Continuous Ultrasound Imaging for Monitoring of Structures and Their Function under Normal and Pathologic Conditions

Continuous Ultrasound Imaging with AI for Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

JHU Ref #: C17510

Value Proposition

• Continuous ultrasound imaging of blood vessels in the leg to detect abnormalities in blood flow.
• This technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor ultrasound images and assess the risk and diagnose deep vein thrombosis early.
• Current DVT diagnosis relies on clinicians to monitor at risk patients and does not allow for continuous, hands-free monitoring for DVT.
• Other continuous ultrasound imaging devices being developed do not have AI screening methods that are crucial for monitoring abnormalities in blood flow.
• This technology offers the ability to automatically direct the signals from the transducer to locate the region of interest when placed in the vicinity of, e.g., the deep veins on the lower limb.

Technology Description

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a wearable imaging device that can monitor blood flow abnormalities and development of deep vein thrombosis over time in high-risk patients. This technology can automatically steer the imaging focus to the deep veins and continuously monitor blood flow in the lower extremities with ultrasound technology to detect abnormalities that are indicative of impending development and early detection of deep vein thrombosis. The use of artificial intelligence eliminates the need for expert placement and allows the device to alert clinicians when an abnormality is detected such that DVT treatment can begin expeditiously.

Unmet Need

Deep vein thrombosis commonly develops in patients who are stationary for prolonged periods of time, which makes surgical and intensive care unit patients a high-risk population for developing DVT. DVT diagnosis involves a positive D-dimer test followed up by a manual compression Duplex ultrasound test of lower extremities. Unfortunately, testing for DVT does not typically occur in patients who do not exhibit or report swelling and other risk factors causing many ICU patients to go untested or tested once a week, which is a large gap for a potentially rapidly developing pathology. Therefore, there is a need for an easy and reliable method of monitoring patients for the development of DVT without relying on manual intervention.

Stage of Development

Prototype is developed

Data Availability

Data is available upon request

Publication

N/A