SonoSite helped pioneer the concept of point-of-care ultrasound and it continues to be a leading innovator of bedside ultrasound systems.
Now part of the FujiFilm family, SonoSite’s portable, compact systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high-performance ultrasound to the point of patient care.
Simplicity and quality
One example is the X-Porte system, which has proven popular within A&E departments across the UK. The Emergency Department at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was one of the first sites in the UK to benefit from the advanced point-ofcare ultrasound capabilities of Fujifilm SonoSite’s X-Porte system.
Dr Mayooran Thevendra, a consultant in emergency medicine at the Trust, explained: “We use ultrasound extensively in the department for FAST scans, ultrasound of aortas, vascular access and basic echocardiography. We were looking to replace our existing point-of-care ultrasound system just as the X-Porte was introduced, and were very impressed by its ease of use. We trialled several other systems, but none of them offered the same combination of simplicity and image quality.
“Its portability and ease of use have also led to us using the X-Porte more than our previous system. The needle visualisation software makes administering nerve blocks for pain relief incredibly easy; you can see exactly where the needle tip is in relation to the nerves and other structures, and we’re even starting to teach junior doctors this technique. The educational videos loaded onto the system are also particularly useful for training our middle grade doctors, as well as registrars rotating through the department as part of the Mersey Deanery of the School of Emergency Medicine, providing helpful insights that make it easier to get good images.”
The system is ideal for regional anaesthetic procedures and is proving a key asset for regional anaesthesia at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, as consultant anaesthetist, Dr James Stimpson, explained: “The beauty of the X-Porte is its simplicity, particularly for the younger generation of anaesthetists that have grown up with smartphone technology. Its appearance instils confidence, it boots up quickly and the touch screen interface is very intuitive to use; simple plug-and-play operation means that you can literally turn it on, pick up the probe and instantly have the correct settings to generate a functional image. The resolution is brilliant, giving much clearer differentiation of nerve tissue from other structures. Our ability to pick out small cutaneous nerves has been revolutionised, allowing us to perform more selective regional anaesthesia and enabling patients to mobilise and return home far sooner than would otherwise be possible.”
New mountable ultrasound system
For regional anaesthesia, vascular access and trauma applications, Fujifilm SonoSite, has developed its new mountable ultrasound system, the SonoSite SII. With CE mark and 510(k) clearance, the SII empowers efficiency for clinicians through a simple, yet smart user interface that adapts to the user’s imaging needs. The system is portable and can be used across multiple hospital environments, including a zero footprint option for space-constrained rooms.
The SII features a new touchscreen user interface with a clinician-driven menu logic. An embedded dual transducer connector also allows quick switching between transducers with two simple taps of the screen, ensuring that the right transducer is always readily available. To further accelerate end-to-end workflow, the SII comes with a new stand, offering elevated transducer holders and additional storage, all while minimising footprint.
For trauma patients, the speed and ease of image acquisition is vital, as a few minutes can alter a patient’s care path. The SII features DirectClear technology, a novel, patent-pending process that is available on select transducers. DirectClear elevates transducer performance by increasing penetration and contrast resolution. This transducer innovation contributes to an unsurpassed imaging experience for the clinician.
Rugged environments
The company has also announced CE mark and 510(k) clearance for its new portable ultrasound system, the SonoSite Edge II. Designed with emergency medicine and critical care applications in mind, the Edge II features revolutionary transducer technology that delivers a better imaging experience for the most rugged environments.
In the acute care environment, reducing the time to make an accurate diagnosis is a critical need. The Edge II features DirectClear technology, a novel process that is available on select transducers. DirectClear elevates transducer performance by increasing penetration and contrast resolution. This transducer innovation, combined with a new wide-angle display that offers a 33% increase in viewing angles, contributes to an unsurpassed imaging experience for the bedside clinician.
Designed to be truly portable and used in the most rugged environments, the Edge II reinforces Fujifilm SonoSite’s commitment to reliability and durability with Armored Cable Technology.
From sophisticated urban hospital emergency departments to clinics in austere, remote villages, SonoSite systems are used by over 21 medical specialties and provide clinicians around the world with a costeffective tool for improving patient safety and workflow efficiency.
For more information contact:
FUJIFILM SonoSite Ltd.
5 New Street Square
London
EC4A 3TW
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1462 341151
Fax: +44 1462 341152
Email: uk-sales@sonosite.com
www.sonosite.com/uk
