Assessing and supporting transcranial ultrasound scanning
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Preliminary investigation into the development of software to assess and support novice transcranial ultrasound users in recording scans for the diagnosis of brain haemorrhage
IRAS ID
180490
Contact name
Leila Eadie
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
The overall aim of the project is to support non-medically trained users to perform ultrasound head scanning simpler by providing them with a visual 3D model of the head which clearly shows which areas of the brain have been imaged already, where the probe currently is, and just as importantly, where still needs to be scanned in order to generate as complete a scan as possible – something that is very important for diagnosing and treating brain injury. By measuring the position and rotation of the ultrasound probe using tracking sensors, we can determine where it is pointing at all times during the scanning session. Linking this to a 3D model of the head allows us to determine which areas have been imaged and which have not.
The scanning-assist program will have been previously tested in healthy volunteers (currently in progress), and we are seeking approval for a small initial clinical study collecting head scans from up to 10 patients with brain haemorrhage, in order to test and further develop the program. The images recorded will be composited to form a complete 3D scan of the subject’s head, using image processing techniques to fit the model to the individual’s specific head shape. Our expert scanners will be asked to provide feedback about the usability of the program and the quality of the resulting 3D scans via questionnaire. The scans recorded from patients will also be used to determine the differing appearance of haemorrhage on ultrasound, with the aim of investigating the potential for a computer aided diagnosis system to assist with the diagnosis of brain haemorrhage.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
15/SS/0227
Date of REC Opinion
23 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion