Ultrasound Blog

Ultrasound and Sound Waves to Enhance Cancer Drug Delivery

 

Ultrasound to enhance cancer drug delivery

Sound waves drive drug therapies to cancer cells; minimize toxicity

Date:
March 20, 2018
Source:
The Translational Genomics Research Institute
Summary:
Medical researchers are testing the use of pulsed sound waves to direct and focus cancer drug therapies.
 
 

For decades, ultrasound has been used to image organs such as the heart and kidneys, check blood flow, monitor the development of fetuses, reduce pain and even break up kidney stones.

Now, a Norwegian biotech company called Phoenix Solutions AS is working with the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a Phoenix, Arizona-based biomedical research facility, to test the use of these pulsed sound waves to direct and focus cancer drug therapies. In laboratory tests, TGen will help analyze the effectiveness of a technology called Acoustic Cluster Therapy (ACT), a unique approach to targeting cancer cells by concentrating the delivery of chemotherapies, making them more effective and potentially reducing their toxicity. Humanscan Co. Ltd., a South Korean manufacture of ultrasound diagnostic imaging, is developing clinically applicable hardware optimized for ACT, which TGen will then validate. Phoenix Solutions is using funding from Innovation Norway to conduct this research in advance of pancreatic cancer clinical trials planned later this year. "We are very pleased to receive this grant, which will enable us to develop and validate an optimal ultrasound platform for clinical use of ACT. In their respective fields, Humanscan and TGen both represent the cutting edge of science, and we are confident this will contribute to the clinical success of our program," said Dr. Per Sontum, CEO of Phoenix Solutions. TGen is a world leader in the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The TGen team led the clinical development of one of the current standard-of-care regimens for this disease -- nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine. TGen currently is involved in 13 pancreatic cancer clinical programs. "We are pleased that this research program has become a reality, and look forward to working with ACT. The concept represents a novel approach to targeted drug delivery and looks very promising," said Dr. Haiyong Han, a Professor in TGen's Molecular Medicine Division and head of the Basic Research Unit in TGen's Pancreatic Cancer Program. Among the advantages of ultrasound technology: it is generally painless; non-invasive; does not require needles, injections or incisions; and patients are not exposed to ionizing radiation, making the procedure safer than diagnostic techniques such as X-rays and CT scans. Humanscan CEO Sungmin Rhim said, "We are excited to enter into this collaboration with Phoenix (Solutions) and participate in the development of ACT. Ultrasound mediated, targeted drug delivery is an emerging therapy approach with great potential and we are delighted to be in the forefront of this development." Phoenix Solutions also is considering this technology for use in addressing other types of cancer, including: liver, prostate and triple-negative breast cancer; and other diseases, including those involving inflammation and the central nervous system.
Story Source: Materials provided by The Translational Genomics Research Institute. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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Medical Device, FDA, Regulatory Changes

 

