Electronics Design for a Portable, Disposable Ultrasound Guidance System for Intracranial Pressure-Relieving Surgical Procedures

Abstract

Catheterization is a common procedure used to relieve excess pressure in the brain during cases of hydrocephalus. However, the vast majority of catheterizations are guided using only external anatomical landmarks for guidance, resulting in shockingly high error rates. Complications can range from infection to even death, leading to increased lengths of stay, additional procedure time and expense. Although catheter guidance systems exist, they are complex and time consuming making them unsuitable for ER and ICU settings where many catheterizations occur. The electronics design for a small, portable ultrasound-guided catheter guidance system was created and tested in Dr. Pierre Mourad's lab to address this clinical need.