Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections May Help Treat Severe Hip Pain

ScienceDaily (Dec. 23, 2009) — Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections may be an effective treatment method for gluteus medius tendinopathy, a common, painful condition caused by an injury to the tendons in the buttocks that typically affects middle-aged to elderly women and young active individuals, according to a study published in the January issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Gluteus medius tendinopathy can cause severe hip pain. "The underlying causes remain unclear but probably are multi-factorial and involve mechanical and degenerative processes," said Etienne Cardinal, MD, lead author of the study. Medical treatment usually includes physiotherapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and local injections of corticosteroids.

The study, performed at the University of Montreal's Hospital Center, included 54 patients with gluteus medius tendinopathy.

source: Science Daily release

Monday, December 7, 2009

SonoSite Completes Launch of the NanoMaxx Ultrasound System in Europe

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite Inc., the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, announced today that the company has completed the launch of the 6 pound NanoMaxx™ ultrasound tool in Europe. The latest system to join SonoSite’s suite of specialized products for point-of-care visualization, the NanoMaxx system made its debut during fall exhibitions, road shows and key events hosted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK and a number of other countries.

SonoSite hosted various events to introduce the NanoMaxx system. At these gatherings, physicians from multiple medical specialties participated in a day of clinical education and hands on scanning led by key opinion leaders in the industry.

“This was a great opportunity for physicians to learn more about the NanoMaxx system and to be educated on the latest ultrasound practices, especially with risk management and patient safety practices becoming more stringent in the hospital setting,” said Mike Fernandez, SonoSite, General Manager, Europe and Latin America. “With the ability to expedite workflow, guide interventional procedures and provide visualization and diagnostics at any point-of-care location, the NanoMaxx system is truly a powerful tool that will raise the standard of healthcare practices around the globe.”

source: Business Wire

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Special Ultrasound Accurately Identifies Skin Cancer

CHICAGO — High-frequency ultrasound with elastography can help differentiate between cancerous and benign skin conditions, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"High-frequency ultrasound with elastography has the potential to improve the efficiency of skin cancer diagnosis," said lead author Eliot L. Siegel, M.D., vice chairman of the Department of Radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSM) in Baltimore. "It successfully delineated the extent of lesions and was able to provide measurable differentiation among a variety of benign and malignant lesions."

There are more than one million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the U.S. every year, according to the American Cancer Society. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for about 68,720 cases of skin cancer and 11,590 deaths in 2009, despite the fact that with early detection it is highly curable.

Suspicious skin lesions are typically diagnosed by dermatologists and biopsied based on their surface appearance and characteristics. Unfortunately, even to experienced dermatologists, benign and malignant lesions often appear similar visually and on physical examination, and some malignant lesions may have a benign appearance, especially in their early stages. It is not uncommon for patients to have one or more lesions that appear concerning.

"Dermatologists tend to biopsy any lesions that seem visually suspicious for disease," said coauthor Bahar Dasgeb, M.D., from the Department of Dermatology at Wayne State University in Detroit and Pinkus Dermatopathology Lab in Monroe, Michigan. "Consequently, many benign lesions are needlessly biopsied in order to avoid the risk of missing a potentially deadly melanoma."

source: RSNA News Release

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Toshiba Showcases Aquilion ONE's Pediatric Imaging Capabilities

With smaller vessels, lower bone density and less body fat, pediatric patients have different imaging needs than adults. Pediatric patients frequently have difficulty holding their breath or staying still during a scan, creating the need for CT technology tailored for their needs.

Understanding the importance of technology designed for the pediatric market, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.'s Aquilion® ONE 320-detector row CT system is ideal for pediatric imaging. Its ability to capture up to 16 cm in a single rotation reduces the amount of radiation a patient receives and lessens the need for sedation. Toshiba will feature the Aquilion ONE at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, held in Chicago, Nov. 29 - Dec. 4 (Booth #5629, South Hall).

Arkansas Children's Hospital was the first pediatric hospital to install the Aquilion ONE. "Any type of exam can be frightening for children, so the Aquilion ONE's ability to reduce radiation and sedation is a tremendous benefit to our patients," said Cindy Holland, vice president, Ancillary Services, Arkansas Children's Hospital. "The Aquilion ONE has been beneficial in multiple settings at our facility, including cardiology, orthopedics and neurology."

source: Toshiba Medical Systems

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

GE Healthcare Announces LOGIQ E9 Ultrasound System Expanded Application

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – November 29, 2009 – GE Healthcare, a $17 billion unit of General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), announced new breakthrough technologies at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Ill.

The LOGIQ® E9 general imaging ultrasound system Breakthrough 2010 expands its capabilities with new transducers and software enhancements to provide improved image quality and productivity to pediatric, vascular and cardiac imaging.

“The Breakthrough 2010 enhancements extend LOGIQ E9’s extraordinary imaging, expert tools and easy workflow to more clinical specialties. Innovative Agile Acoustic Architecture, E-Series transducers, expert tools like fusion and a new cardiac suite of tools - combine to create amazing capabilities that are truly expanding the boundaries of ultrasound,” said Brian McEathron, GE Healthcare General Manager, General Imaging Ultrasound.

Seven new transducers are being introduced in this Breakthrough 2010 covering cardiac, vascular and pediatric applications. Vascular enhancements in this release include Auto IMT (intima media thickness) and Cardiac tools include Q-Analysis, Tissue Velocity Imaging, CW, ECG, Color M-Mode and more.

source: GE Healthcare

Monday, November 30, 2009

Mindray Introduces Significant New Upgrade for M5 Ultrasound Platform

MAHWAH, N.J., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mindray Medical International Limited (NYSE: MR), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices worldwide, today announced the introduction of a significant new upgrade for the company's popular M5 ultrasound system at the 95th Annual Meeting of the Radiology Society of North America being held in Chicago, November 29 - December 4, 2009. The upgrade includes automatic presets for each new exam and the addition of another state-of-the-art transducer.

"This new upgrade is the third significant upgrade for the M5 platform," said Michael Thompson, vice president of U.S. ultrasound sales for Mindray. "It provides several key performance improvements in addition to ease-of-use advances for this highly reliable system."

The M5 upgrade features factory-installed exam set-ups for difficult adult abdominal and pediatric abdominal imaging. Further enhancements have also been made to pulse wave (PW) Doppler and low-flow color performance (sensitivity) on linear transducers for vascular applications. The new iZoom(TM) feature increases image size which is especially helpful in the operating room or for a special procedures suite where the clinician needs to view the screen across a sterile field, procedure table. Additional connectivity improvements have been added which support seamless file transfers.

source: PR newswire

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Toshiba Enters Ultra Portable Ultrasound Market with New Laptop

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2009 – Many hand-carried ultrasound systems offer better access to patients when space is compromised, but cannot provide all of the advanced radiology capabilities required to perform exams in today’s demanding ultrasound environment.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s hospitals by combining portability with high-end radiology features, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. introduces the new ViamoTM laptop ultrasound system (works-in-progress), the industry’s no-compromise ultrasound system with advanced radiology capabilities, previously unavailable on hand-carried systems. Toshiba will showcase the Viamo at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting, held in Chicago, Nov. 29 – Dec. 4 (Booth #5629, South Hall).

