Ultrasound provider Agilent Technologies has added new capabilities for its Sonos 5500 and 4500 digital echocardiography systems. Demonstrated as works-in-progress at the American College of Cardiology conference being held this week in Anaheim, the improvements include enhanced harmonic and contrast imaging capabilities, as well as new ultraband transducers.
For improved contrast imaging, the Andover, MA-based firm debuted a power modulation capability and a low-frequency S3 ultraband transducer. Power modulation provides for non-destructive detection of contrast agents using low transmit power, allowing myocardial microcirculation and wall-motion function to be viewed simultaneously, according to Agilent. The feature also allows visualization of myocardial re-flow after clearing of contrast agents with the use of a short series of higher power frames.
The firm’s S3 transducer, when performing the vendor’s harmonic angio imaging for myocardial contrast imaging technique, enhances contrast agent visualization in the entire myocardium, particularly in the lateral and anterior walls. The increased depth of field on the S3 transducer distributes ultrasound energy more uniformly, and its lower frequency breaks up contrast agents more effectively, according to the company. Agilent also believes that both the power modulation and the S3 transducer improve harmonic imaging.
Agilent also unveiled a soft echo imaging feature, which is designed to enhance the visualization of low-level signals from anatomy and pathology such as plaques, thrombi, clots, or vegetations. Soft echo utilizes a new harmonic ultraband c3540 CLA transducer and optimized system parameters.
In other product news, Agilent is demonstrating new works-in-progress capabilities for its EnConcert echocardiography image management system at the show. Connectivity enhancements, improved image handling, expanded measurements, and more flexible reporting options have all been added, according to the firm.
Agilent has incorporated a DICOM network storage capability to allow users to import spatially calibrated images from third-party ultrasound systems with DICOM network interfaces. The firm has also included a Web server option to allow clinicians to view finalized reports, as well as compressed images and loops from anywhere on the hospital intranet.
A new stress image-handling feature allows users to review stress studies by view, stage, or sequence. Agilent has also implemented user-customizable macros to accelerate the reporting process. The company expects all the new Sonos and EnConcert features to be available later this year.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
March 13, 2000
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