Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Collaboration To Develop Guidelines For Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Applications Spearheaded By AIUM

LAUREL, MD - The AIUM recently hosted Ultrasound Practice Forum: Point-of-Care Use of Ultrasound on November 8 in Orlando, Florida. This ground-breaking conference brought together a cross section of the ultrasound community, drawing representatives from 46 medical and other health-related societies to explore professional issues related to emerging point-of-care ultrasound technologies.

“The AIUM Forum aimed to facilitate an open dialogue among the entire ultrasound community regarding performance and training issues for point-of-care applications”, said AIUM President Harvey L. Nisenbaum, MD. “With ultrasound playing an expanding role in several settings, the ultrasound community must collaborate to ensure the most effective use of the technology.”

Participants at the Forum were divided into 3 tracks focusing on point-of-care ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology, ultrasound-guided procedures, and emergency medicine/ critical care. Attendees included obstetricians, gynecologists, emergency physicians, radiologists, sports medicine physicians, osteopathic physicians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, sonographers, nurses, nurse midwives, physician assistants, physical therapists and others.

source: AIUM

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer with ultrasound

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, but its diagnosis has up to now been inaccurate and unpleasant. Researchers at TU/e, in cooperation with AMC Amsterdam, have developed an imaging technology, based on ultrasound, that can accurately identify tumors. The technology also has the potential to assess how aggressive tumors are. This can lead to better and more appropriate treatment, and to cost savings in health care.

The new technology uses the injection of microbubbles of a contrast agent with no side-effects. The response of the tiny bubbles to ultrasound is different from that of human tissue or blood. This makes the bubbles traceable from the outside, right into the smallest blood vessels. The pattern of blood vessels in tumors is different from that in healthy tissue. The researchers can recognize this pattern from advanced analysis of the bubble concentrations. And because tumors need blood – and hence new blood vessels – to grow, the researchers expect to be able to see how aggressive the cancer is from the pattern of the blood vessels.

source:Eindhoven University of Technology

Monday, December 6, 2010

BK Medical Wins Prestigious "Good Design Award" for Flex Focus Ultrasound System from Japan Industrial Design Organization (JIDPO)

PEABODY, Mass., Nov 29, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation /quotes/comstock/15*!alog/quotes/nls/alog (ALOG 47.03, -0.05, -0.10%) , announced today that it has been awarded the distinguished 2010 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO) for its Flex Focus(TM) ultrasound platform. In addition, BK Medical was awarded the iF Product Design Gold Award and the 2010 Red Dot Product Design Award for the Flex Focus system earlier this year. The Flex Focus family of ultrasound systems, including the new Flex Focus 700 and the Flex Focus 400, will be showcased at the 96th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28 -- Dec. 2, 2010 (Booth #7128).

"We are truly honored to receive this distinguished design award from JIDPO, as it is clearly the prestigious worldwide trademark for outstanding design and quality," said Michael Brock, president of BK Medical. "The patented design of the Flex Focus system is compact with an intuitive user interface. Its large, high-resolution monitor offers clinicians an elegant, premium-performance diagnostic imaging system for medical procedures."

source: BK Medical

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Mindray Announces Significant New Upgrades for M7 and DC-7 Ultrasound Platforms at RSNA

MAHWAH, N.J., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Mindray Medical International Limited (NYSE: MR), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices worldwide, today announced two significant upgrades for its premium M7 ultrasound and high performance DC-7 platforms at the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) being held in Chicago, November 28 – December 2, 2010. The hand carried M7 unit (HCU), which was recently introduced in North America, will be available with an extensive variety of new transducers.

"The M7 platform has been well received since our first shipment to customers in June earlier this year," said Michael Thompson, Vice President of Ultrasound Sales, Mindray North America. "The M7 system elevates the HCU performance standard to a new level. Due to our highly upgradeable technology architecture, we are already introducing significant new enhancements for the M7 system as well as the DC-7 platform at this year's RSNA."

Other ultrasound systems, such as the M5 will also be highlighted. Two black and white systems, a cart-based and a portable, will be on display as well. All have gained growing popularity in North America as Mindray continues to build its support infrastructure in this key geographical market.

source: PR Newswire

Monday, November 29, 2010

ZONARE Delivers High-End Image Quality and New Applications for z.one Ultrasound Platform

CHICAGO, Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., a developer of high-end ultrasound solutions, today announced a new software release for its z.one ultrasound platform here at the 96th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28 – Dec. 3, 2010. Designed to continually improve image quality and system performance, the 11th software release in six years also includes new advanced software applications and transducers which further expands the clinical utility of the z.one system in radiology, obstetric and vascular imaging.

"Through our proprietary Zone Sonography™ Technology (ZST) and exclusive focus on ultrasound excellence, we have invested heavily to develop new innovative software-based capabilities that continuously elevate the performance of our z.one system," said Jay D. Miller, president and CEO, ZONARE Medical Systems. "This latest software release includes additional software applications and new transducers that expand the value and versatility of the z.one system across a wide variety of clinical applications."

Building on the comprehensive 3D ultrasound imaging capabilities available on the z.one ultra system, ZONARE has now added real-time 3D ultrasound imaging capabilities (4D).

The C8-33D Curved Array transducer is available for the z.one ultrasound system with primary applications for obstetrical imaging during the second and third trimesters. The C8-33D transducer offers 3D/4D fetal surface rendering, 3D/4D Multi-Planar Rendering (MPR) and additional diagnostic tools. These new 3D/4D imaging capabilities are also available for general abdominal ultrasound imaging that includes MPR and tomographic viewing.

complete article: Zonare

Saturday, November 27, 2010

BK Medical Announces Expanded Applications for Its Flex Focus 700 Ultrasound System and New Versatile Power Pack Solution at RSNA Show in Chicago

PEABODY, Mass., Nov 23, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- BK Medical, a wholly owned subsidiary of Analogic Corporation /quotes/comstock/15*!alog/quotes/nls/alog (ALOG 47.04, -0.44, -0.93%) , announced expanded capabilities for its recently introduced Flex Focus(TM) 700 ultrasound system and BK Power Pack, to address the breadth of radiology applications in addition to interventional radiology procedures. The Flex Focus 700 and the new BK Power Pack will be showcased at the 96th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28 -- Dec. 2, 2010 (Booth #7128).

