JULY 16--The Siemens Medical Solutions Ultrasound Division (Erlangen, Germany; www.siemensmedical.com ) has introduced a new ultrasound platform that is the first product to be jointly released since the integration of Siemens Ultrasound and Acuson--a Siemens company. The SONOLINE Antares ultrasound imaging system delivers premium performance imaging power in an easy-to-maneuver, simple-to-connect, workflow-optimized package. It is compact--the system measures 24 x 39 in. and weighs 350 lb.
The modular architecture of SONOLINE Antares makes it easily accessible from all sides. Its micropositioning capabilities include a height-adjustable monitor and keyboard, tilt-and-swivel monitor positioning, and a four-caster wheel design with a central braking system.
Said Joan Baker, founder of Sound Ergonomics, a consulting company that focuses on improving ergonomics for users of ultrasound equipment, "I believe the design of this system could reduce the number of injuries experienced by sonographers in the field and ultimately may reduce the role that injury has played in the current sonographer labor shortage."
In addition to offering improved mobility, ergonomics, and usability, each step in the ultrasound signal-processing chain was examined and maximized to provide this new platform with superior imaging performance. SONOLINE Antares delivers diagnostic precision with Maximum Information Signal Acquisition beam formation. The patented precision up-sampling--one of more than 90 patented technologies within SONOLINE Antares--implements a signal-sampling process that delivers ultrafine digitization of the signal data. The system's core acoustic advancements include wideband MultiHertz multiple frequency imaging and new-generation Multi-D Array transducer technology. Siemens' new ultrasound platform is currently in production and is expected to begin shipping this month.
