SAN LEANDRO, Calif., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensant Corp., the leading developer of silicon-based ultrasound imaging technology, announced today that the company has received its first commercial order for its advanced Silicon Ultrasound imaging probes from Italian imaging systems manufacturer ESAOTE S.p.A. The product order is for Sensant’s newly developed broadband Silicon Ultrasound array transducer that is due out later next year. The state-of-the-art probe, based on a breakthrough in silicon microtechnology, will be featured on Esaote ultrasound systems.
“Consistent attention to new technologies and innovations is critical to delivering better products to clinicians and care to patients,” said Fabrizio Landi, General Manager of ESAOTE S.p.A. “We’ve been impressed with Sensant’s developments from a very early stage and look forward to offering Silicon Ultrasound technology on our premium ultrasound systems.”
“This represents a major milestone in our commercialization efforts. We are delighted to have Esaote as our lead customer. Esaote has a long history of bringing innovative diagnostic imaging products to market, and we are proud to be part of that tradition,” said Igal Ladabaum, Sensant CEO.
A More Informative Image
Sensant’s silicon-based transducers provide improvements in the ability to capture and display a more informative diagnostic image. “We’re looking forward to helping Esaote provide clinicians with improvements in abdominal imaging,” stated Mr. Ladabaum. For example, Silicon Ultrasound’s images of breast or abdominal anatomy depict clearer tissue borders and improve image contrast. Silicon Ultrasound can also better visualize contrast agents, in the liver for example, that depict blood flow in and around a tumor, a critical indicator in the diagnosis of cancer. With the additional image information that these advances provide, medical professionals will be able to make a more informed diagnosis and provide quality care more quickly and economically.
Breakthrough Silicon Technology
Compared to the piezoelectric crystal technology used in conventional ultrasound imaging, the tiny silicon MEMS structures known as capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducers (cMUT) give Silicon Ultrasound the superior acoustic response that forms the basis for better medical images. These structures resemble tiny silicon drums, each smaller than the width of a human hair, fabricated on the surface of a silicon wafer. The flexibility of the cMUT design and the addition of on-chip electronics break down limitations of traditional ultrasound systems architecture and provide the core technology for major advances in both 2D and 3D ultrasonic imaging.
About ESAOTE S.p.A.
Esaote, part of the Bracco Group, is a leading world-wide manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment, the world-wide leader in dedicated MRI and one of the main actors in information technology. Information about Esaote Group and his products is available on the Internet http://www.esaote.com/ .
About Sensant Corp.
Founded in 1998, Sensant Corp is leading the development and commercialization of Silicon Ultrasound diagnostic imaging technology, a silicon-based transducer technology for improved 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging. Silicon Ultrasound uses micro electro-mechanical systems or MEMS technology to provide a revolutionary platform for advanced medical imaging systems. Silicon Ultrasound provides improved 2D imaging and is the enabling technology for future innovations in ultrasound such as real-time true volumetric imaging and improved visualization of tumors using ultrasound contrast agents. Such advances will provide physicians with more informative images and will help them reach a diagnosis quickly and more simply.
Sensant Corp.
CONTACT: Amy Janzen of Sensant Corp, +1-917-209-6819, orajanzen@access.net
Web site: http://www.esaote.com/
Web site: http://www.sensant.com/