Affordable Medical Ultrasound Navigation Training

Abstract

In recent years, image-assisted medical procedures have been widely adopted, since they reduce patient risk and medical cost. The use of ultrasound imaging is noteworthy, as it is safe and easy to acquire. In medical intervention navigation systems, image guidance is combined with real-time position tracking of interventional tools. These techniques allow to improve the safety and accuracy of the procedures. However, the complexity of the systems and equipment cost hinder their adaptation, especially in regions with limited resources. In this paper we report part of our collaborative work within the framework of the European INTERREG MACbioIDi project, devoted to promoting sustainable development through medical technology in some African countries, with the participations of collaborators from Europe, Africa and the Americas. To this extent a medical technology training and development hub has been set up in the Canary Islands, Spain, which takes advantage of its unique geostrategic location in Western Africa and of their policy consideration as European Union Outermost Region. We propose, in particular, a methodology to develop affordable medical ultrasound navigation systems by leveraging available technology and mainly intended at the moment for training purposes.