The Viamo combines the portability of a laptop system with advanced radiology features to deliver outstanding image quality, enhance diagnostic confidence and improve ease of us'e. Developed from a radiology foundation, Toshiba’s Viamo provides the confidence to image patients at bedside, which generally requires larger, more expensive cart-based systems. When an immobile patient needs a high-end ultrasound exam, the portable Viamo laptop ultrasound is brought to the patient to improve the patient’s comfort without compromising exam quality. It is also ideal for a variety of patient exams, including traditional radiology, pediatric, emergency, OB/GYN, vascular and bariatric.

source: Toshiba

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Clearer Ultrasound Images Via "Hyper Lens"

Expecting parents can soon get high-definition baby pictures thanks to a new hyper-lens, which also provides ship captains incredibly accurate maps of the sea floor.

With the new discovery, high-resolution ultrasounds and sonar imaging has now become a possibility.

"The images you get when you try to look at unborn babies [with an ultrasound] are pretty fuzzy. You can see an arm, but you can't clearly see facial structures," ABC Science quoted author Dr Xiang Zhang of the University of California Berkeley in the US, as saying. "With this new technology, we will be able to resolve a baby's face before it's born," he added.

The brass hyperlens is made of 36 fins, spread out in a half circle like a handheld fan.

Each fin, roughly 20 centimetres long, compresses and magnifies incoming sound waves, which makes it easier to tease out the image of a tiny nose or the line of a check bone from an ultrasound.

While Zhang made his hyperlens from brass for easier production, it can also be produced from many other more durable materials, including steel.

source: MedIndia

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Ultrasound enhances noninvasive Down syndrome tests

HOUSTON -- (November 23, 2009) -- The addition of a “genetic sonogram” maximizes the accuracy of non-invasive testing for Down syndrome, said a Baylor College of Medicine researcher who was lead author of a landmark study in the current issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

“We wanted to be able to definitively describe the detection and accuracy of noninvasive prenatal screening for the detection of Down syndrome,” said Dr. Kjersti Aagaard-Tillery, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM and the corresponding author of the report. “Using our data generated in the most comprehensive study performed to date (the FaSTER trial), we demonstrated that the addition of a genetic sonogram to all modes of screening in pregnancy allows for optimal noninvasive prenatal detection of Down syndrome.” (FaSTER stands for First and Second Trimester Evaluation of Risk.)
Early tests

Noninvasive screening for Down syndrome (as well as the other major fetal genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the developing baby) involves a specific early ultrasound and series of tests for biochemicals in the mother’s blood at particular times during pregnancy. Depending on the institution and clinic, tests are done during the first and/or second trimesters of pregnancy. Optimally, noninvasive screening also includes that a preliminary ultrasound to detect nuchal translucency takes place late in the first trimester. The test measures the clear or translucent space in the tissue at the back of the fetus’ neck. If there is an abnormality, fluid will accumulate in the back of the neck making the nuchal fold area larger.

source: Baylor College of Medicine

Monday, November 23, 2009

EUS-FNA predicts 5-year survival in pancreatic endocrine tumors

Endoscopic ultrasound consists of a flexible endoscope which has a small ultrasound device built into the end. The ultrasound component produces sound waves that create visual images of the digestive tract which extend beyond the inner surface lining. EUS can be used to evaluate an abnormality below the surface such as a growth that was detected at a prior endoscopy or by X-ray. EUS can also be used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct, and gallbladder when other tests are inconclusive, and can be used to determine the stage of cancers. Tissue samples, using a fine needle aspiration technique (FNA), can be obtained in real time with EUS guidance should an abnormality be seen.

Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) are tumors from the abnormal growth of pancreatic cells that produce hormone-like chemicals and differ in clinical behavior and prognosis than the more common type of pancreatic cancer of the pancreas glands (adenocarcinoma). Determination of malignant (cancerous) potential through specimens obtained by EUS-FNA can help in the management of these patients. Researchers at the Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseilles, France, set out to determine the value of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of PETs and for classifying the underlying malignant potential of these tumors based on the proposed World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Although EUS-FNA is often used for diagnosing PET, there are no data on its accuracy in determining the malignant potential of PETs and in applying the WHO classification. This single-center, retrospective cohort study, the largest experience of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of PET, involved 86 patients who had been diagnosed with PETs and submitted to EUS-FNA from January 1999 to August 2008.

source: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Chest Ultrasound as Useful as Chest CT in the Evaluation of Pediatric Patients With Complicated Pneumonia

Chest ultrasound can serve as a viable alternative to chest CT in the evaluation of pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion (a build-up of fluid between the lung and chest wall), according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Pneumonia in the pediatric population is common. Both the diagnosis and therapy of complicated pneumonia is guided by imaging — CT, to date, playing a central role in complicated cases.

In the study, performed at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y., both chest CT and chest ultrasound were performed on 19 children with complicated pneumonia accompanied by parapneumonic effusion. “Our results showed that chest CT did not provide additional clinically useful information that was not also seen on chest ultrasound,” said Terry L. Levin, M.D., lead author of the study.

“No consensus exists on the optimal technique for imaging complicated pneumonia in children. Although chest CT allows rapid image acquisition, the rising use of CT in the pediatric population raises the concern of an increasing ionizing radiation burden,” said Levin. “The benefits of chest ultrasound over chest CT include its portability, absence of need for patient sedation, and that ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation,” she said.

“As a result of our study, we suggest that the evaluation of children with complicated pneumonia include chest radiography and chest ultrasound. Chest CT may be reserved for patients in whom chest ultrasound is technically difficult or discrepant with the clinical findings,” said Levin.

source: ARRS

Monday, November 9, 2009

SonoSite Introduces The SonoAccess iPhone Application For Musculoskeletal Specialties

BOTHELL, WA – November 9, 2009 – SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for point-of-care medicine, today announced the expansion of the SonoAccess™ iPhone® application to include musculoskeletal specialties. SonoAccess is the first iPhone application to provide physicians with a comprehensive multimedia database of ultrasound resource materials.

Dedicated to providing innovative educational tools to musculoskeletal physicians, the SonoAccess app is customized for rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists and sports medicine physicians. Partnering with leading physicians and educators within the ultrasound community, SonoSite has created a comprehensive library of scanning technique videos with case studies and an expansive image gallery to meet the needs of musculoskeletal physicians.

source: SonoSite

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Philips Ranks First in Overall Service Performance and Manufacturer Satisfaction in 2009 IMV Servicetrak™ Ultrasound Report

Andover, Mass. – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) announced today that for the 17th consecutive year customers have rated Philips Healthcare No. 1 in overall service performance in a report titled “Ultrasound All Systems.” Part of the annual IMV ServiceTrak™ surveys, the report covered Radiology/OB-Gyn and Cardiology instruments. The results of the 2009 IMV analysis also showed Philips earned a No. 1 ranking in overall manufacturer satisfaction for ultrasound. Additionally, customers ranked Philips No. 1 for probability of repurchase.

“Our service, sales and education teams are continually focused on the customer,” said Tom Kirkland, senior vice president of customer services, North America, for Philips Healthcare. “Ensuring the highest levels of customer satisfaction throughout the product lifecycle enables our customers to focus on delivering the best patient care possible. The purchase process is just the beginning; we strive to build a trusted relationship that makes Philips the obvious choice when it’s time to refresh technology.”