FDA Rejects Push for New Regulatory Action on Medical Device Service

 All news found on aami.org

Posted May 15, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to justify imposing additional regulations on third-party servicers of medical devices. The announcement came this morning with the publication of a highly anticipated report on the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medical device servicing that was required as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017. “We believe the currently available objective evidence is not sufficient to conclude whether or not there is a widespread public health concern related to servicing of medical devices, including by third-party servicers, that would justify imposing additional/different burdensome regulatory requirements at this time,” the FDA wrote in the report. Despite this lack of evidence, the FDA said it does not intend to extend medical device reporting requirements to third-party service providers or require registration by such entities. “We do not believe this information alone would address the outstanding fundamental questions regarding the quality, safety, and effectiveness of servicing,” the FDA stated in the report. Some original equipment manufacturers had pushed the FDA for expanded regulatory oversight in this area, saying there have been significant problems with the quality of service by some third-party servicers, an assertion vigorously rejected by those vendors. Although the agency does “not believe that additional, formal regulatory action is warranted,” it did provide a list of actions it intends to pursue. These are:
  • Promoting the adoption of quality management principles, including new and existing quality management standards and best practices.
  • Clarifying the difference between servicing and remanufacturing through future guidance that will allow for “more consistent interpretation and categorization.”
  • Strengthening cybersecurity practices associated with the servicing of medical devices.
  • Fostering a multi-stakeholder approach to evidence development to assess the quality, safety, and effectiveness of medical device servicing.
AAMI President and CEO Robert Jensen said several aspects of the FDA report align with initiatives being pursued by the association. “We’re still analyzing the full FDA report, although it looks like a significant positive step toward progress in the servicing of medical devices,” Jensen said. “The emphasis appears to be on using data to make informed decisions, and that’s an idea central to the very essence of safety in healthcare. There is a strong commitment on the part of the FDA to promote quality management principles and strengthen cybersecurity practices. Here at AAMI, we’re addressing those ideas in the revision to the standard ANSI/AAMI EQ56. In addition, AAMI has plans to develop a medical device servicing guide to provide the stakeholder community an opportunity to pilot and give feedback on actionable, pragmatic quality management practices and potential evidence development. We encourage all stakeholders to read the FDA report in full and consider how they can contribute to the shared goal of safe and effective servicing of medical devices.” AAMI’s medical equipment management (EQ) standards committee is proposing a revision to the existing EQ56 standard, which focuses on recommended practices for medical equipment management programs. The proposed revision would build on the standard to include quality management principles and address cybersecurity practices. “It is encouraging to see that the direction the EQ committee is taking mirrors the priorities the FDA listed in its report,” said Patrick Bernat, director of HTM standards at AAMI. “There is a direct connection between what we are planning to do and what the FDA says needs to be done.” The FDA also is looking into creating a public-private forum to “address the challenges associated with delivering high quality, safe, and effective servicing of medical devices,” saying: “If there is sufficient interest and broad willingness to participate by stakeholder groups, we would facilitate the creation of such a community.” Stephen Grimes, managing partner and principal consultant for Strategic Healthcare Technology Associations, LLC, commended the FDA for its focus on collaboration. “The FDA’s report on quality, safety, and effectiveness of medical devices was thoughtful in its findings and measured in its planned next steps. I believe the HTM community will find much to like and support in the report,” Grimes said. “I believe we should applaud the FDA’s efforts here and appreciate that they are willing to first try ‘collaboration’ rather than ‘regulation’ in the matter of ensuring service quality, safety, and effectiveness.” The International Association of Medical Equipment Resellers and Servicers (IAMERS) vowed to help move the discussion forward. “IAMERS is grateful for the FDA’s thoughtful review in its report today of the comments and information supplied by IAMERS,” said Robert J. Kerwin, general counsel for the group. “IAMERS hopes to continue to work with FDA on quality management systems and best practices. IAMERS welcomes the establishment by FDA of ‘Collaborative Communities’ as mentioned in the report and pledges to participate as FDA has recognized the contributions and importance of third-party independent servicers to the healthcare ecosystem.” However, not all stakeholders were as positive in their assessment of the report. The industry trade association AdvaMed said the FDA had not gone far enough with its recommendations and called on Congress to step in. “Today’s report from the FDA was disappointing, given the agency’s decision not to exercise its authority over unregulated third-party servicers. The limited actions proposed in FDA’s report, while welcome, do not go far enough to effectively address the scope of the problem,” said AdvaMed’s Chief Advocacy Officer JC Scott in a statement. “We call on Congress—at a minimum—to require third-party servicers to follow FDA quality systems, adverse event reporting, and registration regulations. This action will help improve patient safety and provide the assurance the American public deserves that the medical devices and equipment it relies on are being serviced to the highest standards.” The FDA is accepting comments on the report (docket FDA-2018-N-1794) until Nov. 12 via www.regulations.gov.
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Healthcare Approvals For Year End

