H. Mitsumura 1, T. Nomura 2, H. Shiba 2, Y. Yoshimori 2, J. Kubota 2, M. Hashimoto 3, H. Furuhata 2
1 Department of Neurology, The Jikei University School of Medicine – Tokyo, Japan,
2 ME Laboratory, The Jikei University School of Medicine – Tokyo, Japan,
3 Hashimoto Electronic Industry CO., LTD – Matsusaka, Japan

Objective: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is useful for detection of micro embolic signal (MES), however, it is insufficient for Japanese patients without temporal bone window. So we developed a novel probe attached to the cervix for detection of MES at carotid artery which can be evaluated in almost all of the patients. Our purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical availability of this probe.

Methods: Novel probe was 2MHz which had equal property with TCD, and the shape of probe was thin and square modified for attachment to the neck. 1) We measured MES using novel probe in the original circulation circuit model with artificial emboli. 2) We measured sonogram of carotid artery using novel probe attached to the cervix in healthy volunteers for 30 minutes, and then evaluated fixation ability and comfortability.