Chonghe Wang and Continuous Ultrasound

    

     Chonghe Wang is an engineer graduate student at MIT who has recently been heavily involved in the production and testing of ultrasound patches that allow for continuous imaging over longer periods of time. Before starting his Ph.D. at MIT, Chonghe received his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego studying nanoengineering. Upon completion he moved to Harvard University for a year to start his Ph.D. in Engineering Science. Now at MIT, a team of scientists including Wang are doing extensive study on how to perfect the image resolution and durability of an ultrasound patch. In order to achieve this, the team created the patch by pairing a "stretchy adhesive layer with a rigid array of transducers," Wang says. This method allows for the device to conform to the skin while the transducers maintain their relative locations which can generate an image with more clarity and precision. "The device's adhesive layer is made from two thin layers of elastomer that encapsulate a middle layer of solid hydrogel." This layer mimics what is found in the gel used in a traditional ultrasound and allows for the easy transmission of sound waves. However, unlike the ultrasound gel we are used to, MIT's is "elastic and stretchy" and prevents dehydration. The bottom layer is meant to stick to the skin. The entire sticker measures about 2 cm^2 across and 3 millimeters thick which is about the size of a postage stamp. This research can change the way many doctors utilize ultrasounds and provide a much more accurate and consistent look into the body's deep internal organs over a longer period of time.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220728142925.htm

http://zhao.mit.edu/teams/chonghe-wang/