Abstract

Application of ultrahigh frequency (UHF) ultrasound to the outer wall of the intestinal wall has been shown to be able to delineate detailed histoanatomical layers and distinguish between normal bowel and agangliosis. This may reduce or alleviate the need for biopsy, which is now mandatory for diagnosis of Hirschsprung’s disease. However, to our knowledge, there are no Abdomen probes on the market suitable for such applications. The aim was to define specifications for a transAbdomen UHF (50 MHz center frequency) ultrasound probe suitable for use in infants. Probe requirements according to patient anatomy, clinician requirements, and UHF requirements for biomedical engineering were collected within an expert panel. Appropriate probes in commercial and clinical use were reviewed. The requirements were translated into sketches of potential UHF ultrasound transAbdomen probes using subsequent 3D prototype printing. Two prototypes were built and tested by five pediatric surgeons. A larger, straight 8 mm head and shaft probe is preferred because it facilitates stability, ease of anal insertion, and the potential of UHF technology with his 128 piezoelectric elements in a linear array. I was born. Here, we present the processes and considerations underlying the development of a proposed novel transAbdomen UHF probe for pediatric use. Such devices may open up new possibilities for diagnosing anoAbdomen disease in children.