"It is our goal to continue to offer physicians new applications and technological advancements that not only expand the use of ultrasound, but significantly improve the delivery of care to patients in an environment that is safe and efficient," said Michael Brock, president of BK Medical. "The new Flex Focus 700 is extremely mobile, with up to four hours of cordless imaging. Its intuitive user interface enables physicians to customize the settings to address a variety of clinical applications and needs in radiology."

The Flex Focus 700 is a premium performance ultrasound system designed for interventional radiology procedures with expansion for full radiology applications. The new BK Power Pack is a full back-up power solution for the Flex Focus family of ultrasound systems that ensures cordless imaging for up to four hours, allowing improvements to workflow and significant reductions in patient wait times.

source: MarketWatch

Friday, November 26, 2010

SuperSonic Imagine Signs Exclusive U.S. Breast Ultrasound Partnership Agreement with Hologic, Inc.

AIX EN PROVENCE, France, Nov 25, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SuperSonic Imagine, the innovative producer of ultrasound equipment, announced today that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Hologic, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!holx/quotes/nls/holx (HOLX 16.63, -0.17, -1.01%) to develop the breast ultrasound market in the United States. Under the terms of the agreement, Hologic will sell, install and service SuperSonic Imagine's Aixplorer(R) MultiWave(TM) ultrasound system exclusively to the breast care community in the United States. SuperSonic Imagine has retained U.S. rights for the commercialization of the Aixplorer ultrasound system in all other clinical applications to include; liver, thyroid, abdominal, musculoskeletal, gynecological and prostate imaging.

SuperSonic Imagine's Aixplorer ultrasound system is the only product on the market that uses two waves to better characterize tissue: an ultrasound wave (B-mode) and a shear wave. Thanks to this revolutionary MultiWave(TM) Technology, Aixplorer is the only system available that can generate, capture and compute shear wave velocity in real time, resulting in a color-coded map of local tissue elasticity in kilopascals.* This technology, named ShearWave(TM) Elastography, is user-skill independent, as it does not rely on compression; therefore, it is fully reproducible and can monitor lesion stiffness over time.

source: MarketWire

Thursday, November 18, 2010

U-Systems Announces Initiation of European Breast Ultrasound Screening Study

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U-Systems, the leader in Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) technology announced participant enrollment has begun in the European Asymptomatic Screening Study (EASY) at Capio Saint Göran Hospital, in Stockholm, Sweden. The clinical study is designed to determine whether Full Field Digital Mammography combined with the somo•v® Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) can improve breast cancer detection when compared to Mammography alone in women with dense breast tissue. This study is particularly relevant to the many population based screening programs in Europe which practice a double-reading methodology for screening, where two different radiologists independently review breast imaging exams. The study protocol has accommodated the standard screening practices in Sweden and outlined a process for integrating ABUS review into an existing double-read system.


Screening mammography, the mainstay for breast cancer detection, has known limitations in women with dense breast tissue and these women have a higher risk of breast cancer. A new approach is needed to improve breast cancer detection for women with increased breast density. The EASY breast cancer screening study will help determine if using this 3D ultrasound imaging technology in combination with a digital mammogram could improve the accuracy of routine screenings for women with dense breast tissue, for which mammography can be less effective. The study intends to recruit 8,000 asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue.

source: Business Wire

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Siemens Demonstrates Advanced 3D Imaging and Software Applications at ISUOG 2010

Prague, Czech Republic, October 10, 2010 – Highlighting a portfolio of advanced clinical applications and systems, Siemens Healthcare will showcase the latest solutions for OB/GYN at the 20th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Prague. Siemens will feature sophisticated imaging technologies and workflow enhancements on a comprehensive spectrum of products, including its exclusive syngo®.fourSight™ Workplace image management software – featuring a new immersive 3D imaging experience using professional graphics solutions.

Siemens syngo.fourSight Workplace brings a new dimension to volume imaging by delivering true stereoscopic views of 3D images for a 3D experience that is more immersive, detailed, and real-to-life than ever before. While conventional 3D ultrasound technologies use two-dimensional monitors for the evaluation of 3D images, syngo.fourSight Workplace uses a specially designed 3D monitor combined with high-end professional graphics solutions to create the most stunning 3D/4D images of the fetus in true 3D. Providing additional information to the physician and assisting in communication with surgeons and patients, this quality improvement may also aid in treatment and surgical planning.

source: Siemens Medical

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Ultrasonix Announces New Digital Ultrasound Exam Recording Technology

Richmond, BC - September 23, 2010 - Ultrasonix Medical Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of high quality diagnostic ultrasound imaging systems is pleased to announce today the introduction of SonixVCR, a software-based innovation that records, stores, and exports entire exams in a standard digital format.

SonixVCR is an easy to use on-board recording feature that is enabled with the click of 1-button. Available on the Sonix Series ultrasound systems, SonixVCR can record up to 60 minutes of imaging per file, the same way an external VCR or digital recorder would – without the need for any additional hardware or external recording device.

SonixVCR files are compressed and saved as MPEG1 recordings and can be easily stored or shared electronically within the same HIPPA Compliance Protocols as still or multi-frame images. Because they are in a digital format they will not degrade over time as compared to traditional storage media such as VCR tapes or CD/DVD discs. Exam reviews are no longer limited to short clips. Instead the entire exam can be reviewed from start to finish. Since the file sizes are approximately 50 times smaller than comparable CINE clips, SonixVCR files can be easily distributed for review.

source: Ultrasonix

Friday, September 10, 2010

Siemens and National Semiconductor Align to Advance Ultrasound Technology

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept 07, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. and National Semiconductor Corporation today announced a wide-ranging strategic alliance to advance ultrasound technology, creating ultrasound imaging systems that produce enhanced image quality and advanced 3D/4D imaging capabilities, while consuming less power.

