Tri-Service

Scanner “Could Save Soldiers’ Lives”

Soldiers’ lives could be saved by an ultrasound scanner which detects ‘closed’ head injuries, such as bleeding on the brain.

Experts from the University of Aberdeen are working with the Ministry of Defence’s Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) on the technology which would create a 3D model of the brain on location.

This could then be sent to doctors from the field for a quick diagnosis.

It would enable a better examination of head injuries caused by explosions or knocks in the field.

The image would be captured using a movement sensor attached to an ultrasound probe, which would scan the brain from points on the skull where the bone is thinnest.

A portable ultrasound scanner.

The university said the probe captures as many as 40 images per second with the image being built up from around 2,000 individual images.

It could be used by a medic with only basic training to produce a detailed scan.

The file would then be sent to an expert for analysis which could be fed back to medical staff on the ground.

Researchers working on the project say unseen head injuries can be overlooked on the battlefield, leading to mental health problems in later life.

Neal Smith from the DSTL said: "UK Armed Forces operate in many remote locations and where personnel are injured we need to ensure that all conditions can be rapidly and correctly diagnosed to provide the best possible treatment and care."

"Devices which are lightweight, easy to deploy and easy to use, such as the portable ultrasound scanning support system being developed by the University of Aberdeen, have the potential to enhance our capabilities on operations and enhance patient care."

The University of Aberdeen’s Dr Leila Eadie said there was a “clear need” for the technology:

“Traumatic brain injury is a big problem for the military, especially because it can be difficult to spot in the field and if left untreated, it can have long-term effects”

"Battlefield medics will not have CT or MRI scanners which are bulky and expensive, but they are likely to have ultrasound equipment already, so it is a case of extending the use of the kit they already have."