2017
IS MOBILE ULTRASOUND THE
NEW STETHOSCOPE?
When most of us think about ultrasound we envision a large
machine with multiple wires and cords. We also typically
associate it with a developing fetus. However, only about 20%
of all ultrasound is used for this purpose.
Ultrasound is used in many scenarios today. It is useful for quick
scans at the point of care, as well as guiding procedures like targeted
injections. It can be used for studying a person's abdominal and
pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or even heart and blood vessels.
Ultrasound can detect anything from gall stones to cancer.
Ultrasound has many benefits as well. Soft tissue injuries and
many diseases are better viewed through ultrasound, rather than
an X-ray. Ultrasounds can also do a better job at distinguishing a
solid mass from a fluid-filled growth. Ultrasound is quickly
become the go-to tool for examination because it provides a clear
live glimpse into the human body without any radiation. And
because it enables physicians to quickly find the cause of an ER
visit, it ultimately enhances a patients’ impression of care.
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Many procedures are safer and more comfortable with
mobile ultrasound. EMS or medical professionals in remote
areas can use ultrasound to easily gauge triage situations and
conduct pre-hospital assessments to better enable physicians to
properly prep to treat patients.
Despite all these benefits, hefty costs and logistical challenges
have made it difficult for small clinics and some hospitals to
acquire ultrasound machines. But thanks to emerging
technology, ultrasound is making its way into various points of
care, and now into the palm of our hands.
Vancouver based Clarius has revolutionized mobile
ultrasound by developing a hand-held ultrasound scanner that
displays images on a smartphone using an iOS or Android app.
If the concept and technology of something hand-held
replacing a large machine seems incredible, it is. Clarius has
essentially taken an entire ultrasound machine and put it onto
one single chip and inserted it into a scanner. The sophisticated
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