The strategic alliance brings together Siemens' leadership in ultrasound technology with National's energy-efficient analog semiconductor capabilities. National will provide leading-edge power management, signal path and transducer solutions while working closely with Siemens. Based on the companies' collaboration, Siemens' ultrasound systems will be able to provide next-generation imaging quality and ground-breaking new applications, while, at the same time, be more energy efficient. Working together, the end goal is to provide medical ultrasound systems that change the game in workflow efficiency, diagnostic reliability and ease of scanning.

source: MarketWatch

Monday, September 6, 2010

Philips Introduces Newly Enhanced Cardiac Ultrasound System

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced the enhanced iE33 xMATRIX cardiac ultrasound system featuring a new ergonomic solution for more efficient adult echocardiograms, the X5-1 transducer. With this enhanced technology, Philips continues its tradition of simplified, patient-focused healthcare solutions by providing a more complete imaging solution. The system enables expanded cardiac-related diagnostic capabilities related to ischemic disease detection, structural heart disease assessment, as well as systolic and diastolic heart failure and arrhythmia. Aimed at supporting workflow improvements as well as providing clinical benefits, the iE33 xMATRIX cardiac ultrasound system will be a highlighted display at the European Society of Cardiology Congress (ESC) in Stockholm, August 28 through September 1.

"The new iE33 xMATRIX ultrasound system represents a significant breakthrough in ultrasound; technology that gives clinicians new diagnostic tools and helps them examine patients more quickly," said Andrew Hatt, vice president and interim general manager, Ultrasound, for Philips Healthcare. "In addition, clinicians who have experienced scanning fatigue will appreciate that the X5-1 transducer combines the ergonomics of 2D transducers with the three-dimensional technology they need, to make the most informed patient care decisions possible."

source: PR Newswire

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Mindray Launches New Premium M7 Portable Ultrasound System in U.S.

MAHWAH, NJ, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Mindray DS USA, a Mindray Global Company, announces the launch of the company's new premium M7 ultrasound system in the United States. The M7 platform is based on breakthrough System On Chip (SOC) technology, bringing a new level of imaging performance to a compact portable system.

"The new M7 platform brings high-end imaging capabilities to an ergonomically designed portable system," said Michael Thompson, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Mindray U.S. "This segment of the ultrasound market is experiencing significant growth as more healthcare facilities are requiring premium performance in a compact form. We believe this, coupled with the superb economical value, will support substantial demand for the M7 platform."

The M7 platform provides a wealth of advanced imaging features. These include octal-beam imaging technology which provides excellent temporal resolution along with an innovative implementation of multiple tissue harmonic imaging technologies to improve image quality for technically difficult patients. iZoom(TM) enables the user to view images from a longer distance by increasing the size of the clinical image display area on the screen and iTouch(TM) provides a single button image optimization. Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI), Cine Compare, and real-time 3D are part of the platform as well. The system has an on-board workstation for patient information management plus the ability to transmit information wirelessly for a wide range of applications.

source: Mindray

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Epson and Philips partner to offer printing solutions for ultrasound medical devices

Epson America has signed an agreement with Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG | PowerRating) (AEX:PHI) under which the Epson ink jet printers and WorkForce all-in-ones, designed specifically for business environments, will be paired with Philips ultrasound medical imaging systems in healthcare clinics and hospitals in the US and around the world, wherever Epson printers
are available. Financial details of the agreement were not available.

This is reportedly possible as a result of the unique Epson ESC/P-R Print Class Driver which enables users to print to a full line of Epson ink jet printers from a wide variety of digital equipment.

The Epson ESC/P-R Print Class Driver supports applicable media types, paper sizes and associated printing modes suitable for Philips ultrasound systems and Epson inkjet printers.

source: Trading Markets

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

ZONARE Ranks in Top 3 in KLAS 2010 Ultrasound Report

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- ZONARE Medical Systems, a global developer of premium ultrasound systems, today announced it has been ranked in the top three in the KLAS 2010 "Ultrasound: Waves of Change" report. According to KLAS, a research firm specializing in monitoring and reporting the performance of information technology and medical imaging vendors in the healthcare field, ZONARE has emerged as a real option in general imaging. The z.one ultra system is compared to premium ultrasound systems in more and more selections for its range of functionality, mobility, and ability to cost-effectively augment ultrasound fleets.

"It is gratifying to be recognized as one of the leading systems in KLAS' overall ultrasound industry report," said Jay D. Miller, president and CEO of ZONARE. "We have invested heavily in our innovative, software-based next generation technology including new transducers and advanced capabilities designed to continuously expand the value and versatility of the system with premium image quality and performance across a variety of clinical applications."

The 2010 "Ultrasound: Waves of Change" report was the result of KLAS' effort to uncover answers to how ultrasound vendors are approaching the issues of size, penetration, and image quality as mobility becomes more urgent as patient care is brought to the bedside and areas beyond the walls of radiology. KLAS interviewed more than 200 health care providers regarding their ultrasound equipment and vendors. Given the numerous ultrasound products available on the market, research was limited to those units used primarily in general imaging.

source: PR Newswire

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics Relaunches Optison™ Contrast Agent

PRINCETON, NJ – July 12, 2010 – GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics today announced the market reintroduction of Optison™ (Perflutren Protein-Type A Microspheres Injectable Suspension, USP), a diagnostic ultrasound contrast agent for use in select echocardiograms. Optison is indicated for use in patients with suboptimal echocardiograms to opacify the left ventricle and to improve the delineation of the left ventricular endocardial borders. The safety and efficacy of Optison with exercise stress or pharmacologic stress testing have not been established.

"We are excited to announce the reintroduction of Optison,” said Kimberly Wolf, Regional Marketing Leader - Americas, GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics. “The product gives medical professionals an option in ultrasound contrast agents when they need to increase diagnostic accuracy by converting non-diagnostic echo studies to diagnostic images.”

