Development of an ultrasound-imaging procedure and acquisition of ultrasound images of acupuncture points for safety and accuracy of needle insertion

Abstract

BackgroundAcupuncture is a relatively safe, commonly used “alternative” medical treatment for various symptoms. However, adverse effects can occur, including trauma, pneumothorax, and central-nervous-system injury. Our objective was to develop a reliable and practical procedure for ultrasound imaging of acupuncture points to improve safety during needling, and to acquire ultrasound images of several (44) acupuncture points, especially those in high-risk areas, according to an in-house standard operating procedure.MethodsWe created the standard operating procedure for ultrasound imaging for acupuncture, and collected ultrasound images of acupuncture points in clinical trials.ResultsUltrasound images for 44 acupuncture points considered as high-risk points were collected from 85 healthy people who were classified by body-mass index, and high-quality, clear representative images of all 44 points were obtained.ConclusionThese baseline images could be helpful for understanding the anatomy under the skin at acupuncture points, which would allow for an enhanced safety and more accurate needling.

Development and Evaluation of Inexpensive Ultrasound Using A-Mode and M-Mode Signals to Identify Lung Depth and Avoid Risk of Pneumothorax in Acupuncture

“…With good tools, acupuncturists can use the higher risk points on the chest, such as BL, GB, LV, and other important but less-used points without fear. The LR14 and BL43 measured in this study are both important acupuncture points for the treatment of the heart and lungs, but they have been gradually abandoned due to concerns over the safety of patients [8]. With new tools and techniques, new clinical guidelines can be established for acupuncture.…”

“…So far, electricity, infrared rays, medicine, and microwaves have been added to acupuncture. Many scholars have continued to work hard in this regard [8,[32][33][34], although more peer input is required. This research institute is willing to cooperate with the industry with UFA in the future, and doing so may add some color to acupuncture innovation.…”

“…As with most medical interventions, acupuncture can have adverse effects, the common ones mainly being local pain, hematoma, bleeding, ecchymosis, and pneumothorax [4][5][6][7]. These mostly relate to the operator's technique and the depth of the acupuncture [8]. Some of these adverse effects can cause serious clinical problems, with pneumothrax being one of the most serious, though their incidence is very low.…”

Neuroanatomical relationship between Jingbi and the brachial plexus

“…In South Korea, a research team has developed a standard operating procedure for ultrasound imaging of 44 selected traditional acupuncture points. 29 Ultrasound-guided acupuncture at high-risk traditional acupuncture point locations should be promoted to improve safety in the future.…”

Interpretation of acupoint location in traditional Chinese medicine teaching: Implications for acupuncture in research and clinical practice

“…To compare the location accuracy between directional and proportional methods, the bone length is calculated to locate acupoints using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Park et al, 2006). Ultrasound imaging of acupoints is developed as a reliable and practical procedure for the accurate and safe insertion of needles (Kim et al, 2017). Before and after acupoint stimulation, the high-frequency power spectrum has been assessed by electroencephalography, and acupoint responses were found to be stable compared to stimulation elsewhere in the body (Choi et al, 2016).…”