Pocket-Sized Echocardiograph Provides Quick And Qualitative Assessment

Main Category: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 20 Nov 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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The European Journal of Echocardiography* recently published a paper studying the performance of Siemens' ACUSON P10™ ultrasound system at the Morriston Cardiac Centre in Swansea. Results revealed that the P10 was, within a four minute examination, able to assess the size and function of the left ventricle in more than three quarters of cardiac patients.

Images obtained by the P10 were assessed on the ability to provide information on whether or not the left ventricle, left atrium, aortic and mitral valves were 'grossly normal' or 'grossly abnormal'. There were no instances of the bedside scan missing a significant finding that was then detected with alternative methods of imaging. Furthermore, in two cases, results from the P10 scan had an immediate impact on the clinical management of a cardiac patient.

The P10 is the first available handheld ultrasound screening device. Conveniently pocket-sized, it is user friendly and versatile, suitable for areas such as cardiology, obstetrics and emergency medicine.

"Not only is the ACUSON P10 lightweight and flexible, but this study has shown it to be both quick and accurate at providing assessment, saving what could be critical periods of time should cardiac problems arise," said Declan Dunphy, Manager of Ultrasound Products at Siemens Healthcare. "Its ability to facilitate high quality images for immediate review at the point of care will position it as a key tool in the cardiologist's day-to-day role."

Note:

* The pocket echocardiograph: a useful new tool? The European Journal of Echocardiography, Margaret Egan and Adrian Ionescu. (June 2008)

About Siemens Healthcare

The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion.

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