Ultrasound enhances noninvasive Down syndrome tests

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

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

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

source: Baylor College of Medicine

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

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

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

source: American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

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

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

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

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

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

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

source: ARRS

SonoSite Introduces The SonoAccess iPhone Application For Musculoskeletal Specialties

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

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

source: SonoSite

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

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

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

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

source: Philips Medical

Toshiba Introduces New Premium Mid-Sized Ultrasound System

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

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

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

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

source: Toshiba Medical

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

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

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

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

source: GE Healthcare

Ultrasonix Medical Corporation Introduces new SonixTOUCH IVF functionalities

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

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

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

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

source: Ultrasonics Medical Corporation

SonoSite Announces FDA Clearance for Its New Nanomaxx Ultrasound Tool

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

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

source: SonoSite

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

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

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

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

source: PR Newswire

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

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

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

source: Business Wire

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

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

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

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

source: ECCO

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

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

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

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

source: Boston Scientific

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

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

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

source: SonoSite

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

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

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

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

source: University of Virginia Health System

Siemens Ships syngo US Workplace 3.5 Ultrasound Workstation Solution

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

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

aource: Siemens Healthcare