New Ultrasound Technology Helps Patients in Remote Communities

New research at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, funded by the VGH Millionaire Lottery, is working towards a future where patients in remote communities or emergency settings can receive high-quality ultrasound exams without requiring an on-site radiologist. 

Dr. Silvia Chang’s team at VCHRI has developed an innovative remote ultrasound examination system that allows an untrained assistant—wearing a mixed-reality headset—to conduct precise ultrasounds guided by a qualified radiologist in real time.

Here’s how it works:

•  Using 5G technology, a radiologist remotely controls a haptic device to replicate the movements of an ultrasound probe.

• The assistant sees a virtual ultrasound probe projected through their visor, guiding them to perfectly match the position and pressure of the real probe on the patient.

• Preliminary studies show this remote ultrasound method to be very effective, offering an exciting step forward in telemedicine.

The potential impact is transformative:

•  Improved access to care: This technology can bring critical ultrasound capabilities to remote communities and emergencies.

• Radiologist efficiency: Radiologists can support multiple hospitals simultaneously, addressing staffing shortages.

• Training value: The system offers innovative tools for educating future radiologists.

This remarkable project exemplifies how funds from the VGH Millionaire Lottery directly support cutting-edge research that transforms patient care. The VGH Millionaire lottery runs until this Friday, Jan 10 at midnight. For more information on the Millionaire Lottery visit millionairelottery.com