In an independent survey by IMV Limited, more than 2,500 customers were asked to rate ultrasound systems manufacturers on a broad range of factors across the product ownership lifecycle. For the “Ultrasound All Systems” report, Philips received top marks in 21 of 36 categories measured in the study, including those of service engineer performance, help desk telephone support, training and ability to drive industry standards.

source: Philips Medical

Monday, November 2, 2009

Toshiba Introduces New Premium Mid-Sized Ultrasound System

Aplio MX Offers Hospitals Exceptional Value with Advanced Clinical Performance and Improved Portability

TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 2, 2009 – Hospitals use ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic exam, requiring them to have cutting-edge ultrasound technology available to quickly and efficiently perform a range of patient exams. To meet these demanding clinical needs, while also considering the financial challenges facing many hospitals today, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has introduced the AplioTM MX ultrasound system, a compact system that offers premium clinical performance and high-end features at an affordable price point.

With the Aplio MX, hospitals will be able to complete advanced ultrasound exams, usually performed with larger, more expensive ultrasound systems, using this smaller, less expensive system without sacrificing quality. The Aplio MX is commercially available now.

“Toshiba is dedicated to listening to our customers and developing comprehensive imaging systems to meet a range of customer needs and offer the greatest value at every price point,” explained Girish Hagan, vice president, Marketing, Toshiba. “Toshiba’s Aplio MX offers exceptional value by enabling hospitals to perform high-end radiology exams with more portability and better patient access, with a smaller, less expensive system.”

source: Toshiba Medical

Thursday, October 22, 2009

GE Healthcare Announces Expanded Clinical Applications For The LOGIQ E9 Ultrasound System

WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN, October 21, 2009 – GE Healthcare, the $17 billion division of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE), today announced new breakthrough technologies for the LOGIQ® E9 agile ultrasound system. LOGIQ E9 is a multi-purpose system for general imaging and Breakthrough 2010 expands it’s capabilities with new transducers and software enhancements to provide improved image quality and productivity to pediatric, vascular and cardiac imaging applications.

The new applications are integrated with features from the original release of the LOGIQ E9. The system is founded on a new approach, Agile Acoustic Architecture, which is based on proprietary mathematically based clinical models of the human body. Agile Acoustic Architecture dynamically optimizes imaging parameters, enabling the acquisition of extraordinary images on any patient. This intelligent system also enables easy workflow processes that require the sonographer to perform only minimal system adjustments.

In addition to Agile Architecture, the updated LOGIQ E9 showcases E-Series transducers that provide outstanding scanning flexibility combining the proprietary Acoustic Architecture with the latest innovations in transducer technology. Seven new transducers are being introduced in this Breakthrough 2010 covering cardiac, vascular and pediatric applications.

source: GE Healthcare

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Ultrasonix Medical Corporation Introduces new SonixTOUCH IVF functionalities

Richmond, BC - October 16th, 2009 - Ultrasonix Medical Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of high quality diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems announced today the release of significant workflow and productivity enhancements to its SonixTOUCH IVF systems used in Reproductive Medicine Clinics.

SonixTOUCH is a, compact, portable diagnostic ultrasound system developed around the 3rd generation OpenSONIX platform, capable of generating premium-level image quality and with its unique touch-screen driven interface the SonixTOUCH can be upgraded at any time and configured for virtually any application or use.

SonixTOUCH IVF is dedicated for use in Reproductive Medicine offering premium image quality, easy and fast workflow for follicular measurements, flexibility in features that can be upgraded at any time and seamlessly interfaces with most major IVF EMR systems.

Ultrasonix latest enhancement allows physicians and clinicians to significantly reduce exam time by over 50% by allowing for automatic follicular measurements by simply pointing to them on the touch-screen. A report is then automatically generated and sent out to the supported EMR system.

source: Ultrasonics Medical Corporation

Thursday, October 8, 2009

SonoSite Announces FDA Clearance for Its New Nanomaxx Ultrasound Tool

BOTHELL, WA – October 5, 2009 – SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, announced today that the company has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its new NanoMaxx™ ultrasound system and is commencing US customer deliveries. International deliveries began at the end of June.

Based on SonoSite’s 4th generation Turbo technology, the six pound NanoMaxx system is the latest addition to SonoSite’s suite of specialized products for point-of-care visualization in medicine. Complete with streamlined one button optimization technology, a touch screen user interface and SonoSite’s industry-leading 5-year warranty, the NanoMaxx system is ideal for both hospital and office markets and designed to provide healthcare professionals with improved patient safety practices, expanded workflow capabilities and exam room flexibility.

source: SonoSite

Monday, October 5, 2009

Signostics Introduces the World's Smallest Ultrasound Product for Global Demands of Affordable Healthcare

BOSTON, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- American College of Emergency Physicians 2009 Scientific Assembly -- Signostics Inc., a U.S. and Australian-based medical device company developing innovative portable and affordable handheld medical devices, today announced the launch of its new palm-sized, affordable ultrasound product for point-of-care use by medical practitioners.

The Signostics palm-sized ultrasound product has quality image resolution with a touch-screen display, a start time of less than one second from sleep mode and stores up to 10,000 images. Weighing approximately a half pound with a sleek, compact design that fits into the palm of the hand, the product is equivalent to the size of a smart phone. This allows physicians to place the device in their pocket or wear around their neck like a stethoscope until the next use, increasing the convenience of using ultrasound for diagnosis at the point of care.

"Demand for affordable healthcare is a global issue and our product provides physicians with an easy to use, affordable way to improve efficiency and faster triage in the emergency room and other clinical settings. The Signostics palm-sized ultrasound product provides physicians with a quick way to visually assess a patient's internal anatomy that is limited with a stethoscope. Signostics is democratizing ultrasound by making it accessible to a much broader market," said Neil Bartlett, MD, CEO of Signostics Inc.

source: PR Newswire

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

New Miniature, Portable GE Ultrasound Allows for Rapid Diagnosis, Procedures at Patient’s Bedside

WAUWATOSA, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE is helping to transform the delivery of patient care with Venue™ 40, a miniaturized ultrasound system with advanced touch-screen technology, launched by GE Healthcare, a business unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE). Venue 40 is portable, allowing physicians to quickly perform rapid diagnostics and needle-guided procedures right at a patient’s bedside, providing real-time results. Whether it is being used in the emergency room, operating room or sports medicine clinic, the lightweight system can be easily transported from location to location, offers high-resolution imaging, and is easy to both use and clean. Venue 40 is the first new-to-market product validated under GE’s healthymagination initiative, dedicated to improving the quality, access and cost of healthcare.

“The Venue 40 is a powerful, user-friendly ultrasound system that is helping to transform the patient experience by enabling doctors to deliver quality care at the patient bedside,” said Omar Ishrak, President and CEO of GE Healthcare Systems. “Services delivered at the point of care allow doctors to spend more time with their patients and can help enhance patient comfort and reduce anxiety. Venue 40 development is part of GE’s commitment to driving efficiencies in healthcare through technology that helps yield more rapid diagnosis, improved patient experiences and better outcomes.”

source: Business Wire

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Ultrasound can predict tumour burden and survival in melanoma patients, sparing many people unnecessary surgery

Berlin, Germany: Researchers have shown for the first time that patterns of ultrasound signals can be used to identify whether or not cancer has started to spread in melanoma patients, and to what extent. The discovery enables doctors to decide on how much surgery, if any, is required and to predict the patient’s probable survival.

