Portable Ultrasound-Based System Simultaneously Assesses Fractures and Soft Tissue Injuries

Following any chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) incident, the availability of easily deployable triage tools becomes critical to saving lives and facilitating a swift response. Blast-related trauma often results in multiple life-threatening injuries that require immediate triage and treatment, either on the field or in emergency rooms. In the aftermath of a CBRN incident, there is an expectation of a high number of trauma patients, making it crucial to conserve X-ray resources for the most critical cases. Now, a portable, computer-aided, 3D fracture detection and diagnosis system based on ultrasound imaging could enable rapid triage of fracture severity, thereby reducing unnecessary radiography. With this groundbreaking technology, rapid and accurate fracture triage without the use of X-rays could become a reality, paving the way for more efficient emergency responses and improved patient outcomes.

RIVANNA (Charlottesville, VA, USA) is aiming to develop an FDA-cleared and clinically proven ultrasound-based, radiation-free system for rapid fracture detection. This system could expedite the triage of low-acuity extremity injuries in emergency medicine, with a particular focus on mass-casualty blast trauma incidents. The Accuro XV being developed by RIVANNA integrates ultrasound-based bone and 3D soft-tissue imaging technology with AI-enabled software to deliver clear advantages over traditional X-ray methods. The system allows for rapid automated detection and precise volumetric assessment of skeletal fractures and soft tissue injuries without subjecting patients to harmful radiation or requiring extensive user training.

Clinicians can use this technology to make informed decisions about the necessity of X-ray imaging, effectively reducing unnecessary radiography. Furthermore, the Accuro XV addresses a current limitation in emergency departments by swiftly determining soft tissue injuries during the acute phase, ensuring accurate treatment decisions and prompt discharge of individuals who do not require further intervention. This portable, radiation-free alternative for fracture screening can significantly reduce the demand for limited X-ray resources, including equipment, physical space, and specially trained personnel, in mass casualty incidents such as radiological or nuclear emergencies. RIVANNA has received funding from BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority), supporting the advanced development of the Accuro XV for comprehensive point-of-care musculoskeletal diagnostics and submission for FDA clearance.

"The true value of Accuro XV lies in its ability to assess both fractures and soft tissue injuries simultaneously, which is not achievable with X-ray imaging," said Will Mauldin, PhD, co-founder and CEO of RIVANNA. "By providing comprehensive point-of-care musculoskeletal diagnostics, particularly in high-pressure situations, Accuro XV addresses a critical gap in emergency medical response, which enables cost-effective expedited care delivery that leads to enhanced patient satisfaction and improved outcomes."

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