Ultrasound business reveals what hospitals won't

A new business has opened in Charlottetown aimed at expectant parents who want to know whether their baby is a boy or a girl.

Medical ultrasounds are routinely performed on pregnant women at Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but like most hospitals in Canada, it will not tell parents if the baby is girl or a boy.

Health Canada advises parents not to have ultrasounds for non-medical reasons. It says although the risk is small, parents should not expose their unborn babies to unnecessary procedures. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada also advises against unnecessary ultrasounds, as does the Canadian Association of Radiologists.

source: cbcnews.ca

New dimension of ultrasound: The European debut of the new system Acuson S2000 from Siemens

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

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

source Siemens Healthcare

Ultrasound system with high performance and versatility announced at ECR

The latest addition to Philips family of HD products designed to bring high-end performance to clinics, hospitals and practices on a modest budget

Royal Philips Electronics has announced the latest addition to its HD ultrasound family of products at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna. The Philips HD7 ultrasound system draws upon an array of features and capabilities available on high-end Philips systems and puts them into an affordable, mobile unit that is well-suited for a wide variety of clinical settings.

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

medicexchange - ECR 2008

Toshiba MR, CT and Ultrasound Named Best in KLAS in 2007

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KLAS recently named Toshiba’s AquilionTM 64, XarioTM and Vantage 1.5T MR “Best in KLAS” in its Top 20 Year-End Report for 2007. This recognition for leadership in working with customers to maintain satisfaction, gives Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. the top ratings in the CT, MR and ultrasound categories. Furthermore, Toshiba outpaced all other medical equipment vendors by securing the most number one medical equipment rankings in 2007.

“We are extremely proud of our KLAS rankings because it demonstrates Toshiba’s commitment to making sure its customers are satisfied with our systems and support,” said Larry Dentice, senior vice president and general manager, Toshiba. “Ensuring that the medical community is able to use our equipment to its full capacity means patients are getting better care. In the end, that’s the real reward.
Business Wire

Klein Report Shows Hand-Carried Ultrasound Global Revenues Grew 42 Percent in 2007 to $565 Million

GE Undisputed Leader Worldwide as Sales Grow to $250 Million Followed by SonoSite and ZONARE

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - March 4, 2008) - The second annual hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) report issued by Klein Biomedical Consultants (KBC), the industry's leading analyst, indicates global revenues for HCU systems grew by 42 percent in 2007 to $565 Million. The recently published The U.S. Market for Hand Carried/Handheld Ultrasound Systems: Challenges & Opportunities - 2007 Report shows GE Healthcare became the undisputed leader in worldwide HCU revenues, growing 50 percent to $250 million for the year. Along with GE, Klein continues to project the market leaders in 2010 will be SonoSite and ZONARE Medical Systems which grew 22 and 60 percent respectively during 2007.

sourceMarketwire

Operator Expertise Matters When Carrying Out Ultrasounds To Detect Ovarian Cancer

Using expert ultrasonographers over regular operators for diagnosing ovarian cancer results in a significant reduction in the overall number of diagnostic procedures required and reduces length of inpatient hospital stays, reports a study published in Lancet Oncology.

The advantage of expert operators, write study authors Joseph Yazbek and colleagues, from King's College, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals, ( London, UK), is their greater skill in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian pathology. "This ability decreases the number of patients who are treated as potentially having ovarian cancer and aids the use of more conservative management options."

source: MedicalNewsToday

Finding Cancer At An Early Stage

New ultrasound technology will make it possible for doctors to discover cancer tumors far earlier than before.

A method that transmits new and more advanced ultrasound signals is being tested in Trondheim. The chances of discovering and diagnosing tumors in the prostate and breast will improve significantly.

The first clinical testing has been done, and the results so far are promising, says Rune Hansen. He is a researcher at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and at SINTEF Health Research.

source: MedicalNewsToday

Fetal Attraction

By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

In some ways, Prof. Kypros Nicolaides is more suited to Israel than to England, the adopted home of the Cyprus-born, world-renowned "father of fetal medicine." Israel and Judaism, with their child-oriented ideology - there are more in-vitro fertilization centers per capita here than anywhere in the world - are attuned to his decades of work to save distressed fetuses.

And Israelis - with their informality and tendency to tell their life stories to complete strangers - would likely understand his controversial methods of calming frightened patients. Israelis' desire for the "perfect baby" also suits Nicolaides, who discovered that nuchal translucency in a fetus is a marker for Down Syndrome. This leaves open the option for an early abortion. Ultrasound measures the almost-clear (translucent) space in the tissue at the back of a baby's neck. Babies with abnormalities tend to accumulate more fluid there during the first trimester.

complete article at The Jerusalem Post

Finding Cancer At An Early Stage

ScienceDaily (Feb. 29, 2008) — New ultrasound technology will make it possible for doctors to discover cancer tumors far earlier than before. A method that transmits new and more advanced ultrasound signals is being tested in Trondheim. The chances of discovering and diagnosing tumors in the prostate and breast are expected to improve significantly.

