▎WuXi AppTec Content Team Editor
When it comes to physical examination ultrasound imaging projects, you may be suddenly attacked by dead memories, especially the image of wiping the sticky liquid on the stomach with a tissue after the examination is vivid.
You may also wonder what these liquids are for?
Actually, before the doctor repeatedly probes the belly with the instrument probe, they will definitely apply a liquid gel to your skin first, because the ultrasonic wave penetrates the gas more and the condensation Glue allows the probe to adhere to the surface of the body, ensuring complete transmission of the ultrasound into the body. The smoother the ultrasound penetration, the higher the image clarity of the subject’s heart, lungs, liver and other organs.
Although the liquid gel can guarantee short-term imaging, it is a bit overwhelming if you need to observe for a long time, because the liquidgel will Gradually dry or run off, reducing image clarity.
However, in the latest issue of “Science”, the research team of Dr. Zhao Xuanhe from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) brought a black technology for ultrasound imaging: ultrasound patch.
Compared to the hand-held probe, this patch is extremely small. The entire patch is only 2 cm² and 3 mm thick, which is about the size of a postage stamp. Even more powerful, itprovides ultrasound imaging for up to 48 hours continuously.
▲Ultrasound patch capable of showing organs deep inside the body (Image credit: Reference [1], credit: Felice Frankel)
According to the test results shown by the researchers, these ultrasound stickers, when applied to different parts of the volunteers, can generate real-time high-definition images of blood vessels and deep organs, and even when the volunteers are moving or exercising. When the patch remains firmly attached, the organ provides dynamic changes.
Unlike previous gels that dry in a short period of time, the innovation of the ultrasound patch is that it retains the gel’s transfer ability while increasing its durability in different states.
The outer layer of the patch is made of elastomer material, which can deform when the stress is generated and return to its original shape when the stress disappears, which can well adapt to the tested person movement and movement changes.
▲Video demonstrating the flexibility of ultrasound patches (Image credit: Reference [1], credit: Xuanhe Zhao Lab)
There is a layer of gel in the middle of the patch, but the properties of the gel are different from those usually applied to the skin by ultrasound. The gel in the patch is also elastic and flexible. Ductility can adapt to changes in stress.
Researchers point out that the elastomeric material can prevent dehydration of the gel, the only way to ensure that ultrasonic waves can penetrate effectively and then provide high-resolution images of the lowest layer of elastic material in actual use. Direct contact with human skin.
Of course, in addition to the flexible side, the outermost layer of the patch is also equipped with a rigid transducer array, which is responsible for connecting with external devices to provide image information.
▲Ultrasonic patch is rigid and flexible (Image source: Reference [3])
Despite its small size, the patch provides ultrasound imaging capabilities comparable to existing devices. In the test, the research team applied patches to different parts of the volunteers, including the neck, chest, abdomen and arms.
Volunteers can do whatever they want in the lab during this time, sitting, standing, or running, or cycling without affecting image collection.
For example, a patch placed on the temple or neck can provide real-time images of changes in blood flow in a volunteer; a patch placed on the chest can also observe changes in the shape of the volunteer’s heart as they exercise In addition, when some volunteers drank water, the contractions of their stomachs were clearly displayed in front of the researchers’ eyes; while the patch on the arm could observe the muscle damage of the volunteers when they lifted weights, and these tiny injuries will be shown in the picture. Small highlights.
▲The ultrasound patch can continuously observe the changes in the volunteers (Image source: Reference [1])
A single patch provides imaging that can last up to 48 hours.
Compared to briefly observing the state of our organs when we are lying still, the application scenarios of this patch will be broader, just like helping patients with bladder dysfunction monitor urine storage in real time, Remind the patient to urinate on time; or monitor the degree of muscle damage during weightlifting to avoid excessive exercise.
▲Ultrasonic patches attached to different parts can show changes in various organs and tissues (Image source: Reference [3]) strong>
Currently, these patches need to be connected to equipment that converts reflected sound waves into images, which may be used in hospitalized patients, such as for long-term monitoring of the heart or specific organs.
Of course, researchers are developing a wireless version of the patch, which in the future could allow users to take home monitoring at any time. “You can imagine a future where you buy a box of patches and take them home, and they can be used to paint images of different parts of the body,” said Dr. Xuanhe Zhao. “This represents a new breakthrough in wearable devices and medical imaging.< /strong>.”
References:
[1] MIT engineers develop stickers that can see inside the body. Retrieved July 28, 2022 from https:https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/959653?
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[2] Seeing inside a body in motion. Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.adc8732
[3] Bioadhesive ultrasound for long-term continuous imaging of diverse organs. Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abo2542
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