Executive Summary

The Translational Ultrasound Laboratory (TUL) at UC San Diego conducts in vivo ultrasound imaging studies on mice to monitor tumor growth and evaluate disease progression. The laboratory's existing imaging process relies on a manually operated water bath and probe positioning system, which can increase setup time and introduce variability between scans. To improve imaging repeatability and support future 3D volumetric reconstruction, a dedicated ultrasound imaging platform was designed and developed.

The final design consists of three integrated subsystems: a waterproof mouse enclosure, a motorized probe positioning stage, and an electronics control enclosure. The mouse enclosure allows the animal to remain safely submerged in a heated water environment while maintaining access to anesthetic delivery. The positioning stage provides controlled motion of the Clarius ultrasound probe along the X-axis and Z-axis, enabling repeatable image acquisition at known spatial locations. The electronics enclosure houses the motor control hardware and power distribution components while providing separation from the water-filled imaging environment.

Prototype testing was conducted within the Translational Ultrasound Laboratory to evaluate the performance of the mouse enclosure and overall system functionality. Initial testing identified issues related to enclosure size and the stiffness of the neoprene neck seal. A second design iteration reduced the tank dimensions and replaced the neoprene with a silicone rubber seal, improving usability and allowing successful live mouse testing. While repeated use resulted in some stretching of the silicone seal and minor leakage, the revised design represented a significant improvement in safety and functionality.

Overall, the project successfully developed a portable and customizable ultrasound imaging platform that addresses the laboratory's need for improved scan repeatability and experimental efficiency. The completed system provides a foundation for future 3D ultrasound imaging studies and supports the continued development of volumetric imaging techniques for preclinical cancer research.