
Magnus Cinthio
Senior lecturer

Design of a Pediatric Rectal Ultrasound Probe Intended for Ultra-High Frequency Ultrasound Diagnostics
Author
Summary, in English
It has been shown that ultra-high frequency (UHF) ultrasound applied to the external bowel wall can delineate the histo-anatomic layers in detail and distinguish normal bowel from aganglionosis. This would potentially reduce or lessen the need for biopsies that are currently mandatory for the diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease. However, to our knowledge, no suitable rectal probes for such a use are on the market. The aim was to define the specifications of an UHF transrectal ultrasound probe (50 MHz center frequency) suitable for use in infants. Probe requirements according to patient anatomy, clinicians’ requests, and biomedical engineering UHF prerequisites were collected within an expert group. Suitable probes on the market and in clinical use were reviewed. The requirements were transferred into the sketching of potential UHF ultrasound transrectal probes followed by their 3D prototype printing. Two prototypes were created and tested by five pediatric surgeons. The larger and straight 8 mm head and shaft probe was preferred as it facilitated stability, ease of anal insertion, and possible UHF technique including 128 piezoelectric elements in a linear array. We hereby present the procedure and considerations behind the development of a proposed new UHF transrectal pediatric probe. Such a device can open new possibilities for the diagnostics of pediatric anorectal conditions.
Department/s
- LU Profile Area: Light and Materials
- LTH Profile Area: Engineering Health
- Medical ultrasound
- Pediatric surgery
- Endocrine and Sarcoma Surgery
- LTH Profile Area: Photon Science and Technology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
Publishing year
2023-05
Language
English
Publication/Series
Diagnostics
Volume
13
Issue
10
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
MDPI AG
Topic
- Pediatrics
- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging
Keywords
- anorectal conditions
- diagnosis
- Hirschsprung’s disease
- pediatrics
- probe
- ultra-high frequency ultrasound
Status
Published
Research group
- Medical ultrasound
- Pediatric surgery
- Endocrine and Sarcoma Surgery
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 2075-4418