Thursday, December 25, 2008

American Institute Of Ultrasound In Medicine To Host 2009 Annual Convention In New York

Registration is open for the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) 2009 Annual Convention and Preconvention Program to be held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, New York, Thursday through Sunday, April 2-5, 2009.

Initial registration numbers indicate that 2009 will prove to be better attended than the 2007 meeting at this same location, regarded as the AIUM's most successful convention in history. During the 4-day meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest research in medical ultrasound, connect with colleagues from around the world, enhance their professional skills, and view the newest advancements in ultrasound technology while earning up to 33.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (accepted by the ARDMS) or ARRT Category A Credits.

source: Medical News Today

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Study Finds Survival Benefit Among Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Definity®- Enhanced Echocardiography

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. a worldwide leader in diagnostic imaging, announced recently new data from a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of over four million hospitalized patients that shows similar unadjusted mortality rates for patients receiving DEFINITY® Vial For (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension enhanced resting echocardiography exams when compared with patients who did not receive DEFINITY®. Although the patients that received DEFINITY® were sicker on average and had a higher baseline mortality risk prior to the exam, following DEFINITY® administration these same patients exhibited a 24% reduced risk of mortality over 24 hours compared to the those patients who received only echocardiography without the ultrasound contrast agent. These study findings were published in the December 2008 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.

"As the largest retrospective, observational study to date to examine the short-term safety profile of perflutren-containing ultrasound contrast agents, the data highlight the relatively low incidence of adverse safety reactions associated with DEFINITY® and demonstrate a significantly lower risk of acute mortality for patients receiving DEFINITY®-enhanced echocardiograms," said Mark Hibberd, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Medical Director, Global Medical Affairs, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. and co-author on the study.

source: Lantheus

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Groundbreaking, Inexpensive, Pocket-sized Ultrasound Device Can Help Treat Cancer, Relieve Arthritis

Newswise — A prototype of a therapeutic ultrasound device, developed by a Cornell graduate student, fits in the palm of a hand, is battery-powered and packs enough punch to stabilize a gunshot wound or deliver drugs to brain cancer patients. It is wired to a ceramic probe, called a transducer, and it creates sound waves so strong they instantly cause water to bubble, spray and turn into steam.

Tinkering in his Olin Hall lab, George K. Lewis, a third-year Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering and a National Science Foundation fellow, creates ultrasound devices that are smaller, more powerful and many times less expensive than today's models. Devices today can weigh 30 pounds and cost $20,000; his is pocket-sized and built with $100. He envisions a world where therapeutic ultrasound machines are found in every hospital and medical research lab.

"New research and applications are going to spin out, now that these systems will be so cheap, affordable and portable in nature," Lewis said.
The development of one of his portable devices is detailed in the journal Review of Scientific Instruments (79-114302), published online Nov. 11

source: newswise

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Acusphere Announces Results of FDA Advisory Committee Meeting

Acusphere, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACUS) today announced that the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised that the diagnostic benefit of contrast enhancement using Acusphere's ImagifyTM (Perflubutane Polymer Microspheres) for Injectable Suspension is not sufficient to justify the risks associated with the product. The vote was sixteen against, one in favor and one abstention. The Committee also discussed concerns that they would like addressed to support approval of the product for the detection of coronary artery disease.

"We appreciate the support Imagify has received from a wide variety of cardiologists, who are eager for FDA to enable them to use the drug in their practices to improve accessibility, reduce costs and avoid exposure to radiation," said Sherri C. Oberg, President and CEO, Acusphere. "We continue to believe in Imagify for its intended purpose and will work with FDA through the completion of the review process to determine what additional information might be required for approval."

The Advisory Committee's recommendations, while not binding, will be considered by the FDA in its review of the New Drug Application (NDA) of Imagify. The expected FDA target action date for Imagify under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) is February 28, 2009.

source: Acusphere

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

ICON Medical Imaging Launches New Cardiac Echocardiography Analysis Software

DUBLIN, December 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR)(ISIN:IE0005711209), a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, today announced that its Medical Imaging division has launched a new cardiac echocardiography analysis software solution. The software, MIRA-ECHO, enables cardiac echocardiography (ECHO) images to be viewed, measured and interpreted in clinical trials and is the latest addition to ICON Medical Imaging's proprietary MIRA(TM) (Medical Imaging Review and Analysis) platform.

Dr. Jonathan Goldman MD, Chief Medical Officer at ICON Medical Imaging, and a recognised expert in echocardiography commented: "MIRA-ECHO satisfies an important unmet need in clinical trials that involve ECHO. For the first time we have a solution that allows us to adjust and fine-tune traced cardiac measurements stored in the eCRF against a moving source image, whilst maintaining regulatory compliance and an audit trail. Combining MIRA-ECHO to the existing MIRA-QCA module for quantitative coronary angiography allows us to offer clients unparalleled capabilities for cardiovascular assessments."

source: PR Newswire

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Ultrasound screening helps prevent stroke in children with sickle cell disease

Screening with an ultrasound machine has proved highly successful in preventing stroke among children with sickle cell disease, by identifying children who are then preventively treated with blood transfusions. Over an eight-year period at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, researchers found that the technique, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD), along with regular transfusions for children found to be at high risk, reduced stroke to one-tenth of the incidence found before TCD was introduced.

"We studied the impact of using TCD starting in 1998, when the technique became routine at our hospital and many other centers," said Janet L. Kwiatkowski, M.D., a pediatric hematologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Kwiatkowski presented her group's results today at a press conference during the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.

Childhood stroke has long been known to be a devastating complication of sickle cell disease, an inherited condition in which abnormal hemoglobin deforms red blood cells into sickle-shaped bodies that do not pass smoothly through blood vessels.

TCD is a noninvasive tool that uses ultrasound waves to measure the speed of blood flow in large vessels in the brain. An abnormally high speed is a marker of a narrowed vessel, and a sign of high risk for stroke.

source: EurekAlert

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Ultrasound Transducer Disinfection in many Cases insufficient - New ‘Trophon EPR’ Device offers unique Solution

(openPR) - Hamburg, December 5, 2008: Current methods of ultrasound transducer disinfection are in many cases not sufficient for clinical practice. This is the latest alarming result issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading US public health agency, in its recently published Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities (1). The guideline is the CDC’s response to the rapidly evolving epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections such as Clostridium difficile (2) or MRSA (3).

In light of this global threat, and with regard to the millions of ultrasound examinations conducted each day, Nanosonics’ newest product innovation represents a long-needed milestone in the development of medical devices: due to its unique technology, the Trophon EPR completely satisfies all requirements of the new CDC guideline.

source: openPR.com

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Toshiba Showcases New Women's Ultrasound Imaging Techniques and Transducer at RSNA

CHICAGO, Nov 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- To help improve diagnostic confidence in breast imaging and women's health, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has developed a new and exclusive ultrasound technique - MicroPure(TM), which helps physicians detect breast lesions and micro-calcifications more clearly. In addition, Toshiba will also be showcasing its new 18 MHz high resolution Dynamic Micro Slice transducer for breast imaging, its quantitative sonoelastography suite, ElastoQ (works-in-progress), and Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation (STIC). Toshiba will showcase these advances at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, 2008 (Booth #3429, South Hall).

"Increasing the ability to use ultrasound to image the breast is a significant development," said Gordon Parhar, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. "We believe these advances will benefit many women across the country."

source: MarketWatch

Monday, December 1, 2008

SonoSite Announces the New S-GYN™ A Specialized Ultrasound Tool for Gynecologists

Bothell, WA, December 1, 2008 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, introduced today the S-GYN™ ultrasound tool, a streamlined, custom-designed solution for gynecologists who want to perform imaging for diagnosis and procedural guidance right in the patient exam room.

“I have two great big machines in my office, but for a lot of what I’m doing in my day-to-day practice, such as evaluating abnormal bleeding, checking the ovaries or uterine structures for polyps or fibroids - I can do all that with the S-GYN without having to move my patient out of the exam room,” said Shaunie Keys, MD of Evergreen Women’s Care, in Kirkland, WA. “A big advantage of the S-GYN system is its portability and that I don’t have to disrupt work flow by shuffling patients to different rooms or interrupt my ultrasound tech’s schedule. It’s easy to learn and provides really good imaging. My patients feel more confident knowing that I will complete the ultrasound exam and they will have their results before leaving the office.”

source: SonoSite

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Hitachi Ultrasound Highlights Elastography Capabilities at RSNA Annual Meeting

At this year’s RSNA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Hitachi Medical Systems America will demonstrate advances for the HI VISION™ 900 system as well as unique probe-based solutions, which allow radiology departments to utilize the equipment in their department more efficiently.

A highlight of its exhibition is new developments in Hitachi’s Real-time Tissue Elastography (E-mode) feature. Hitachi reported, with over 800 units delivered, Hitachi’s E-mode is now being used for applications other than just breast imaging. The company will display images of its use in thyroid, prostate, musculoskeletal and colorectal applications. Its new Strain Ratio tool allows Radiologists to quantify the relative differences in stiffness between a mass and any surrounding tissue.

source: Welt Online

Monday, November 24, 2008

GE Healthcare Introduces Ultrasound Fusion; New LOGIQ E9 Merges Real-Time Ultrasound With CT, MR, and PET

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - GE Healthcare today
announced the launch of a new ultrasound system for
radiology and vascular applications that fuses
ultrasound images with images from other imaging
modalities like CT and MR.The new LOGIQ(R) E9
includes Volume Navigation, an innovative tool which
incorporates two key components to maximize the
system's new agile ultrasound architecture: 'Fusion'
to combine the advantages of real-time ultrasound
imaging with the high spatial and contrast resolution
of CT, MR or PET; and a 'GPS-like technology' to
track and mark a patient's anatomy during the
ultrasound exam, bringing confidence and productivity
to both diagnostic and interventional studies.

