AbstractAbstractAbstractAbstractEighty percent of sonographers suffer from Eighty percent of sonographers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. This is attributed musculoskeletal disorders. This is attributed to the combination of sustained pinching and to the combination of sustained pinching and pushing needed during some ultrasound pushing needed during some ultrasound procedures. In order to alleviate the need for procedures. In order to alleviate the need for the sonographer to apply a sustained force, the sonographer to apply a sustained force, we developed a design that can apply a force we developed a design that can apply a force for the duration of the procedure. The design for the duration of the procedure. The design consists of an arc attached over the consists of an arc attached over the echocardiogram bed connected to a echocardiogram bed connected to a transducer by a arm. Movement is possible transducer by a arm. Movement is possible via a slider over the arc, a ball and socket via a slider over the arc, a ball and socket joint, a hinge joint, and a rotating joint where joint, a hinge joint, and a rotating joint where the transducer is attached. The sonographer the transducer is attached. The sonographer locks the arm in place to sustain a force and locks the arm in place to sustain a force and performs the detailed movements necessary.performs the detailed movements necessary.

Eighty percent of sonographers suffer from Eighty percent of sonographers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders. This is attributed musculoskeletal disorders. This is attributed to the combination of sustained pinching and to the combination of sustained pinching and pushing needed during some ultrasound pushing needed during some ultrasound procedures. In order to alleviate the need for procedures. In order to alleviate the need for the sonographer to apply a sustained force, the sonographer to apply a sustained force, we developed a design that can apply a force we developed a design that can apply a force for the duration of the procedure. The design for the duration of the procedure. The design consists of an arc attached over the consists of an arc attached over the echocardiogram bed connected to a echocardiogram bed connected to a transducer by a arm. Movement is possible transducer by a arm. Movement is possible via a slider over the arc, a ball and socket via a slider over the arc, a ball and socket joint, a hinge joint, and a rotating joint where joint, a hinge joint, and a rotating joint where the transducer is attached. The sonographer the transducer is attached. The sonographer locks the arm in place to sustain a force and locks the arm in place to sustain a force and performs the detailed movements necessary.performs the detailed movements necessary.

Problem StatementProblem StatementProblem StatementProblem StatementMotivation:Motivation:

Sonographers Sonographers apply high levels of apply high levels of force while performing detailed force while performing detailed movementsmovements, increasing work-related , increasing work-related injuries.injuries.

Goal:Goal: ToTo develop an ergonomic design develop an ergonomic design to minimize the forces appliedto minimize the forces applied and and improve the current ultrasound procedure.improve the current ultrasound procedure.

Motivation:Motivation:

Sonographers Sonographers apply high levels of apply high levels of force while performing detailed force while performing detailed movementsmovements, increasing work-related , increasing work-related injuries.injuries.

Goal:Goal: ToTo develop an ergonomic design develop an ergonomic design to minimize the forces appliedto minimize the forces applied and and improve the current ultrasound procedure.improve the current ultrasound procedure.

BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground

• Relevant Ultrasound ProceduresRelevant Ultrasound Procedures• Relevant Ultrasound ProceduresRelevant Ultrasound Procedures

– EchocardiogramEchocardiogram•Duration: 45 min.Duration: 45 min.

– BiopsyBiopsy•Duration: 30-60 min.Duration: 30-60 min.

– EchocardiogramEchocardiogram•Duration: 45 min.Duration: 45 min.

– BiopsyBiopsy•Duration: 30-60 min.Duration: 30-60 min.

sln.fi.edu/biosci2/monitor/images/echo.jpg

BackgroundBackgroundBackgroundBackground• Musculoskeletal disorders occur in Musculoskeletal disorders occur in

80% of sonographers80% of sonographers• Musculoskeletal disorders occur in Musculoskeletal disorders occur in

80% of sonographers80% of sonographers

– Carpal Tunnel– Tendonitis– Shoulder Bursitis

– Carpal Tunnel– Tendonitis– Shoulder Bursitis

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Product SpecificationsProduct SpecificationsProduct SpecificationsProduct Specifications• The design will:The design will:

– Not interfere with data collectionNot interfere with data collection– Reduce force applied over long Reduce force applied over long

periods of timeperiods of time– Reduce strain on jointsReduce strain on joints– Allow for precise movements and Allow for precise movements and

adjustmentsadjustments– Be adaptable Be adaptable – Be able to maintain a stable Be able to maintain a stable

positionposition

• The design will:The design will:– Not interfere with data collectionNot interfere with data collection– Reduce force applied over long Reduce force applied over long

periods of timeperiods of time– Reduce strain on jointsReduce strain on joints– Allow for precise movements and Allow for precise movements and

adjustmentsadjustments– Be adaptable Be adaptable – Be able to maintain a stable Be able to maintain a stable

positionposition

Design OptionsDesign OptionsDesign OptionsDesign Options

• Transducer handle re-designTransducer handle re-design– Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’