Optison is an FDA-approved ultrasound contrast agent available in a ready-to-use formulation, providing the benefits of fast preparation time, ease of use, portability, and flexible dosing. The recommended dose is 0.5 mL injected into a peripheral vein. This may be repeated for further contrast enhancement as needed, but the maximum total dose should not exceed 8.7 mL in any one patient study.

source: GE Healthcare

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Association Between Endoscopic Ultrasound Evaluation And Improved Outcomes In Pancreatic Cancer Patients

A new study has found that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved outcomes in patients with localized pancreatic cancer, possibly due to the detection of earlier cancers and improved stage-appropriate management, including more selective performance of curative intent surgery. This is the first study to analyze a large population-based cancer registry and demonstrate that EUS evaluation is associated with improved pancreatic cancer survival. The study appears in the July issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the monthly peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE).

source: Medical News Today

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Siemens Introduces ACUSON S2000 Ultrasound System, Release 2.0

Malvern, Pa., July 7, 2010 – Siemens Healthcare announces availability of the 2.0 release of its ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system, a premium performance platform that features powerful imaging performance and penetrating insights to achieve sound diagnosis. The multi-specialty system offers advanced applications, such as Virtual Touch™ HD* technology, the second generation implementation of Acoustic Radiation Forced Impulse (ARFI)* imaging, as well as Cadence™ contrast agent technology** and the most comprehensive 3D/4D imaging capabilities to provide penetrating insight into complex anatomy.

The ACUSON S2000 system represents the pinnacle of innovative technology, workflow-enhancing clinical applications, and state-of-the-art ergonomic design. Covering the entire continuum of care from screening to diagnosis to therapy and follow-up, the new ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system features applications across general imaging, including obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), as well as vascular and cardiac imaging.

Next Generation Tissue Strain Analytics
Similar to a physical palpation exam, tissue strain analytics adds an independent parameter to the existing morphological diagnostic process by interrogating and measuring the mechanical strain properties or stiffness of tissue often correlated with pathology. Siemens’ implementation of ARFI, Virtual Touch™ Tissue Imaging and Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification, have been further optimized on the ACUSON S2000 2.0 ultrasound system to perform in high definition (HD).

source: Siemens Medical

Monday, June 14, 2010

Carotid artery ultrasound is an effective alternative to more invasive coronary angiography

New research from NYU Langone Medical Center shows that a simple, inexpensive and noninvasive carotid artery ultrasound of the neck can be used as a preliminary diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease (CAD). This may be an alternative to the standard, expensive and more invasive coronary angiography. The ultrasound test can also be used to rule out the diagnosis of CAD in patients presenting with reduced heart pump function. The new study appears in the June 2010 issue of the American Heart Journal.

"Our research has identified that carotid artery ultrasound is capable of identifying the presence of severe and extensive coronary artery disease," said Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, assistant professor of Medicine and associate director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Medical Center. "Based on our findings, physicians might consider using the carotid ultrasound test as an initial screen for CAD in patients with reduced heart pump function and no history of heart attack. If a patient tests positive for plaque buildup in the neck arteries, then it can be followed by angiography of the heart arteries."

When a patient has reduced heart function, severe and extensive CAD is often the cause. CAD is a narrowing of the arteries in the heart caused by deposits of plaque. This condition reduces the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart and may lead to weakening of heart muscle and/or a heart attack.

source: EurekAlert

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Thyroid Ultrasound Takes Center Stage at Caesars Palace

LAUREL , MD - June 8, 2010 – The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) are collaborating to present Thyroid and Parathyroid Imaging and Update on Thyroid Disorders, July 31–August 1, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this continuing medical education event, endocrinologists, radiologists, sonographers, and other health care providers interested in thyroid/parathyroid imaging will be updated on the growing applications of sonography in the evaluation of thyroid and parathyroid disease.

“Ultrasound has become a significant tool to examine thyroid and parathyroid glands, stage thyroid cancer, and guide biopsies and procedures,” said course cochair Daniel Duick, MD. “These capabilities are allowing for greatly improved patient care, and practitioners need to be up-to-date.”

The course will incorporate live scanning demonstrations and presentations from experts in neck sonography, endocrinology, radiology, pathology, and endocrine surgery.

source: AIUM

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

SonoSite Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Visualsonics

SonoSite, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!sono/quotes/nls/sono (SONO 29.03, -0.06, -0.21%) , the world leader and specialist in bedside and point-of-care ultrasound, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire privately held Visualsonics, a Toronto-based company focused on ultra high-frequency micro-ultrasound technology. The aggregate transaction value will be approximately $71 million net of cash and debt.

Visualsonics is the technology leader in real-time ultra high-frequency micro-ultrasound that presently serves the rapidly growing pre-clinical research market. Founded in 1999 by Stuart Foster, Ph.D., at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, Visualsonics' micro-ultrasound technology uses five times the center frequency range currently used in conventional ultrasound systems (40MHz versus 8MHz) and enables the visualization of superficial anatomy on small living animals with microscopic detail, discerning features as small as 40 microns (versus conventional ultrasound, which visualize 200 microns). Visualsonics' technology has the potential to pave the way for a new era of extreme high-resolution ultrasound imaging of superficial anatomy in clinical medicine.

source: MarketWatch

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Boston Scientific Announces Collaborations on Cardiovascular Imaging Technology With Philips and Siemens

NATICK, Mass., May 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced collaborations with Philips Healthcare and Siemens Medical Solutions to enable the use of its iLab® Ultrasound Imaging System with the Philips Allura™ Xper and the Siemens AXIOM™ Artis and Artis™ zee interventional X-ray systems. 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 generate a more accurate image of the diseased vessels than is possible with angiography alone.

Boston Scientific's collaborations with Philips and Siemens include recently completed compatibility testing, which confirmed that the iLab System can function as an integrated system with the Philips and Siemens X-ray systems. The Company previously announced a similar collaboration with GE Healthcare and its Innova® System. The iLab System is designed to be installed directly into a cardiac catheterization laboratory or radiology suite alongside these X-ray systems, enabling physicians to more readily incorporate IVUS technology into their procedures. The integrated systems will be featured at the annual EuroPCR Scientific Program, May 25 – 28 in Paris.

"Boston Scientific is proud to work with Philips and Siemens to offer integrated imaging systems that support improvements in performance, workflow and ease of use," said Joe Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President and President of Boston Scientific's Endovascular Unit. "Cath labs worldwide can now integrate the iLab Ultrasound Imaging System with the vast majority of interventional X-ray systems."

source: PR Newswire

Friday, May 21, 2010

Siemens Showcases Advanced 3D Imaging and Software Applications at ACOG 2010

San Francisco, Ca., May 17, 2010 – Featuring advanced clinical applications that bring OB/GYN imaging to the next level, Siemens Healthcare will showcase its exclusive syngo®.fourSight™ Workplace* image management software at the 58th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in San Francisco. Siemens will highlight a comprehensive selection of the latest innovations in OB/GYN imaging, including a new 3D immersive imaging experience using professional graphics solutions.

