Ultrasonic Sensor Probe to Detect Early Signs of Lumbar Disk Herniation
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2017
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Medical imaging has advanced in remarkable ways since the discovery of X-rays 120 years ago.
Today's radiologists can image the human body in intricate detail using computed tomography,
magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, and various other
modalities. Such technology allows for improved screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of
disease, but it also comes with risks. Many imaging modalities expose patients to ionizing
radiation, which potentially increases their risk of developing cancer in the future, and imaging
may also be associated with possible allergic reactions or risks related to the use of intravenous
contrast agents. In addition, the financial costs of imaging are taxing our health care system, and
incidental findings can trigger anxiety and further testing.
In this thesis, the problem of lack of reachable alternatives for spinal imaging is addressed, to
narrow the gap created between the potential victims of this disease and the imaging equipment
which could only be accessed through a physician’s order, and is expensive enough for people to
dismiss their back pain and/or their neck pain.
Therefore another way to diagnose a lumbar disc herniation is required to make the best
decisions when it comes to the better option a patient with a lower back pain comes along, which
is, a makeshift Ultrasonic Sensor Probe (USP). This thesis depicts the overall design of the kit,
which is an ensemble of a sensor, a microprocessor and the other components incased in one,
simulation models of the components included in the probe, and the necessary methodologies
used to make the modelling of the filters.
Description
Keywords
Lumbar Disk Herniation, Ultrasonic Sensor