"GE's new LOGIQ E9 helps address the biggest
challenge in ultrasound radiology and vascular care
- how to leverage clinical images from previous
diagnostic imaging studies for interventional or
diagnostic ultrasound procedures," said Terri
Bresenham, GE's Global VP, Diagnostic Ultrasound and
Information Technology. "We worked closely with a
global team of radiologists and sonographers to
develop this new ultrasound architecture, giving
clinicians the advantages of imaging modalities -
MR, CT and PET - and it is already reigniting the
imagination of the ultrasound industry."

source: CNW Group

Friday, November 21, 2008

Pocket-Sized Echocardiograph Provides Quick And Qualitative Assessment

The European Journal of Echocardiography* recently published a paper studying the performance of Siemens' ACUSON P10™ ultrasound system at the Morriston Cardiac Centre in Swansea. Results revealed that the P10 was, within a four minute examination, able to assess the size and function of the left ventricle in more than three quarters of cardiac patients.

Images obtained by the P10 were assessed on the ability to provide information on whether or not the left ventricle, left atrium, aortic and mitral valves were 'grossly normal' or 'grossly abnormal'. There were no instances of the bedside scan missing a significant finding that was then detected with alternative methods of imaging. Furthermore, in two cases, results from the P10 scan had an immediate impact on the clinical management of a cardiac patient.

source: Medical News Today

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Siemens Integrates ARFI Imaging Into Ultrasound

Siemens Healthcare is presenting one of the most innovative technologies for its Acuson S2000 ultrasound system at the Medica from November 19 – 22, 2008 in Duesseldorf, Germany.

The Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging and Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification applications are the first commercially available implementations of ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse). Similar to a physical palpation exam, these leading-edge applications represent a new dimension of diagnostic information by interrogating the mechanical strain properties or stiffness of tissue, which may be correlated with pathology.

Both applications are particularly suited to evaluating liver tissue. Additional fields of use – such as in prostate diagnosis – are currently clinically validated.

source: Innovations Report

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Oregon Institute of Technology Acquires Toshiba Aplio Artida 4D Ultrasound System

TUSTIN, Calif., Nov 11, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- To offer its students access to the most advanced medical technology available, Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) has acquired the Toshiba Aplio(TM) Artida 4D ultrasound system. The acquisition of the advanced ultrasound system will make OIT the first undergraduate program in the United States to offer courses in 4D ultrasound imaging.

"Our goal is to train OIT students using the newest, most advanced technology to prepare them for high-tech, high-demand careers in healthcare," explained OIT's Brad Burda, acting provost and interim dean, School of Health, Arts and Sciences. "By using the Artida, one of the most advanced 4D ultrasound systems available, our students will gain the comprehensive skills necessary to meet today's healthcare demands."

source: MarketWatch

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

ACUSON S2000 showcased at leading museum of modern medicine

Siemens Healthcare recently supported the Leeds and Bradford Ultrasound Study Day at the Thackray Museum in Leeds, one of the UK’s leading medical museums. Delegates listened to various talks from eminent speakers on liver and obstetric imaging plus received an informative presentation on the ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system.

Not only does the ACUSON S2000 provide excellent image quality in difficult to image patients, it also includes innovative applications to improve diagnostic confidence. Applications such as Virtual Touch™ Quantification use Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) technology to compress tissue and provide qualitative and quantitative assessment of its stiffness. This application can be utilised anywhere in the body, however its main clinical advantage is currently in the evaluation and quantification of liver stiffness.

The ACUSON S2000 also provides best-in-class foetal imaging for 2D and 3D / 4D acquisition. Its Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation (STIC) feature enables an automated acquisition of a high quality foetal heart volume, using a sophisticated algorithm that compensates for variability in heart rate. This enables doctors to obtain detailed volumes of the foetal heart for more accurate diagnosis. The S2000 also benefits from advanced knowledge-based workflow applications such as syngo® Auto OB measurements to improve diagnostic confidence and enhance workflow.

source: Siemens

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Ultrasound helps predict heart attacks in "low risk" patients

HOUSTON -- (November 10, 2008) -- By adding the results of an imaging technique to the traditional risk factors for coronary heart disease, doctors at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found they were able to improve prediction of heart attacks in people previously considered low risk.

The findings are being presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions in New Orleans.

Researchers used ultrasound imaging to view the carotid intima media thickness (C-IMT), or thickness of the artery walls.

"The ultrasound added another dimension to the risk factor score and showed us that those with thick arteries in the higher end of low risk group actually are at intermediate risk for coronary heart disease," said Dr. Vijay Nambi, assistant professor of medicine - atherosclerosis and vascular medicine at BCM and lead author of the study.

source: Baylor University College of Medicine

Saturday, November 8, 2008

National Association Endorses Recommendations for Contrast Agent Use in Heart Ultrasounds (Echocardiograms)

MORRISVILLE, N.C., Nov 04, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- American Society of Echocardiography Lays out Clinical Applications and Safety Considerations

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) today backed the use of contrast agents, used to enhance echocardiogram images, and provided a guide for physicians who may be hesitant to use the contrast agents following a 2007 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning. In a new statement, supported by expert consensus opinion, critical review, and evidence-based research, ASE outlines why, when and how the contrast agents should be used to enhance diagnosis, the role for each person in the lab, and methods to implement contrast in the lab. The statement, "The American Society of Echocardiography Consensus Statement on the Clinical Applications of Ultrasonic Contrast Agents in Echocardiography," was released in the November 2008 issue of The Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

source: MarketWatch

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Misonix Subsidiary, Sonora Medical Systems, Announces a Major Ultrasound Probe Study

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Nov 04, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Misonix, Inc. today announced that its Sonora Medical Systems subsidiary ("Sonora Medical"), a leading supplier of after market products, services and test equipment to the medical imaging market, presented an ultrasound probe study in Sweden at the country's annual clinical engineering meeting recently held in Goteborg, Sweden. The paper was presented by the School for Technology and Health, the Royal Technical University, the Biomedical Engineering Department of Karolinska University Hospital and the Department for Clinical Physiology of Karolinska University Hospital and was titled "Defective ultrasound transducers in Swedish hospitals." The presentation from this study can be downloaded at www.4sonora.com.

Using the Sonora FirstCall probe testing system the authors tested 704 probes in clinical use from 30 hospitals representing 7 ultrasound manufacturers. The authors found that 39.8% of the transducers tested had functional failures and that there was no statistical difference in the number of probe failures discovered on systems under service contract or not on service contract.

source: MarketWatch

Monday, November 3, 2008

DRE Adds Affordable Refurbished Ultrasound Machines to Product Line

DRE, Inc. — named by Business First of Louisville as one of the fastest-growing businesses in Louisville, Ky. — now sells professionally refurbished ultrasound machines. DRE’s extensive lineup of affordable ultrasound machines includes systems from many popular brands, including GE, Siemens/Acuson, Philips, HP and Medison.

Refurbished ultrasound machines from DRE are designed for a variety of study areas, including cardiac, OB/GYN and vascular ultrasound studies. Dependable ultrasound systems for each study-type are available from DRE in portable and mobile stand-alone options.

Each refurbished ultrasound system sold by DRE is put through a multi-point inspection and biomedical engineering process. Each ultrasound machine is reconditioned to be as close as possible to the standards of the original equipment manufacturer.

source: DRE

Monday, October 27, 2008

SonoSite Announces Powerful New Technology For M-Turbo™ System

BOTHELL, WA - October 27, 2008 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for point of care medicine, announced today the introduction of SonoGT™ Global Targeted technology, an advance that capitalizes on the power of the M-Turbo platform to drive a new level of color flow imaging, wireless connectivity and workflow integration for anesthesia, emergency medicine, critical care and other acute point-of-care markets.

“SonoGT technology demonstrates the intrinsic capabilities of the M-Turbo system architecture to address our global, multiple point-of-care markets with targeted solutions,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. “This advance is aimed at increasing imaging capabilities and clinical productivity and includes a wide range of new technologies and options.”

The company plans to begin customer shipments of new M-Turbo systems with SonoGT technology in the fourth quarter.

source : SonoSite

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Sensitive ultrasound to spot early-stage cancer

European researchers have developed highly sensitive ultrasound equipment that can detect tiny quantities of reflective microbubbles engineered to stick to specific tumour cells. The technique should pick up tumours early and improve patients' chances of survival.

Most of the current diagnostic methods – biopsy analysis, biochemical tests and medical imaging – are not sufficiently sensitive. They frequently return a false negative; the tumour is only discovered when it is much bigger, and too late.

European researchers are developing a new technique that will help medical professionals visualise tiny quantities of pathological tissue in patients. The technology could localise tumours in their very earliest stages of development and help doctors begin treatments much earlier, giving patients a much better chance of survival.

source: ICT Results

Thursday, October 23, 2008

SonoSite Hand-Carried Ultrasound Systems Score 99% Approval Ratings

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound at the point-of-care, announced today that an independently conducted, random survey of U.S. customers showed that 99% are satisfied with their SonoSite product and that nine out of 10 customers are “very” or “completely” satisfied overall. The statistically significant survey is the fifth commissioned by SonoSite since January 2005 to document similarly high approval ratings.

