BK Medical - Ultrasound To Go Robotic

Many of us have heard what an ultrasound test is. What we see in an ultrasound test is a black and white image with a liquid moving here and there in a trapezoidal shape.  Well this is just what a layman understands about the test. With advent of modern technology, mostly robotics, even the medical surgeries have gone technical more than medical. This is what has happened in BK Medical.

#-Link-Snipped-#BK medical has invented a new 3DART endocavity transducer containing no moving part and is very small in diameter. It generated a 3Dimentional cube on the computer screen which makes it very easy for a surgeon to examine a patient. The full set consists of a 3DART endocavity transducer and the RST Robotic Stationary Transducer Arm for securing it, and the ProART dedicated robotic transducer.

The company’s new ProART specialized robotic transducer is designed to address the challenges of ultrasound imaging during robotic-assisted surgery. The transducer is a curved linear array that images from 12-5 MHz with 2D, color and spectral Doppler, and it can easily fit into a standard trocar. The grasping fin is optimally positioned directly over the array for superb control, maneuverability and optimal acoustic contact. The ProART transducer has the potential to provide ultrasound guidance and verification during RAPN procedures. Early indications for ultrasound imaging also include identifying the pudendal arteries and nerves during RARP.” [From Medician]

This technology was introduced in 20^th annual European Association Congress in Vienna. It was established in the year 1972 and is at the forefront of developing medical and health care for the benefit of common people. Every year new discoveries and inventions are put forward and for enhancing medical services.

In a normal ultrasound surgery, you must be astonished that it is nothing but an engineering application of SONAR which is used by the bats. A transducer is used which is pressed against the skin. This transducer emits a high frequency sound wave through it. These sound waves then try to go through the body but are bounced back due to internal organs. The microphone detects the reflected waves and creates a picture on the screen. If we use a Doppler effect then we can also study the speed of blood cells and get a more accurate picture.

There has been a significant research in robotics which can be used in medical surgeries. There are nano scale robots which are able to perform surgeries. Now there is also this ‘advanced’ technology available to have a better look inside a patient’s anatomy. I think this shows a perfect coordination between the ongoing engineering trade and medical science. In this way the engineering is optimally used in the health care sector also!

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