With Siemens’ new syngo.fourSight Workplace, volume imaging takes on a whole new dimension with true stereoscopic views of 3D images delivering a 3D imaging experience more immersive, detailed and real-to-life than ever before. Conventional 3D ultrasound technologies use two-dimensional monitors for the evaluation of 3D images. The combination of NVIDIA® 3D Vision™ technology, NVIDIA Quadro® FX high-end professional graphics solutions and syngo.fourSight Workplace, based on NVIDIA CUDA™ architecture, offers the experience of 3D imaging in “real 3D.”

“This takes 3D/4D ultrasound imaging to the next level,” said Dr. Norbert Gaus, CEO, Clinical Products Division, Siemens Healthcare. “It offers a truly remarkable experience that’s rewarding for parents and their doctors.”

Leveraging NVIDIA visualization technology, Siemens Ultrasound offers a vastly improved overall ultrasound experience. “syngo.fourSight Workplace is a cost-effective, cutting-edge solution that we believe will be embraced by both physicians and their patients. It is an excellent example of how modern 3D technology is being utilized for professional applications such as medical imaging,” said Jeff Brown, general manager, NVIDIA Professional Solutions.

source: Siemens Medical

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

High Resolution Ultrasound: First-Line Imaging Choice for the Evaluation of Patients With Foot Drop?

High resolution ultrasound should be the imaging test of choice when evaluating patients with foot drop (an inability or difficulty in moving the ankle and toes causing uncontrolled slapping of the foot while taking a step), according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive and involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce pictures of inside the body.

Foot drop is usually caused by peroneal neuropathy which is the most common compression neuropathy (damage to a single nerve or nerve group) of the lower extremity. “Electromyography (EMG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used to evaluate the peroneal nerve in patients with foot drop, however, they are not always effective,' said Tom Grant, DO, lead author of the study.

The study, performed at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, in Chicago, IL, included 15 patients with foot drop who were evaluated using high resolution ultrasound. “Ultrasound was found to be highly effective for the characterization of the common peroneal nerve, including intrinsic and extrinsic causes of peroneal neuropathy,” said Grant. All patients evaluated were found to have peroneal neuropathy.

“Ultrasound is less expensive than EMG and MRI, it is painless, and as our study suggests, is highly effective for the evaluation of patients with foot drop,” he said.

source: American Roentgen Ray Society

Sunday, May 2, 2010

New Free Hand Ultrasound System Improves Work Flow and Reduces Scan Time

Researchers have developed an automated 3-D mapping and labeling system that reduces scan time and improves the work flow, efficiency, and accuracy of routine freehand ultrasound exams, according to a study to be presented at the ARRS 2010 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA.

“The labeling and measuring of free hand ultrasound images are operator dependent, time consuming, and are usually manually performed,” said Calin Caluser, MD, lead author of the study. “The new 3-D mapping and labeling system that we have developed automatically records information and replaces steps in the image acquisition process (that are typically performed manually) with a simple key stroke,” said Caluser.

The study measured the timing and accuracy of the new system in a realistic breast ultrasound phantom with small masses scattered throughout. “Results showed that the average scanning time per target using the new mapping and labeling system was up to 16 seconds per target; compared to at least 51 seconds per target using the standard scanning protocol. The system accurately measured and recorded the location of the masses in relation to the nipple (up to 2 mm), which is difficult to obtain using the manual method,” said Caluser.

“The new system can be added to any existing ultrasound machine and the reduced time for scanning the patient can translate in improved work flow and efficiency,” he said.

source: ARRS

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

EDAP Receives European Approval for New Sonolith i-move Lithotripsy Device

LYON, France, Apr 12, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- EDAP TMS SA /quotes/comstock/15*!edap/quotes/nls/edap (EDAP 3.15, +0.00, +0.03%) , the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today the European approval of its new lithotripter, the Sonolith i-move. The EDAP sales team and distributors will begin marketing Sonolith i-move immediately and will officially introduce the product to distributors, partners and visiting urologists at the European Association Urology (EAU) congress, Booth #14, from April 17-19, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain.

Leveraging EDAP's patented electroconductive technology, Sonolith i-move is a compact, stand alone lithotripter with a revolutionary infrared stereo-vision system for real-time, three-dimensional ultrasound localization of urinary stones. With its various modular configurations, Sonolith i-move targets the largest lithotripsy market segment, offering a wide range of treatment procedures for mid-size clinical sites and hospitals. Sonolith i-move will replace Sonolith Praktis, an earlier generation lithotripter, and complements the Company's high-end Sonolith I-sys lithotripter, an integration of x-ray and ultrasound locatization systems.

In addition to the official launch in Europe, EDAP is actively working towards filing for regulatory approval of Sonolith i-move in the U.S. and in Japan.

source: MarketWatch

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Simple ultrasound test improves diagnosis of heart disease

New research shows that doing a simple ultrasound scan of the carotid artery significantly improves the prediction of heart disease, giving doctors a better clue of who is at high risk for a heart attack.

The new study, published in today’s Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), shows that approximately 23 percent of patients would be reclassified into a different risk group by adding information obtained from the noninvasive test and that risk prediction using this approach was more accurate.

"Today, up to 70 percent of people who have heart attacks are in a low or intermediate risk category for a heart attack when their risk is estimated using traditional risk prediction models. That’s not very predictive, and we need to do better," said Dr. Christie Ballantyne, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and last author on the study. "Our research shows that a noninvasive ultrasound can give us a more complete snapshot of our patients’ risk, so we can do a better job determining if they’ll have a heart attack."

This is significant because patients who are at higher risk could be treated more aggressively to prevent heart disease.

source: Houston Mehtodist Hospital

Monday, April 5, 2010

Groundbreaking Whole Breast, Warm Bath Ultrasound Technology Is Producing Promising Results

SALT LAKE CITY, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TechniScan, Inc.'s (OTC Bulletin Board: TSNI) unique whole breast ultrasound technology, which provides a comfortable, radiation-free method for assessment of breast lesions was part of a scientific presentation at the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC) conference in Las Vegas last week.

