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

TomTec Announces SonoLiver(R), A Dedicated Analysis Tool Of Dynamic Vascular Enhancement Of Focal Liver Lesions Using CEUS

TomTec announces the release of SonoLiver® as part of TomTec’s Image-Arena™ multimodality workstation solution at the European congress of radiology in March 2009.

SonoLiver® combines in a novel way perfusion quantification tools with perfusion imaging of focal liver lesions. The unique display of dynamic vascular patterns of all phases simplifies the decision for the right diagnosis. SonoLiver® increases the diagnostic confidence and simplifies the workflow of characterizing focal liver lesions.

SonoLiver® is performing a linearization of the Contrast enhanced ultrasound data for comparable results, uses an optimized motion artefact suppression to reduce in-plane motion artefacts and enhances the dynamic vascular patterns by parametric display.

“The cooperation with Bracco enables us to offer SonoLiver as a dedicated CEUS quantification tool for focal liver lesion. SonoLiver runs within TomTec’s Image-Arena™ environment which provides a full range of connectivity, data management and reporting features for an optimized clinical workflow!” said Frank Schlau, TomTec’s Chief Marketing Officer.

source: TomTec Imaging Systems

ALOKA Showcases a New Diagnostic Ultrasound System ProSound 4 at ECR 2009 in Vienna, Austria

TOKYO, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- ALOKA Co., Ltd. will be unveiling a new diagnostic ultrasound system at the European Congress of Radiology - ECR2009 - to be held from March 6th, 2009 in Vienna, Austria.

Economic pressures continue to generate demand for ultrasound systems with higher cost-effectiveness, flexibility, ease of use, and functionality.

The ProSound 4 is a stand-alone, black-and-white system with the latest digital technologies engineered into a compact body for higher image quality at an affordable price. The system is compatible with many probes to meet the needs of diverse applications in fields such as Radiology, OB/GYN, Urology, and Surgery. Advanced technologies originally developed for high-end models promise extreme diagnostic precision with the ProSound 4. Connectivity with DICOM networks provides a new cost-effective imaging solution never before available at any hospital, large or small. The compact, lightweight system permits ultrasound examinations at almost any location, from bedside to the examination room.

source: PR Newswire

ZONARE Expands Product Portfolio Offering by Announcing New z.one ultra sp Ultrasound System

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – February 19, 2009 – ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. announced the introduction of its new z.one ultra sp ultrasound system for point-of-care markets such as emergency medicine, interventional radiology, venous ablation, anesthesiology and ob/gyn. During this time of economic downturn, ZONARE is expanding its product portfolio by offering a new, premium performance system at a more attractive price point that addresses a broad range of clinical specialties.

The z.one ultra sp system builds upon the precedent set by the company’s z.one ultra system, offering superb image quality. Based on the company’s proprietary Zone Sonography™ technology, the new system offers a simple and intuitive user interface for a wider base of physicians. Clinicians can easily convert the z.one ultra sp system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact system without sacrificing image quality or performance.

cource: Zonare

SCAN: Delivering Bone Disorder Diagnosis, Fracture Healing

HOUSTON –– The fight against bone disorders that affect millions of Americans will soon receive a boost from an ultrasound device being developed by space biomedical researchers. The technology under development will allow early prediction of bone disorders such as osteoporosis and guided acceleration of fracture healing.

National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) scientists are developing the technology to assist astronauts during long-duration spaceflights. Like the elderly on Earth, astronauts in space lose bone structure and quality.

Dr. Yi-Xian Qin, associate team leader for NSBRI’s Smart Medical Systems and Technology Team, calls the new technology Scanning Confocal Acoustic Navigation (SCAN). He said the objective is to develop a small, mobile device that is easy to use and patient friendly.

“SCAN uses non-invasive and non-destructive ultrasound to image bone. It will allow us to identify weak regions, to make a diagnosis and to assist in healing fractures,” said Qin, who is also the director of the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory at Stony Brook University - State University of New York.

source: NSBRI

Study Brings Value of Echocardiography Into Focus

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 11 (HealthDay News) -- The advanced imaging technique called contrast echocardiography had a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of people hospitalized with heart disease, a new study found.

Echocardiography bounces sound waves into the body to get a detailed image of the moving heart. If that image isn't clear enough, it can be improved by injecting a substance, called a contrast agent, that reflects the sound waves better.

"After contrast echocardiography, the percentage of uninterpretable studies decreased from 11.7 percent to 0.3 percent, and technically difficult studies decreased from 86.7 percent to 9.8 percent," said a report published online Feb. 11 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

"The importance of the study is that it is really the first time that we measured the impact of contrast echocardiography on assessment of ventricular function," said study leader Dr. William A. Zoghbi, professor of medicine and director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Center at the Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Houston. "It measured the impact of it in clinical practice -- how does contrast echocardiography influence clinical management," Zoghbi said.

source: Yahoo News

Ultrasound Market Presents Opportunities for Growth Despite Recession

Despite the current economic downturn, the third edition of InMedica’s report on the global ultrasound market predicts that worldwide revenues will continue to experience robust growth and exceed $6 billion by 2012. The flexibility, ease of use and relatively low cost of ultrasound equipment has ensured continued growth in the market despite the current economic conditions. Moreover, the trend to miniaturization and the quick adoption of hand-carried ultrasound equipment is fueling growth.