Dr Christiane Voit told Europe’s largest cancer congress, ECCO 15 – ESMO 34 [1], in Berlin today (Wednesday 23 September): “We have identified two ultrasound patterns of lymph node metastasis in melanoma patients which can identify correctly any amount of tumour cells in the sentinel lymph nodes in 75-90% of cases before proceeding to surgery on the sentinel lymph nodes.”

Dr Voit, who is a dermatologist and head of the diagnostic unit at the Skin Cancer Centre at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Medical University of Berlin, Germany, said that although her research needs to be confirmed in multi-centre, randomised clinical trials, it had the potential to spare patients unnecessary surgery, especially if it was combined with ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy of lymph nodes rather than conventional surgery.

source: ECCO

Monday, September 21, 2009

Boston Scientific Announces Release of Next-Generation iLab® System Software

NATICK, Mass., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced release of its CE-Marked, next-generation iLab System Software for the iLab® Ultrasound Imaging System. Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) technology is designed to provide physicians a 360-degree view inside the heart and coronary vessels to assist with diagnosis and to allow a more accurate representation of the diseased vessels than is possible with angiography alone. The iLab software upgrade includes functionality designed to improve diagnosis and save time. The principal new feature of the system, iMap™, provides a detailed color analysis of plaque composition within the targeted areas.

"The upgraded iLab software, featuring iMap tissue characterization, offers detailed plaque information that may help physicians treat coronary artery disease," said Prof. Patrick W. Serruys, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Interventional Cardiology, Thoraxcenter-Erasmus University, Rotterdam. "The combination of Boston Scientific's 40MHz catheter and the new characterization algorithm represents the latest generation of IVUS imaging technology."

In addition to iMap, the iLab software includes features such as Modality Worklist Management, which allows a physician to access a patient's profile from the hospital server and view it on the iLab System monitor. Additional features include an on-screen print icon and the ability to edit and save video images of a procedure directly to CD, DVD or hard drive. The iLab software is currently in a global limited market release with full commercial availability planned for later this year in all regions.

source: Boston Scientific

Monday, September 14, 2009

SonoSite Highlights New Patient Safety Technology And Other Advances For Vascular Access Applications

BOTHELL, WA - September 14, 2009 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried and point-of-care ultrasound, announced today new patient safety technology, mobile power solutions and image quality advances for vascular access applications. The company will be showcasing the new products and capabilities at the annual scientific meeting of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) being held in Las Vegas September 14th - 18th, 2009.

THE NANOMAXX™ ULTRASOUND SYSTEM
SonoSite will be showing the 6-pound NanoMaxx ultrasound tool1, the latest addition to its suite of specialized products for point-of-care visualization in medicine. Combining one-button optimization technology with a fluid resistant touch screen user interface, the NanoMaxx system is highly sophisticated, easy to use and easy to disinfect. While other touch screens require a stylet to activate system controls, the sensitivity of the NanoMaxx touch screen allows the user to operate the system with the touch of a finger while wearing sterile gloves. The image quality and color flow mapping on the NanoMaxx provide increased utility versus alternatives by giving users the ability to identify nerve bundles and distinguish veins from arteries, delivering the visualization needed for safe and effective line placements.

source: SonoSite

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

University of Virginia Health System Celebrates Opening Of World's First Fully-Dedicated Focused Ultrasound Facility

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 8, 2009 - The University of Virginia Health System will hold a morning scientific symposium and early afternoon dedication ceremony on Monday, September 14 to mark the opening of its new MR Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) Surgery Center, the first facility in the world that will be used exclusively for performing research and providing treatments with one of today's most promising noninvasive medical technologies.

Located on the grounds of the UVA Health System, the new center will launch a robust, multi-disciplinary research program to investigate the safety and efficacy of MRgFUS in treating brain, breast, prostate, bone and liver tumors and conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.

Beginning in October, the center will also offer FDA-approved MRgFUS treatments to women with small, benign tumors known as uterine fibroids. Clinical offerings will expand as focused ultrasound treatments for other conditions are developed and receive FDA-approval.

source: University of Virginia Health System

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Siemens Ships syngo US Workplace 3.5 Ultrasound Workstation Solution

Mountain View, Calif., Aug. 25, 2009 – Siemens Healthcare is now shipping its syngo® US Workplace, Release 3.5, an intuitive, off-the-system workstation solution that delivers advanced applications for improved clinical workflow and patient care. The release offers comprehensive capabilities for cardiology, general imaging, OB/GYN, and vascular screening, including the syngo Arterial Health Package (AHP) for semi-automated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements.

The syngo US Workplace 3.5 is an intuitive image management platform that supports instant and open access to DICOM-compliant images produced by select Siemens and other vendor ultrasound systems. This platform provides streamlined workflow and improved productivity for the clinical routine throughout the ultrasound lab or imaging department. While ultrasound images are acquired at the patient’s bedside, physicians can analyze images and complete reports anytime, anywhere through a standard PC network connection.

aource: Siemens Healthcare

Friday, July 31, 2009

Medical Ultrasound Technology Expected to Flourish as it Enters New and Unique Medical Markets - Market Research Report by MARKETSTRAT

Dublin, CA (PRWEB) July 29, 2009 -- The world Medical Ultrasound equipment, accessories, and maintenance services market is expected to reach $4.7 billion by 2012. Higher growth rates towards the end of this period are projected as economic conditions stabilize around the world leading to sizeable increases in healthcare expenditures, particularly in high-end capital equipment acquisition.

Growth in the ultrasound market will be driven by demand for hand-carried ultrasound devices and penetration of emerging geographic and clinical markets. Overall growth in medical imaging will also continue due to growing populations of elderly people worldwide, with a concurrent rise in chronic disease rates, which presents new opportunities for growth and expansion. Main restraints in the ultrasound market include the sluggish economy in many countries, reimbursement restrictions and competition from MRI and CT in areas of overlapping application.

The new report published by Marketstrat Inc. discusses these and other trends in the Medical Ultrasound market worldwide, with market estimates and forecasts for the 2008-2016 period. The report discusses the contribution of technological innovation in driving the ultrasound market forward, with hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) systems being the most significant. After Sonosite Inc. first introduced hand-carried ultrasound in 1999, the global leader in medical imaging GE, jumped on board, quickly establishing a broad base in the compact and hand-carried device segment with a wide range of HCUs. The original devices were focused on providing portability and minimizing storage space, although image quality was compromised. The latest HCUs with much improved resolution are now poised to capture a large share of the ultrasound market across the globe.

source: eMediaWire

Monday, July 13, 2009

Precision Imaging Ultrasound Software for Toshiba’s Aplio XG Provides Unprecedented Image Clarity and Resolution

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To help leading healthcare institutions increase productivity while improving patient care in diagnostic imaging, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., has introduced Precision Imaging technology available on the AplioTM XG ultrasound system. Precision Imaging technology acquires ultrasound images of unprecedented clarity and resolution, enabling users to see more clinical detail than ever before.

Precision Imaging technology increases productivity and diagnostic confidence by providing more detailed ultrasound images. As a multi-resolution signal processing technology, it not only evaluates images line-by-line, but also includes information from adjacent lines to enhance the amount of information obtained. Traditional ultrasound systems acquire images line-by-line only and do not consider information from adjacent lines. As a Toshiba-exclusive software, Precision Imaging’s ability to capture information from multiple lines improves the definition of the structure, provides more detail and minimizes noise and clutter. This approach enables clinicians to determine if the signal is part of a structure or an anomaly from one line.

