Published online Jul 20, 2022. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v12.i4.274
Peer-review started: January 23, 2022
First decision: March 25, 2022
Revised: April 8, 2022
Accepted: June 3, 2022
Article in press: June 3, 2022
Published online: July 20, 2022
Processing time: 177 Days and 16.6 Hours
Performing ultrasound during the current pandemic time is quite challenging. To reduce the chances of cross-infection and keep healthcare workers safe, a robotic ultrasound system was developed, which can be controlled remotely. It will also pave way for broadening the reach of ultrasound in remote distant rural areas as well.
To assess the feasibility of a robotic system in performing abdominal ultrasound and compare it with the conventional ultrasound system.
A total of 21 healthy volunteers were recruited. Ultrasound was performed in two settings, using the robotic arm and conventional hand-held procedure. Images acquired were analyzed by separate radiologists.
Our study showed that the robotic arm model was feasible, and the results varied based on the organ imaged. The liver images showed no significant difference. For other organs, the need for repeat imaging was higher in the robotic arm, which could be attributed to the radiologist’s learning curve and ability to control the haptic device. The doctor and volunteer surveys also showed significant comfort with acceptance of the technology and they expressed their desire to use it in the future.
This study shows that robotic ultrasound is feasible and is the need of the hour during the pandemic.
Core Tip: Robotic ultrasound aims to provide remote ultrasound access through a robotic system. This system allows the radiologist to manipulate the ultrasound probe remotely from a safe distant location, in a separate enclosure, thus ensuring the safety of the sonologist and negating the need for a personal protective equipment kit each time, especially in the current coronavirus pandemic. System setup in an intensive care unit (ICU) could ensure that the sonologist can perform the ultrasound without needing to enter the ICU. Going forward, a distance transmission system may also be potentially developed so that patients can also access care at a convenient location without the need to travel long distances, further breaking the chain of transmission. This can be invaluable in a setting where healthcare is not widely available, such as in underserved rural areas.