• Complete transducer re-designComplete transducer re-design– Force is applied using entire Force is applied using entire

hand in ‘handle bar’ grip positionhand in ‘handle bar’ grip position

• Arc with mechanical armArc with mechanical arm

• Transducer handle re-designTransducer handle re-design– Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’Decouple the ‘push’ and ‘pinch’

• Complete transducer re-designComplete transducer re-design– Force is applied using entire Force is applied using entire

hand in ‘handle bar’ grip positionhand in ‘handle bar’ grip position

• Arc with mechanical armArc with mechanical arm

Evaluation GridEvaluation GridEvaluation GridEvaluation GridHandle Handle

redesignredesignTransducer Transducer

redesignredesignMechanical Mechanical

armarm

Ability to reduce Ability to reduce forceforce

11 11 33

Ability to make Ability to make precise movementsprecise movements

22 11 33

ComfortComfort 11 22 33FeasibilityFeasibility 33 11 22Ease of useEase of use 33 22 22Adaptability to Adaptability to different peopledifferent people

11 33 33

Lack of interference Lack of interference with procedureswith procedures

33 22 22

TotalTotal 1414 1212 *18**18*Scale: 3-High 2-Medium 1-Low

Design: Arc with Design: Arc with SliderSlider

Design: Arc with Design: Arc with SliderSlider

• Arc clamps to sides Arc clamps to sides of bedof bed

• Arc is able to rotate Arc is able to rotate under the bedunder the bed

• Slider moves along Slider moves along arc and locks in arc and locks in placeplace

• Arm is attached to Arm is attached to the sliderthe slider

• Arc clamps to sides Arc clamps to sides of bedof bed

• Arc is able to rotate Arc is able to rotate under the bedunder the bed

• Slider moves along Slider moves along arc and locks in arc and locks in placeplace

• Arm is attached to Arm is attached to the sliderthe slider

Design: ArmDesign: ArmDesign: ArmDesign: Arm

• Arm consists of two lockable jointsArm consists of two lockable joints– Ball and socket joint Ball and socket joint attached to sliderattached to slider

– Hinge joint attachesHinge joint attaches second portion of armsecond portion of arm

• Transducer is attached at end of armTransducer is attached at end of arm– Has the ability to make small adjustmentsHas the ability to make small adjustments

• Arm consists of two lockable jointsArm consists of two lockable joints– Ball and socket joint Ball and socket joint attached to sliderattached to slider

– Hinge joint attachesHinge joint attaches second portion of armsecond portion of arm

• Transducer is attached at end of armTransducer is attached at end of arm– Has the ability to make small adjustmentsHas the ability to make small adjustments

www.mcmaster.com

www.mcmaster.com

Design EvaluationDesign EvaluationDesign EvaluationDesign Evaluation

• AdvantagesAdvantages– Manual force not needed for long durationsManual force not needed for long durations– Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’ Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’

armarm

• DisadvantagesDisadvantages– Not applicable to all ultrasound proceduresNot applicable to all ultrasound procedures– Does not allow for fast position adjustmentsDoes not allow for fast position adjustments– Complex to lock and maintain stabilityComplex to lock and maintain stability

• AdvantagesAdvantages– Manual force not needed for long durationsManual force not needed for long durations– Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’ Allows for many positions without ‘twisting’

armarm

• DisadvantagesDisadvantages– Not applicable to all ultrasound proceduresNot applicable to all ultrasound procedures– Does not allow for fast position adjustmentsDoes not allow for fast position adjustments– Complex to lock and maintain stabilityComplex to lock and maintain stability

Ethical IssuesEthical IssuesEthical IssuesEthical Issues

• AestheticsAesthetics• Testing of the sonographer/patientTesting of the sonographer/patient• Safety of components for Safety of components for

sonographer and patientsonographer and patient• Injury during use of deviceInjury during use of device• Accommodation for variability in Accommodation for variability in

patient size and weightpatient size and weight

• AestheticsAesthetics• Testing of the sonographer/patientTesting of the sonographer/patient• Safety of components for Safety of components for

sonographer and patientsonographer and patient• Injury during use of deviceInjury during use of device• Accommodation for variability in Accommodation for variability in

patient size and weightpatient size and weight

Future Work: ArcFuture Work: ArcFuture Work: ArcFuture Work: Arc

• Attachment to bedAttachment to bed• Design clamp to fit bed and arcDesign clamp to fit bed and arc• Determine best place of attachmentDetermine best place of attachment

• Rotating arc under bedRotating arc under bed• Find a ball and socket joint for arcFind a ball and socket joint for arc• Eliminate problem of bed handle Eliminate problem of bed handle

preventing rotationpreventing rotation

• Attachment to bedAttachment to bed• Design clamp to fit bed and arcDesign clamp to fit bed and arc• Determine best place of attachmentDetermine best place of attachment

