03/27/2025
By Danielle Fretwell
The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, invites you to attend a Doctoral Dissertation defense by Rui Wu on: "An Optically Generated Ultrasound Fiber System for Biomedical Applications."
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Location: Ball 302
Committee:
Advisor: Xingwei Wang, Electrical and Computer Engineering, UMass Lowell
Committee Members
Xuejun Lu, Electrical and Computer Engineering, UMass Lowell
Hengyong Yu, Electrical and Computer Engineering, UMass Lowell
Abstract:
Spinal fusion surgery is a widely performed procedure with a growing global market, yet screw misplacement remains a major concern, leading to complications and revision surgeries. Existing intraoperative guidance methods, such as fluoroscopy and 3D navigation, face limitations including radiation exposure, bulkiness and high costs. The demand for non-ionizing, real-time, and compact imaging solutions continues to grow, particularly in precision-guided procedures such as spinal fusion surgery, where screw misplacement remains a significant concern. To address these challenges, fiber optic ultrasonic transducers have been extensively studied, aiming to enhance the capabilities of ultrasound applications beyond the constraints of conventional piezoelectric-based methods.
This dissertation discusses an optical fiber-generated ultrasound probe system for biomedical guidance in spine surgeries. This system includes different structures of the fiber ultrasound generators and is combined with the screwdriver-shaped medical pathfinder and the development of an AI-based classification algorithm with a user interface. This system features a compact size, non-contact approach, immunity to electromagnetic interference, real-time response and high precision.