Handheld Ultrasonic Visualization Tool Improves Clinical Workflow

GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) has introduced a new version of its Vscan pocket-sized visualization tool, developed to provide imaging capabilities at the point-of-care. Based on feedback from current Vscan users, the new version features extended battery life, a more intuitive user interface, and enhanced reporting capabilities. This intuitive device provides a noninvasive look inside the body to help immediately visually confirm what clinicians feel and hear during the physical exam. At the point of care, clinicians are able to collect data to help effectively triage patients, reduce wait times, and develop personalized care plans. Vscan is currently used in the fields of cardiology, women’s health, primary care, and emergency medicine, and as a training tool in medical schools.

New product enhancements for the Vscan include (1) up to 50% more scan time compared with the Vscan Version 1.1 release; (2) new intuitive user interface, enabling fingertip control and faster workflow; (3) an enhanced contrast resolution allowing for clearer images of abdominal and obstetric presets. (4) The technology can link images to patient data with the new PDF export option. This allows for more convenient and improved documentation to aid in your evaluation and management of the patient ( not yet not available in China); (5) lastly, a new web portal with enhanced activation process enables users to start scanning faster; expanded online educational resources and image libraries.

“GE Healthcare has a long history and strong expertise in ultrasound, and our goal with Vscan has always been to bring our technological capabilities in ultrasound to physicians at the point-of-care,” said Agnes Berzsenyi, general manager, global primary care--ultrasound, GE Healthcare. “The features of this release will allow Vscan to be used more efficiently in daily practice, helping physicians make timely decisions that ultimately impact patient care.”

Vscan is a prescription device for ultrasound imaging, measurement, and analysis in the clinical applications of abdominal; cardiac (adult and pediatric); urology, fetal/ob; pediatric; selected peripheral vessels, and thoracic/pleural motion and fluid detection. Vscan’s compact size, high degree of portability and simplified user interface make it well suited for adjunctive use during patient examinations in primary care and special care areas.

Vscan became commercially available in February 2010, and is currently available in Europe, United States, Canada, China, India and in other countries around the world. Version 1.2 is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

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