Vascular Ultrasound Systems Assist Diagnostic Decisions

Innovative ultrasound (US) systems visualize blood flow in multiple directions including axial and transverse, providing more comprehensive hemodynamic information.

The Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA) Touch Prime and Touch Prime XE US systems feature Smart Flow technology that eliminates transducer angle limitations of ordinary Doppler US, thus allowing visualization and measurement velocity even when blood flow is perpendicular to the acoustic beam. Color coded arrows automatically display information from Smart Flow technology, with the length of the arrow and its color indicating magnitude of blood flow; ordinary color and spectral Doppler US measure velocity of flow components toward or away from a transducer.

Advanced SynTek Architecture simultaneously provides enhanced spatial detail with increased frame rates for improved visualization of moving structures, while optimizing image formation to reduce noise and artifacts. Imaging and Doppler improvements allow for more consistent visualization of subtle tissue contrast differences, increasing the ability to see small structures. The systems also deliver uniform lateral resolution over the entire depth, and deeper penetration for imaging of the abdomen and other areas.

A sealed, all-touch control panel combines the speed and flexibility of a soft user interface with the tactile feedback of traditional keys. Etched markings for primary controls allow the user to easily locate frequently used functions, without looking away from the image display monitor. A direct transducer interface to the US processing board delivers lower noise and higher image quality, and four transducers can be connected simultaneously to any of the system’s four ports. Specialized transducers are available for vascular imaging, as well as radiology, OB/GYN, and musculoskeletal imaging.

“Our advanced ultrasound systems deliver enhanced views of blood flow and allow sonographers and clinicians to gain improved visualization of complex and dynamic flow patterns that may not be visible using conventional color Doppler techniques, irrespective of anatomical orientation,” said Helen Titus, worldwide marketing director for US & CT solutions at Carestream.

“Carestream’s advanced ultrasound imaging technology can play a vital role in accurately assessing clinical applications, such as evaluation of hemodialysis vascular access and quantification of complex flow patterns in the presence of stenosis.”

The Touch Prime XE is capable of frame rates in excess of 100Hz while maintaining enhanced imaging detail, and includes optional features such as a digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) package and barcode and radiofrequency identification (RFID) badge readers. Wireless connectivity provides rapid image transfers to picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), radiology information systems (RIS), and other systems. An integrated gel warmer delivers added convenience and patient comfort.