New NASA Technique Uses Ultrasound as Diagnostic Tool

A new technique developed by NASA could enable sports trainers, emergency personnel, and astronauts to assess an injury on the spot using ultrasound. The new procedure lets non-physicians bypass the lengthy ultrasound training process, instead using an expert to evaluate the images remotely via the Internet, telephone, or wireless transmission.

The technique would enable an International Space Station (ISS) crewmember to diagnose another astronaut's ailment while using the device on orbit and receiving real-time instructions from a radiologist on the ground. In Earth-based applications, an emergency medical technician could assess the injuries of a car accident victim at the scene, or a hockey player can find out immediately if he's suffered a serious injury.

NASA ISS science officer Peggy Whitson served as a "guinea pig" for the new technology during her stay on the ISS in 2002. "I was able to perform - with guidance from the ground team - imaging of my heart, carotid artery, kidney, and bladder. The remote application of these methods has very positive implications for long-duration spaceflight, as well as potential uses here on Earth," Whitson said.

The procedure already has been tested on members of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. The team tested the techniques to diagnose player injuries in the team's locker room, rather than transporting athletes to a local hospital. A portable ultrasound device was put in the team's locker room and was connected to an ultrasound workstation at Detroit's Henry Ford Hospital. A radiologist worked with the NASA team to guide the Red Wings' trainers in performing ultrasound tests.

The high-quality images were transmitted to the hospital and could have been used to confirm or exclude injuries to the scanned shoulder, ankle, knee, hand, and foot. According to Dr. Scott Dulchavsky of Henry Ford Hospital, "This trial demonstrated that ultrasound can be used to enhance athletic medical care with minimal training and cost. We are investigating satellite phone technology to allow the technique to be expanded for use on ambulances or at accident sites."

For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/vision/space/ livinginspace/ultrasound.html; visit the Henry Ford Hospital Web site at: www.henryford.com.

Next Month in NTB

The July issue will include a special feature on the President's new Vision for Space Exploration, including an interview with Admiral Craig E. Steidle, Associate Administrator for NASA's Office of Exploration Systems, which will be spearheading the implementation of new missions to the Moon and Mars.