The Perception Ultrasound for Reassuring Fetal Echo Clinical Trainees (PURFECT) Proof of Concept project has resulted in a prototype gaze-assisted guidance system integrated with a standard ultrasound machine (GE ‘E’ series’) that produces saliency overlays in real time during fetal ultrasound scanning. These saliency overlays are based on learning where on an expert sonographer would be looking at that moment. The system has undergone numerous improvement iterations at a design level following feedback and requests from the intended end-users (sonographers). The AI gaze assistance models have also been retrained to improve localisation. The original proposal focussed on second trimester standard plane detection, the end system includes a first trimester mode, also based on the ERC Advanced Grant PULSE results, and includes an anatomical labelling function. Potential commercial applications may include supporting clinicians within every day clinical practice, as part of a training scheme along with a simulator, in real-world training, or all of these use cases. We are seeking follow on funding with industry and clinical partners to take the next steps toward commercialisation and impact realisation.
