Development of Single-Channel Dual-Element Custom-Made Ultrasound Scanner with Miniature Optical Position Tracker for Freehand Imaging

Handheld ultrasound has great potential in resource-limited areas, and can improve healthcare for rural populations. Single-channel ultrasound has been widely used in many clinical ultrasound applications, and optical tracking is considered accurate and reliable. In this study, we developed a 10 MHz lead magnesium niobate–lead titanate (PMN-PT) dual-element ultrasound transducer combined with a miniature optical position tracker, and then measured the rectus femoris of the thigh, upper arm, and cheek muscles. Compared to single-element transducers, dual-element transducers improve the contrast of near-field signals, effectively reduce noise, and are suitable for measuring curved surfaces. The purpose of position tracking is to calculate the location of the ultrasound transducer during the measurement process. By utilizing positioning information, 2D ultrasound imaging can be achieved while maintaining structural integrity. The dual-element ultrasound scanner presented in this study can enable continuous scanning over a large area without a scanning width limitation. The custom-made dual-element ultrasound scanner has the advantage of being a portable, reliable, and low-cost ultrasound device, and is helpful in popularizing medical care for remote villages.