Researchers have produced a wearable ultrasound patch (think of a band-aid with sonar) that provides a flexible way to learn the human heartbeat. By mapping tissues and fluids by recording how sound waves reflect off of them, ultrasound can help doctors examine organs for damage, diagnose cancer and even monitor bacteria. However, most ultrasound machines are not portable and wearables are either not very reliable at detecting details or can only be used for short periods of time.
The newly designed patch can run for up to 48 hours without interruption, even when the user is doing something active like exercise. According to the researchers' report in the July 29 Science journal, this miniature device can provide results as efficient as ultrasound devices in hospitals.
Xuanhe Zhao, a mechanical engineer at MIT, used the phrase that this is just a continuation of our initial work for his work. He stated that he and his team plan to make the patch wireless and be able to interface with a user's phone. He also said that later on, we will be able to show the ultrasound signals as 3D images.
Aparna Singh, a biomedical engineer at Columbia University, noted that when you stick this patch on a person's heart, the frequent images it takes can help predict heart attacks and blood clots, potentially months before a crisis strikes. In addition, with the development of medical facilities in this way, the patch placed on a COVID-19 patient can be an easy way to recognize lung problems. With this device, the obligation of people under surveillance to stay in hospitals is also removed. The team continues to work to make the device they developed more affordable.
Source:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ultrasound-patch-skin-watch-heart-beat-personalized-medicine