“There is an increasing confidence in hand-carried systems globally. Previously the adoption of these systems was much quicker in North America and Western Europe but other regions of the world such as Eastern Europe, Latin America and parts of the Asia Pacific, are beginning to show significant interest in this equipment. The demand is coming from traditional applications, such as OB / GYN, and increasingly from point-of-care applications” reported Diane Wilkinson, Market Research Analyst at InMedica.

source: InMedica

Advanced Knowledge-based Applications for High-Risk Obstetrics

San Diego, Calif., January 29, 2008 – Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) highlights its latest ultrasound solutions for obstetrics at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) in San Diego, January 29-30, featuring innovative knowledge-based workflow and 4D applications that increase diagnostic confidence and improve clinical workflow.

syngo® AutoOB measurements, available exclusively on Siemens’ premium performance ACUSON S2000™ ultrasound system, are an advanced clinical tool that automates routine biometry measurements of the fetus.

“Up until now, users needed to perform biometry measurements manually,” said Klaus Hambuechen, chief executive officer, Ultrasound, Siemens Healthcare. “syngo AutoOB measurements eliminate this time-consuming manual process by saving up to 75 percent of the keystrokes in routine fetal measurements. This may also help to reduce repetitive stress injury (RSI).”

source: Siemens Medical

GE Healthcare Extends Collaboration and Development With Medipattern

GE Healthcare's (NYSE:GE - News) Vascular Ultrasound group and The Medipattern Corporation (TSX VENTURE:MKI - News) are pleased to announce their plan to collaborate in the creation of Ultrasound-based Vascular Imaging Quantification Tools (Vascular iQ(TM)). GE Healthcare and Medipattern confirmed their plans to collaborate by signing a definitive collaboration agreement. Medipattern will leverage technology developed in its Cadenza(TM) algorithm platform and extend it with additional functionality to create Vascular iQ. Medipattern will create a generalized version of the vascular product while building an exclusive version for GE Healthcare ultrasound systems, which will be available to the market through GE's well-established distribution to clinicians around the world.

"GE Healthcare's Vascular Ultrasound team is committed to developing new technology to image and analyze vascular disease, increasing diagnostic confidence, and speeding patient treatment," said Michael Arbaugh, GE Healthcare General Manager of GE Healthcare's Vascular Ultrasound division. "Our investment in dedicated vascular expertise, support of vascular education, and unique vascular technologies are evidence of this commitment. GE is actively developing new ultrasound products to capture distinctive diagnostic images."

source: Medipattern

Philips announces new ultrasound system focused on the health needs of women

Dubai, UAE.—At Arab Health 2009 Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today launched a new ultrasound system, which focuses on helping clinicians deliver high quality care for a full range of women’s health needs. The HD9 system combines advanced imaging technology, including 3D and 4D capabilities, in an easy-to-use and reliable system for obstetrics, gynecology and breast imaging.

The HD9 system delivers a set of workflow features that help ensure imaging and processing are as efficient as possible, potentially saving time in busy clinics. The HD9 has also been built to withstand rigorous use and provide all the capabilities needed for day-to-day applications. It also includes advanced features such as intuitive 3D and 4D imaging designed for those new to volume imaging as well as experienced users.

As well as women’s health, the HD9 is also able to cater for applications including general imaging, adult and pediatric cardiology, general pediatric and urology.

source: Philips

BK Medical Introduces The Pro Focus UltraView Ultrasound System

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: Medical News Today

St. Jude Medical Announces First Use Outside the U.S. of Imaging System for Real-Time Views inside the Heart

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2009--St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE:STJ) today announced the first use outside the United States of its ultrasound imaging system that enables physicians to view real-time images from inside the heart as they diagnose and treat conditions resulting from abnormal rhythms or structural problems. By providing clear, accurate images of the heart's interior anatomy and the position of devices, the system enables physicians to perform procedures with increased control.

The ViewMate(TM) II Ultrasound System with the ViewFlex(TM) PLUS Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) Catheter is one of many St. Jude Medical products featured this week at the Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium, which begins today and will be ongoing through Jan. 17 in Boston.

The ViewMate system uses ultrasound technology to produce high-resolution intracardiac (inside the heart) images. The system transmits high-frequency sound waves through a transducer on the tip of the catheter - the transducer converts electric energy into sound energy, the sound waves then reflect off structures inside the heart and the transducer converts them back into electric energy to produce the anatomical images.

source: St. Jude Medical