The first clinical testing has been done, and the results so far are promising, says Rune Hansen. He is a researcher at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and at SINTEF Health Research.

source: ScienceDaily

ARDMS Adds a a new Prerequisite 5 to the 2008 General Application Book

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS®) has added a new prerequisite 5 to the 2008 general application book that will allow individuals with the following current credentials to apply for ARDMS exams under a new experiential-based prerequisite:

• Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) - RCS or RVS
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), - Vascular Sonography, Sonography or Breast
• Australian Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) -DMU credentials to apply.

Applicants who choose to apply under the new prerequisite 5 must hold an active certification and provide a copy of an active certification identification card or license.

source: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography®

Florida Lawmakers Propose Sonogram before Abortion

In yet another instance of using diagnostic medical imaging to forward a political or religious agenda, two Florida lawmakers are proposing a bill that would require women to have an ultrasound before they could have an abortion in Florida.

The bill is sponsored by Senator Dan Webster (SB 2400) and Representative Trey Traviesa (HB 257). Under Webster's plan, doctors would be required to give a woman the option of seeing the ultrasound pictures unless she's the victim of rape, incest or human trafficking.
If the woman does not want to see the ultrasound, she would be required to sign a waiver.

It is their contention that this legislation would help reduce the number of abortions performed in Florida. According to Adrienne Kimmell, executive director of Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, "This is legislating medicine, which isn't the job of legislators," and "It creates barriers and ties the hands of doctors to do what they think is in the best medical interests of patients."

Ultrasound pioneer says redesign will prevent staff strain injury

By Lyndsay Moss

MEDICAL staff who use ultrasound equipment need more help to avoid injury as demand for the scans grows, one of the Scottish pioneers of the technology said yesterday.

Up to 80 per cent of the staff – known as sonographers – are thought to suffer injuries linked to the physical nature of their work, which often requires them to lean and bend over pregnant patients for long periods.

Now Tom Brown, who along with Professor John MacVicar and Professor Ian Donald helped develop the technology in the 1950s, wants to revisit the invention to see if changes can be made to reduce injuries.

source: NEWS.Scotsman.com

RCOG To Celebrate 50 Years Of Ultrasound, UK

2008 sees the 50th anniversary of a world first - the publication of the first paper on the use of ultrasound in obstetrics and gynaecology. Ultrasound has caused a revolution in medical care and in celebration the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is hosting a daylong commemorative event on Friday, 29 February.

The 1958 paper, 'Investigation of Abdominal Masses by Pulsed Ultrasound' by Professor Ian Donald, Professor John MacVicar and Mr Thomas Brown transformed maternity care. The commemorative meeting will comprise of a series of lectures looking at the history, impact and future of ultrasound including fetal screening and gynaecological medicine.

source: MedicalNewsToday

Ultrasound Paper Recommends Prenatal Scanning For Vasa Praevia

Vasa Praevia is a condition which affects approximately 1 in 2500 deliveries, and as many as 1 in 300 in IVF pregnancies. A paper in Ultrasound volume 16 number 1, Vasa Praevia; a Preventable Tragedy, reviews the mechanisms leading to vasa praevia (VP) as well as the incidence, clinical implications, and risk factors associated with this condition, and recommends routine evaluation to exclude VP in all routine obstetric scans as a matter of urgency.

The paper aims to persuade all those undertaking the detailed anomaly scan that excluding vasa praevia (VP) is a worthwhile endeavour and one that is easily achievable within the confines of the second-trimester anomaly scan.

source: Medical News Today

Medical Right Falls Hard for Ultrasounds -- At the Expense of Women's Health

Marjorie Signer and Cynthia L. Cooper

You've already met the Religious Right. Now meet its offspring, the Medical Right -- ideologically motivated pseudo-medical organizations that are shaping reproductive health care policy and practice to conform to their unscientific beliefs about "the beginning of life."

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice has been tracking these organizations on our online Medical Right Watch. Our latest report -- "UltraLove: The Medical Right Falls Hard for Ultrasound, Despite Lack of Evidence" -- describes the anti-abortion movement's multimillion-dollar immersion into the non-medical use of ultrasound equipment and questions the ethics of using medical diagnostic technology to persuade women to continue a pregnancy.

read complete article at AlterNet.org

Sonographer experience translates into fewer unnecessary ovarian tumor surgeries

Allison Fromm

Unnecessary surgeries for suspected, but ultimately benign, ovarian tumors could be reduced if ultrasonography is improved, according to a recent report in The Lancet Oncology. The study showed that the number of surgeries for suspected cancers was significantly higher after routine ultrasounds compared with ultrasounds performed by sonographers who have more than 10 years of experience.

source: Diagnostic Imaging