New ultrasound device to detect heart disease

Researchers from the University of North Carolina have developed dual-band ultrasound devices that can help detect dangerous artery plaques that cause heart failure.

>>> Heart attack warning device

While current ultrasound technologies can identify plaque buildup on the artery wall, determining when these plaques are at risk of rupture leads to heart attacks or strokes. Early detection is quite difficult. The research team has developed dual-band ultrasound devices that can help detect vulnerable plaques and allow for more accurate diagnosis for high-risk patients.

Current approaches only detect vulnerable plaque associated with the use of contrast agents called 'micro-bubbles' . Researchers will inject micro-bubbles into the patient's blood. The agent will detect the elements that are associated with the vulnerable plaque and will highlight the area on the ultrasonographic result.

According to NC State researchers, the device used in this approach is not optimal for detecting contrast agents as they are designed for high frequency display.

"So we developed a dual-band internal frequency transducer to transmit and receive signals ," said NC State Associate Professor Xiaoning Jiang. Dual-band operation allows you to do everything the current intravascular ultrasound can do, but is much easier to spot.

The team also tested the prototype device in the lab and showed good results. Now, researchers are working on optimizing the technology in the hope that it will be available for clinical trials in the near future.