Doctors-buy-from-Enterprise-Ultrasound Who needs help? If you’re like many I talk with daily, you have more things to do than hands to juggle them. Meaning, in a world of hyper activity or tasking, we are subjected to do more, with less. Does this sound like your day? It sounds like mine! I was at a conference last week which always provides some new enlightenment. I would recommend doing something for yourself that develops personal or professional character, when you can create a window of time - because at some point, they always seem to cross, blend or lose sight of the differences. Sometimes our inefficiencies may merely indicate we need to focus more or connect, communicate or reach out, create a better community whether at work or home. What do you think? I know what you’re thinking “I’m ultra-optimized”!! Like you, we have holidays coming up soon, end of year crashing in right after and then the New Year kickoff to another cycle of hopefully good days and weeks ahead. Are you ready? Better yet - are your customers ready? We never have time but a quick call or email without interruption can motivate and generate others to keep the course you need. Some things you can send out to your customers to get them on board earlier than later could vary. Now a customer doesn’t always mean the vendor’s client, it could be the technician who needs to get an RFQ to Procurement, the Doctor who needs to get the budget to the Office Manager. We are all customers in a way so respect for each other is paramount regardless if you buy today or next year. Remind them that inventory vanishes this last quarter. Recommend if they are close to buying, that end of year tax write-offs may provide benefits to procuring this year and not next. In the US, we have Section 179 again but the threat of it disappearing is always taunting. What this does is provide depreciation benefits and larger write-offs in capital equipment. And yes, it includes leasing too! Before you forget about deadlines, let’s discuss ultrasound machines and probes. Are you in the hospital or medical space? Are you growing in the vein market or have a cardiology practice and thinking of adding another ultrasound device to your facility? How much will the baby boomer generation impact your business? How will healthcare changes add or take away your clients? What is the major concern in your client base for the next 10 years? What about in 2018? Share your stories with us! [email protected] and if permitted, we may anonymously share for you too. That’s why we are here – share, learn, teach, grow. HOME: WWW.ENTERPRISEULTRASOUND.COM - for all your ultrasound needs from parts to run it, probes to operate and scan and a machine and mind helping you achieve correct diagnostics for your patients. They say the secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.
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Imaging Quality and Ultrasound Questions Guiding Ultrasound Decisions

replacement parts for Philips ie33 ultrasound machine control panel Imaging Quality and Ultrasound Questions Guiding Ultrasound Decisions There will always be many questions on ultrasound equipment. When reviewing ultrasound machines, a common question is which is the best ultrasound machine? Well, think about it, it’s all relative. In life the best man, the best house, the best location, the best job could all mean something different depending on the criteria it’s based upon or even just the person judging. Let’s think about this and figure out which is the best ultrasound machine for you to buy. Ultrasound machines may be rated by image quality which is important to many (or most), durability which may have more importance in certain environmental conditions, and still, some refer to the “best bang for the buck” which may meet a lot of the criteria, and maybe not. Let’s take a peek at the differences in ultrasound. The most basic black and white (B&W) ultrasounds are Sonoscape A6 portable, Edan DUS60, the New Sonoscape E1, some Chison portables and quite possibly the Aloka SSD-500. These systems are best used in obstetrician offices (ob/gyn), musculoskeletal practices (msk), podiatry offices, those wanting a bladder scanner, for the basic veterinary practices. They are close to equivalent in price, but the A6 falls short on what I call functioning Dicom which may not matter to everyone. What is Dicom? Dicom, in layman’s terms is a way to communicate and transfer images taken from a certain modality along with the pertinent patient information. To minimize it more, I would say it’s a way to transfer the patient data to a server or a central location which is now widely used in clinics and hospitals to log with the master patient record. So, as technology progresses and healthcare moves forward, you can see how Dicom may influence your decision to have/not have it, on your ultrasound device. What else is important? Imaging quality is influenced by features or enhancements on the machine like spatial compounding, compound imaging or speckle reduction. These technologies improve the image, decrease or eliminate the artifacts on the image and refine the edges. We each may view an image different. This paired with budget narrows the gap on which is best for you. We also respectfully realize imaging is sometimes viewed and evaluated from the eye of the beholder meaning the person viewing images may see a different level of clarity than another professional. Machines with 4D will have color doppler. Color doppler introduces most ultrasound machines prices starting around $10,000 for a base 2D refurbished model. If you add 4D, the cost goes higher because now you have 4D and color doppler, two areas that increase price adding hardware and software to a basic ultrasound unit. The same holds true for a cardiac echo portable ultrasound or trolley ultrasound, the cardiac aspect can add a CW board, stress package, software, licensing, hardware. So, for those clinicians or dealers that call and ask for a machine with 3 standard probes – think about it, because we do. The Voluson e10 4D ultrasound machine will not be the same as the Voluson 730, Mindray R7, Philips iU22 and many others, it will exceed all the expectations because it is the highest level of technology out in 2017 for 4D. The hardware, software, imaging enhancements and modern technology equate to this high-end Realtime 4D, HDLive, ultrasound machine; it’s simply the best but it comes at a price. HDLive has some incredibly enhanced features that help quickly diagnose fetal abnormalities so unless you are really looking for a critical prenatal diagnosis, this machine or just HDLive, may be far more than what you need. On the portable ultrasound side, the M7, Chison Sonobook 9 and Voluson i/e are the ones that remain strong on the market for 4D with the Chison scanner having some very modern features that are compelling and have landed in the competitive 3D/4D space once you discover the name. What else did we mention may be important? Price, right. Yes, as much as this seems like sensitive information, it ultimately does a few things: *Helps determine what equipment is compatible with the budgetary requirements *Will initiate a conversation about leasing if the budget is not close *May dismiss the opportunity completely given the parameters or expectations *May open a discussion for alternate ultrasound equipment closer to the budget *May save your time and our time before many questions and quotes steal hours or days.
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Sonoscape E1 Portable Ultrasound