SonoSite Products Exceed Expectations

The survey measured satisfaction among both new users, defined as those who had acquired a SonoSite system within the past four to six months, and long term users, customers who had acquired a SonoSite system within the past eight months to three years. To participate in the survey, respondents were required to be involved in the day-to-day operation or usage of the SonoSite products and not just involved in the acquisition decision.

The survey found a commanding majority of participants of both new and long-term users said that SonoSite products exceeded their expectations for image quality, reliability, durability, ergonomic design of transducers and ease of use and that they would recommend their SonoSite product to colleagues. Most customers say they would be “very likely” to acquire additional SonoSite products and that they would recommend their SonoSite product to their colleagues.

source: SonoSite

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Advanced New LA County-USC Trauma Center Redefines Resuscitation Through Integrating Mounted Point-Of-Care Ultrasound

BOTHELL, WA - October 7, 2008 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound in point of care medicine, announced today that the new Los Angeles County-USC (LAC+USC) Medical Center has installed 12 S-FAST™ point-of-care ultrasound tools in each of its major resuscitation bays, where the most critically ill and injured people are treated. LA County Hospital is one of the country’s largest and busiest Level I trauma centers with 150,000 ED patient visits annually and is recognized worldwide as a leader in trauma care.

By mounting SonoSite’s zero-footprint ultrasound tools on the Steris® Harmony Ceiling System resuscitation towers with defibrillators, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters and other critical care equipment, this highly advanced Level 1 trauma center moves to the forefront of integrating ultrasound into patient resuscitation and trauma care. Opening to patients on November 7, LA County-USC Medical Center will become the world’s first emergency department to integrate point-of-care ultrasound in such a comprehensive way.

source: SonoSite

Monday, October 13, 2008

GE Healthcare and Boston Scientific Collaborate on Cardiovascular Imaging

WAUKESHA, Wis. and NATICK, Mass., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) market leader Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced a collaboration that enables improved intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) workflow between the GE Healthcare Innova® Cardiovascular X-ray System and the Boston Scientific iLab® Ultrasound Imaging System. The iLab and Innova Systems will both be featured at the October 12-17 Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Scientific Symposium in Washington, D.C.

The Innova® System is the world's most trusted family of all-digital cardiovascular imaging systems. The Innova X-ray imaging systems provide users with excellent image quality with industry leading dose efficiency. Built on GE's industry leading Innova digital detector, the Innova System helps physicians clearly visualize fine vessels, precisely place stents and successfully perform critical procedures. Cardiologists in the cardiac cath lab use it when performing procedures to view and treat potential coronary artery blockages that could cause heart attacks or other serious cardiovascular damage. The system is designed to provide cardiologists with more information than ever before, resulting in better diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

source: Boston Scientific

Friday, October 10, 2008

Advanced New LA County-USC Trauma Center Redefines Resuscitation Through Integrating Mounted Point-Of-Care Ultrasound

BOTHELL, WA - October 7, 2008 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound in point of care medicine, announced today that the new Los Angeles County-USC (LAC+USC) Medical Center has installed 12 S-FAST™ point-of-care ultrasound tools in each of its major resuscitation bays, where the most critically ill and injured people are treated. LA County Hospital is one of the country’s largest and busiest Level I trauma centers with 150,000 ED patient visits annually and is recognized worldwide as a leader in trauma care.

By mounting SonoSite’s zero-footprint ultrasound tools on the Steris® Harmony Ceiling System resuscitation towers with defibrillators, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters and other critical care equipment, this highly advanced Level 1 trauma center moves to the forefront of integrating ultrasound into patient resuscitation and trauma care. Opening to patients on November 7, LA County-USC Medical Center will become the world’s first emergency department to integrate point-of-care ultrasound in such a comprehensive way.

source: SonoSite

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Terason Launches IMPACT 2008 to Provide Unique Advantage in Laptop Ultrasound Market

BURLINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TERASON, the innovator and leader in patented ultrasound microsystem technology, advances its handheld laptop ultrasound system with the release of IMPACT 2008. With this release, Terason focuses on bringing a superior cost-effective patient care solution through its Windows® based architecture to our customers. IMPACT 2008 advances the overall performance and functionality of ultrasound across various applications.

IMPACT 2008 encompasses many new features and benefits advancing the overall image quality of Terason’s Ultrasound Systems. Superior image quality is enriched through proprietary new algorithms, lateral resolution, Advanced Harmonic Imaging (AHI) and OmniVision. The increase in lateral resolution is achieved without decreasing the frame rate. OmniVision features electronic beam steering for rapidly acquiring several scans from many different viewing angles for more confidence in visualization and diagnosis. OmniVision reduces speckle, shadowing, clutter and other acoustic artifacts, resulting in exceptional contrast resolution and tissue differentiation. New grayscale maps provide clinicians with exquisite grayscale imaging, as well as additional choices in image displays. Terason’s unique advanced harmonic imaging algorithm is further optimized for the 5C2 and 4V2 transducers, reducing artifacts and improving contrast resolution.

source: Business Wire

Monday, September 29, 2008

TI drives new market of handheld ultrasound systems with industry's smallest, lowest-power analog front ends

DALLAS (Sept. 29, 2008) - Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) today introduced two new integrated analog front ends (AFEs) for handheld ultrasound systems. The newest members of TI's AFE family for medical ultrasound, the industry-first 16-channel AFE5851 and the 8-channel AFE5801 bring breakthrough power efficiency and smaller footprint to support the new market for handheld ultrasound systems that can fit in a doctor's pocket (see www.ti.com/afe5801-pr).

New uses of electronic medical devices and emerging economies are driving the need for innovative, handheld ultrasound systems. Doctors in remote regions and medical technicians in first responder situations need a non-invasive tool for accurate, on-site diagnosis. By carrying a system at all times, doctors can also use ultrasound for new application areas, such as diagnosis of cardiac conditions.

source: Texas Instruments

Thursday, September 25, 2008

GE Healthcare Cardiac Ultrasound Service Boosts Customer Satisfaction Scores In Two Surveys

GE Healthcare's satisfaction scores reflect significant improvements in customer perceptions of service quality in both MD Buyline's 2nd quarter 2008 customer satisfaction survey and IMV ServiceTrak's 2008 report. MD Buyline and ServiceTrak present independent analysis of service trends in industry and manufacturer ratings within each modality.

"We think it's significant that two completely separate surveys show that GE Healthcare Cardiac Ultrasound Service has made positive changes," said Ann Marie Lubert, General Manager, GE Healthcare Ultrasound Services. "These achievements are consistent with the trend of our own customer satisfaction measurements. Latest scores reveal that 93 percent of our customers are not only satisfied, but also willing to recommend GE Healthcare Cardiac Ultrasound Service to a peer. Clearly, this is an indication that the programs and initiatives we've implemented over the last year to enhance our service offerings are working."

source: Medical News Today

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

A pilot study using Tissue Velocity Ultrasound Imaging (TVI) to assess muscle activity pattern in patients with chronic trapezius myalgia

Different research techniques indicate alterations in muscle tissue and in neuromuscular control of aching muscles in patients with chronic localized pain. Ultrasound can be used for analysis of muscle tissue dynamics in clinical practice.

Aim: This study introduces a new muscle tissue sensitive ultrasound technique in order to provide a new methodology for providing a description of local muscle changes. This method is applied to investigate trapezius muscle tissue response - especially with respect to specific regional deformation and deformation rates - during concentric shoulder elevation in patients with chronic trapezius myalgia and healthy controls before and after pain provocation.

Methods: Patients with trapezius myalgia and healthy controls were analyzed using an ultrasound system equipped with tissue velocity imaging (TVI).

complete article: 7th Space

Author: Michael Peolsson, Britt Larsson, Lars-Ake Brodin and Bjorn Gerdle
Credits/Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2008, 9:127

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The use of ultrasound in the fight against cancer

A revolutionary new ultrasonic treatment for liver and kidney cancer offers a surgery-free procedure for patients in the UK.

Ultrasound is high frequency sound beyond the range of human hearing and has been employed in a variety of ways in the medical field including, in diagnostics to look inside the body and observe a growing foetus, in physiotherapy as a tool to aid the rejuvenation of muscles and pain control, and now, in the treatment of tumours.

Through research by Professor Tim Mason, Head of Sonochemistry at Coventry University alongside Chinese researchers at the Chongqing Medical University made possible by trials at Churchill hospital in Oxford the procedures are now a reality. The new discovery proves that a type of focused ultrasound can now be used to treat specific tumours.

source: Coventry University

Sunday, September 21, 2008

A Breakthrough In Contrast-Enhanced Intraoperative Ultrasonography

The present brief clinical report showed that Contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CE-IOUS) using a new microbubble agent, Sonazoid, can allow surgeons to investigate the whole liver with enough time and to find new metastases intraoperatively.

Contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CE-IOUS) seems more sensitive than conventional IOUS to identify new occult lesions during hepatectomy in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM). However, conventional contrast mediums cannot provide enough time for repeat whole liver intraoperative scan, and further improvement of microbubble agent for CE-IOUS had been sought.

source: Medical News Today

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Philips Ranks No. 1 In Overall Service Performance In Ultrasound All Systems 2008 IMV Servicetrak™ Reports

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) announced that customers have again rated Philips Healthcare No. 1 in overall service performance for Ultrasound All Systems, comprising Radiology/OB-Gyn and Cardiology instruments, in the annual IMV ServiceTrak™ surveys.

