Ultrasound Signal Processing and Modeling for Automated Medical Monitoring

Our research focuses on the use of ultrasound for medical monitoring applications. Two projects that we discuss below are ultrasonic bladder distention monitoring and emboli removal from cardiopulmonary bypass circuits. In the first topic, ultrasound signal processing methods are used to relate raw ultrasound signals to bladder fullness. Clinical tests have been completed to collect relevant bladder distention data. Further clinical data must be collected to develop adequate bladder fullness algorithms. The second topic involves the implementation of complicated acoustic force models in order to optimize ultrasonic emboli removal in the operating room. Our modeling results show that experimental optimization of a removal system can be based on a simple inviscid fluid model. The techniques we have developed can be applied to various other applications. Acoustic processing of algal biofuels is one example that is briefly discussed.