Yuri Parisky, radiologist, vice president and trustee of the NCBC organization and consultant to TechniScan, Inc. participated in the Orange County, CA research study that was presented at the conference. The objective of the study was to determine the usability of the new Warm Bath Ultrasound (TM) technology in a standard breast diagnostic practice. The study found that the groundbreaking technology used in TechniScan's Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) produced promising results and indicated that it may have a future role in the evaluation of breast lesions.

"Ultrasound technology is playing a larger role in breast diagnostics because it images cysts, fibroadenomas and cancers differently than mammography. Ultrasound is much better at seeing through dense breasts and finding cancers when they are smaller," said Parisky. "The emergence of whole breast ultrasound technology and specifically the WBU system is providing us with 3-D images of the entire breast, and will hopefully become a standard imaging modality in the next few years."

TechniScan's Warm Bath Ultrasound system is designed to capture three-dimensional images of the breast as a woman lies prone on a table and state-of-the art ultrasound technology is used in a warm water tank to capture images of the breast anatomy.

source: PR Newswire

Sunday, March 28, 2010

GE Healthcare Introduces New Ultrasound Elastography Capability

SAN DIEGO, CA, MARCH 24, 2010 ― GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) today announced that an important new feature has been added to its LOGIQ E9 platform; elastography. The enhanced device is on display at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s (AIUM) 2010 Annual Convention in San Diego (booth 301).

GE’s LOGIQ E9 introduces ultrasound elastography utilizing a high frequency E-series transducer with a simple compression technique which helps make elastography easier to perform and a more reproducible method of examination.

“Physicians have traditionally examined differences in tissue by hand palpation during physical exams,” said Brian McEathron, general manager of General Imaging Ultrasound, GE Healthcare. “The LOGIQ E9 helps give doctors a digital interpretation of the physical exam that can be easier to reproduce in follow-up examinations by either the original physician or other clinicians.”

LOGIQ E9 elastography is a tool that helps provide a gentle way to obtain information about internal tissue structures and has the potential to assist in patient management decisions, increase diagnostic confidence and help lead to fewer invasive procedures.

source: GE Healthcare

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Unique Guideline Demonstrates A Multi-Specialty Outlook For Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

The AIUM is pleased to announce that 4 professional societies have collaborated with AIUM to endorse the recent AIUM Training Guidelines for the Performance of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Examinations. The guidelines allow for a several practitioners, including physicians, osteopathic physicians, podiatrists, and sonographers, to perform musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations, marking significant promise for the future of this growing field.

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American Podiatric Medical Association, and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Society have provided official support/endorsement for the guidelines to date.

source: Medical News Today

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Toshiba Highlights Ultrasound Cardiac Capabilities At ACC 2010

ATLANTA, March 16, 2010 – Health care facilities use ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic exam to quickly and efficiently perform a range of patient exams, including cardiac imaging. Developed to meet these demanding clinical needs, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. will showcase the advanced cardiac capabilities of its AplioTM MX and Aplio ArtidaTM ultrasound systems at this year’s American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting in Atlanta, March 14 – 16, 2010 (Booth # 1944). This is the first appearance of the Aplio MX at ACC.

Introduced in November 2009, Toshiba’s new Aplio MX ultrasound system is a mid-sized, cart-based system that improves patient care by offering increased portability and patient access, with the ability to perform premium ultrasound exams using this smaller system. The functional Aplio MX allows physicians to quickly and efficiently perform a range of advanced ultrasound exams, including cardiac, on patients when space is limited, such as in the emergency department, intensive care unit, outside the lab and at the patient’s bedside.

Features of the Aplio MX include:
• Contrast Harmonics to provide the ability to use bubble based contrast agents that help to provide better tissue definition on difficult-to-image patients during echocardiograms.

• Differential Tissue Harmonic Imaging for the better imaging of difficult-to-image patients, like bariatric, without sacrificing resolution to give superior border and tissue definition.

• ApliPure+ to enhance both image clarity and detail definition with real-time compounding technology to simultaneously perform spatial and frequency compounding during transmitting and receiving.

• Advanced Dynamic Flow to provide color Doppler imaging at an unprecedented level and show flow with directional information for even the smallest vessels.

• Tissue Doppler Imaging Quantification (TDIQ) software to perform various analyses by Angle Corrected Displacement and Strain to measure myocardial viability.

source: Toshiba Medical

Monday, March 15, 2010

GE Healthcare Introduces New Ultrasound Needle Tracking Capability

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Tampa, FL, United States, 03/15/2010 - LOGIQ E9’s new volume navigation feature includes electromagnetic needle tip sensor for improved guidance accuracy.

GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) today announced an important new onboard feature to its LOGIQ E9 platform – needle tracking powered by GE’s innovative Volume Navigation capability. The enhanced device is on display at the Society for Interventional Radiology’s 35th Annual Scientific Meeting (booth 620).

With the extraordinary image quality of the LOGIQ E9, this new Volume Navigation needle tracking capability with its sensor tipped needle helps overcome many of the traditional challenges of existing ultrasound needle guidance such as needle visualization and deflection, determining entry points and the avoidance of critical anatomy. This, in turn, can help increase the accuracy of procedures such as biopsies, ablations, drainage, fluid aspiration and general injections.

“LOGIQ E9’s advanced needle tracking can now help medical professionals utilize ultrasound during in-plane and challenging out-of-plane interventional procedures,” said Brian McEathron, general manager of General Imaging Ultrasound, GE Healthcare. “This can reduce time, limit repeat procedures, improve outcomes and result in a better overall patient experience.”

Before the skin is even penetrated, the LOGIQ E9’s advanced technology projects the path to the target, helping to plan the optimal angle and point of entry. During the procedure, the system displays the needle’s position in real-time graphics that are overlaid on the image of the scan plane. The trajectory can then be monitored as it progresses toward the target.

source: Newswire

Friday, March 12, 2010

TechniScan teams with researchers at UC San Diego in clinical study with Warm Bath UltrasoundTM system

SALT LAKE CITY (March 9, 2010) -- TechniScan, Inc. (OTC BB: TSNI) (“TechniScan” or the “Company”), a medical device company engaged in the development and commercialization of an automated breast ultrasound imaging system, today announced that it has commenced phase two of its grant study at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Moores Cancer Center.