The Sonoscape E1 Black/White, Slim Design Portable Ultrasound.  With Sonoscape introducing the E1 which replaces the A6, with enhanced imaging, faster processor, a large 500GB Hard Drive and a large 15.6" LED Monitor Display that tilts for viewing. It opens up a new market for MSK, Podiatry, Veterinary, and the practices not wanting color doppler.

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Description

Sonoscape E1 Black and White Portable
Slim Design
3 Probe Ports (on a portable!) see picture
48 Physical Channels versus all others 32 Channels
Better than the Mindray DP50 and the Sonoscape A6

Specifications

New Laptop Portable Ultrasound Machine less than 13lbs
Slim Design
15.6" LED Display Monitor
500GB Hard Drive
48 Physical Channels
PHI
Auto IMT
PW
Auto Trace
Auto Image Optimized
Streamlined workflow, easy diagnosis!
Backlit keyboard
Battery up to 90 mins

Options:
WIFI, Bluetooth Function
Dicom 3.0

 

Case

Trolley

Application

Abdominal,
Obstetrics
Gynecology
MSK
Urology

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CHISON-EBIT50-PORTABLE-ULTRASOUND

PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE DIFFERENCES

CHISON-EBIT50-ULTRASOUND-PORTABLESonoBook 9 cardiac portable ultrasound machinePhillips CX50 Portable Ultrasound Machine for SaleLogiq e BT12 portable ultrasound machine PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE DIFFERENCES: ULTRASOUND NEW RELEASES: CHISON SONOBOOK 9, SONOSCAPE E1 Chison Sonobook 9 – Brand new, High end portable ultrasound with excellent imaging and encompasses many applications including Cardiac Echo with TEE and Stress options, 3D / 4D, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Breast, MSK with High Frequency Linear for superficial imaging, Needle Enhancement for Injections (Anesthesiology/Orthopaedic), Breast, Elastography and the list goes on, It’s Loaded with Crisp Images. Priced right, starting at $26,000 and up. Competes with Philips CX50, Vivid I and is better than Sonoscape S9.  Has the SSD Hard Drive. Sonoscape S9 Pro – High end portable laptop, shared service including cardiac but not stress echo. Keyboard for more effective key punching versus the sensitive touch screen. Ob/Gyn/Vasc/Cardiac. Priced around $20,000 and goes up. GE Logiq e – well-known portable in a long line of GE products. Can be configured with or without cardiac and stress. Many software levels (BTxx) to choose from depending on your needs and your budget. Slim design portable, well known imaging. Many imaging enhancements and features to provide the tools you need for your practice. Added High Frequency Linear Probe to NextGen R7 version. GE Voluson I – best in market 4D portable ultrasound. Still holds its ground in the industry. Long time, well-known and reputable 4D portable. Offered new or refurbished with different levels of software to choose from that will generate great results but just may $ave the pocket a little when needed. GE Vivid I – great cardiac portable ultrasound machine. Who doesn’t know about the Vivid i? Fully-functioning cardiac machine with stress, TVI, TT. Being replaced with newer models but still available. GE Vivid q – a step up from the Vivid I with a little more power along with quantitative measurements like Auto EF and more or less mimics the capabilities of the Vivid 7 line. Great machine, costs more, so the audience is more channeled. GE Vivid iq – newest machine, tablet/ touch screen interface, flip down display. Advanced – 2D TEE, ICE2. Adds the 4D cardiac option to the list to complete with the new Philips CX50. Chison Ebit 60 Ebit 50 or Vet – New release portable scanner for human or veterinary. This is a 15”, 5 inch thick portable unit somewhat similar to the Sonoscape S2 but with a few enhanced features like tilt monitor, faster processor, better imaging. Prices start around $16,000 and goes up with probes. Offers enhancements for Needle Injections for Anesthesiology or Orthopaedic applications. Sonoscape E1 – New machine just released, more information to follow. Here are basics: Black/White Portable, 15.6” LED Display, 13lbs, Slim Design, Fast Bootup, Exceeds Mindray DP50 Portable, 90min Battery, 500GB Hard Drive. Philips CX50 – 3D cardiac echo portable. Philips is designed for cardiologists but is just as good with vascular too. Similar size to the SonoBook but about $15,000-$20,000 more. Easy to use, durable but could cost a bit if a board fails and needs replacing.  Has a standard hard drive. Samsung HM70A – considered the hybrid of hardware and software working cohesively to generate that crystal clear picture that the ClearVue delivers. Not enough feedback to be unbiased on this system. SIUI CTS-800 – this is one of the smaller handheld portables used in the market with just a 7” LCD screen. It’s for outdoor use and on farms, and is water resistant, water proof. Used in the Veterinary market for horses, cows, and farm animals. Edan DUS60 – slightly bulky but user friendly, portable black and white. Similar to the Sonoscape A6 but easier to use and more durable, workflow and DICOM are solid. Great for ob/gyn and with veterinary software, the vet market. Clear images, hard drive (A6 doesn’t offer), Pulsed Wave imaging packed in this economical portable that will do great for what you need. Want more information? Email [email protected] for more details on a system you want to compare.
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portable ultrasound