The results of the 2008 IMV analysis also show Philips earning a No. 1 ranking in overall manufacturer satisfaction and a No. 1 ranking for probability of repurchase for ultrasound.

source: Medical News Today

Thursday, September 11, 2008

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following External Beam Radiation Therapy Investigated in Phase III Clinical S

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 11 /CNW/ -- In a new study, men with locally
recurrent prostate cancer may be able to receive a promising investigational
ultrasound treatment option.

A Phase III clinical trial at Specialists in Urology, located in North
Naples, FL, is investigating the safety and efficacy of High Intensity Focused
Ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of locally recurrent prostate
cancer following failed external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
HIFU is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound energy to destroy cancerous tissue with focused sound waves.

The lead investigator of this trial site is Dr. Nicholas Franco. This is
one of several trial sites in the nation approved by the Food and Drug
Administration to participate in the trial, which will begin enrolling
patients in September.

source: CNW Group

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Tiny 3-D Ultrasound Guides Catheter

An ultrasound probe small enough to ride along at the tip of a catheter can provide physicians with clearer real-time images of soft tissue without the risks associated with conventional x-ray catheter guidance.

Duke University biomedical engineers designed and fabricated the novel ultrasound probe which is powerful enough to provide detailed, 3-D images. The new device works like an insect's compound eye, blending images from 108 miniature transducers working together.

Catheter-based procedures involve snaking instruments through blood vessels to perform various tasks, such as clearing arteries or placing stents, usually with the guidance of x-ray images.

source: Duke University

Friday, September 5, 2008

MEDISON Introduces the “SonoAce X6”, the most powerful combination of performance and design

MEDISON Co., Ltd., the world renowned diagnostic ultrasound systems corporation, has announced the new SonoAce X6 model which is now commercially available.

MEDISON’s SonoAce X6 is an impressive new compact ultrasound system providing maximum value and quality across a wide range of applications. The slender ergonomic design is built upon innovative software-based technology in combination with a variety of advanced imaging functions to meet the acceptance of the most sophisticated of ultrasound users.

SonoAce X6 boasts sensitive spectral, color and power Doppler facilitating confident hemodynamic diagnoses of vascular anatomy and pathology. In addition to exceptional Doppler sensitivity, X6 also incorporates an extensive list of image processing innovations, including SRFTM(Speckle Reduction Filter), Full Spectrum ImagingTM, and Pulse Inversion Harmonic Imaging.

source: Medison

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Philips showcases new portable ultrasound to speed urgent and on the spot diagnosis of cardiac patients at the ESC Congress 2008

Munich, Germany – At the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2008, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) today showcased the CX50 CompactXtreme, a recently developed handheld ultrasound system. On show in Europe for the first time, it is able to deliver the image quality expected of a traditional, full-size system in even the most technically challenging investigations. Designed to deliver high-quality images at the bedside, the CX50 provides clinicians with the information they need to give an accurate diagnosis of the patient’s problem.

“This product has been developed in direct response to what clinicians have told us they need: a user-friendly, compact system for urgent, on the spot investigations. Very sick patients are often difficult to move – those on the critical and intensive care units may be attached to multiple tubes leading to ventilators, infusions, monitors and drug administration pumps.

source: Philips

Friday, August 29, 2008

Catheter Procedures Guided By Tiny 3-D Ultrasound Probe

An ultrasound probe small enough to ride along at the tip of a catheter can provide physicians with clearer real-time images of soft tissue without the risks associated with conventional x-ray catheter guidance.

Duke University biomedical engineers designed and fabricated the novel ultrasound probe which is powerful enough to provide detailed, 3-D images. The new device works like an insect's compound eye, blending images from 108 miniature transducers working together.

source: Medical News Today

Friday, August 22, 2008

SonoSite Expands Clinical Capabilities on S Series Products

Transducers Added to S-FAST, S-ICU, S-MSK, S-Nerve and S-Cath Ultrasound Tools

BOTHELL, Wash., Aug 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SonoSite, Inc. (SONO:
sonosite inc com, the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, announced today that it has begun customer shipments of its first major expansion of capabilities for the S Series(TM) ultrasound tools. The upgrade adds four transducers covering a wide range of clinical applications to the S Series product line and enables playback of the revolutionary SonoSite Education Key(TM) program training modules. It is available for purchase to existing customers and can be easily downloaded from a USB thumb drive.

Recently, the S Series was recognized with its second, coveted design award, an International Design Excellence Award (IDEA), from an annual, juried competition co-sponsored by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and BusinessWeek, that highlights the most innovative and exciting product and product concept designs of the year.

source: SonoSite

Friday, August 8, 2008

Philips New Handheld Ultrasound System Offers Premium Image Quality In A Portable System

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) announced the launch of its advanced handheld ultrasound system, the Philips CX50 CompactXtreme. Designed to meet the needs of cardiologists for clear diagnostic data at the bedside, the new compact system combines the image quality expected of a traditional, premium, full-size system with the convenience of portability.

"Following extensive research into clinicians' needs, we've designed a laptop-sized system that can help them get to patients quickly-no matter where they are in the hospital or clinic-and which can produce high quality images regardless of the difficulty of the situation at hand," said Anne LeGrand, senior vice president and general manager, Ultrasound, for Philips Healthcare.

source: Philips

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

GE Healthcare Committed To Sports Medicine, Supports The Medical Team Of The Spanish Olympic Committee With Its Leading Compact Ultrasound System

GE Healthcare, the US$17 billion healthcare business of General Electric Company (GE), announces broadening the use of its LOGIQ e, a leading compact ultrasound system to the medical team of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE).

This system will be used prior, during and after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, on all elite Spanish athletes. GE Healthcare's LOGIQ e, will now offer the COE a more proactive approach to elite athlete injury care management, bringing earlier diagnosis to the point of care.


source: Medical News Today

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Reports of Ultrasound Bubble Contrast Agents Are Overblown, Physicians Say

by Lynn Shapiro, Writer

The reports of serious side effects and deaths being linked to the contrast agents Definity made by Lantheus Medical Imaging, and Optisom, made by GE Healthcare, are overblown, say Dr. Christopher M. Kramer, a professor of radiology and medicine at the University of Virginia Health System and Dr. Don Black, vice president of research and development for the medical diagnostics division of GE Healthcare.

FDA placed a black box warning on the two agents last October after receiving about 200 reports of serious allergic reactions and deaths due to the contrast agents.

However, Dr. Kramer told DOTmed News that upon reviewing the cases, it became clear that the deaths occurred because the patients who were given the dye were terminally ill.

source: DotMed News

Saturday, July 12, 2008

GE Healthcare Enhances Service Capabilities To Address Continued Growth Of Compact Ultrasound Systems

GE Healthcare announced that its LOGIQ e compact ultrasound users are embracing a new service that allows them to connect their ultrasound systems, via secure broadband connection, to the technical support and clinical applications experts at GE's LiveAssist Center. This innovative digital connectivity, called InSite ExC, provides customers with "real time" remote resolution of service and applications events.

"Fast response is especially important to our LOGIQ e customers," said Ann Marie Lubert, GE Healthcare's General Manager of Ultrasound Americas Services, noting that the devices are used primarily in such settings as emergency departments, surgical suites, anesthesiology, cardiology and private physicians' offices. "At these sites, backup equipment may not be readily available. So remaining operational is absolutely critical."

source: GE Healthcare

Friday, June 27, 2008

New Product Will Broaden 3D/4D Technologies - MEDISON To Launch ACCUVIX V20 In 2nd Half

MEDISON Co., Ltd (CEO: JB Choi, www.medison.com), a world leader in 3D/4D ultrasound systems and the first to develop and commercialize 3D ultrasound image technology, plans a global launch of its new ACCUVIX V20 model in the second half of this year..

The technology-intensive new product is to be showcased at major international conferences and exhibitions, starting with the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetric and Gynecology 2008 in Chicago in August.

The ACCUVIX V20 will be commercially launched in the market at the same time.

source: Medical News Today

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Simple Ultrasound Exam May Predict Osteoporosis Risk

OAK BROOK, Ill. — An ultrasound exam of the heel may be able to predict if a woman is at heightened risk for fractures due to osteoporosis, according to a new multicenter study being published in the July issue of the journal Radiology. Along with certain risk factors, including age or recent fall, radiation-free ultrasound of the heel may be used to better select women who need further bone density testing, such as a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) exam.

"Osteoporosis is a major public health issue expected to increase in association with worldwide aging of the population," said the study's lead author Idris Guessous, M.D., senior research fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at Lausanne University Hospital in Switzerland. "The incidence of osteoporosis will outpace economic resources, and the development of strategies to better identify women who need to be tested is crucial."

source: RSNA

Friday, June 20, 2008

Next Generation Ultrasound Provides Off-Court Assistance At World-Class Tennis Championships

The 2008 Artois Championships at The Queen's Club in London took place from 9- 15th June 2008. Top names including world number two Rafael Nadal, defending champion Andy Roddick and British number one, Andy Murray battled it out for the top prizes at the prestigious men's tournament.