“Precision Imaging software shows greater definition of structures and reduces noise to produce high quality ultrasound images,” explained Dr. Edward G. Grant, M.D., professor and chairman of radiology, USC Medical School, who evaluated the new technology throughout the past two months. “Compared to other ultrasound imaging technologies, Precision Imaging shows better contrast and delineation of lesions, vessels and other objects. It enhances our capability to evaluate difficult to image areas and improves diagnoses.”

source: Business Wire

Sunday, July 12, 2009

SonoSite Introduces the 6 lb. NanoMaxx – A Breakthrough Ultrasound Tool Aimed at Reducing Patient Safety Risks and Healthcare Delivery Costs

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound, today announced the introduction of its new 6 pound NanoMaxx™ ultrasound tool, the latest addition to SonoSite’s suite of specialized products for point-of-care visualization in medicine. Designed for diagnostic imaging, clinical assessment and procedural guidance at the hospital bedside and in the physician’s office, the NanoMaxx system is the company’s latest innovation in point-of-care user design and features one button system control. SonoSite has begun deliveries to international customers and is waiting FDA 510(k) clearance to begin US customer shipments.

“The NanoMaxx tool makes high-quality ultrasound available to a much broader range of clinicians and applications, all of which can save time and money and improve patient safety,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. “The healthcare world is changing dramatically, and the NanoMaxx is part of our continuing effort to make ultrasound a more affordable and useful tool in the world of medicine.”

“The NanoMaxx system offers our gold standard durability and two-hour battery life along with image quality similar to our flagship M-Turbo® system. A fluid-resistant user interface makes the system easy to clean and disinfect, helping to address the growing concern over infection control. Designed and manufactured at SonoSite’s headquarters in Bothell, Washington, USA, the NanoMaxx system and its transducers again offer our industry-leading 5-year warranty to deliver the lowest cost of ownership in ultrasound,” Mr. Goodwin said.

sourc: Business Wire

Friday, June 26, 2009

Sonosite Introduces Innovative Delivery Of Ultrasound Education Using iPhone™ Application

BOTHELL, WA, June 24, 2009 - SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for point-of-care medicine, announced today the launch of the SonoAccess™ application, the first medical iPhone app from an ultrasound company that provides a multimedia library of ultrasound resource materials for medical professionals to access when and where they need it.

The SonoAccess application is an iPhone or iPod touch® interactive mobile learning application that addresses the continuing educational needs of point-of-care ultrasound users. SonoSite partnered with leading physicians to gather and create clinical education materials for emergency medicine, critical care and anesthesia with other specialties to be added soon. Users can access high quality instructional videos, case studies and reimbursement guides, as well as reference nearly 100 clinical images and news feeds on SonoSite. In addition, users can customize their user profiles to generate recommended lists of videos specific to their practice, as well as share videos, case studies and images with their colleagues and friends. The SonoAccess application is available for free download at www.sonosite.com/products/sonoaccess.

source: Sonosite

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Philips announces world's smallest multiplane transesophageal transducer

Andover, Mass., USA – Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today introduced its microTEE, the world’s smallest transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) transducer for cardiac imaging of neonatal patients. As part of the latest Vision release for the Philips iE33 intelligent echocardiography system, the microTEE transducer provides pediatric cardiologists with a diagnostic tool for imaging the hearts of newborn patients. Philips microTEE will be showcased next week at the 20th annual American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in Washington, D.C. and will be available for sale globally this summer.

Due to the larger size of previously available pediatric TEE transducers, small babies have been impossible to image during critical cardiac catheterization or surgical procedures. As a result, high-risk procedures have been done routinely on these tiny patients without transesophageal echocardiography images available to the interventionalist or surgeon.

"The microTEE probe is a major advance in our ability to provide intra-operative cardiac imaging in newborn babies and infants,” said Dr. Girish Shirali, M.D., director of pediatric echocardiography at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Children’s Hospital. “We are delighted with the image quality, and the miniaturization of the probe has already proven invaluable to our pediatric interventionalists in high-risk cath lab procedures. Finally, our smallest and sickest patients can be imaged intra-operatively just like everyone else.”

source: Philips

Sunday, June 14, 2009

BK Medical Introduces the Pro Focus UltraView Ultrasound System

Copenhagen, Denmark -- BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (NASDAQ: ALOG), launches its new, full-featured ultrasound system, the Pro Focus™ UltraView™, for the surgical and urological ultrasound markets. This high-performance ultrasound system uses BK Medical's new IQPAC™ technology to provide premium images that make a diagnostic difference.

IQPAC technology combines BK Medical's proprietary Enhanced Tissue Definition and Angular Compound Imaging technologies to optimize the ultrasound image. Enhanced Tissue Definition intensifies anatomic borders by minimizing speckle, and Angular Compound Imaging uses images from several angles to create a superior compound image. Together, these two technologies enable IQPAC to provide significantly advanced image quality. The UltraView system also features a 19" high-definition monitor with scalable image size and a sealed keyboard for easy cleaning.

source: DotMed

Thursday, June 11, 2009

SonoSite Begins Customer Shipments of Ultrasound Remote Control

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for point-of-care medicine, announced today that it has begun customer shipments of the SonoRemote™ Control, a compact voice or touch activated solution for adjusting ultrasound controls at a distance when using SonoSite M-Turbo® or S Series™ systems.

Approximately the size of an iPhone® and using Bluetooth® technology, the SonoRemote Control is capable of adjusting essential system parameters – Depth, Gain, Freeze and Save – within 10 meters of the ultrasound system. With voice activation or when used in a sterile sheath, the SonoSite remote control eliminates the need to break the sterile field during interventional procedures. And with a tactile reference keypad the user does not have to look at the remote to identify which button to press—even the touchpad has been designed with increased workflow in mind.

Dr. Ben DuBois, MD, orthopedic shoulder specialist in San Diego, explains how the remote can help in his practice: “With any ultrasound guided needle placement for joint injections I am using both hands and am unable to save or freeze the ultrasound image without having a medical assistant in the room to help. However, tying up my assistant just to push a button is not an efficient use of their time; it slows down patient flow, and limits the number of patients we can see in a day. With the remote I would be able to do the injection and run the ultrasound system myself without having to waste anyone’s time.”

source: Business Wire

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

New Heart Ultrasound Research Reveals Life-Saving Treatment Alternatives And Advancements For Heart Patients

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) welcomes the world's leading researchers in cardiovascular medicine to present their most-recent findings at its 20th Annual Scientific Sessions, June 6-10, at the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, DC. This year, NBA basketball player and former heart patient, Ronny Turiaf will be in attendance to talk about how echocardiography, otherwise known as heart ultrasound, saved his life.

Many of the studies revealed will have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and the application of echocardiograms. Studies detail the following:

-- A nonsurgical option for common heart procedures

-- Lack of adherence to guidelines leave symptoms unidentified and patients untreated

-- Newer technology that can better predict survival chances for heart patients

source: Medical News Today

Friday, May 29, 2009

Interson Launches the SeeMore™ USB Ultrasound Imaging Probe

Pleasanton, CA – May 27, 2009 — Interson announces the launch of the SeeMore USB Ultrasound Imaging probe. Inexpensive and portable, SeeMore probes plug directly into the USB port of a laptop, netbook, or desktop computer. General purpose and specialty probes are available for a wide range of clinical applications including: abdominal, OB/GYN, bladder scanning, emergency, vascular access, small parts, musculo-skeletal, nerve blocks, endocavity (prostate, transvaginal) and more, and range in frequency from 3.5 MHz to 24 MHz..