How Portable Ultrasound is Changing Healthcare

portable ultrasoundUltrasound has had a profound effect on the way doctors can monitor and diagnose health problems. For years it has been a common instrument used to track a woman's pregnancy and discover any issues with unborn children. But it can also be used in the detection of issues such as kidney stones or abnormalities that indicate possible cancer. Like so many other devices, technological advances have now made these devices smaller. Now, a portable ultrasound is becoming a common tool used in many areas of the healthcare profession. These machines are also called point-of-care devices. They deliver imaging technology based on the idea of a traditional ultrasound. However, they are much more compact and can help offices and hospitals streamline the diagnoses process. This technology allows for a level of convenience that was unavailable with larger machines. By incorporating point-of-care ultrasounds, doctors and hospitals are able to provide a level of care never seen before. The benefits are becoming very apparent.

Portable Ultrasound is Changing the Diagnoses Process

Detecting a health issue quickly and correctly is one of the most critical factors in treating illness. Time is against the patient and doctor in many cases. In the past, general radiology procedures have been used to look inside the body to detect problems. Portable ultrasound devices are now being used for more targeted and quick diagnoses and treatment. This type of procedure allows for a much more focused image of an area. It can also be done at the patient's bedside. In addition to a more targeted image, point-of-care ultrasound has eliminated long wait times. Doctors and patients rely less on a lab to produce the results. This has sped up the diagnoses process dramatically. Ease of use is another way these devices are changing the game. Now, even nurses and technicians are able to operate and administer portable ultrasound. Just another way a hospital can streamline the diagnoses process.

New Features Bring New Possibilities

Portable ultrasound units are also being designed with other valuable features. These features are helping doctors pinpoint health issues much more effectively. A more accurate diagnosis results in quicker and more appropriate treatment. Higher image quality is a huge benefit in the diagnoses process. A sharper image resolution gives doctors a better look at potential issues. What once may have been an undetectable problem is now easily diagnosed with high-quality imaging. The ease of use that portable ultrasound provides has led to crucial, quick diagnoses in the case of emergencies. A portable ultrasound can serve as an invaluable resource when detecting life threatening heart or lung problems. Recent advances have produced what are called transesophageal transducers. These devices have the ability to be passed through the esophagus in order to take pictures of the heart. This capability gives an up-close picture of potentially life-threatening issues. This type of technology continues to advance and provide more solutions to patients and doctors. It's important for doctors to have up-to-date knowledge of what is out there.

Lower Costs

The high cost of healthcare is a big issue, especially in America. Without health insurance, the cost of simply diagnosing a health issue can send a person into debt. However, advancement in ultrasound technology can cause an overall decrease in a patient's bill. New mobile devices are being developed at a lower cost. The convenience and availability are causing the cost of diagnoses to drop. Point-of-care devices cut down on the added high cost of lab processing. By providing an immediate result, they minimize the resources needed to diagnose a disorder. This allows a patient to more quickly know if treatment is needed.

