Exploring Butterfly iQ: A Hand-Held Ultrasound Device That Went to Space
The Butterfly iQ series has been a revolutionary addition to the world of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), combining portability, versatility, and advanced imaging capabilities into a single handheld device. Its introduction marks a significant step forward in how healthcare professionals approach diagnostics and clinical research, offering exciting possibilities for the future.
What is the Butterfly iQ?
The Butterfly iQ is a portable ultrasound device with several variations, including the Butterfly iQ (the original model), Butterfly iQ+ (offering improved image quality and durability), and the latest Butterfly iQ3 (enhanced with AI integration and better imaging performance). We had the opportunity to use the Butterfly iQ3.
The Butterfly iQ3 is a compact, handheld ultrasound device that connects to a smartphone or tablet via the Butterfly app. It uses a single probe capable of performing multiple imaging modalities, including abdominal, cardiac, vascular, and musculoskeletal scans. Its portability and affordability make it an ideal tool for point-of-care diagnostics, remote healthcare delivery, and clinical research—even extending its use to astronauts in space missions for real-time health monitoring and data collection.
Key features of the Butterfly iQ3 include:
- Single Probe Technology: One probe replaces multiple traditional ultrasound probes, making it versatile and cost-effective.
- Smartphone Integration: The device connects seamlessly to the Butterfly app, which provides a user-friendly interface for real-time imaging and data capture.
- Portability: Its compact design allows for easy transport and use in diverse settings, from clinics to remote locations and even space missions.
Hands-On Experience with the Butterfly iQ3
During an in-person meeting, our CEO, Sharib, brought the Butterfly iQ3 for the marketing team to explore. This was a rare opportunity, as the device is not widely available in many countries.
Here’s how our hands-on experience unfolded:
Setting Up the Device
- Account Access: Initially, we faced a hurdle—we didn’t have an existing Butterfly account to log in and start using the device. The app requires either an existing account or an invite from the account associated with the device purchase. After some investigation, we reached out to team members who had used the device in the past and obtained their login details. This allowed us to proceed with the setup.
- Device Connection: Once logged in, we connected the iQ3 to a compatible smartphone and downloaded the Butterfly app. The app’s intuitive interface made the setup process straightforward, even for first-time users.
- Gel Application and Imaging: We applied ultrasound gel to the probe to ensure a clear interface between the device and the skin. This step is crucial for obtaining high-quality images.
Testing the iQ3
We performed a tonsil ultrasound, gently gliding the probe along the throat area. The real-time images displayed on the app were impressive, showcasing the device’s ability to capture detailed anatomical structures. The app’s default screen featured essential controls for adjusting imaging settings such as depth, gain, and focus, enabling us to enhance image quality throughout the scan.
Butterfly iQ3 in Space Health Research
The Butterfly iQ3 has already made its mark in space health research. In 2021, the Butterfly iQ (a predecessor to the iQ3) was included in a SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Supported by the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), this initiative aimed to evaluate the device’s performance in microgravity, including its usability, imaging quality, and durability in extreme conditions.
Building on this success, the iQ3’s portability and versatility make it an ideal tool for monitoring astronaut health during long-duration missions. It can help address critical health concerns such as kidney stones, blood clots, and optic nerve swelling, which are common challenges in space.
At TrialX, we are excited about the potential of integrating such innovative tools into our remote data collection platform, further enhancing space health research. By combining the iQ3’s advanced imaging technology with secure, real-time data management, researchers can:
- Monitor Astronaut Health: Capture real-time ultrasound images and transmit them securely to Earth-based researchers for analysis.
- Streamline Data Management: Use TrialX’s platform to organize, store, and analyze imaging data alongside other health metrics collected during the mission.
- Support Decentralized Research: Enable remote collaboration among researchers, regardless of their geographic location.
This integration represents a significant leap in how we collect, analyze, and utilize medical data in space, paving the way for more effective astronaut health monitoring.
TrialX’s Role in Space Health Research
TrialX’s remote data collection (RDC) platform plays a critical role in advancing space health research. For example, during the Polaris Dawn commercial space mission, TrialX’s RDC platform was used to collect and manage health data from astronauts in real-time. This mission, led by SpaceX, aims to study the effects of space travel on human health, including cardiovascular changes, radiation exposure, and neuro-ocular syndrome.
Beyond Polaris Dawn, TrialX has been at the forefront of supporting several groundbreaking space missions. In 2021, TrialX was selected by the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) to build EXPAND DB, a first-of-its-kind database designed to collect research, flight, and clinical data from commercial spaceflight missions. Leveraging our expertise in clinical trial solutions, we customized the platform to meet the unique needs of the EXPAND program. Today, the database houses data from subjects across six space missions, including Inspiration 4, MS-20, Axiom-1, Axiom-2, Axiom-3, and Polaris Dawn. This enables researchers to reuse and integrate data across studies, unlocking innovative insights into human health in space.
TrialX has also collaborated on pioneering systems to improve healthcare delivery and data management for spaceflight participants. Recently, we delivered a successful demo to NASA, showcasing a solution that ensures prompt medical care for astronauts in emergencies. This innovation allows for offline health data collection and seamless sharing with crew members in various space environments. Our work in space health research has been recognized in two groundbreaking publications in Nature, highlighting the use of our cutting-edge technology for decentralized research in space missions.
Broader Applications in Clinical Research
Applications of Butterfly iQ3 extend far beyond space missions. Here’s how it aligns with TrialX’s mission to advance clinical research:
- Enhanced Diagnostics: The iQ3’s ability to perform multiple imaging modalities makes it invaluable for monitoring patient health during clinical trials. Its portability allows researchers to conduct imaging studies in diverse settings, from urban clinics to remote communities.
- Streamlined Research: The device integrates seamlessly with TrialX’s remote data collection platform, enabling researchers to collect, manage, and analyze imaging data remotely. This capability is particularly useful for decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), where participants may be located in different geographic regions.
- Expanding Access: The iQ3’s affordability and ease of use make it a powerful tool for improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. By pairing this technology with TrialX’s platforms, we can bring high-quality diagnostics to communities worldwide.
Regulatory and Geographic Considerations
The Butterfly iQ3 app is available on the App Store, but this does not imply that the physical ultrasound scanner has been cleared for use in all jurisdictions. Butterfly Network Inc. is responsible for obtaining in-country clearances, and feature availability varies by geography. For example:
- Regulatory Approvals: The device must undergo rigorous regulatory reviews in each country, which can delay its availability in certain regions. This is why the iQ3 is currently accessible only in select countries.
- Geographic Limitations: Even though the app is downloadable globally, the physical scanner and its advanced features (e.g., secure storage and collaboration tools) are only fully functional in regions where the device has been cleared for use.
Why Are We Talking About the Butterfly iQ3?
At TrialX, we are committed to leveraging innovative technologies to advance clinical research and healthcare delivery. The Butterfly iQ3 represents a significant step forward in portable imaging, with applications ranging from point-of-care diagnostics to space health research. By integrating tools like the iQ3 into our remote data collection platform, we can enhance trial efficiency, ensure data accuracy, and support faster decision-making.
For our team, having access to the Butterfly iQ3 has been an incredible experience. It’s not often that we get to engage with tools that are at the forefront of medical innovation. Testing the device, discussing its potential, and imagining its use cases have made us feel more connected to the cutting-edge work happening at TrialX. This hands-on experience has also given us a deeper appreciation for the role technology plays in advancing both clinical and space research.
