Konica Minolta Medical Imaging has launched a handheld ultrasound unit at RSNA 2013 in Chicago and acquired the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment business of Panasonic Healthcare, the company announced.
Konica said it wishes to strengthen its presence in the primary imaging market and has done so with the launch of its Sonimage P3 handheld ultrasound unit and the acquisition of Panasonic Healthcare's ultrasound technology.
The Sonimage P3 brings advanced imaging capabilities right to the patient or bedside. It can be easily carried in a lab coat or worn like a stethoscope for real-time patient diagnosis at the point of care, according to Konica Minolta. The palm-sized device weights less than 14 ounces and offers B-mode, M-mode, Doppler, and simple to access presets.
The Sonimage P3 is suited for a range of applications, including fetal/pregnancy assessments and abdominal, lung, and pelvic examinations. It can be used as a standalone ultrasound system or plugged into a Windows-based PC, laptop, or tablet for the flexibility of a larger display. All Sonimage P3 devices come standard with Sonimage View software for online imaging and offline review and storage.
The device also features a high-resolution touchscreen, choice of interchangeable transducers, and a 4 GB data card that can store more than 10,000 images, accoding to the company.
Konica Minolta Medical Imaging also announced that its parent company, Konica Minolta, has signed a business transfer agreement with Panasonic Healthcare under which the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment business of Panasonic Healthcare is to be transferred to Konica Minolta. All Panasonic Healthcare's assets for planning, development, manufacturing, sales, maintenance, etc., will be transferred, effective January 1, 2014.
Konica Minolta and Panasonic Healthcare have been jointly developing ultrasonic systems. The existing OEM-supply business relationship between Panasonic Healthcare and its customers also will be transferred to Konica Minolta, the company said.