Reaching More People in Need

Mobile ultrasound is allowing doctors to provide care in remote areas where resources are scarce. Because of a lack of money or harsh geography, many regions still don't have proper health facilities. This should not be a problem with today's healthcare resources. Now, doctors are able to bring portable ultrasound devices to impoverished regions. Their size and ease of use allow for easy and quick diagnoses in hard to reach areas. Care can now be given to people who formerly went without it. Many of these regions only have access to outdated medical technology. Using equipment that is 30 years old puts the doctors at a great disadvantage. Portable ultrasound allows better technology to be brought to people in need.

A More Streamlined Process

The increase in mobile healthcare technology has caused an overall integration in the healthcare process. In the past, a single imaging machine was relied upon for an entire hospital. Now many smaller machines are being purchased at lower cost and are available for use in one location. These smaller units require much less storage space. They are also able to be moved easily from room to room. The overall effectiveness is helping streamline the diagnoses and treatment process in hospitals. More and more, patients want to be a part of their treatment process. These devices allow for patients to have an interactive connection with their diagnoses. They also allow doctors to interact and engage with the patient during the process. Anesthesiologists are using ultrasound to more precisely gauge needle injections. They can also use this technology to guide the injection. The overall process in hospitals and private offices has been greatly streamlined by the use of mobile ultrasound. Doctors are seeing higher efficiency in their staff and greater patient satisfaction.

Portable Ultrasound Solutions

Mobile ultrasound devices are becoming more popular every year. Their ability to provide effective healthcare solutions have been proven. The ease of use and cost benefits make them essential for every practice. It's important that medical teams have the most up-to-date equipment and technology. You can't afford to be behind the curve when it comes to providing quality care. Enterprise Ultrasound has been providing solutions to clients for close to a decade. We supply new, used and refurbished machines and probes to doctors and hospitals in need of newer healthcare technology. Contact us to discuss your options.
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Which Is The Best Ultrasound Machine

SonoBook 9 cardiac portable ultrasound machine Philips HD15 ultrasound machine GE Volusion E10 ultrasound system Best ultrasound machine There will always be many questions on ultrasound equipment. When reviewing ultrasound machines, a common question is which is the best ultrasound machine? Well, think about it, it’s all relative. In life the best man, the best house, the best location, the best job could all mean something different depending on the criteria it’s based upon or even just the person judging. Let’s think about this and figure out which is the best ultrasound machine for you to buy. Ultrasound scanners may be rated by image quality which is important to many (or most), durability which may have more importance in certain environmental conditions, and still, some refer to the “best bang for the buck” which may meet a lot of the criteria, but maybe not all. Let’s take a peek at the differences in ultrasound. The most basic B&W ultrasounds are Sonoscape A6 portable, Edan DUS60 and quite possibly the Aloka SSD-500. They are close to equivalent in price, but the A6 falls short on what I call functioning Dicom which may not matter to everyone. What is Dicom? Dicom, in layman’s terms is a way to communicate and transfer images taken from a certain modality along with the pertinent information. To minimize it more, I would say it’s a way to transfer the patient data to a server or a central location which is now widely used in clinics and hospitals to log with the master patient record. So, as technology progresses and healthcare moves forward, you can see how Dicom may influence your decision to have/not have it on your ultrasound device. What else is important? Imaging quality is influenced by features or enhancements on the machine like spatial compounding, compound imaging or speckle reduction. These technologies improve the image, decrease or eliminate the artifacts on the image and refine the edges. We each may view an image different. This paired with budget narrows the gap on which is best for you. The Voluson e10 4D ultrasound machine will not be the same as the Voluson 730, Mindray R7, Philips iU22 and many others, it will exceed all the expectations because it is the highest level of technology out in 2017 for 4D. The hardware, the software, the imaging enhancements and modern technology equate to this high-end Realtime 4D, HDLive, ultrasound machine; it’s simply the best but it comes at a price. HDLive has some incredibly enhanced features that help quickly diagnose fetal abnormalities so unless you are really looking for a critical prenatal diagnosis, this machine or just HDLive, may be far more than what you need. On the mobile ultrasound side, the M7, Chison Sonobook 9 and Voluson i/e are the ones that remain strong on the market for 4D with the Chison scanner having some very modern features that are compelling and have landed in the competitive 3D/4D space once you discover the name. What else did we mention may be important? Ultrasound price/cost, right. Ok, let’s boil it down to this – 4D typically offers color doppler (few exceptions), color doppler ultrasound introduces most ultrasound machines minimally starting around $10,000 for a base 2D refurbished model. If you add 4D, the cost goes higher because now you have 4D and color doppler, two areas that increase price because it adds hardware and licenses or software to a basic ultrasound unit. How do you find out more? Email [email protected] with your basic criteria and we will expand, hone in, question and compare with you.
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KIDNEY AND BLADDER ULTRASOUND SCANS APPLICATION