The Doctors Room was on standby throughout the tournament to assess strains or any injuries obtained on the court, ensuring medical treatment could be administered without delay. The ACUSON S2000, a newly launched and advanced ultrasound solution from Siemens was in place to provide imaging assistance if required.

source: Medical News Today

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Cone Instruments Releases New Ultrasound Catalog

SOLON, OH--(Marketwire - June 18, 2008) - Cone Instruments, a worldwide provider of medical imaging supplies, accessories, equipment and service, is issuing the 26th volume of its popular Ultrasound Catalog for 2008.

"It is a pleasure to present you with the 26th volume of Cone Instruments' Ultrasound Catalog for 2008. Cone Instruments has been able to successfully serve the imaging community for over 30 years. The most important key to that success is the loyalty of more than 6000 customers worldwide. As long as you continue to value doing business with a partner that offers competitive prices, a comprehensive product line and personalized service, Cone Instruments will be here for you," said Patrick C. Beck, President and CEO.

source: Marketwire

Friday, June 13, 2008

SonoSite Adds Four Transducers To M-Turbo System

BOTHELL, WA - June 12, 2008 - SonoSite, Inc., (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, announced today the first expansion of capabilities for the powerful M-Turbo™ system. The expanded platform includes four new transducers addressing anesthesia, surgery, venous access, musculoskeletal and adult and pediatric cardiology applications, plus further enhancements to emergency medicine documentation worksheets. It also enables playback on the M-Turbo system of the revolutionary SonoSite Education Key™ program training modules. Existing customers can easily upgrade their systems via a software download from a USB thumb drive. Customer shipments began this week.

“Ten years of focus and specialization on addressing the needs of clinicians at the point-of-care underlie the innovation of the M-Turbo system and its sister product line, the S Series™ ultrasound tools, that we introduced just a few months ago,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. “These products continue our tradition of setting a new performance benchmark in the industry."

source: SonoSite

Thursday, June 12, 2008

GE Healthcare Announces Updates To Optison Prescribing Information

GE Healthcare announced significant updates to the Prescribing Information (PI) for its ultrasound contrast medium OPTISON TM (Perflutren Protein-Type A Microspheres Injectable Suspension, USP). The Company also announced that it will establish an external, independent safety monitoring board for Optison. These changes come after a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety review, in which the Agency revised the benefit/risk assessment for all perflutren microsphere contrast agents.

Changes to the Prescribing Information include removal of certain contraindications for the use of Optison in critically ill patients, which will enable physicians to use the agent to diagnose potentially life-threatening cardiac abnormalities. Additional changes include the removal of extensive monitoring requirements post-injection, in all but critically ill patients.

complete update at GE Healthcare

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Ultrasound Contrast Agent Safe During Stress Echocardiogram

Research conducted at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston shows that the use of ultrasound contrast agents during stress echocardiograms is safe. These results, revealed at the 19th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography, come just months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated a black box warning on labels of contrast agents used for cardiovascular ultrasound.

The risk of major adverse effects is no different in patients that received contrast during their stress echocardiogram than in those who did not receive contrast, according to research findings. This held true even though contrast was more often used in patients with a higher cardiac risk profile.

source: Medical News Today

Monday, June 9, 2008

Mindray's DC-3 Color Ultrasound Gains U.S. FDA 510(k) Clearance

SHENZHEN, China, June 6 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Mindray Medical International Limited (NYSE: MR), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices worldwide, today announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for its DC-3 color ultrasound imaging system. The clearance comes in addition to China State Food and Drug Administration ("SFDA") approval and CE Mark granted earlier this year for the sale of the DC-3 in Chinese and European markets, respectively.

"The compact DC-3 combines outstanding 2D imaging and exceptional color Doppler performance," said Mr. Li Xiting, Mindray's president and co-chief executive officer. "With a superior price-to-performance ratio, we are confident that this versatile product will meet the diverse needs and requirements of hospitals, doctors' offices and veterinary clinics around the world."

source: Mindray

Friday, June 6, 2008

Coronary Disease: A New Perspective Thanks To Ultrasound

Compared to other techniques, Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is much better at monitoring the increase or decrease of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. Can the method even be used to predict the odds of a heart attack or other cardiovascular event? Studies indicate this may be the case, states Professor Clemens von Birgelen in his inaugural address at the University of Twente. Results of IVUS measurements also raise the question of whether patients with demonstrated coronary disease should be treated with more powerful cholesterol-lowering statins to reverse atherosclerosis. Von Birgelen's inaugural address takes place on 5 June.

Narrowed coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis can be visualised using 'classic' cardiac catheterisation, but the technique only shows the space the blood flows through, the 'lumen', and not the diseased vascular wall surrounding it. By using a specialised catheter with an ultrasound 'sensor', IVUS also creates images of the calcifications, the 'plaque', and allows various components of the plaque to be identified not only calcium, but also fat and connective tissue.

source: Medical News Today

Friday, May 30, 2008

New ultrasound company offers ‘real time’ 4D foetal imaging

Innervision, the west’s 4D ultrasound specialist clinic, offers expectant parents the opportunity to see their baby. State of the art 4D ultrasound technology provides live recording of the baby from within the womb. The 3D images are captured in real time to produce 4D footage which can be recorded onto a DVD.

An ultrasound scan obtains pictures from inside the body using sound waves. The high frequency sound is transmitted through the skin and reflected by the body. These 'echoes' form a picture on the screen, and no special preparation is necessary for the examination. In obstetrics, the ultrasound is an essential imaging tool used to clearly visualise the foetus in the womb.

source: Galway Advertiser

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

SonoSite Responds to Second GE Lawsuit in Wisconsin

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound at the point-of-care, said today that the General Electric Company (GE) filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin on May 22 seeking to invalidate SonoSite’s US Patent No. 5,722,412, “Hand Held Ultrasonic Diagnostic Instrument” (“the 412 patent”). SonoSite has performed a preliminary assessment of the case and believes GE’s claim is baseless and without merit.

“GE’s latest filing is yet another attempt to slow our strong momentum,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. “Our momentum is growing because our small, innovative hand-carried systems are having a significant, global impact on patient safety and the cost of healthcare. Because GE is not winning with product innovation or customers, they challenge us in the courts yet again by filing another meritless lawsuit. We strongly believe that there is no legal basis for this lawsuit and we will proceed firmly ahead to defend our legal rights. We will continue to invest in customer-centered innovation, education and service while remaining focused on the needs of clinicians at the point-of-care.”

source: Business Wire

Monday, May 26, 2008

Bioeffects Consensus Report Featured In Journal Of Ultrasound In Medicine

The April 2008 issue of the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine (JUM) includes an important special feature, the "AIUM Consensus Report on Potential Bioeffects of Diagnostic Ultrasound," which addresses issues related to the bioeffects of diagnostic ultrasound and is intended for use in assessing its risks and benefits.

The report includes 5 articles that provide extensive evaluations of 5 bioeffects categories: postnatal thermal effects, fetal thermal effects, postnatal mechanical effects, fetal mechanical effects, and bioeffects considerations for ultrasound contrast agents. Each article provides an in-depth analysis, conclusions, and recommendations for use.

source: MedicalNewsToday

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Siemens Intracardiac AcuNav Ultrasound Catheter to be Opened for Use on Third Party Ultrasound Systems

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 14 - Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) today announced that it would extend its strategic alliance with Biosense Webster, Inc. by opening up the ACUSON AcuNav(TM) ultrasound catheter for use on third party ultrasound systems. In 2006, the two companies announced an agreement giving Biosense Webster the exclusive worldwide rights to distribute Siemens' ACUSON AcuNav ultrasound catheters, as well as a co-development of the technology in the future.

The ACUSON AcuNav ultrasound catheter provides electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists with high-quality, real-time diagnostic ultrasound images and Doppler blood flow information from within the heart. Cleared for marketing in 1999, the intracardiac catheter is known for its state-of-the art quality and is currently the world's only cardiac imaging ultrasound catheter.

source ThomasNet Press Release

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Volcano Announces Acquisition of Novelis, Inc.

SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ ----Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a provider of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement (FM) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease, said today that it has acquired Novelis, Inc., a privately-held company with proprietary ultrasonic visualization and therapy technology for minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic devices.

Novelis' proprietary Forward-Looking IVUS technology platform is expected to build upon Volcano's existing suite of products and further enhance Volcano's position as an imaging technology leader in the field of interventional medicine by enabling forward-looking IVUS and associated therapies in the interventional cardiology market. Volcano expects to add the Novelis products and capability onto its s5i multi-modality integrated platform/hub.

source: Fox Business

Monday, May 19, 2008

European debut of the new system Acuson S2000 from Siemens

Siemens Healthcare is showing its Acuson S2000, the first ultrasound system of the new product series S, at the ECR (European Congress of Radiology) 2008 in Vienna. This system platform includes integration of the newest technologies to optimize workflows and once again considerably simplify the physician's work. Thus the Acuson S2000 has been equipped with comprehensive software applications such as a new software for breast imaging. The system is also well equipped for future technologies: It enables the implementation of innovative ARFI (Acoustic Radiation Forced Impulse) imaging and is prepared for integration of new silicon ultrasound technology, which is almost ready for the market. The Acuson S2000 is suitable for internal medicine radiology imaging including vascular diagnosis and echocardiography as well as gynecology and obstetrics.