TechniScan’s Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU™) system is designed to capture three-dimensional images of the breast as a woman lies prone on a table and state-of-the- art ultrasound technology is used in a warm water tank to capture images of the breast anatomy.

The Moores UCSD Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated comprehensive cancer center with scientists and clinicians focused on developing the next generation of cancer therapies and cures. The TechniScan Warm Bath UltrasoundTM system investigations will be conducted with Michael P. Andre, Ph.D., Professor of Radiology, and breast radiologists Dr. Linda Olson and Dr. Haydee Ojeda-Fournier.

source: Techniscan

Saturday, March 6, 2010

SonoSite's NanoMaxx Ultrasound System Selected as a Finalist for the 2010 Edison Best New Product Awards

BOTHELL, Wash., Mar 04, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- SonoSite, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!sono/quotes/nls/sono (SONO 31.08, +0.32, +1.04%) , the world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound for the point-of-care, announced today that the 6 lb. NanoMaxx(TM) ultrasound system was selected as a finalist for the prestigious Edison Best New Product Awards. The awards are inspired by the enormous contributions of renowned inventor Thomas Edison and honor significant achievements in new product development, marketing, and innovation.

SonoSite's NanoMaxx system is an extremely portable, high-resolution imaging tool that provides point-of-care visualization to a variety of medical specialties. Empowering physicians to meet the highest standard of patient care, the NanoMaxx system targets applications that will improve patient safety and minimize complications. With one-dial control, advanced proprietary imaging algorithms, a 20 second boot-up time, and a rugged form factor (successfully drop-tested from three feet), the NanoMaxx system is a breakthrough technology that truly meets an unmet clinical need.

The Edison Award finalists were selected by a rigorous peer-reviewed voting system, which comprised of an estimated 2,000 members of not-for-profit Marketing Executives Network Group (MENG), America's top executives, and academic researchers.

source: MarketWatch

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Sound of Melanoma: Ultrasound Can Help Doctors Find Cancer More Accurately

ScienceDaily (Feb. 24, 2010) — Knowing the stage of a patient's melanoma is important when choosing the best course of treatment. When the cancer has progressed to the lymph nodes, a more aggressive treatment is needed. Examining an entire lymph node for cancer takes much effort and time. Now, a new technique might help make the process more efficient.

University of Missouri researchers in the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center are studying how photoacoustics, or a laser-induced ultrasound, could help scientists locate the general area of the lymph node where melanoma cells could be residing. This new technology could help doctors identify the stage of melanoma with more accuracy.

"This method can be used to determine if the cancer has spread from stage 2, where the melanoma is still just in the skin lesion, to stage 3, where the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes," said John Viator, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Dermatology.

source: Science Daily release

Monday, February 22, 2010

GE Healthcare Introduces Vscan™ Pocket-Sized Visualization Tool for Point-of-Care Imaging

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GE Healthcare today announced the availability of Vscan, a new, pocket-sized visualization tool developed to provide physicians with imaging capabilities at the point-of-care. Roughly the size of a smart phone, Vscan houses powerful, ultra-smart ultrasound technology that provides clinicians with an immediate, non-invasive method to help secure visual information about what is happening inside the body. Vscan is portable and can easily be taken from room to room to be used in many clinical, hospital or primary care settings.

The Vscan imaging device received 510(k) clearance in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the CE Mark by the European Union, as well as the Medical Device License from Health Canada and is now commercially available in the U.S., Europe, India and Canada.

"Having Vscan at my disposal at all times has allowed me to use ultrasound in a number of settings and with patients that I wouldn't have anticipated before – from the ICU, to the outpatient clinic as well as with ambulatory patients," said Anthony N. DeMaria, MD, Professor of Medicine, Judith and Jack White Chair in Cardiology and Director, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

source: GE Medical

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Toshiba Receives FDA Clearance for VIAMO Ultrasound System

New Portable Laptop System Offers Best-In-Class Imaging Capabilities in a Laptop Size

TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 4, 2010 – Designed to meet the needs of today’s hospitals by combining portability with high-end radiology features, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.’s new ViamoTM laptop ultrasound system has received FDA clearance. The Viamo is the industry’s no-compromise ultrasound system with advanced radiology capabilities, previously unavailable on hand-carried systems. Toshiba’s Viamo provides the best value in the hand carried class by offering the same premier image quality as larger, more expensive ultrasound systems, but at a lower price point for hospitals. The Viamo was introduced at the 2009 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting.

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 use. 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 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 general radiology, pediatric, emergency, OB/GYN and vascular.

source: Toshiba Medical

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Prostate Cancer Biopsy Effective but Lacks Practice Standards

TORONTO, ONTARIO, NEWS RELEASE--(Marketwire - Feb. 9, 2010) - In the first, long-term study of its kind, Sunnybrook researchers provide compelling evidence to support much-needed practice standards in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

The 10-year, Canadian population-based study of serious complication rates requiring hospital admission after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy reports a significant four-fold increase in hospital admission rates over the study period, with over 70 per cent of cases caused by infection. The findings from this study, which is the largest conducted to-date, are published today in The Journal of Urology.

Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy is the most common method to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis by obtaining tissue from the prostate gland using a small probe and echoes of ultrasound waves to form a picture through the wall of the rectum. The procedure is not standardized despite the test's diagnostic effectiveness.

"Data from this study add critical momentum for the development of standards to make transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy as safe as possible for patients," says Dr. Robert Nam, lead investigator and urologic oncologist, Sunnybrook's Odette Cancer Centre.

source: Sunnybrook Press Release

Monday, February 8, 2010

Siemens Showcases New Dedicated Women’s Imaging Ultrasound Platforms at SMFM

Chicago, Ill., February 3, 2010 – Featuring the new release of its premium ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system – Women’s Imaging and ACUSON X300™ ultrasound system, premium edition (PE) – Women’s Imaging, Siemens Healthcare (booth #813) will highlight the latest innovations in OB/GYN imaging at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) 30th Annual Meeting in Chicago. Siemens will be showcasing advanced clinical applications that bring a new dimension of diagnosis and workflow enhancements to fetal ultrasound.

