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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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