Integration Initiative Expands Ultrasound-Guided Procedure Options

A novel ultrasound-guided procedure (UGP) solution enables musculoskeletal (MSK) practitioners to deliver more accurate diagnosis and precise treatments.

The Konica Minolta (Osaka, Japan) UGPro solution is a new, comprehensive approach that provides best-in-class solutions to unite advanced ultrasound technology, such as the Sonimage HS1 and Sonimage MX1 ultrasound devices, with advanced minimally-invasive procedural technologies in regenerative medicine and robust, skills-based education. The blend provides MSK clinicians with a better way to deliver therapy, such as needle guidance for interventional procedures and treatment management at the point-of-care.

For example, a recent distribution agreement concluded with HydroCision (North Billerica, MA, USA) combines the HS1 System with the TenJet Percutaneous Tenotomy system, an all-in-one tool for needling, debridement, and lavage of diseased tissue under ultrasound guidance. In addition, Konica Minolta is sponsoring hands-on education and training for UGP so as to combine its technical and clinical expertise with curriculum and skills-based learning, thus providing best-in-class clinical education designed to meet the specific proficiency needs of MSK practitioners.

“By aligning and leveraging our expertise with our customers to meet the growing demand for minimally-invasive outpatient MSK procedures, Konica Minolta will help practitioners build a more sustainable practice that delivers value to the patient and the provider,” said Eric Sumner, executive vice president of sales for the Americas at Konica Minolta. “With this initiative, we work alongside our customers to help them master UGP for maximum patient benefit, with a common goal to deliver a better way to care.”

The increased availability of portable sonography has contributed to the rising number of available bedside MSK procedures. These include arthrocentesis, the aspiration of a synovial joint space, for both therapeutic and diagnostic indications; muscle, tendon, and articular injections for the treatment of various ailments; diagnostic biopsies; fluid collection, aspiration, and insertion of a drainage catheter; tenotomy, the complete or incomplete surgical division of a tendon for therapeutic purposes; and identification and removal of foreign bodies within the soft tissue, including wood, plastic, and other radiolucent objects.