CHICAGO, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- ZONARE Medical Systems, a developer of next generation ultrasound technology, announced significant new upgrades to the company’s revolutionary new z.one ultrasound system at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference November 27- December 1, 2005. The new upgrades include two new transducers, calculation packages and a unique program for automatically recognizing and adjusting for the differences in body sound propagation, which is possible only due to Zone Sonography(TM) technology.
“The new upgrades further increase the tremendous value of the z.one system, the world’s first Convertible Ultrasound(TM) system, and demonstrate the power of Zone Sonography technology,” said Donald Southard, president and CEO of ZONARE. “The new transducers greatly expand the imaging capabilities and applications of the system whether used as a full-featured, cart-based system or a premium compact system. More importantly, Zone Sonography technology has allowed us the ability to automatically adjust for each individual’s unique body sound propagation and fully optimize the ultrasound image -- something never before achieved.”
The z.one system is based on breakthrough Zone Sonography(TM) technology. This new architecture retains all the raw data obtained in the ultrasound signal enabling such significant advances as automatic sound speed compensation. In addition, Zone Sonography technology has allowed ZONARE to bring the world’s first Convertible Ultrasound(TM) platform to the industry with superb image quality at a substantial price to value ratio. Clinicians are able to instantly convert the z.one system from a full-featured, cart- based unit into a premium compact, ultrasound system with all the performance of substantially larger and more expensive ultrasound units, yet, with greater portability and clinical flexibility than conventional compact systems.
Combining a fundamentally new advance in ultrasound, Zone Sonography technology coupled with the z.one platform’s radically new physical design provides the maximum flexibility offering significant clinical and workflow solutions for a wide variety of customer challenges. The z.one platform’s Zone Sonography software-based architecture ensures that its performance will increase as improvements in processing power become available. This allows for fast, convenient upgrades in clinical capabilities, keeping clinicians at the forefront of diagnostic capabilities as well as protecting their investment. Upgrades can now be downloaded via the internet, another industry first.
Optimized Sound Speed Compensation
Not all bodies image the same with ultrasound. Wall thickness, fat layer and tissue attenuation affect the way ultrasound sound waves travel through an individual’s body. Conventional ultrasound systems, however, assume the same pre-set sound speed to image all body types. Now, as an industry first, ZONARE is offering the ability to automatically adjust the sound speed based on differences in a patient’s body habitus which, in turn, immediately optimizes the clinical image.
New Transducers
The new P10-4 transducer was developed to be used for imaging neonatal, infant, and pediatric patients. ZONARE paid specific attention to the transducer’s ergonomic design, resulting in a comfortable grip for scanning through isolettes and tiny acoustic windows. The transducer technology is comprehensive, offering up to seven different frequencies, including Harmonic Imaging at 8.0 MHz received, two Color Doppler frequencies, and three B-Mode frequencies.
The new P4-1 small footprint transducer was developed to address the clinician’s need for easy access in abdominal and OB/Gyn sonography, providing significant flexibility with nine frequencies. This obviates the need to change transducers. The small footprint is essential for easy access between patients’ ribs, dressings, or whenever acoustic access is a challenge. For the technically difficult to image patient, the new P4-1 offers penetration up to 30 cm.
Calculation Packages
ZONARE is adding two new calculation packages addressing abdominal and venous imaging. Both are extremely comprehensive, allowing ultrasound professionals to use a protocol checklist with reports that include organ sizes, Doppler results, and a section for medical notes or comments.
“We are very excited about these major new upgrades and know our customers will receive significant imaging and economical advantages with their z.one system,” said Southard. “The feedback on the z.one system has been extremely positive. With revolutionary Zone Sonography technology, we look forward to providing many additional upgrades in the near future.”
About ZONARE Medical Systems
ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures premium compact performance ultrasound solutions, which combine revolutionary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE’s unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing the highest performance to all clinical settings, leading to advanced diagnostic capabilities, more cost effective operation and increased value to providers. For more information, please visit our web site at www.zonare.com
ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc.
CONTACT: Lars Shaw of ZONARE Medical Systems, +1-650-230-2787, orlshaw@zonare.com
Web site: http://www.zonare.com/
