Market assessment: interactive ultrasound simulator for sonographer training and accreditation

超声由于其低成本、非侵入性和便携性而成为世界各地诊所的前沿工具。另一方面，超声图像是出了名的难以解释，其质量在很大程度上取决于操作人员的专业知识。超声操作员通过参加高级课程和临床经验，至少在原则上，他们将接触到各种各样的病理，从而成为熟练的。然而，在实践中，这些条件在培训结束时往往得不到满足。由于这个和其他关键的医疗保健趋势，超声的经济价值被各种利益相关者低估了。

Ultrasound is a front-line tool in clinics around the world, owing to its low cost, non-invasiveness and portability. On the other hand, ultrasound images are notoriously difficult to interpret, and their quality depends heavily on operator expertise. Ultrasound operators become proficient by taking advanced courses and through clinical experience where, in principle at least, they will be exposed to a wide variety of pathologies. In practice, however, these conditions are often not met by the end of the training. As a result of this and other key healthcare trends, the economic value of ultrasound is under-realized for a variety of stakeholders. Just as the aviation industry has come to rely on sophisticated, computer-based flight simulators to safely and effectively train pilots, we propose a similar paradigm shift for training ultrasound operators. We have developed (and filed a patent for) a novel ultrasound simulation approach, which, for the first time, is capable of realistically and accurately reproducing the physics of ultrasound in real-time. Unlike current training simulators, which emulate the appearance of ultrasound images and are restricted to a single ultrasound mode, our software simulates the physics of ultrasound, allowing real-time, operator dependent ultrasound simulation across a wide range of ultrasound imaging modes and disease indications. We are now ready to translate our research into an ultrasound simulator device that marries our physics engine to a realistic ultrasound operator interface and comprehensive organ pathologies. This will serve to reduce learning times while improving the operator's experience, thus increasing the accuracy of examinations and saving costs in basic training, specialized training and continuing education.. The possibility of using our ultrasound simulator as a certification tool will open the door to the creation of standardization procedures around the globe.