Wearable ultrasound technology

Wearable ultrasound technology refers to ultrasound devices designed with compact form factors that do not restrict the mobility or routine functions of the wearer. These devices are intended to provide continuous monitoring of internal tissue structures and offer therapeutic intervention without manual operation. Wearable ultrasound technology has potential applications in the management of chronic diseases, acute conditions during surgeries and emergencies, and post-operative care. This technology can provide clinicians and patients with data and insights, such as patterns of physiological variations over time and critical periods of disease progression, that are hardly attainable using conventional handheld ultrasound devices. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in wearable ultrasound technology, focusing on material selection, mechanical design, the integration of wearable systems, and exemplary medical applications. Additionally, we provide a framework for expanding the adoption of wearable ultrasound technology, particularly in low-resource settings, by exploring barriers in technology transfer. Finally, we identify critical challenges from scientific, engineering and clinical perspectives to advance wearable ultrasound technology to the next stages of development. This Review discusses wearable ultrasound technology, covering device design, integration, clinical applications and translational potential. It highlights key barriers to wide deployment and explores future development directions from scientific, engineering and clinical perspectives.