One of the most innovative ultrasound applications of the new system is the so-called ARFI ultrasound. It compresses the tissue using acoustic energy and thus allows for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the stiffness of deep tissue. Current research work indicates that this type of evaluation can be helpful in differentiating abnormalities such as liver tumors or quantifying the advancement of fibrosis (development of excess connective tissue).

source: Siemens Healthcare

Saturday, May 17, 2008

New Guide to Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Teaches Diagnosticians and Technicians the Latest Techniques

Sunman, IN (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for the Extremities by Dr. Randy E. Moore is a straight-forward, easy-to-follow guide which stresses recognition of normal anatomy as a prerequisite to identifying pathology.

In the last 20 years, diagnostic ultrasonography has made tremendous strides. There has been an increase in the use of this process to image musculoskeletal structures and extremities. Musculoskeletal Ultrasound of the Extremities by Moore is an introduction to the interactive process of scanning protocols. The book provides a foundation in which physicians can develop more advanced scanning abilities and improve evaluation and treatment of patients.

Clearly written and filled with color photographs, the book offers advice on everything from equipment selection to tips for technicians. Moore has also included sample reports.

source: Press Release

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Adding Ultrasound Screening to Mammography Brings Benefits, Risks

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Adding a screening ultrasound examination to routine mammography reveals more breast cancers than mammography alone, according to results of a major new clinical trial. The trial, however, also found that adding an ultrasound exam also increases the rate of false positive findings and unnecessary biopsies.

Results of the clinical trial, conducted by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) and analyzed by Brown University statisticians, appear in the May 14, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"The trial uncovered a significant trade-off with ultrasound screening," said Jeffrey Blume, an associate professor in the Department of Community Health and the deputy director of the ACRIN Biostatistics and Data Management Center at Brown. "While supplemental ultrasound screening uncovers more breast cancers, it also substantially increases the risk of a false positive cancer finding and unnecessary biopsy."

source: Brown University

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Ultrasound-mammography combo detects more breast cancers

Washington, May 14 : Combining ultrasound screening with routine mammography may help in more effective diagnosis of breast cancers, but can also increase the rate of false positive findings, says a new study.

The clinical trials over 2,809 women in 21 clinical sites in the United States, Canada and Argentina were conducted by the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) and analyzed by Brown University statisticians.

The participants were women aged 25 years or older and were at an increased risk of breast cancer, women with dense breasts, women with a family history of breast cancer, and women who'd already had a breast biopsy.

source: newKerala.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Siemens introduces new versatile laptop ultrasound system

ACUSON P50 dissolves healthcare boundaries for diagnostic imaging anywhere

Siemens has unveiled a new ultrasound system which combines the flexibility, usability and mobility of a laptop, with the excellent image quality of a full conventional ultrasound system.

Designed to take ultrasound scans anywhere, the ACUSON P50 can easily be carried to locations within the hospital environment, such as cardiology, vascular and intensive care units and also to external locations such as sports fixtures.

The device weighs just 5 Kgs, runs as a Microsoft® Windows® application on an Apple MacBook Pro notebook and is an advanced portable ultrasound system. A sliding control panel on the laptop enables clinicians to perform ultrasound exams, process images and generate reports. Workflow can be streamlined due to faster patient setup, quicker image review, immediate access to archived data and simple reporting. The versatility of the system means users will also be able to view email and access the Internet on the same unit.

source: Siemens

Friday, May 9, 2008

Siemens introduces new versatile laptop ultrasound system

Siemens has unveiled a new ultrasound system which combines the flexibility, usability and mobility of a laptop, with the excellent image quality of a full conventional ultrasound system.

Designed to take ultrasound scans anywhere, the ACUSON P50 can easily be carried to locations within the hospital environment, such as cardiology, vascular and intensive care units and also to external locations such as sports fixtures.

The device weighs just five Kgs, runs as a Microsoft® Windows application on an Apple MacBook Pro notebook and is an advanced portable ultrasound system. A sliding control panel on the laptop enables clinicians to perform ultrasound exams, process images and generate reports. Workflow can be streamlined due to faster patient setup, quicker image review, immediate access to archived data and simple reporting.

source: Siemens

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Prostate Cancer Breakthrough Receives FDA Clearance

GRASS VALLEY, Calif. (May 6, 2008) – A new imaging device, ei•Nav/Artemis™, officially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), offers urologists breakthrough technology that will significantly help in the fight against prostate cancer. Artemis, designed by Eigen, a Northern California-based company known for developing innovative, affordable medical imaging solutions, will be introduced at the American Urological Association's (AUA) annual meeting May 17 – 22 in Orlando, FL.

Using proprietary next-generation 3D/4D imaging, Artemis™ provides solutions not available today by enhancing urologists' existing ultrasound machines, the vast majority of which are only 2D. Now, Artemis allows urologists to virtually see inside the prostate in real time during biopsy, guides them with 4D needle navigation during the delicate procedure, maps biopsy locations and generates an image of 3D biopsy coordinates for future reference.

source: Eigen

Monday, May 5, 2008

Florida Senate Rejects Measure Requiring Ultrasounds Before Abortion At Any Stage

Florida's Republican-controlled Senate voted 20-20 to reject a House-approved bill (SB 2400) on Wednesday that would have required physicians to perform an ultrasound on all women seeking abortion, the Miami Herald reports. The House had approved a companion bill (HB 257) last month.

According to the Herald, the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to the tie vote pitted Senate Republican leader Dan Webster (R), who sponsored the bill, against former Senate President Jim King (R), who built a coalition of seven Republican moderates and 13 Democrats to defeat it. King said, "Unless you ovulate or have ovulated, we have no business as males interfering with your female decision on reproduction." He added, "A woman making a decision that she wants to abort, that decision should be honored." One Democrat and 19 Republicans voted for the bill (Caputo/Gilpatrick, Miami Herald, 5/1).

source: Medical News Today

Volcano Announces Participation in SATURN Clinical Trial Sponsored by AstraZeneca

SAN DIEGO, May 5, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading manufacturer and developer of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement (FM) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease, announced today participation in SATURN (Study of Coronary Atheroma by InTravascular Ultrasound: Effect of Rosuvastatin Versus AtorvastatiN). This marks the first major pharmaceutical trial allowing physicians to use the Volcano Revolution(R) 45 MHz IVUS Imaging catheter as part of the protocol.

SATURN is a 104-week, parallel-group, multicentre, double-blind, Phase IIIb intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging study of approximately 1,300 patients at 170 centres worldwide. This study by AstraZeneca is designed to measure the impact of CRESTOR(TM) (rosuvastatin) 40 mg and atorvastatin (Lipitor(R)) 80 mg on the progression of atherosclerosis in high risk patients. SATURN will compare the effects of these two statins on the ability to decrease progression or induce regression of atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular disease, following two years of treatment in patients with coronary artery disease.

source: Volcano Corp.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Florida Senate rejects bill requiring ultrasounds before abortions

TALLAHASSEE - After 90 minutes of emotional debate, a splintered Florida Senate on Wednesday killed a bill that would have forced women to undergo ultrasound exams before getting an abortion — a requirement critics condemned as unconstitutional.

The measure's sponsor, Sen. Daniel Webster, R- Winter Garden, had forecast the chances of passage were 50-50. The bill died on a 20-20 tie.

In his final plea to senators, Webster insisted the proposal was needed.

"Good medical practice dictates screening," said Webster, a prominent social conservative ending his 28-year legislative career because of term limits.

source: Florida Sun-Sentinel

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Acusphere Submits New Drug Application for FDA Approval of Imagify(TM)

WATERTOWN, Mass., Apr 28, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Acusphere Inc. (NASDAQ: ACUS) announced today the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for approval to market its lead product candidate, Imagify(TM) (Perflubutane Polymer Microspheres for Injectable Suspension). Imagify is an ultrasound imaging agent for the detection of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. The NDA includes data from studies of Imagify in more than 1,000 patients worldwide, including two pivotal international multi-center Phase III clinical trials, RAMP-1 and RAMP-2 (Real-Time Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion).

Imagify is the first ultrasound imaging agent designed to assess blood flow in the heart (myocardial perfusion), a sensitive marker of coronary artery disease. The Company believes it is also the first ultrasound imaging agent to demonstrate in large clinical trials clinically equivalent accuracy to nuclear stress testing, the current standard for assessing myocardial perfusion. Currently, perfusion information is not available using cardiac ultrasound, but must be obtained using a nuclear stress test, an expensive and time-consuming test that involves injecting the patient with a radioactive imaging agent. More than 10 million stress imaging procedures are done each year in the U.S. to detect coronary artery disease.

source: Acusphere

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

European Ultrasound Markets Embrace New Technologies

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advancements in obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound, hand-carried ultrasound as well as other smaller market segments such as urology and surgical ultrasound are driving the European ultrasound market.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com), European Markets for Ultrasound, finds that the market was worth $0.9 billion in 2007 and estimates this to reach $1.4 billion in 2014.

“Increased demand from private practitioners as well as the growing number of breast and prostate ultrasound procedures will boost market growth,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Krishanu Bhattacharjee. “With the use of hand-carried ultrasound units for the anaesthesia and emergency wards, the European market for ultrasound is set to experience sustained growth.”

With revolutionary advances in technology, particularly in the form of miniaturisation of transducer probes, elastography as well as 3D and 4D imaging, the market is poised to grow at a steady rate in the coming years.

source: Business Wire

Thursday, April 24, 2008

3-D Ultrasound Could Improve Stroke Diagnosis and Care

Durham, NC -- Using 3-D ultrasound technology they designed, Duke University bioengineers can compensate for the thickness and unevenness of the skull to see in real-time the arteries within the brain that most often clog up and cause strokes.

