New technologies, new workflows, new best practices.
These three aspects perfectly surmise the present scenario in Ultrasound. Ever-increasing concerns about radiation dose and the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging tests have put care providers in a tough spot to obtain better images. Doctors are increasingly embracing latest technologies for noninvasiveness, cost-effectiveness and lack of radiation. For example, the FDA approved contrast-enhanced ultrasound is changing the way diagnostic imaging of liver lesions is done. As contrast bubbles fill the area in analysis, the doctors can now capture an accurate image at three separate stages to diagnose the type of lesion affecting the patient.
From breast health to cardiology, these next-generation ultrasound systems immensely simplify the process with lesser keystrokes, faster processing times, real-time 3-D imaging, and automated measurements. While automating time-consuming tasks saves time and effort, artificial intelligence (AI) does not trail far behind in boosting the performance of the ultrasound systems. Though the applications of integrated AI algorithms in the backend of ultrasound systems are in their infancy, they promise to deliver the key benefit of mobility and innovation over other imaging modalities with hand-held devices. This enables the doctors and physicians to quickly image the patients’ internal organs, be it heart, kidney or liver without the predicament of moving bulky machines around in their wards. These hand-held ultrasound devices can not only optimize the point of care at hospitals, but also the access to medical imaging of internal anatomy in developing geographies. In addition to improved mobility, the advent of contrast-enhanced imaging, elastography, and volume imaging allow doctors to view 3-D imaging of structures, differentiate malignant tumors from the benign, and even image blood perfusion and flow. That’s not all, the contrast-enhancing microbubbles—by augmenting the reflection of ultrasound waves—grace the doctors with the ability to create a clear contrast between individual tissues/organs and fluids in an obtained image.
Moreover, the concept of 4-D ultrasound made possible by the exponential increase in the computing power of ultrasound systems has brought forth a competent ‘smart fusion technology.’ This perfect synergy between ultrasound imaging and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) makes the detection of hard-to-find lesions a cakewalk. With rapid acquisition rates of datasets and enhanced image visualization being the anchor point, the ultrasound sector is hit by another wave of innovation—matrix array transducers. These miniature transducers are quite impactful to shorten medical exam times and reduce the operators’ risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). This swift pace of innovation and emerging new ultrasound technologies backed by its cost-effectiveness and appeal will truly revolutionize the healthcare sector.
With solution providers for ultrasound technology filling up to the brim in the industry, choosing the right partner is like finding a needle in the haystack for decision-makers globally. Mitigating this malady, our distinguished selection panel, comprising CEOs, CIOs, industry analysts, along with MedTech Outlook’s editorial board narrowed the top 10 solution providers that exhibit competence in delivering innovation in the ultrasound technology space.
We now present to you MedTech Outlook’s “Top 10 Ultrasound Solution Providers – 2019.”
