful in detecting of many medical conditions in particular during pregnancy. The ultrasound we are targeting will not only perform well in its basic functionality, but it will also be cost effective and easy to use, making it convenient and affordable for the untrained personnel and people who can’t afford it. In this way ultrasound will be accessible for the people living in the cities and rural areas, by diagnosing the respective medical conditions accurately without worrying about the affordability or complexity of ultrasound. Moreover, this device will also be portable, making it super easy to work and reducing the costs spent on unnecessary maintenance. In the end, all these benefits not only benefit an individual, but the economy as a whole. Ultrasound can be low cost and portable. They are widely used especially for neonatal applications. A portable instrument tailored to environment of Pakistan should be massively useful for many applications especially if the instrument can be operated by healthcare workers with limited training.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

Deliverables will be TPP (after thorough study, analysis and field visits), First order simulations and optimization, Some detailed simulations and Probable (if feasible) a basic proof of concept prototype.

Final Deliverable of the Project HW/SW integrated systemCore Industry HealthOther IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Good Health and Well-Being for PeopleRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	70000
Ultrasound Probe	Equipment	1	70000	70000