In the poorest countries, there are 500 million maternal deaths, 3.2 million still births, and 4 million neonatal deaths each year. There are many problems that cause these deaths, but one in particular is the lack of diagnostic capability for birth complications before birth occurs. Ultrasound is often used in developed nations. However, ultrasound machines are quite expensive (around $20,000).

Detailed description of the solution

Bringing an ultrasound to resource-poor settings such as Uganda is estimated to cost around $3,500. The ultrasound device is a USB-powered ultrasound probe that functions with a touch screen net-book. The probe uses ultrasound waves and outputs a signal through ultrasound gel in the same way as a more expensive device. The device has been designed using software to teach midwives how to use the device without expensive, extensive, specialized training.

Designed by

• Designed by: This device was designed by a Capstone team from the University of Washington. Collaborators include: Waylon Brunette, Wayne Gerard, Matthew Hicks, Alexis Hope, Mitchell Ishimitsu, Pratik Prasad, Ruth Anderson, Gaetano Boriello, Beth Kolko, and Rob Nathan.
• Manufacturer location: The device is made in Washington, USA.

When and where it was tested/implemented

This device was tested by midwives in Uganda 2011.

Funding Source

Funding was provided by:

• UW Capstone Project Award
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $100,000 Grand Challenges Exploration Grant

References