Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Ultrasonix for Its Innovative Needle Guidance Technology Solution

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - November 15, 2011) - Based on its recent analysis of the ultrasound needle guidance technology market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Ultrasonix with the 2011 North American Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award for its SonixGPS solution.

“In comparison with competitors’ technologies, Ultrasonix’s SonixGPS is a unique needle guidance technology because it uses a sensor in the ultrasound transducer and another one in the needle to keep track of the distal tip of the needle,” said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Darshana De. “As a result, a clinician using the system is able to insert the needle from any direction -- either in-plane with the transducer or out-of-plane.”

SonixGPS guides in-plane procedures with orientation bars on the monitor to help with needle and hand position. Out-of-plane navigations are guided with an “X” or a circle on the monitor.

“Having the sensor embedded in the transducer and the needle means that the SonixGPS is a true freehand technology,” said Darshana. “This reduces the set up time and makes the guidance system easier to use. The sensors communicate constantly in real time, providing an accurate view of the needle’s position at all times.”

SonixGPS also shows both the needle and the tissue in 3-D, enabling the clinician to predict the needle’s trajectory. This offers a unique advantage over competing alternatives in the market. In addition, Ultrasonix is the only company that currently provides GPS technology with a variety of needle gauges and additional technology advancements.

“The GPS technology can be used for any application where needle visualization or guidance improves the outcome of the procedure, since it provides accurate localization of the needle tip and predicts the trajectory of the needle,” said Darshana. “This serves to save time, reduce risk and increase patient comfort.”

Moreover, compared with competitor technologies, SonixGPS enables a range of clinical procedures to be performed more safely on more patients by more clinicians, resulting in lower healthcare costs related to more invasive procedures or expensive referrals.

Some of the procedures in which SonixGPS can assist include needle aspiration, biopsies and injections. SonixGPS also helps in line placement, drainage, CryoAblation, RF Ablation, and Sclerotherapy procedures. In all of these procedures, ultrasound guidance results in outcomes that are faster as fewer needle sticks are required, safer with lower risk of infection, and more effective.

“SonixGPS by Ultrasonix is a high-end technology available at a mid-range price,” said Darshana. “The adoption of such GPS needle location technology is set to expand based on its ability to improve clinical confidence and reduce complications, resulting in enhanced patient safety.”

In recognition of these features, Frost & Sullivan is proud to present Ultrasonix with the 2011 Technology Innovation Award in the North American ultrasound needle guidance technology market. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that demonstrates uniqueness in developing a technology that significantly impacts both the functionality and customer value of new products and applications. The award lauds the relevance of the innovation to the industry.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About Ultrasonix

Ultrasonix, headquartered in Canada, is a unique needle guidance ultrasound technology. Their offering, SonixGPS, has a sensor placed in the ultrasound transducer with another in the needle to keep track of the distal tip of the needle during the procedure. The GPS technology can be used for application where needle visualization or guidance improves the outcome of the procedure, by saving time, reducing risk, and increasing patient comfort. The company has deep roots in ultrasound research and has been a leading provider of dynamic ultrasound research systems for university and biomedical research for more than 10 years.

About Frost & Sullivan

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