Siemens Introduces The World's Smallest Ultrasound Unit For Emergency Diagnostics

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Cancer / Oncology;  Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 14 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The first few minutes are often the deciding factor in emergency situations. For this reason, Siemens is now offering a mini ultrasound unit that will enable patients to receive medical treatment faster than ever before. Because this unit is just as compact as a PDA cell phone, weighs only about 700 grams, and easily fits into the physician's pocket. It is thus especially suitable for emergency medical applications, i.e. examining injuries on site in order to ensure that each patient receives the medical treatment he requires.

The "Acuson P10" mini ultrasound unit offers decisive advantages for first aid in outpatient areas, rescue helicopters and intensive care units: It is mobile, easy to operate and available to physicians whenever and wherever it is needed. When set to high-definition ultrasound image acquisition, it can, for example, be used to detect accumulations of liquids in the body and heart action, display any damage to arteries and examine the pelvis. In obstetrics, this mini ultrasound unit can be used even during childbirth to determine the unborn child's location, chances of survival and position, as well as to visualize the amount of amniotic fluid or bleeding and their tendency to escape in due time.

The ultrasound images are displayed on a folding monitor located on the unit. The unit can easily be controlled with your thumb much like a PDA pocket computer. Its storage batteries enable ultrasound images with a total length of approx. one hour before they require recharging. The treating physician can save the images, transfer them to the hospital information system and assign them to the patient file.

Siemens Medical Solutions is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics - mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30).

http://www.medical.siemens.com