The big selling point of the z.one ultra is its utility in a range of clinical settings, whether that's large radiology centres, the emergency medicine department or the intensive care unit. That broad applicability stems from a design that can convert from a full-featured, cart-based system into a portable, hand-held ultrasound unit without sacrificing image quality.
Among the new features announced by ZONARE is a comprehensive obstetric calculations package that includes nuchal translucency (a method of assessing whether a baby is likely to have Down's syndrome) and nasal-bone-length measurements. Cerebellar diameter, humeral, radius and ulna measurements have been added to the obstetrics calculation package, as well as measurements for foetal fibula.
Another addition is a full-screen, high-resolution, single-image viewing option, which can be selected when a larger image format is preferred. Equally, says ZONARE, multiple images and a modality work list can be displayed all at once. Every image can be archived and retrieved via standard DICOM protocols to and from the PACS, HIS or RIS.
Hardware innovation also featured prominently at ECR, with three new additions to ZONARE's family of ultrasound transducers. The C6-2 curved-array transducer, for example, is designed for abdominal, abdominal vascular, obstetrics, foetal heart and gynaecological imaging.
ZONARE says the device is also suitable for imaging of needle-guided procedures and technically difficult-to-image patients. The transducer offers 11 frequencies, including two frequencies each for 2D, compound harmonic, colour Doppler and pulsed-wave Doppler, plus three for tissue harmonics.
The vendor unveiled two works-in-progress transducers. The L14-5 is a high-frequency, 14-5 MHz linear array transducer suitable for imaging breasts, small parts and superficial anatomy. With an aperture of 55 mm, the L14-5 also offers virtual apex capability. The transducer has 10 frequencies: three fundamental, one tissue harmonic, two compound imaging and two each for colour Doppler and PW Doppler modes.
Also being introduced this year is the C9-3 curved-array transducer for first-trimester obstetric and paediatric imaging. As with all ZONARE transducers, the C9-3 will include multiple frequencies in both fundamental and tissue harmonic imaging.
• Global sales of hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) systems grew by 42% in 2007 to $565 million, according to a new report from Klein Biomedical Consultants (KBC), a US market-consulting firm that specializes in medical imaging technologies. For the full story, see The ultrasound growth engine on medicalphysicsweb.