A new pocket-sized ultrasound scanner enables clinicians to use diagnostic imaging at the point of care as part of a physical examination.
Vscan from GE Healthcare is now commercially available in Europe, having already gained CE Mark approval.
The size of a smart phone, Vscan provides an immediate, non-invasive method of gaining diagnostic information. It can easily be taken from room to room and used in a range of hospital and primary care settings.
Vscan is a prescription device for use in primary care, cardiology, women’s health and critical and emergency care. Being able to employ diagnostic imaging in a physical examination has clear value in early diagnosis and treatment.
The pocket scanner offers an image quality only previously available with a console ultrasound. It combines black and white imaging and colour-coded blood flow imaging in a light device 3 inches wide and 5.3 inches long.
An online portal provides Vscan users with training tools. The device can be linked to a PC for export of data, and has gateway software for remote diagnostics. The battery life allows 1 hour of scanning (up to 30 patients).
“Having Vscan at my disposal at all times has allowed me to use ultrasound in a number of settings and with patients that I wouldn’t have anticipated before – from the ICU to the outpatient clinic, as well as with ambulatory patients,” said Anthony N. DeMaria, MD, Professor of Medicine at the San Diego School of Medicine.
“Vscan is more than a simple diagnostic tool. The handheld device should help physicians make treatment decisions more quickly. I believe the Vscan technology will play an important role in physical exams.”
GE Healthcare is based in the UK.
Vscan