bladder_kidneys-ultrasound-scan

KIDNEY AND BLADDER ULTRASOUND SCANS APPLICATION

   

WHAT IS A BLADDER?:

It is a muscular sac/organ that stores urine made in the kidneys until it is ready for release.  It is located in the pelvis area and behind the pubic bone.  

WHAT IS A BLADDER ULTRASOUND?:

It is a scan to assess the bladder and the emptying of it.  It assesses problems encountered if the bladder isn’t functioning optimally like enlarged prostate and other bladder dysfunctions.  It will help provide information on the muscle, the diverticula of the bladder, size and shape of prostate, any stones or tumors which may be present. A bladder ultrasound uses a convex probe and an ultrasound machine (color doppler or black and white).  You don’t need a high-end or necessarily expensive ultrasound system to scan a bladder. Depending on the clinic or doctor, or the other applications they scan at their practice, it can be anything from an Edan portable ultrasound which is under $5,000 and black and white, a Chison Ebit (under $15,000) or SonoBook 9 (just over $25,000 but adds a tremendous amount of features and image enhancements) to a Logiq e portable, most any GE ultrasound or Siemens are also good at bladder scans.  If you are just measuring the bladder and urine after a surgery, a simple bladder scanner ranges from $5,000-$15,000 and is automatic on evaluating residual levels.    

WHAT IS A KIDNEY?:

Make a fist and that is about the size of your kidney and is located just below the rib cage on each side.  It’s an organ that cleans the blood of waste products to produce urine.  It filters the waste from the good minerals and sends the good minerals back to the bloodstream while the waste passes through as urine. A kidney regulates blood pressure and keeps electrolytes stable in the body like potassium or sodium.  

WHAT IS A KIDNEY ULTRASOUND?:

Similar to the Bladder ultrasound, the Kidney ultrasound uses a convex transducer that is placed over the abdomen to indicate the size and position of the kidneys while identifying any obstruction like a kidney stone or mass.  It is a pretty simple ultrasound scan that many are most comfortable having done to find the root cause of any problematic areas.   Again, depending on your budget, many low end to high end ultrasound machines designed for abdomen, , kidney, bladder will be able to accommodate your needs.  Look here for a larger review of ultrasound machines.   Want to learn more? Check out our Facebook Page or our Ultrasound Blog.  More portable ultrasound information is on the Blog too.
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Cardiac Portable and TEE Ultrasound

Chison SonoBook 9 and GE Vivid I: The ultimate ultrasound devices for Cardiac and TEE ultrasound The technology continually advances in ultrasound machines giving rise to new equipment loaded with additional features.  The medical field is growing with these technological introductions and branching into areas that patients have patiently awaited.  These cardiac portable ultrasound devices and technologies have made the process of achieving excellence less cumbersome while enhancing the outcomes and diagnosis with greater productivity. Now, doctors or physicians don’t have to put in a lot of effort to perform a specified exam although time is always of the essence and the increase in patient load remains to decrease time allotment elsewhere.  Ultrasound is a process that is used for diagnosing the internal workings in our human bodies from organs, blood flow and tendons. TEE-transducer-enterpriseultrasound  

Cardiac ultrasound:

For evaluating the health of the heart, the cardiac ultrasound is used to provide high-quality images of moving heart. With these images, a doctor will be able to identify the functioning of the heart and any related issues. The most common type of cardiac echocardiogram ultrasound is the one that is non-invasive using a sector/transthoracic probe for viewing chambers of the heart along with the walls and vessels. For performing this, a specially trained person known as a cardiac sonographer is required. The process is done by applying some gel on the sector probe which is the size of a thumb print. This device is known as a transducer and it rolls over the chest area. This action will further allow the reflected sound waves to create a live picture of the heart movement. Apart from that, a picture of heart and valves will also be provided.