According to Roman Solek, President and C.E.O. of Interson, “Our products are so affordable and simple to use that they enable a whole new population of physicians to reap the benefits of having ultrasound in their practice. Improved patient care and productivity are the key drivers in health care today. Patients benefit, because ultrasound will now be available anywhere, anytime. Even for practices that already own an ultrasound machine, SeeMore provides a low-cost backup.”

source: Interson

Thursday, May 28, 2009

First High-Definition Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Technology Enhances Diagnostic Procedures

Winston-Salem, N.C., May 26, 2009 – Physicians can now provide potentially safer and more accurate diagnostic procedures with the first and only high-definition endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) needle technology. Cook Medical, the only full-line supplier of endoscopic medical devices, has designed a complete line of high-definition EUS biopsy needles that are up to three-times brighter than others on the market. With the addition of the 19 and 25 gage EchoTip® Ultra with High Definition Fine Needle Aspiration (HDFNA™) needles, the EchoTip Ultra HDFNA represents the next level of precision in EUS, an essential diagnostic tool that yields more accurate images of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract than traditional ultrasound and provides minimally invasive access to areas that are traditionally difficult to reach.

“This needle is very high contrast and easy to see within targeted lesions.” said John M. DeWitt, MD, Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis, “This permits confidence for the endosonographers that the lesion is being accurately targeted.”

source: Cook Medical

Friday, May 22, 2009

Comparison Of Medical Imaging Choices Finds Ultrasound To Be The Most Cost Efficient

In comparing ultrasound with other medical imaging methods such as MRI and CT scans, a literature review of published studies in the May/June issue of Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS) describes the use of ultrasound to provide an accurate diagnosis more cost effectively than the alternatives.

Since its first uses in the 1950s, ultrasound has been utilized mostly in hospital settings. But with the development of less costly, portable equipment, its use has expanded to doctor's offices, trauma settings, and even to outer space. The article compares the use of ultrasound to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, computed tomography (CT), contrast angiography (CA), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

source: Medical News Today

Saturday, May 16, 2009

AIUM releases second edition of 'Medical Ultrasound Safety'

LAUREL, MDThe American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine is pleased to announce the release of Medical Ultrasound Safety, Second Edition. All operators of ultrasound systems with an output display should review the information in this publication. The book consists of 3 parts: Bioeffects and Biophysics, Prudent Use, and Implementing ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). With the information from this 64 page publication, users can better control the diagnostic ultrasound equipment and examination to ensure that needed diagnostic information is obtained with minimal risk to the patient.

A new feature of this edition is the inclusion of a CME self-study test at the end of each section. Individuals who successfully complete all 3 self-study tests can earn up to 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits (accepted by the ARDMS) or ARRT Category A Credits. Fees for CME credits apply, and instructions for test submission are included within the publication.

source: GEN

Monday, April 27, 2009

BK Medical To Introduce Flex Focus Mobile Ultrasound Scanner At American Urological Association Annual Meeting In Chicago

BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (NASDAQ:ALOG), announced the American-market premiere of the Flex Focus ultrasound scanner at the American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting, April 25-30, in Chicago, Illinois. Flex Focus is the latest in the Focus-family series of ultrasound scanners.

The new Flex Focus scanner is a modern, sleek ultrasound system, whose groundbreaking design compliments its exemplary functionality. The Flex Focus features a 19" LCD high-definition monitor that houses the actual scanning unit, making the Flex Focus the mobile solution for sophisticated ultrasound needs. The Flex Focus can be easily docked in several different configurations and its 14 inch (35cm) width means it physically fits into virtually all clinical settings, even smaller, private practice offices. The Flex Focus 19" LCD monitor is positioned vertically on the scanning unit, making it possible to view two large biplane images simultaneously without compromising ultrasound image size.

source: Medical News Today

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Ultrasound Imaging Now Possible With A Smartphone - Imaging Device Fits In The Palm Of A Hand

Computer engineers at Washington University in St. Louis are bringing the minimalist approach to medical care and computing by coupling USB-based ultrasound probe technology with a smartphone, enabling a compact, mobile computational platform and a medical imaging device that fits in the palm of a hand.

William D. Richard, Ph.D., WUSTL associate professor of computer science and engineering, and David Zar, research associate in computer science and engineering, have made commercial USB ultrasound probes compatible with Microsoft Windows mobile-based smartphones, thanks to a $100,000 grant Microsoft awarded the two in 2008. In order to make commercial USB ultrasound probes work with smartphones, the researchers had to optimize every aspect of probe design and operation, from power consumption and data transfer rate to image formation algorithms. As a result, it is now possible to build smartphone-compatible USB ultrasound probes for imaging the kidney, liver, bladder and eyes, endocavity probes for prostate and uterine screenings and biopsies, and vascular probes for imaging veins and arteries for starting IVs and central lines. Both medicine and global computer use will never be the same.

source: Medical News Today

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Limited Access To Ultrasound Thwarts Efforts To Help Prevent Pediatric Stroke

The number of children with a certain blood disorder undergoing an ultrasound to help prevent stroke is up significantly in the past 10 years since the publication of a major study showing its benefits. However, limited access to labs that perform this type of screening appears to be a barrier to helping these children who are at a high risk of stroke. The research is published in the April 14, 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Researchers followed 157 children with sickle cell disease in northern California for an average of 8.5 years. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong blood disorder that increases a child's risk of stroke. Roughly one out of 10 children with the disease suffers a stroke by age 20.

source: Medical News`Today

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Siemens Automates Ultrasound Applications to Achieve Improved Diagnostic Confidence and Reduce User Dependency

ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system is a platform for workflow automation in image fusion, breast volume scanning, and application procedures and protocols

New York N.Y., April 1, 2009 – Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) demonstrates the benefits of workflow automation on the new release of its premier general imaging platform, the ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system, at the annual conference of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), April 2-5, in New York City at booth # 413. These solutions comprise a palette of exam procedures and protocols which address the challenges that handheld ultrasound faces in regards to user-dependence and variability, as well as scan-related injuries. Siemens will also highlight how automation can support the viability of fusing ultrasound and computed tomography imaging in the clinical routine.

Offering the best of both worlds, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound fusion combines the benefits of real-time ultrasound imaging with global imaging display of CT. However, current fusion techniques require bulky transmit and receive equipment to track the patient’s anatomy in real time. Also, patients need to lie completely still during the entire exam to prevent elaborate manual realignments before the examination can continue.

source: Siemens Medical

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

ContextVision AB: ContextVision Unveils First Real-time Volumetric Ultrasound Image Enhancement Tool

At the 2009 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Annual Convention today, ContextVision (OSE:COV), the software imaging partner for the most recognized medical imaging manufacturers worldwide, introduces GOPiCE® US, the first real-time volumetric filtering software for ultrasound. The image enhancement product filters the three-dimensional ultrasound volumes, removing speckle and other artifacts, while simultaneously extends the clinician’s vision to planes previously hidden.

