1. Ergonomic Ultrasound Probe
Team Members:
Yao Lu
Meghan Olson
Emily Putzer
Heather Waldeck

3. Advisor: Client: Professor Naomi Chesler
Department of Biomedical Engineering
University of Wisconsin
Mark Kliewer, M.D.
Department of Radiology
UW Hospital

4. Problem Statement
During ultrasound procedures, sonographers must apply high levels of force while performing detailed movements, the combination of which increases the number of work-related injuries. Our goal is to develop an ergonomic design to minimize the forces applied and improve the current ultrasound procedure.

5. Background Information
Current Ultrasound Procedures
Console and
Transducer
Procedures
Echocardiogram
Biopsy

6. Background Information
Musculoskeletal disorders
Occur in 80% of sonographers
Carpal Tunnel
Tendonitis
Shoulder Bursitis

7. Problem Specifications
No interference with the collection of data
Reduce force applied
Reduce strain on joints
Still allow for precise movements and adjustments
Adaptable
Able to maintain a stable position

8. Design Proposal 1: Handle Redesign
Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’
Force applied by palm
Fingers supply precise movements
Use splint to support wrist

9. Design Proposal 1: Handle Redesign
Advantages
Allows mobility
Prevents wrist strain by reducing pinch force
Can be used for many procedures
Disadvantages
Does not prevent strain on shoulder and upper arm
Still must apply a large force for a long time
Sanitation concern
May be uncomfortable

10. Design Proposal 2: Transducer Redesign
Force is applied using entire hand in ‘handle bar’ grip position
Transducer movement separate from main handle using elastic material
Allows for small movements

11. Design Proposal 2: Transducer Redesign
Advantages
Applies force with more natural position of hand
No pinch
Can be used for many procedures
Disadvantages
May reduce amount of precision
Apply a large force for a long time
Does not prevent strain on shoulder

12. Design Proposal 3: Mechanical Arm
Arm is locked into place to apply force
Arc design
3 segments attached with ball & socket and hinge joints

13. Design Proposal 3: Mechanical Arm
Advantages
Manual force not needed for long durations
Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’ arm
Disadvantages
Not applicable to all ultrasound procedures
Does not allow for fast position adjustments
Possible stability issue?

14. Additional Client Requirements
Prefer eliminating applied force
Currently many ideas for handle redesign
Focus on echocardiogram and biopsy procedures
Transducer held stable for long period

15. Evaluation of Designs Handle redesign Transducer redesign
Mechanical arm
Ability to reduce force 1 3
Ability to make precise movements 2
Comfort
Feasibility
Ease of use
Adaptability to different people
Lack of interference with procedures
Total 14 12
*18*

16. Final Design Mechanical arm with adjustments
Allow arc to move underneath the bed
Size-adjustable arc
Allow movement back and forth
Allow storage on the side of bed

17. Future Work Determine maximum force needed to be applied by arm
Determine type of material
Method to securely lock all arm segments and hinges
Allow transducer to be removable

18. Questions?