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