Multi-modal heart diagnostic system and method
Inventors
Jovanov, Emil • Filipovic, Nenad
Assignees
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Publication Number
US-11872080-B1
Publication Date
2024-01-16
Expiration Date
2041-02-26
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Abstract
A multi-modal heart diagnostic system is provided. The diagnostic system can monitor heart activity and assists a user or operator in performing echocardiography. The system can include a positioning device that is placed on a patient's chest. The positioning device can incorporate several multi-modal sensors. The multi-modal sensors can measure different parameters associated with an assessment of heart activity. The multi-modal sensors can also be used to provide information that can assist an operator in positioning the probe within the positioning device to capture an echocardiogram.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a multi-modal heart diagnostic system that can monitor heart activity and assist users in performing echocardiography. The system includes a positioning device placed on a patient's chest, incorporating several multi-modal sensors capable of measuring different parameters relevant to heart assessment. These sensors provide information to assist operators, including non-experts, in positioning an echocardiography probe within the device to capture diagnostic images.
The system addresses the problem of the complex and skilled placement of echocardiography probes, which currently requires substantial training and experience, leading to time-consuming procedures and difficulty in acquiring high-quality images by non-expert operators. By integrating multi-modal sensors and automated guidance, the invention aims to improve the ease and accuracy of probe positioning and heart activity monitoring, reducing the burden on users and potentially enabling less experienced staff to perform diagnostic procedures.
The core innovation lies in the use of multiple sensing modalities—electrocardiogram, digital stethoscope, magnetic sensors, and inertial sensors—in fixed reference positions on a support structure. The system utilizes these sensors, along with a probe equipped with motion sensors, and a controller that gathers data during a calibration process. The controller determines optimal probe placement and provides real-time guidance to the operator via a display, facilitating the acquisition of optimal diagnostic images using multi-modal data, processing, and artificial intelligence methods.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims in this patent, one directed at a system and one directed at a method, each with several inventive features.
System for positioning a probe to capture an echocardiogram using a multi-sensor support structure and controller guidance
The system comprises: - A positioning device with a support structure defining an open interior space and a plurality of reference points, with sensor units at each reference point. - Each sensor unit contains an inertial sensor, a magnetic sensor, and at least one of an electrocardiogram sensor or a digital stethoscope sensor. - A probe configured to capture echocardiogram images and equipped with at least one motion sensor, movable within the open space of the support structure. - A controller connected to the probe, able to determine a position for the probe relative to the reference points and signals from the probe's motion sensor, and to provide operator guidance on a display for probe movement to the determined position.
Method for positioning a probe to capture an echocardiogram using multi-sensor data and controller-guided feedback
The method includes: 1. Placing a positioning device with a support structure (open interior space, reference points, and sensor units with inertial, magnetic, and ECG or digital stethoscope sensors) on a patient. 2. Capturing multiple images and data sets from a probe (with inertial and magnetic sensors) as it moves within the support structure, each data set corresponding to probe position and orientation. 3. Using a controller to determine the probe's optimal position for echocardiogram capture based on the images and data sets, relative to the reference points. 4. Providing display information to guide the operator to move the probe to the determined position. 5. Positioning the probe at the determined location to capture the echocardiogram image.
The inventive features of the patent focus on a system and method that integrate multi-modal sensors in a structured support, a probe with dedicated motion sensors, and a controller capable of processing multi-sensor data to determine and guide optimal probe placement for echocardiogram imaging.
Stated Advantages
The system assists less experienced operators in obtaining high-quality diagnostic echocardiogram images by providing guidance for optimal probe placement and orientation.
Multi-modal sensors and automated guidance reduce the test duration by enabling faster sensor setup and data acquisition.
Simultaneous acquisition and processing of multiple sensor modalities improve diagnostic quality and provide unique information from combining different sensing techniques.
The system supports real-time processing and provides automatic calibration and adjustment according to individual patient anatomy.
Operators can achieve expert-quality diagnostic images and videos even with limited experience, improving training and workflow efficiency.
Documented Applications
Assisting medical personnel, including non-experts, in performing echocardiography by providing real-time guidance for probe positioning and acquisition of diagnostic images.
Monitoring heart activity through multi-modal sensing modalities including electrocardiogram, digital stethoscope, magnetic, and inertial sensors.
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