GOPiCE offers clinicians the ability to see areas never seen before, such as the regions of the fetal brain previously hidden by speckle and noise in two-dimensional and unenhanced three-dimensional ultrasound images. The unprecedented visualization achieved using GOPiCE will ultimately lead to improved diagnostic value. Additionally, GOPiCE minimizes processing time: it leverages the speed of graphics processing units (GPUs), processing up to 24 volumes per second at 128x128x128 pixels or 40 volumes in single planar reconstruction mode.

source: Business Wire

Sunday, March 8, 2009

TomTec Announces SonoLiver(R), A Dedicated Analysis Tool Of Dynamic Vascular Enhancement Of Focal Liver Lesions Using CEUS

TomTec announces the release of SonoLiver® as part of TomTec’s Image-Arena™ multimodality workstation solution at the European congress of radiology in March 2009.

SonoLiver® combines in a novel way perfusion quantification tools with perfusion imaging of focal liver lesions. The unique display of dynamic vascular patterns of all phases simplifies the decision for the right diagnosis. SonoLiver® increases the diagnostic confidence and simplifies the workflow of characterizing focal liver lesions.

SonoLiver® is performing a linearization of the Contrast enhanced ultrasound data for comparable results, uses an optimized motion artefact suppression to reduce in-plane motion artefacts and enhances the dynamic vascular patterns by parametric display.

“The cooperation with Bracco enables us to offer SonoLiver as a dedicated CEUS quantification tool for focal liver lesion. SonoLiver runs within TomTec’s Image-Arena™ environment which provides a full range of connectivity, data management and reporting features for an optimized clinical workflow!” said Frank Schlau, TomTec’s Chief Marketing Officer.

source: TomTec Imaging Systems

Friday, March 6, 2009

ALOKA Showcases a New Diagnostic Ultrasound System ProSound 4 at ECR 2009 in Vienna, Austria

TOKYO, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- ALOKA Co., Ltd. will be unveiling a new diagnostic ultrasound system at the European Congress of Radiology - ECR2009 - to be held from March 6th, 2009 in Vienna, Austria.

Economic pressures continue to generate demand for ultrasound systems with higher cost-effectiveness, flexibility, ease of use, and functionality.

The ProSound 4 is a stand-alone, black-and-white system with the latest digital technologies engineered into a compact body for higher image quality at an affordable price. The system is compatible with many probes to meet the needs of diverse applications in fields such as Radiology, OB/GYN, Urology, and Surgery. Advanced technologies originally developed for high-end models promise extreme diagnostic precision with the ProSound 4. Connectivity with DICOM networks provides a new cost-effective imaging solution never before available at any hospital, large or small. The compact, lightweight system permits ultrasound examinations at almost any location, from bedside to the examination room.

source: PR Newswire

Saturday, February 21, 2009

ZONARE Expands Product Portfolio Offering by Announcing New z.one ultra sp Ultrasound System

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – February 19, 2009 – ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. announced the introduction of its new z.one ultra sp ultrasound system for point-of-care markets such as emergency medicine, interventional radiology, venous ablation, anesthesiology and ob/gyn. During this time of economic downturn, ZONARE is expanding its product portfolio by offering a new, premium performance system at a more attractive price point that addresses a broad range of clinical specialties.

The z.one ultra sp system builds upon the precedent set by the company’s z.one ultra system, offering superb image quality. Based on the company’s proprietary Zone Sonography™ technology, the new system offers a simple and intuitive user interface for a wider base of physicians. Clinicians can easily convert the z.one ultra sp system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact system without sacrificing image quality or performance.

cource: Zonare

Thursday, February 19, 2009

SCAN: Delivering Bone Disorder Diagnosis, Fracture Healing

HOUSTON –– The fight against bone disorders that affect millions of Americans will soon receive a boost from an ultrasound device being developed by space biomedical researchers. The technology under development will allow early prediction of bone disorders such as osteoporosis and guided acceleration of fracture healing.

National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) scientists are developing the technology to assist astronauts during long-duration spaceflights. Like the elderly on Earth, astronauts in space lose bone structure and quality.

Dr. Yi-Xian Qin, associate team leader for NSBRI’s Smart Medical Systems and Technology Team, calls the new technology Scanning Confocal Acoustic Navigation (SCAN). He said the objective is to develop a small, mobile device that is easy to use and patient friendly.

“SCAN uses non-invasive and non-destructive ultrasound to image bone. It will allow us to identify weak regions, to make a diagnosis and to assist in healing fractures,” said Qin, who is also the director of the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory at Stony Brook University - State University of New York.

source: NSBRI

Monday, February 16, 2009

Study Brings Value of Echocardiography Into Focus

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11 (HealthDay News) -- The advanced imaging technique called contrast echocardiography had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of people hospitalized with heart disease, a new study found.

Echocardiography bounces sound waves into the body to get a detailed image of the moving heart. If that image isn't clear enough, it can be improved by injecting a substance, called a contrast agent, that reflects the sound waves better.

"After contrast echocardiography, the percentage of uninterpretable studies decreased from 11.7 percent to 0.3 percent, and technically difficult studies decreased from 86.7 percent to 9.8 percent," said a report published online Feb. 11 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"The importance of the study is that it is really the first time that we measured the impact of contrast echocardiography on assessment of ventricular function," said study leader Dr. William A. Zoghbi, professor of medicine and director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Center at the Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston. "It measured the impact of it in clinical practice -- how does contrast echocardiography influence clinical management," Zoghbi said.

source: Yahoo News

Monday, February 9, 2009

Ultrasound Market Presents Opportunities for Growth Despite Recession

Despite the current economic downturn, the third edition of InMedica’s report on the global ultrasound market predicts that worldwide revenues will continue to experience robust growth and exceed $6 billion by 2012. The flexibility, ease of use and relatively low cost of ultrasound equipment has ensured continued growth in the market despite the current economic conditions. Moreover, the trend to miniaturization and the quick adoption of hand-carried ultrasound equipment is fueling growth.

“There is an increasing confidence in hand-carried systems globally. Previously the adoption of these systems was much quicker in North America and Western Europe but other regions of the world such as Eastern Europe, Latin America and parts of the Asia Pacific, are beginning to show significant interest in this equipment. The demand is coming from traditional applications, such as OB / GYN, and increasingly from point-of-care applications” reported Diane Wilkinson, Market Research Analyst at InMedica.

source: InMedica

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Advanced Knowledge-based Applications for High-Risk Obstetrics

San Diego, Calif., January 29, 2008 – Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) highlights its latest ultrasound solutions for obstetrics at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) in San Diego, January 29-30, featuring innovative knowledge-based workflow and 4D applications that increase diagnostic confidence and improve clinical workflow.

syngo® AutoOB measurements, available exclusively on Siemens’ premium performance ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system, are an advanced clinical tool that automates routine biometry measurements of the fetus.

“Up until now, users needed to perform biometry measurements manually,” said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. “syngo AutoOB measurements eliminate this time-consuming manual process by saving up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine fetal measurements. This may also help to reduce repetitive stress injury (RSI).”

source: Siemens Medical

Friday, January 30, 2009

GE Healthcare Extends Collaboration and Development With Medipattern

GE Healthcare's (NYSE:GE - News) Vascular Ultrasound group and The Medipattern Corporation (TSX VENTURE:MKI - News) are pleased to announce their plan to collaborate in the creation of Ultrasound-based Vascular Imaging Quantification Tools (Vascular iQ(TM)). GE Healthcare and Medipattern confirmed their plans to collaborate by signing a definitive collaboration agreement. Medipattern will leverage technology developed in its Cadenza(TM) algorithm platform and extend it with additional functionality to create Vascular iQ. Medipattern will create a generalized version of the vascular product while building an exclusive version for GE Healthcare ultrasound systems, which will be available to the market through GE's well-established distribution to clinicians around the world.

