Diagnostic imaging

SonoSite offers 6-pound, hand-carried ultrasound

BOTHELL, Wash. – SonoSite, Inc., a world leader and specialist in hand-carried ultrasound, has announced the introduction of its new 6-pound NanoMaxx ultrasound tool, the latest addition to SonoSite’s suite of specialized products for point-of-care visualization in medicine.

Designed for diagnostic imaging, clinical assessment and procedural guidance at the hospital bedside and in the physician’s office, the NanoMaxx system is the company’s latest innovation in point-of-care user design. It features one-button system control. SonoSite has received Health Canada approval to begin Canadian shipments.

“The NanoMaxx tool makes high-quality ultrasound available to a much broader range of clinicians and applications, all of which can save time and money and improve patient safety,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite President and CEO. “The healthcare world is changing dramatically and the NanoMaxx is part of our continuing effort to make ultrasound a more affordable and useful tool in the world of medicine.”

“The NanoMaxx system offers our gold standard durability and two-hour battery life, along with image quality similar to our flagship M-Turbo system,” Mr. Goodwin said. “A fluid-resistant user interface makes the system easy-to-clean and disinfect, helping to address the growing concern over infection control.”

Designed and manufactured at SonoSite’s headquarters in Bothell, Washington, the NanoMaxx system and its transducers offer an industry-leading five-year warranty to deliver the lowest cost of ownership in ultrasound.

Based on SonoSite’s 4th generation Turbo technology platform, the NanoMaxx system incorporates proprietary, advanced imaging algorithm technologies, including ColorHD to deliver exceptional image quality in a lightweight, rugged form factor.

With a touch screen that responds easily to the tap of a finger, and one button optimization, clinicians can readily acquire high resolution images to increase clinical productivity at the point-of-care. A system boot-up time of less than 20 seconds and long battery life further enhance workflow when using the NanoMaxx system.

Clinical studies have proven that bedside ultrasound increases the accuracy of interventional procedures and it is now recommended by two government-based agencies and three US medical societies.

At introduction, the NanoMaxx tool is available with a complement of five transducers to support a wide range of examinations and procedures including thoracic assessment for hemothorax, hydrothorax and pneumothorax, vascular access, needle aspirations and injections, as well as abdominal, cardiac, nerve, OB/Gyn, musculoskeletal, small parts and vascular scanning.

The clinical capabilities of the NanoMaxx will help eliminate the risk and cost of transporting patients to the imaging lab for many examinations and procedures.

The small footprint of the NanoMaxx system, along with its space-saving solutions, enables seamless integration with a variety of exam-room configurations. It can be wall mounted, placed on an exam table, or used from a highly maneuverable stand. Physicians can easily carry the NanoMaxx tool from room-to-room, to a satellite office, the operating room or to a field site for immediate use.

The NanoMaxx system’s highly integrated architecture and ruggedized design, including the industry’s first elastomeric bumper for extra durability, allows it to be used in the most austere and demanding environments. A magnesium shell that is significantly stronger and lighter than plastic helps to protect the system against accidental droppage. As with all SonoSite systems, the NanoMaxx ultrasound tool and its transducers are built to withstand a one metre drop test.

Web-based demonstration
Visit the NanoMaxx ultrasound tool website to learn more about SonoSite’s newest system and to experience a personal, interactive product demo. In addition, Apple iPhone and iPod mobile device users can view a video of the NanoMaxx system on SonoSite’s new SonoAccess application.

About SonoSite
SonoSite, Inc. (www.sonosite.com) is the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound. Headquartered near Seattle, the company is represented by 10 subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. SonoSite’s small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high-performance ultrasound to the point of patient care.

Posted March 11, 2010