Zonare upgrades z.one ultrasound system

5 December 2005

Chicago, USA. Zonare Medical Systems has announced significant new upgrades to its z.one ultrasound system. The upgrades include two new transducers, calculation packages and a program for automatically recognizing and adjusting for the differences in body sound propagation.

"The new upgrades further increase the tremendous value of the z.one system, the world's first Convertible Ultrasound 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."

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. Zonare offers 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.

The new P10-4 transducer was developed to be used for imaging neonatal, infant, and paediatric patients. The transducer technology offers up to seven different frequencies, including Harmonic Imaging at 8.0 MHz received, two colour 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.

The two new calculation packages address 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.

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