"GE Healthcare's Vascular Ultrasound team is committed to developing new technology to image and analyze vascular disease, increasing diagnostic confidence, and speeding patient treatment," said Michael Arbaugh, GE Healthcare General Manager of GE Healthcare's Vascular Ultrasound division. "Our investment in dedicated vascular expertise, support of vascular education, and unique vascular technologies are evidence of this commitment. GE is actively developing new ultrasound products to capture distinctive diagnostic images."

source: Medipattern

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Philips announces new ultrasound system focused on the health needs of women

Dubai, UAE.—At Arab Health 2009 Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today launched a new ultrasound system, which focuses on helping clinicians deliver high quality care for a full range of women’s health needs. The HD9 system combines advanced imaging technology, including 3D and 4D capabilities, in an easy-to-use and reliable system for obstetrics, gynecology and breast imaging.

The HD9 system delivers a set of workflow features that help ensure imaging and processing are as efficient as possible, potentially saving time in busy clinics. The HD9 has also been built to withstand rigorous use and provide all the capabilities needed for day-to-day applications. It also includes advanced features such as intuitive 3D and 4D imaging designed for those new to volume imaging as well as experienced users.

As well as women’s health, the HD9 is also able to cater for applications including general imaging, adult and pediatric cardiology, general pediatric and urology.

source: Philips

Saturday, January 24, 2009

BK Medical Introduces The Pro Focus UltraView Ultrasound System

BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation (NASDAQ: ALOG), launches its new, full-featured ultrasound system, the Pro Focus™ UltraView™, for the surgical and urological ultrasound markets. This high-performance ultrasound system uses BK Medical's new IQPAC™ technology to provide premium images that make a diagnostic difference.

IQPAC technology combines BK Medical's proprietary Enhanced Tissue Definition and Angular Compound Imaging technologies to optimize the ultrasound image. Enhanced Tissue Definition intensifies anatomic borders by minimizing speckle, and Angular Compound Imaging uses images from several angles to create a superior compound image. Together, these two technologies enable IQPAC to provide significantly advanced image quality. The UltraView system also features a 19" high-definition monitor with scalable image size and a sealed keyboard for easy cleaning.

source: Medical News Today

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

St. Jude Medical Announces First Use Outside the U.S. of Imaging System for Real-Time Views inside the Heart

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2009--St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) today announced the first use outside the United States of its ultrasound imaging system that enables physicians to view real-time images from inside the heart as they diagnose and treat conditions resulting from abnormal rhythms or structural problems. By providing clear, accurate images of the heart's interior anatomy and the position of devices, the system enables physicians to perform procedures with increased control.

The ViewMate(TM) II Ultrasound System with the ViewFlex(TM) PLUS Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) Catheter is one of many St. Jude Medical products featured this week at the Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium, which begins today and will be ongoing through Jan. 17 in Boston.

The ViewMate system uses ultrasound technology to produce high-resolution intracardiac (inside the heart) images. The system transmits high-frequency sound waves through a transducer on the tip of the catheter - the transducer converts electric energy into sound energy, the sound waves then reflect off structures inside the heart and the transducer converts them back into electric energy to produce the anatomical images.

source: St. Jude Medical

Monday, January 19, 2009

North Dakota Bill Would Require Providers To Offer Ultrasounds 24 Hours Before Performing Abortions

North Dakota Rep. Bette Grande (R) has introduced legislation (H.B. 1371) that would require abortion providers in the state to give women seeking abortions the option of viewing an ultrasound at least 24 hours before an abortion is performed, the AP/Grand Forks Herald reports. According to Grande, the bill may lead to fewer abortions. The bill would not require women to view the ultrasound images. Grande said she hopes that women will decide not to have abortions after they "see what they have inside their womb[s]." According to Mary Spaulding Balch, a spokesperson for the National Right to Life Committee, 18 states have similar laws in place, most of which were passed within the last two years. Grande added that for a woman coming to a clinic "with a possibility of an abortion, [an ultrasound] is just one more tool that person has [at her] disposal to find out exactly what the procedure will entail."

source: Medical News Today

Friday, January 16, 2009

Ultrasound Following Ureteroscopy Justified

Rosemary Frei, MSc

SHANGHAI—New findings may support the routine use of renal ultrasound examinations following ureteroscopy.

David S. Wang, MD, associate professor of urology at Boston University Medical Center, and his colleagues reviewed data on 289 patients who underwent ureteroscopy and had a follow-up renal ultrasound examination an average of 54 days postoperatively. Of these, 14 (4.8%) had asymptomatic ureteral obstruction and three of them required additional procedures to clear the obstruction.

The investigators believe routine renal ultrasound should be required after every ureteroscopy to prevent renal function deterioration in cases of undetected hydronephrosis.

source: Renal and Urology News

Monday, January 12, 2009

SonoSite Introduces S-Women’s Health™ Ultrasound Tool, Bringing Customization to Women’s Health

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SonoSite, Inc. (NASDAQ:SONO), the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, introduced today the S-Women’s Health ultrasound tool. The newest product in SonoSite’s S Series™ product line is an innovative, custom-designed solution to enable women’s health clinicians to provide comprehensive care in the patient exam room. It joins the M-OB/Gyn Office™ and the S-Gyn™ ultrasound tools as part of SonoSite’s innovative suite of products for women’s health.

“The S-Women’s Health is great to have in the exam room because if a patient comes in with a lump, I am able to quickly and easily determine if it is something like fibrocystic thickening, or if it requires additional evaluations,” said Deanna J. Attai, MD, FACS, Center for Breast Care in Burbank, California. “When you consider the quality and affordability of the system and the fact that you can pick it up and take it to the operating room, you just can’t get a better tool for your practice than the S-Women’s Health system.”

The S-Women’s Health ultrasound tool is designed with women’s health clinicians in mind. It is sophisticated, yet simple and easy to use. Buttons, dials and menus have been eliminated from the interface, with the exception of two controls- Depth and Gain- for acquiring the optimum image quality. SonoSite’s proprietary advanced technologies, SonoHD™ and SonoMB™, are incorporated, providing crystal-clear imaging and enabling the physician to visualize minute details. With the capacity to zero-in on a targeted area, SonoSite’s advanced SonoAdapt™ technology enables the clinician to confidently locate masses, target lesions, guide biopsies, and initiate a course of treatment.

source: SonoSite

Monday, January 5, 2009

Micro-Bubble Echo Contrast Procedures Continue to Rebound in October 2008

Both Definity(R) and OptisonTM Usage Increased During the Same Study Period, According To New Data from Arlington Medical Resources

MALVERN, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Arlington Medical Resources (AMR), a provider of premier market intelligence for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging industries, finds that the number of micro-bubble echo contrast procedures performed in October 2008 have increased by more than 50 percent, to nearly 18,000 procedures, when compared to May 2008. Micro-bubble echo contrast procedures began declining sharply in October 2007, from nearly 55,000 procedures in September 2007, as a result of a black box warning issued by the FDA in October 2007.

A revised black box warning issued in May 2008 has contributed to this rebound as well as physicians and sonographers reestablishing protocols for contrast usage in their institutions. A micro-bubble echo contrast agent is administered intravenously and used for contrast enhancement during echocardiographic procedures.

source: PR Newswire