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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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