A More Ergonomic Ultrasound Probe
Document Type
Poster
Campus where you would like to present
Ellensburg
Event Website
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source
Start Date
15-5-2019
End Date
15-5-2019
Abstract
The current ultrasound probes used in hospitals today use the same design produced in the mid 90s. Ultrasound probes consist of a transducer at the end of a handle. To perform an exam, an ultrasound technician (sonographers) must manipulate the probe at the wrist. To produce a clear image, the technician must apply pressure against the patient at different angles. Due to the extensive rotational movement and pressure the wrist takes when scanning a patient with an ultrasound probe, there is a high rate of carpal tunnel and other wrist injuries in sonographers. This new ultrasound probe will take the rotational movement out of the technicians wrist and isolate the rotational movement to the probe. This rotational movement is achieved by a swiveling transducer head. The majority of the construction was conducted using the machine shop as well as the Senior Project Lab in Hogue Hall at Central Washington University. The probe must withstand up to 40 pounds of vertical force from the grip to the head of the probe. The head must also perform the full range of movement in less than 2 seconds. Different sized pulley wheels and programed speeds are tested to achieve these operation standards.
Winner, Outstanding Poster Presentation, College of Education & Professional Studies.
Recommended Citation
Barrett, Christian, "A More Ergonomic Ultrasound Probe" (2019). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 153.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2019/Posters/153
Department/Program
Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
A More Ergonomic Ultrasound Probe
Ellensburg
The current ultrasound probes used in hospitals today use the same design produced in the mid 90s. Ultrasound probes consist of a transducer at the end of a handle. To perform an exam, an ultrasound technician (sonographers) must manipulate the probe at the wrist. To produce a clear image, the technician must apply pressure against the patient at different angles. Due to the extensive rotational movement and pressure the wrist takes when scanning a patient with an ultrasound probe, there is a high rate of carpal tunnel and other wrist injuries in sonographers. This new ultrasound probe will take the rotational movement out of the technicians wrist and isolate the rotational movement to the probe. This rotational movement is achieved by a swiveling transducer head. The majority of the construction was conducted using the machine shop as well as the Senior Project Lab in Hogue Hall at Central Washington University. The probe must withstand up to 40 pounds of vertical force from the grip to the head of the probe. The head must also perform the full range of movement in less than 2 seconds. Different sized pulley wheels and programed speeds are tested to achieve these operation standards.
Winner, Outstanding Poster Presentation, College of Education & Professional Studies.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2019/Posters/153
Faculty Mentor(s)
Matt Burvee