Types of cardiac portable ultrasound:

There are various types of cardiac ultrasounds that are done for different purposes. The most common type of cardiac echo is performed by placing the probe on the outer surface of the chest for capturing images. This is known as a transthoracic echo. Other types include the following:
  • The Doppler echocardiograms: This type of cardiac ultrasound is used to evaluate the flow of blood in blood vessels and the heart. This procedure is done to check the speed and direction of the blood within the heart. This screening checks for leakages and proper function in the chambers.
  • A stress echo: This type of cardiac ultrasound is combined with a walk or slight running on a bike or a treadmill. It will further elaborate the working of heart while exercising. The stress tests are also used for checking the narrowing of arteries.
  • The contrast echocardiogram: In this type of evaluation, a solution is utilized to get a more clear view of the heart. The combination of echocardiogram and IV will make it possible. The solution will then be injected into the vein with IV. However, the side effects will be discussed with the patient before the start of the process.
  • Transesophageal echo or TEE: It is a type of ultrasound in which an ultrasound camera is passed through the throat to the back of the heart. This process allows the doctor to observe and obtain high-quality images of moving heart. Bite blocks are often used during this procedure in order to keep the integrity of the TEE transducer intact otherwise, it may get damaged which could end up easily costing $15,000-$40,000 for a replacement.
  • 3D cardiac ultrasound like the Philips CX50: For getting high-quality images of the heart for the evaluation of health, the 3D ultrasound technology is used. A special trainer will use a device named transducer on the chest area. This will further reflect the sound waves to provide a 3D picture of the heart. This is not always a necessity but is just a new method of high end cardiac ultrasound imaging.

TEE ultrasound:

A transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a type of test that is used for the production of pictures of the heart. This is done with the use of high-quality sound waves. With TEE, detailed pictures of the heart and the other arteries can be obtained. Unlike a standard cardiac echo, the TEE is done with the attachment of thin tube that is passed through the mouth of a patient into the esophagus. The area is close to the upper surface of the heart which is why it is easier to obtain clear images of the heart and surroundings. The pictures obtained from TEE will help the doctors in the following:
  • To determine the size of the heart
  • To determine the thickness of walls
  • The pumping process of the heart
  • To detect the presence of any abnormal tissue around the heart as it will cause various infections.
  • If there is any clotting of the blood around the heart or vessels particularly in the upper chamber.
  • To detect if there is any leakage of the in the heart valves
It is used for the diagnosis of:
  • Heart attack
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Aortic aneurysm
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Endocarditis
  • Heart valve disease
  • Injury in the heart or aorta

Chison SonoBook 9:

A portable ultrasound that is created for a great performance. The Chison SonoBook 9 is capable of doing exceptional diagnostic imaging and this is possible due to the intense R&D that Chison has invested in its latest technology advancements. Its portability, ease of use and other features have made it a number one choice when it comes to getting ultrasound results for various issues. The ultrasound scanner has a slimmer design than its predecessors allowing for more portability for mobile sonographers or radiology technicians moving room to room.  Here are some specifications of Chison SonoBook 9:
  • 15” LED Monitor
  • Auto IMT
  • Fast Boot-up Time
  • Shared Service – CW, PW, 4D, TEE, Stress, OB/Gyn/Vascular/Cardiac
  • Compound Imaging
  • Speckle Reduction
  • Qualitative Elastography
  • Super Needle for Injections
  • Q-Image (ATO)
  • Deep Penetration

GE Vivid I:

With the help of GE Vivid I, practitioners will be able to get high-quality images and as a result, they will be able to perform better diagnosis of the issue. The device is also a portable, battery-operated ultrasound machine and best known for its cardiac and vascular imaging. The areas at which the device can be applied include the abdomen, MSK, anesthesiology, general imaging, emergency, obstetrics, vascular, breast, cardiac, critical care etc. The major specifications of GE Vivid I includes the following:
  • 15” LCD monitor
  • Anatomical M-mode
  • PW Doppler
  • Tissue Doppler
  • CW Doppler
  • ECG
  • Stress
  • Speckle Reduction
  Both of the above-mentioned portable ultrasound devices are effective when it comes to the diagnosis procedure. They work quite effective with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac ultrasounds.   Enterprise Ultrasound www.enterpriseultrasound.com [email protected]
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