Dissertation
Design of point-of-care ultrasound device and applicator to be used in an at-home setting: a holistic approach
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
May 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010567
Abstract
The primary purpose of this work was to design and implement a compact, battery-powered, fully wearable applicator for delivering therapeutic low-frequency (20-40kHz), low-intensity (100mW/cm2 ISPTP) (LFLI) ultrasound to enable treatment of chronic wounds in home setting. Such a device does not currently exist, and in addition to engineering aspects associated with electromechanical design, its implementation requires a novel approach involving consideration of feedback received not only from healthcare professionals, but also caregivers. One strong motivation for the novel design approach is to enable individuals with chronic wounds to enhance self-care management of wounds in the home setting instead of a hospital or outpatient clinic environment. In the home setting, the device may be exposed to physical maltreatment, requiring precautions with respect to its sturdiness. Although the holistic approach presented have been applied to the design of an applicator for chronic wounds, the design considerations and execution are transferable to any device targeted for home use. The implementation exemplified here examines transformation of an early, relatively fragile design into a robust, time-programmable, safe tool. The modification, which includes comprehensive reconfiguration and redesign of the electronics driving a piezoelectric transducer is presented along with methodology devised with the field feedback obtained from focus groups. This feedback evinced that in addition to electrical engineering, an extensive background in mechanical engineering, material science, biology, and clinical practice is needed to fabricate an end-user friendly, quality-of-life improving, ergonomic device. The redesign described in this work resulted in a robust and adjustable device, which operated within the constraints set forth by a pilot clinical trial. This device includes a reliable and adjustable timer with automatic shutoff and a patient compliance log. In addition, the piezoelectric transducer production process was improved, resulting in a cost savings of approximately 1200% per transducer.
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Details
- Title
- Design of point-of-care ultrasound device and applicator to be used in an at-home setting
- Creators
- Karissa Barbarevech
- Contributors
- Peter Andreas Lewin (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xviii, 108 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021890112104721