Ultrasound Kiosk Integrates Advanced Signal Processing, 3D Animated Clinical Guides, and Multigesture User Interface

A new ultrasound kiosk incorporates sophisticated signal processing for high-resolution imaging, three-dimensional (3D) animated clinical guides, and a cutting-edge multigesture user interface—all firsts for better point-of-care (POC) ultrasound.

Fujifilm SonoSite, Inc. (Bothell, WA, USA), specialists in designing sophisticated ultrasound tools and education for access to POC visualization, reported that it has received CE marking for its newest generation of POC ultrasound: the X-Porte Ultrasound Kiosk. The system is available in a stationary or a detachable use model.

“This is a major accomplishment for SonoSite and a defining moment in the next phase of our innovation strategy,” stated SonoSite president and CEO Kevin M. Goodwin. “Once again, our engineering team has achieved the creation of a remarkable new tool built from the ground up.”

The X-Porte kiosk was created to serve a broad spectrum of users, from novice to advanced, and represents an entirely new design and use paradigm for ultrasound. The key innovation behind X-Porte is a new imaging technology never before used in ultrasound systems: SonoSite’s proprietary Extreme Definition Imaging (XDI) technology. XDI was created following 35 years of applied ultrasound research by the company’s chief technology officer, J.J. Hwang. XDI considerably diminishes visual clutter from side-lobe artifacts that affect all ultrasound imaging regardless of system size. “I believe this reduction in visual clutter sets a new bar in point-of-care image quality,” said Mr. Hwang, who described the XDI technology as “an entirely new way to create an ultrasound image. It allows the user to realize much higher resolution.”

To optimize the utility of the XDI technology, X-Porte offers optimum usability and interoperability through its visual learning guides. The kiosk integrates high-resolution ultrasound imaging synchronously with 3D animations that enable “any user, any time of day” to make the most of the operating the technology. These learning modules can be used simultaneously with live scanning to optimize in-the-moment performance and user consistency. Mr. Goodwin noted, “The design genesis is aimed at enabling any and all members of a healthcare team, nurses, mid-level providers, and even a physician-hospital administrators, to be empowered to take advantage of X-Porte’s high-performance visualization.”

SonoSite partnered with world-leading product designers and experts in advanced automotive animation modeling and distance medical learning. To ensure maximized clinical effectiveness, a consortium of expert physician educators contributed their expertise for each 3D application module.

The team was led by Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI, USA) chair of surgery Scott Dulchavsky, MD, PhD, who has pioneered medical training tutorials for astronauts. Dr. Dulchavsky noted, “We were excited to partner with SonoSite in taking this evolutionary step in real-time learning. X-Porte represents the successful convergence of our expertise in advanced animated tutorials with the latest in consumer-like ultrasound design. This is a great step forward onto the frontier of visualization through innovative point-of-care ultrasound education.”

SonoSite’s designers also devised a unique, multitouch, gesture-driven user interface similar to those found in the consumer world. With customization capability by any user, controls can be repositioned with the glide of a hand and without buttons or keys. The very cleanable, sealed user interface was designed with minimal crevices to facilitate optimal infection control. The glass surface has been tested against incidental spills and allows cleaning with a wide range of disinfectants without deteriorating the surface over time.

X-Porte was designed for optimizing user workflow and diverse environments, with adjustable height and gesture-driven touchpad for use in a standing or sitting position. The kiosk’s slim profile allows easy navigation down corridors and alongside patient beds; it has a detachable use option for low-footprint environments. The X-Porte ultrasound core can be easily detached from the kiosk as well as simply upgraded though software updates or an engine exchange.

Mr. Goodwin additionally noted that SonoSite engineers worked with hundreds of leading clinicians from around the world. “We combined their many insights with the most innovative consumer technologies available today, then we blended in our own inspiration from key engineers at our company,” he said.

The system is pending US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance. X-Porte is not yet available for sale in the United States.

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Fujifilm SonoSite