The ACUSON S2000 ultrasound system – Women’s Imaging represents the pinnacle of innovative technologies and workflow-enhancing clinical applications, which dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of ultrasound exams. Latest acoustic technologies deliver a powerful system optimized for superb 2D, Doppler and 3D/4D imaging for the most demanding requirements in maternal-fetal medicine. The system features Siemens-exclusive knowledge-based workflow applications, such as eSieScan™ workflow protocols, enhancing examination processes and increasing the consistency of exams, while at the same time reducing keystrokes to enable shorter exam times and improve patient throughput.

The ACUSON S2000 system – Women’s Imaging also features Fetal Heart STIC (Spatio-Temporal Image Correlation) imaging, which captures data over multiple heart cycles and creates a 3D fetal heart volume, allowing sonographers to view the fetal heart in multiple planes.

source: Siemens Healthcare

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Scientists Issue Comprehensive Report Into Health Effects Of Ultrasound, UK

The independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR), which reports to the Health Protection Agency, has reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of ultrasound (frequencies above 20 kilohertz) and infrasound (below 20 Hz).

The report finds that the available evidence does not suggest that diagnostic ultrasound affects mortality of babies during pregnancy or soon after birth. The evidence also does not suggest any effect on childhood cancer risk. There have, however, been some unconfirmed reports suggesting possible effects on the developing nervous system - for instance, on handedness of the child.

AGNIR concluded that there is no established evidence that diagnostic levels of ultrasound are hazardous. However, further research is needed to determine whether there are any long-term adverse health effects, especially following exposure of the unborn child.

soure:Medical News Today

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Vetel Diagnostics Offers Revolutionary Portable Ultrasound System

PR Log (Press Release) – Jan 29, 2010 – San Luis Obispo, CA -- Vetel Diagnostics, a leading provider of digital diagnostic imaging systems to veterinarians is offering ZONARE®’S z.one Scan Engine ultrasound system. This is the world’s first portable ultrasound system that easily converts the z.one system from a compact, 5.5 pound hand carried system to an optional cart-based system. The Scan Engine features the performance of a larger and more expensive system with portability and flexibility, without sacrificing image quality.

ZONARE’s proprietary technology is an entirely new approach to ultrasound data acquisition and image formation. Instead of information being captured conventionally–line-by-line–Zone Sonography™ technology captures zones of information, at one-tenth the time.

ZONARE is revolutionary in the industry as it delivers innovative, technology driven software-versus hardware. The Scan Engine has unlimited scalability, rendering the system economical and countinuosly state-of-the art. Vetel founder Jim Waldsmith, DVM explains that “traditional systems need to be updated every 5 to 7 years – a costly expense. But z.one Scan Engine systems’ software upgrades can be downloaded over the internet–a cost effective way to stay current with the latest innovations. There’s no need to ever purchase hardware again.”

source: PR Log

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Ultrasound + Proteomic Blood Analyses May Help Physicians Diagnose Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer

Noninvasive contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, combined with proteomic analyses of blood samples may help physicians identify early-stage ovarian cancer and save the lives of many women, according to an article published in the February issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Proteomics is the study of proteins, particularly their structure and function.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death. More than 21,500 women annually are diagnosed with the disease. Each year, nearly 15,000 women die from ovarian cancer. More than two-thirds of these patients (67 percent) are diagnosed at an advanced-stage. If early-stage ovarian cancer is detected, survival is greater than 90 percent (compared to 30 percent for advanced-stage disease).

“The fact that so many women are not diagnosed until their disease is advanced confirms the inadequacy of pelvic examinations and standard ultrasound in detecting early-stage ovarian cancer and the dire need for a validated screening method for the detection of early-stage disease,” said David A. Fishman, MD, lead author of the article. “The ability to detect ovarian cancer by a simple blood test has long been the holy grail of screening tests. Although a single biomarker blood test would be ideal and simple, it is not possible at present,” said Fishman.

source: ARRS

Thursday, January 14, 2010

CAE Healthcare acquires ICCU and VIMEDIX to offer a complete training solution for ultrasound imaging

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 14, 2010) - (TSX:CAE)(NYSE:CAE) - CAE Healthcare has acquired ICCU Imaging and VIMEDIX in order to expand its growing portfolio with a specialty in ultrasound imaging training.

ICCU Imaging specializes in developing cutting-edge multimedia educative material and offering practical and easy-to-use educational solutions to help medical providers perform a focused bedside ultrasound examination. VIMEDIX specializes in developing advanced echographic simulation training and has begun marketing a virtual reality animated transthoracic echocardiography simulator.

"These bolt-on acquisitions are an important step in the growth of CAE Healthcare. By combining the expertise of ICCU Imaging and VIMEDIX with CAE's training, simulation and modelling know-how, CAE Healthcare will be able to offer a complete solution for ultrasound imaging training, including e-learning, bedside ultrasound seminars and medical simulators," said CAE Healthcare President Guillaume Herve. "ICCU Imaging and VIMEDIX are first-class operations. It is a pleasure to welcome their leaders, recognized as worldwide experts in their fields, Dr. Yanick Beaulieu, President and founder of ICCU Imaging and Dr. Robert Amyot, CEO and President of VIMEDIX, to the CAE Healthcare team."

source: MarketWire

Monday, January 4, 2010

Prenatal Ultrasonography Has Increased 55% For Pregnant Women, Even In Low-risk Pregnancies

Current use of prenatal ultrasounds in women with singleton pregnancies is 55% greater than in 1996, even in low-risk pregnancies. More than one-third (37%) of pregnant women now receive 3 or more ultrasound tests in the second and third trimesters of a given pregnancy, found an article in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). The increase in the use of multiple ultrasound scans per pregnancy has been more pronounced in low-risk than high-risk pregnancies, suggesting a need to review current practices.

Current guidelines recommend two ultrasounds in an uncomplicated pregnancy - one in the first trimester and one in the second to screen for fetal and genetic anomalies.

source: Medical News Today