Researchers from the University of California San Diego, MIT, Yale University, and Stanford University have developed the world's first fully integrated wearable ultrasound system. This innovative device captures deep tissue images while the user is engaged in activities like walking, running, or cycling. Unlike previous systems, this wireless and wearable ultrasound technology allows continuous monitoring for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
The wearable ultrasound system offers significant potential for healthcare. It can evaluate cardiovascular function in motion, detecting abnormal values such as blood pressure and cardiac output, which are indicators of heart failure. Additionally, it provides real-time measurements of cardiovascular responses to exercise, allowing for personalized training plans based on actual workout intensity. The technology can measure various physiological parameters beyond blood pressure, including cardiac output, arterial stiffness, and expiratory volume.
To address movement-related challenges, the researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that can switch between channels and adapt to different subjects. The algorithm minimizes domain distribution discrepancies, allowing the model to be trained on one subject and applied to others with minimal retraining. In testing, the wearable device proved effective even during high-speed activities like cycling. The researchers have published their work in the journal Nature Biotechnology, and the deep learning model is available on GitHub under the MIT license.
