Evertsson Maria, Graneli Christina, Vernersson Alvina, Wiaczek Olivia, Hagelsteen Kristine, Erlöv Tobias, Cinthio Magnus, Stenström Pernilla
Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, 22185 Lund, Sweden.
Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 May 9;13(10):1667. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13101667.
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.
研究表明，将超高频（UHF）超声应用于肠壁外部能够详细描绘组织解剖层，并区分正常肠管与无神经节细胞症。这可能会减少或降低目前诊断先天性巨结肠症时必须进行活检的需求。然而，据我们所知，市面上尚无适用于此用途的直肠探头。本研究旨在确定一款适用于婴儿的UHF经直肠超声探头（中心频率50 MHz）的规格。在一个专家小组内收集了根据患者解剖结构、临床医生需求以及生物医学工程UHF先决条件得出的探头要求。对市面上和临床使用中的合适探头进行了评估。这些要求被转化为潜在UHF经直肠超声探头的草图，随后进行3D原型打印。制作了两个原型并由五位小儿外科医生进行测试。较大且直的8毫米头部和杆身探头更受青睐，因为它有助于保持稳定性、便于经肛门插入，并且可能采用包括128个压电元件的线性阵列的UHF技术。在此，我们展示了一款新型UHF经直肠儿科探头研发背后的过程和考量因素。这样一种设备可为儿科肛肠疾病的诊断开辟新的可能性。
