INTRODUCTION
A portable ultrasound system is a compact and lightweight imaging device that
can be easily moved and used in various clinical settings, such as hospitals,
clinics, and even in remote or field settings. Portable ultrasound systems can be
battery-powered, making them particularly useful in emergency or mobile
situations where access to electrical outlets may be limited. They are often used
for point-of-care imaging, which allows healthcare providers to perform
diagnostic imaging at the patient's bedside, without the need to transport the
patient to a separate imaging facility. Portable ultrasound systems are used in
Cardiac, Vascular, Radiology, Endocrinology, emergency medicine, and other
clinical settings where rapid and accurate imaging is necessary.
The portable ultrasound system primarily consists of a handheld transducer,
Imaging console, & software that process and displays the ultrasound images
and a flexible wheel steering.
TYPES OF PORTABLE ULTRASOUND SYSTEM
Some of the types of portable ultrasound systems are:
Size and Weight: Portable ultrasound systems are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to move
around and transport. Standard
ultrasound systems, on the other hand, tend to be larger and heavier, and are typically installed in dedicated rooms or imaging departments
Mobility: Portable ultrasound systems could be used in the field or in remote locations, where a standard system may not be available or practical. They can be
used in ambulances, at sporting events, or in rural areas. Standard ultrasound systems, on the other hand, are typically used in a fixed location.
Ease of Use: Portable ultrasound
systems are designed to be userfriendly, with simple controls and intuitive interfaces that make them easy to learn and use. This can help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of ultrasound
examinations
Cost: Portable ultrasound system are less expensive than standard ultrasound systems, which makes them more accessible to healthcare providers who may not have the budget for a full-sized standard system.
Improved patient comfort: Portable
ultrasound systems are often more
comfortable for patients, as they are less
bulky and do not require the patient to
be moved to a separate ultrasound room.
This can help to reduce patient anxiety
and improve their overall experience.
TOP COMPANIES
Here are the top companies working to develop portable ultrasound systems.
NOTABLE STARTUPS
Here are the startups working to develop portable ultrasound systems.
The is a US-based startup in the healthcare technology field. It has developed a handheld device known as the “Butterfly iQ” capable of conducting various ultrasound imaging tasks, such as
general imaging, obstetric imaging, & cardiac imaging.
This is a US-based startup in the healthcare technology field. It
has developed a portable and AI-driven ultrasound system to
deliver breast imaging.
This is a Canadian company that has developed a range of wireless ultrasound systems that can be connected to a
smartphone or tablet. Their devices are compact, durable, and easy to use.
This is a US-based startup that develops diagnostic imaging technologies. It has developed a handheld ultrasound system
called the “SonicEye” to deliver point-of-care imaging.
LATEST TECH - PRODUCTS
Philips’ new Compact 5000 Series
Philips has introduced its Compact
Ultrasound System 5000 series which is a
premium portable ultrasound device.
Samsung HM70 EVO
Samsung's HM70 EVO is a laptop-style
ultrasound system offer simple and
intuitive imaging solutions.
GE Healthcare LOGIQ™ 𝘦 Ultrasound
GE Healthcare's LOGIQ™ 𝘦 Ultrasound
offers crisp images in a portable format
that is simple, fast, and precise.
Samsung HM70 EVO
Mindray's ME Series is a portable
ultrasound system offers enhanced
image quality and is ideal in critical care.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Portable ultrasound systems continues to be an important area of research and development in healthcare tech domain. Here are some recent updates:
New Clarius Power Fan HD3
New Clarius, a Canadian startup has unveiled its newly developed Clarius Power Fan HD3 that provides continuous power supply and cooling for its portable ultrasound devices.
MIT's stamp-sized ultrasound adhesive
Engineers from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have developed new stamp-sized ultrasound adhesives
to produce clear images of organs. These adhesives stick to skin and can provide ultrasound imaging of internal
organs for 48 hours.
Mindray's wireless portable ultrasound device
Recently, Mindray, a medical device company based in China has developed a handheld and wireless portable
ultrasound device known as “TE Air”. The device is can be controlled via app that can be can be installed on Android
& iOS devices.
Mindray's wireless portable ultrasound device
Recently, Mindray, a medical device company based in China has developed a handheld and wireless portable ultrasound device known as “TE Air”. The device is can be controlled via app that can be can be installed on Android
& iOS devices.
EchoNous alliance with Samsung
Last year, EchoNous, a startup based in the US, announced that it had formed an alliance with Samsung. The goal of
the alliance was to integrate its AI-guided handheld ultrasound tool with Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active Pro tablets
to provide cost-effective ultrasound imaging.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Last year, EchoNous, a startup based in the US, announced that it had formed an alliance with Samsung. The goal of
the alliance was to integrate its AI-guided handheld ultrasound tool with Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active Pro tablets
to provide cost-effective ultrasound imaging.
The company is aiming at developing wireless and bluetooth enabled System-on-Chip (SoC) technology to reduce the costs that is much higher in the case of standard
ultrasound systems.
The company is focused on developing ultrasound probes that can cater the
organ positional changes which impacts the accuracy of external beam
radiotherapy.
PATENT FILING
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound technology has undergone rapid evolution in recent years,
transforming from large and bulky systems to compact ones. Smaller in
size, the mobile systems can easily and swiftly move from one room to
another, thereby reducing wait time and boosting throughput. This, in
turn, leads to an improved patient experience as they do not have to wait
for long to receive the necessary care.
Top companies such as Philips, GE Healthcare, Samsung,
Siemens, Mindray are observed to be actively developing the technology
and aim to launch the devices that are high in imaging quality and
economical at the same time.
Top startups like Butterfly Network, Clarius, iSono Health and others
have shown great research capabilities to support the major players
working in this technology. Substantial partnerships and acquisitions
have been seen in this sector, which are a key driver of growth. The
future growth of portable ultrasound systems will mainly focus on
reducing the costs associated with these systems.
