MIT Develops Wearable Ultrasound Device for Early Breast Cancer Detection

MIT researchers have developed a compact ultrasound system aimed at simplifying breast cancer screenings, particularly for individuals at high risk. The device comprises a small ultrasound probe connected to a processing module slightly larger than a smartphone. When linked to a laptop, it can reconstruct and display wide-angle 3D images in real-time.

"Everything is more compact, and that can make it easier to be used in rural areas or for people who may have barriers to this kind of technology," said Canan Dagdeviren, an associate professor of media arts and sciences at MIT and the senior author of the study. She emphasized that earlier tumor detection increases the chances of successful treatment.

The system features a chirped data acquisition system (cDAQ) consisting of an ultrasound probe and a motherboard for data processing. The probe, slightly smaller than a deck of cards, contains an ultrasound array arranged in an empty square configuration, enabling 3D imaging of the underlying tissue. The motherboard, slightly larger than a smartphone and costing approximately $300 to produce, processes the data. All electronics used are commercially available. The system operates on a 5V DC supply, such as a battery or an AC/DC adapter.

In initial testing on a 71-year-old woman with a history of breast cysts, the device accurately imaged the cysts and created a 3D representation of the tissue without gaps. The system can image up to 15 centimeters into tissue and covers the entire breast from two or three positions. Unlike traditional ultrasound probes that require pressure, this device sits gently on the skin, preventing image distortion.

The research team is conducting a larger clinical trial at the MIT Center for Clinical and Translational Research and Massachusetts General Hospital. They are also developing a smaller version of the data processing system, about the size of a fingernail, intended to connect to a smartphone for image visualization. Future plans include a smartphone app with an AI algorithm to guide users on optimal probe placement.

The current device could be adapted for use in a doctor's office, while future versions aim to be incorporated into wearable sensors for at-home use by individuals at high risk for developing breast cancer. Dagdeviren is working on launching a company to commercialize the technology, with support from various MIT initiatives. The research was funded by the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, a 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award, the Lyda Hill Foundation, and the MIT Media Lab Consortium.