The researchers believe that these advances will ultimately improve the treatment of stroke patients, whether by giving emergency medical technicians (EMT) the ability to quickly scan the heads of potential stroke victims while in the ambulance or allowing physicians to easily monitor in real time the patients’ response to therapy at the bedside.

The results of the latest studies were reported online in the journal Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Duke Translational Medicine Institute, with assistance from the Duke Echocardiography Laboratory.

source: Duke University

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Emerging Ultrasound Market to Grow Rapidly Over Next Five Years

April 23, 2008—Waltham, Massachusetts—According to Millennium Research Group’s US Markets for Ultrasound Systems 2008 report, the emerging ultrasound market will experience rapid growth over the next five years. Increasing at a compound annual growth rate of over 15% from 2007 to 2012, this market, composed of ultrasound systems used for regional anesthesia, emergency medicine, surgery, and critical care, will exceed $306 million by 2012 (excluding upgrade and service revenues).

The affordability and improving performance of compact systems have made ultrasound increasingly popular in nontraditional environments such as critical care units. Compact systems weigh 15 pounds or less, providing convenience and mobility to physicians. Manufacturers of these systems have fostered growth in emerging markets by tailoring new compact systems to include specific applications that ease system operation for health care providers who are inexperienced with ultrasound.

source: Millenium Research Group

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bacterial Contamination Detected In Ultrasound Gels

A study conducted by M. Eyigor and colleagues (Turkey), presented at the 18th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Barcelona, has demonstrated the contamination of sonographic transducers, which can result in outbreaks of hospital infection. All the gels in the hospital were collected to exclude bacterial contamination.

A total of 669 unopened bottles of gels from two different brands were sampled for cultures. In one of the brands - the most expensive one (6€ per bottle) - no bacterial growth was observed in 364 bottles sampled, so these gels were distributed back to the hospital. A total of 305 bottles of the second brand - the cheapest one (1€ per bottle) - were investigated and in 222 (72.8%) of these, bacterial contamination was detected.

source: MedicalnewsToday

Monday, April 21, 2008

Ultrasonix Medical Corporation Credits a Great 2008 Start to EPI Extended Pulse Imaging Technology - a Significant Advance in Diagnostic Ultrasound

RICHMOND, British Columbia, April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultrasonix Medical
Corporation Ltd. Announced a substantial growth for the first quarter of
2008, with a 20% increase in revenue over the same period in 2007. The
company attributes its strong growth to new advances on the award winning
Sonix OP and Sonix SP systems as well as substantial market growth in the
Emergency Medicine market.

Increased sales for the Sonix OP and Sonix SP platforms can be largely
attributed to a new breakthrough technology, EPI Extended Pulse Imaging.
EPI uses a special signal technology that improves penetration and
maintains image quality in technically difficult patients. Previously this
type of technology was only available on premium ultrasound systems. Now
clinicians have a more cost-effective alternative to use in a range of
applications including abdominal, gynecological, and obstetrical imaging.

source: PR Newswire

Thursday, April 17, 2008

New 3D Imaging Technology Reveals Heart's 'Unanswered Questions'

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - April 17, 2008) - Cardiovascular surgeons and anesthesiologists at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas have begun using a new type of echocardiogram that provides the first-ever live 3D images of the beating heart moments before surgery. The technology is expected to help surgeons better determine the course of open-heart surgeries and better treat people with heart failure, one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

"Ultrasound imaging is beneficial because it is a relatively non-invasive way to look inside the body," said Dr. Melvin Platt, medical director of cardiovascular surgery at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. "But until now those images left many unanswered questions. There's no question this technology adds a whole new dimension to what we're able to see."

source: MarketWire

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Mammography Plus Sonography Can Help Rule out Breast Cancer in Patients with Palpable Lesions

When mammography and sonography are used together to evaluate palpable breast lesions, they can rule out cancers in most patients, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Baystate Health in Springfield, MA. However, uncommonly, malignancies cannot be diagnosed using this imaging protocol.

“We were interested in finding out just how effective mammography and sonography were, when used together, in excluding breast cancer in women with palpable findings,” said Erica Tyler, MD, lead author of the study. “Our study differs from others because after enrollment, we followed patients for at least 3 years to see if any of the palpable lumps later were diagnosed as malignant,” she said.

The study evaluated 414 palpable breast lesions using both mammography and sonography. Imaging of 167 lesions was negative, with normal appearing breast tissue in the area of clinical concern and no mammographic or sonographic findings to explain the palpable finding. Among the 167 women with negative mammography and sonography, 120 reached a diagnostic endpoint with 28 patients undergoing a biopsy that showed no malignancy and 92 patients showing no malignancy after follow-up of at least 36 months. There were 118 true-negative and two false-negative cases said Dr. Tyler. The NPV when using mammography and sonography together was 98%, she said.

source: ARRS Press Release

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients Benefit from Use of Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Lymph Nodes

Newswise — Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) of the lymph nodes is a safe, useful, and minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing metastatic disease in patients who are undergoing preoperative staging for breast cancer, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the Rhode Island Hospital/Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, RI.

“We wanted to determine which patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer would benefit most from preoperative fine needle aspiration of the axillary lymph nodes,” said Martha Mainiero, MD, lead author of the study. “This quick and minimally invasive procedure can assist the surgeon in determining what type of axillary surgery is best for patients with breast cancer. Unfortunately many centers do not routinely perform this procedure as there is not yet consensus on who will benefit from it,” she said.

source: Newswise

Friday, April 11, 2008

Siemens Launches Dedicated Ultrasound And Women's Health Team - New Offering To Provide A One-stop Approach To Breast Imaging Solutions

Siemens has announced the creation of an Ultrasound and Women's Health division to promote and support its products and services within the UK healthcare marketplace.

Mammography and ultrasound are playing an increasingly important role in the detection and diagnosis of breast disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK*, however, thanks to increased awareness and extending screening services, early detection and diagnosis has boosted survival rates.

The creation of the new dedicated team follows comprehensive customer research and is in response to the evolving breast care environment. "The introduction of new applications and techniques such as elastography, silicon transducers and tomosynthesis has called for detailed and specialist advice in the marketplace," said Andrew Pattison, Director of Diagnostic Ultrasound & Women's Health at Siemens

source: MediLexicon

Monday, April 7, 2008

Philips HD7 ultrasound system now commercially available in the United States

ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) today announced that the latest addition to its HD ultrasound family of products, the Philips HD7, has launched in the United States. The Philips HD7 was introduced to Europe in March at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna. The system draws upon an array of features and capabilities available on high-end Philips systems and puts them into an affordable, mobile unit that is well-suited for a wide variety of clinical settings.

The system provides grayscale and color Doppler imaging with simple one button optimization, as well as Tissue Harmonic Imaging. In addition, the HD7 features a wide array of transducers, an adjustable flat panel LCD monitor, proven system architecture, and advanced imaging, measurement and quantification technologies.

source: Yahoo Finance

Friday, April 4, 2008

Siemens Showcases World's First Pocket Ultrasound System at the International Conference on Emergency Medicine 2008

SAN FRANCISCO, April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) highlights its smallest ultrasound solution -- the ACUSON P10(TM) ultrasound system -- at the International Conference on Emergency Medicine (Booth #300), April 3-6, 2008 in San Francisco.

The ACUSON P10 handheld diagnostic ultrasound system is a little larger than a common PDA, weighs only 1.6 pounds, and fits easily into a lab coat pocket. It delivers on demand ultrasound imaging and is intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in emergency care, cardiology and obstetrics.

"Instead of having to rush the patient to the technology, the P10 system brings the technology to the patient. This can save critical minutes, especially when a patient is in cardiac distress or with trauma patients, who have multiple injuries," said Dr. Eyal Herzog, FACC, director of the Cardiac Care Unit at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, in New York, an early ACUSON P10 system user. "The application flexibility and portability of the ACUSON P10 pocket ultrasound system mark significant changes in the way emergency care is administered, changes that could alter the face of the physical exam and, ultimately, lead to better patient outcomes."

source: Rehab Management

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Mindray's Laptop-size M5 and BS-200 Receive FDA Clearance

SHENZHEN, China, March 31, 2008 /Xinhua-PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Mindray Medical International Limited (NYSE: MR) today announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for its portable M5 ultrasound imaging system and BS-200 automatic bio-chemistry analyzer. Mindray has to date received FDA 510(k) clearance for a total of 14 products, covering patient monitoring and life support products, in-vitro diagnostic products and medical imaging systems.

The company also announced it has received approval from the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration ("SFDA") for the M5 and its DC-3 color ultrasound imaging system and provided an update on its product approval pipeline.

source: Mindray

Benefits Of Ultrasound Contrast Agents Outweigh Potential Risk To Heart Patients

A Saint Louis University cardiologist called upon the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reconsider a strong warning it recently placed on a diagnostic tool, stating that the warning could prevent doctors from detecting life-threatening cardiac events.

In October 2007, the FDA placed a black box warning on ultrasound contrast agents, which are used to improve the quality of echocardiography images in patients who do not otherwise have optimal images, after receiving reports of four deaths and serious reactions shortly after or during the infusion.

