Spotlight on Science & Technology (S&T) at Toronto

Portable 3D Ultrasound Technology for Non-invasive Rapid Diagnosis

In 2008 DRDC Toronto scientists completed development of a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound prototype that they have been working on since 2002. The prototype, which uses advanced naval sonar and radar technologies, will lead to a hand-held and field-deployable 3D ultrasound imaging device. The device can be used for front-line medical applications, including diagnosing non-visible internal injuries and locating foreign objects (e.g., shrapnel) inside the body.

Current state of DRDC's portable 3D ultrasound Imaging Technology

The project was developed to overcome the limitations of existing two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging, which displays the image of a plane cutting through the area being scanned. Operators of the 2D technology need to be highly trained and technically skillful in order to aim well to get a clear image of what they are looking for and interpret what they are seeing; even a small tilt of the sensor will fail to detect important details, such as minor internal bleeding, tissue injuries or small foreign objects. The new 3D ultrasound system is more user-friendly.

More »»»