• Rotating arc under bedRotating arc under bed• Find a ball and socket joint for arcFind a ball and socket joint for arc• Eliminate problem of bed handle Eliminate problem of bed handle

preventing rotationpreventing rotation

Future Work: ArcFuture Work: Arc

• Allow height adjustments at ends of Allow height adjustments at ends of arcarc

• Motion of slider Motion of slider • Lock slider in placeLock slider in place• Reduce frictionReduce friction

• Current ideas: Current ideas: • Rollers on the inside of the sliderRollers on the inside of the slider• Teflon coatingTeflon coating

• Material: Stainless steelMaterial: Stainless steel

Future Work: ArmFuture Work: Arm

Determine best materialsDetermine best materials Lock jointsLock joints Devise an easier method to Devise an easier method to

adjust the second arm lengthadjust the second arm length Lock adjustable armLock adjustable arm Determine method of Determine method of

attachment of transducer attachment of transducer

Future Work: Future Work: TransducerTransducer

Phalange improve comfort for sonographer

Soft springs allow for natural movements of patients

Detachable transducer facilitate cleaning, different transducers

Mechanism to allow sonographer to make small adjustments Surround transducer handle with ball

bearings

Future Work: Future Work: ConstructionConstruction

• Determine correct dimensions of all Determine correct dimensions of all componentscomponents• Depends on location and method of clamping Depends on location and method of clamping

arcarc

• Find appropriate bending machine for arcFind appropriate bending machine for arc• Determine best method to construct Determine best method to construct

sliderslider

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

• Chris Arnold - MachiningChris Arnold - Machining• Nicola Ferrier, PhD – RoboticsNicola Ferrier, PhD – Robotics• Dr. Frank Fronczak – Materials, Joints, Dr. Frank Fronczak – Materials, Joints,

MachiningMachining• Timothy Hall, PhD – Mock TransducersTimothy Hall, PhD – Mock Transducers• John Ma – Rapid Prototyping and John Ma – Rapid Prototyping and

SolidWorksSolidWorks• Robert Radwin, PhD – ErgonomicsRobert Radwin, PhD – Ergonomics• Tim Walker – SonographerTim Walker – Sonographer

• Chris Arnold - MachiningChris Arnold - Machining• Nicola Ferrier, PhD – RoboticsNicola Ferrier, PhD – Robotics• Dr. Frank Fronczak – Materials, Joints, Dr. Frank Fronczak – Materials, Joints,

MachiningMachining• Timothy Hall, PhD – Mock TransducersTimothy Hall, PhD – Mock Transducers• John Ma – Rapid Prototyping and John Ma – Rapid Prototyping and

SolidWorksSolidWorks• Robert Radwin, PhD – ErgonomicsRobert Radwin, PhD – Ergonomics• Tim Walker – SonographerTim Walker – Sonographer

ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences• Kliewer, Mark. UW Hospital. Radiology Dept. Kliewer, Mark. UW Hospital. Radiology Dept.

Personal Interview. January 2004.Personal Interview. January 2004.• The Franklin Institute Online. The Franklin Institute Online.

sln.fi.edu/biosci2/monitor/images/echo.jpg. sln.fi.edu/biosci2/monitor/images/echo.jpg. Last accessed 4/29/04.Last accessed 4/29/04.

• Orthopaedics Northeast Website. Orthopaedics Northeast Website. www.orthone.com/hand/shoulder.asp. Last www.orthone.com/hand/shoulder.asp. Last accessed 4/29/04.accessed 4/29/04.

• Everybody Health website. New Zealand. Everybody Health website. New Zealand. www.everybody.co.nz/gifs/carpal.jpg. Last www.everybody.co.nz/gifs/carpal.jpg. Last accessed 4/29/04.accessed 4/29/04.

• McMaster Carr website. www.mcmaster.com. McMaster Carr website. www.mcmaster.com. Last accessed 4/29/04.Last accessed 4/29/04.

• Kliewer, Mark. UW Hospital. Radiology Dept. Kliewer, Mark. UW Hospital. Radiology Dept. Personal Interview. January 2004.Personal Interview. January 2004.

• The Franklin Institute Online. The Franklin Institute Online. sln.fi.edu/biosci2/monitor/images/echo.jpg. sln.fi.edu/biosci2/monitor/images/echo.jpg. Last accessed 4/29/04.Last accessed 4/29/04.

• Orthopaedics Northeast Website. Orthopaedics Northeast Website. www.orthone.com/hand/shoulder.asp. Last www.orthone.com/hand/shoulder.asp. Last accessed 4/29/04.accessed 4/29/04.

• Everybody Health website. New Zealand. Everybody Health website. New Zealand. www.everybody.co.nz/gifs/carpal.jpg. Last www.everybody.co.nz/gifs/carpal.jpg. Last accessed 4/29/04.accessed 4/29/04.

• McMaster Carr website. www.mcmaster.com. McMaster Carr website. www.mcmaster.com. Last accessed 4/29/04.Last accessed 4/29/04.