A black box warning is given to drugs that carry a significant risk of serious or even life-threatening adverse effects. The warning placed on ultrasound contrast agents was issued without a formal examination of the risks and benefits of using them, says Melda Dolan, M.D., associate professor of cardiology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

source: Medical News Today

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

GE's Transformation Of Cardiovascular Ultrasound Continues At ACC

GE Healthcare, a global ultrasound leader, continues to re-invent and re-imagine the technology behind its success, addressing the growing demand for cardiac imaging at the point of care. At this year's meeting of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Chicago, GE Healthcare is launching its latest ultrasound system designed to deliver excellent performance and breakthrough technology. The all-new, mobile, streamlined Vivid S5 cardiovascular ultrasound system has been designed as a dedicated cardiovascular solution for various care areas, from the hospital and clinic to the operating room to the physician's office, in a practical, easy to use design.

By leveraging GE Healthcare's miniaturization expertise gained from the compact Vivid i, the performance expertise of the console Vivid 7 and the proven utility and versatility of the Vivid 4, GE introduces a new concept and performance level for its ultrasound consoles. In the vein of the Vivid S6 signature class cardiovascular ultrasound system, introduced at the American Heart Association meeting last fall, the Vivid S5 delivers strong performance, excellent image quality and innovative design. Its stress echo capabilities and raw data DICOM expand the reach of patient examinations.

source: MedicalNewsToday

Monday, March 31, 2008

Toshiba Introduces New Cardiovascular Ultrasound Product - Aplio Artida - at ACC

Enhancing diagnostic confidence through the development of cutting-edge imaging technologies, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. today announced the company's newest product - the Aplio(TM) Artida ultrasound system. With its comprehensive applications, the Artida meets the demands of the growing cardiac 4D market.

With Artida's real-time, multi-planar reformatting capabilities, physicians can quantify global and regional LV function, including LV ejection fraction, volume and severity of regurgitation. Arbitrary views of the heart not available in 2D imaging are also obtained that can help with surgical planning. The system's U.S. introduction will take place at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting in Chicago, March 30 - April 1, 2008 (Booth # 8001).

source: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News,

Friday, March 28, 2008

Volcano Announces U.S. and European Launch of Rotational IVUS and Integrated FFR

SAN DIEGO, March 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Volcano Corporation (Nasdaq: VOLC), a leading manufacturer and developer of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), functional measurement (FM) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) products designed to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of coronary and peripheral vascular disease, announced today the U.S. and European launch of the s5-Revo and s5-FFR (fractional flow reserve) options for the s5i integrated Imaging platform. These two new product options now enable rotational IVUS and FFR to operate on the same integrated Volcano s5i Integrated Imaging System as Volcano's previous line of phased array IVUS catheters and functionality. For the first time, physicians can choose among three powerful diagnostic tools -- all on the same integrated IVUS platform.

Scott Huennekens, president and chief executive officer of Volcano, commented, "By adding high resolution rotational IVUS and pressure-based FFR to our already highly successful phased array s5 imaging platform, we will be providing a level of technology, clinical utility and convenience that is un-matched in the intravascular imaging field. No other company provides a system that integrates this level of functionality and convenience in a single platform. Our message now is simple: Volcano offers physicians all three technologies on one system -- you can choose which technology is best for your patient and clinical team."

source: Volcano Corporation

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Avoid Fetal "Keepsake" Images, Heartbeat Monitors

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - While ultrasonic fetal scanning is generally considered a safe medical procedure, the use of it for unapproved and unintended purposes raises concerns.

The use of ultrasound imaging devices for producing fetal keepsake videos is viewed as an unapproved use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doppler ultrasound heartbeat monitors are not intended for over-the-counter (OTC) use. Both products are approved for use only with a prescription.

"Although there are no known risks of ultrasound imaging and heartbeat monitors, the radiation associated with them can produce effects on the body," says Robert Phillips, Ph.D., a physicist with FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). "When ultrasound enters the body, it heats the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues."

source: HealthNewsDigest

Friday, March 21, 2008

Gov signs ultrasound-fetus bill

COLUMBUS – Medical clinics must offer to show pregnant women ultrasound images of their fetuses before carrying out abortions, under legislation signed Friday by Gov. Ted Strickland.

Physicians risk losing their license to practice medicine in Ohio if they fail to comply with the law, which takes effect in 90 days. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Shannon Jones, a Republican from Springboro.

A similar bill is proposed in the Kentucky General Assembly. But unlike Ohio’s new law – in which a physician can have his license suspended or revoked for not complying – a Northern Kentucky lawmaker proposes fines of up to $100,000 for the first offense.

source: The Enquirer

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Philips Offers Improved Ultrasound for Obese Patients

Barbara Kram

The rising prevalence of obesity in the U.S. and globally has challenged ultrasound systems to penetrate fatty tissue more effectively to obtain diagnostic views. Up to half of all abdominal ultrasound exams are conducted on large patients.

Fortunately, this technical challenge coincides with some cutting-edge R&D from Philips to develop a new type of crystal that can penetrate fatty tissue to reveal pathology beneath.

It's helpful to understand that ultrasound transducers use a piezoelectric material to deliver the ultrasound energy to the scanned tissue and convert resulting echoes into electrical signals. However, today's widely used crystal type, known as PZT, has its limitations, achieving only about 70% efficiency. A better type of piezocrystal has been discovered but has proven difficult to grow. Philips engineers have been working on this problem and made recent breakthroughs in both crystal growth and crystal properties.
source: DotMed News

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Transformational Role of Hand-Carried Ultrasound

Hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) is a powerful front-line medical tool and has the potential to be deployed effectively by a wide array of clinical personnel from medics to nurse practitioners to specialists.

By bringing ultrasound visualisation and guidance to the point-of-patient care, physicians are able to provide better, more comprehensive care and increase patient safety while improving their productivity and efficiency. More and more, HCU is viewed as an essential, everyday tool in clinical practice and for the practice of good medicine in general.

Significantly less expensive than their cart-based counterparts and with comparable image quality, SonoSite's hand-carried ultrasound systems can make a genuine difference to hospital working practices and patient care. HCU systems are able to deliver solutions that improve patient care, reduce costs and increase department efficiency.

source: Express Healthcare

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Chip Advances Take Ultrasound Mobile

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- The patient would not respond. It was two hours after a heart attack, and his blood pressure was in free fall. Using a device the size of a Game Boy, doctors at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York discovered his heart was being compressed by pooling fluid and rushed him to surgery.

The quick assessment was made possible by a portable ultrasound machine from Siemens AG (SI) dubbed the P10, the smallest currently on the market. Such gadgets could become a vital tool in emergency medicine and perhaps even the stethoscope of the future, says Dr. Eyal Herzog, director of the cardiac care unit at St. Luke's, which is testing the P10.

source and complete article: CNN Money

Monday, March 17, 2008

GE Healthcare Grows #1 Market Leadership Position in Global Compact Ultrasound Industry in 2007

WAUKESHA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Healthcare continues as the global market share leader in the compact ultrasound industry in 2007, as cited in a recent industry report issued by Klein Biomedical Consultants, an internationally recognized source of ultrasound market and trends. GE announced today the company’s global compact ultrasound business grew revenues to $260 million in 2007, growing 50 percent compared to the prior year. This surpasses the 42 percent worldwide industry market growth for compact ultrasound in 2007, as cited in the Klein report.

The company’s compact revenues were $47 million above its nearest competitor, according to the report.

Harvey Klein, president of Klein Biomedical, stated in the report, “GE is expected to continue its worldwide market leadership position through the year 2010 (the end of the report’s forecast period).”

pres release

Sunday, March 16, 2008

ZONARE Highlights New Software, Hardware and Transducer Technology

ZONARE Highlights New Software, Hardware and Transducer Technology for Its Next Generation Premium Convertible Ultrasound(TM) Platform at AIUM

SAN DIEGO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 03/12/08 -- AIUM Booth #313 -- ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. will showcase upgrades including new software, hardware and transducer technology for its z.one ultra system -- the company's next generation premium Convertible Ultrasound(TM) platform -- here at the 2008 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) annual conference, March 12-15, 2008.

"The mobility and flexibility of the z.one system highlight significant improvements in the way diagnostic care is administered today," said Bruce Silver, M.D., chairman of Radiology at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago. "Specifically, the portability of the system is extremely important because it allows us to take the small unit up to the intensive care unit to do procedures, and then back down to review at a larger monitor.

source: Sys Con Media

Friday, March 14, 2008

GE Healthcare Launches Diagnostic Advancements On Premier Women's Health Ultrasound System At AIUM 2008

SAN DIEGO, MARCH 12, 2008 - GE Healthcare launched enhancements to its premier ultrasound system for obstetrics and gynecology, the Voluson E8 Breakthrough 2008, at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Annual Meeting, March 12-15 in San Diego. GE’s new proprietary software program, Sonography-based Automated Volume Count (SonoAVC), delivers an efficient method of calculating the number and volume of ovarian follicles. This is an initial step in assisted reproductive medicine. The Voluson E8 Breakthrough 2008 also features improved probe imaging capabilities, which enable clinicians to see more anatomical detail. GE, the global leader in ultrasound, also showcased its leading console and compact LOGIQ systems to improve patient care in radiology and emergency medicine.

The dilemma of infertility affects approximately 80 million people globally; in the U.S., approximately 6.1 million couples have difficulty conceiving, about 10-15 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC).

source: GE Healthcare