At the 2012 Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting in Chicago, Esaote North America is highlighting unique technology that improves the efficiency and extends the utility of ultrasound in hospital environments.

Ultrasound has long been an important diagnostic tool for radiologists, but with reimbursements declining and patient volumes increasing, ultrasound is evolving into the technology of choice for safe, cost-effective frontline imaging.

One of the systems highlighted in the Esaote booth is MyLab^® Twice. Employing a unique approach to help hospitals meet their clinical and economic challenges, MyLab Twice combines traditional cart-based ultrasound with a tablet-based point-of-care unit, all in one system. Each operates independently, yet works in concert so clinicians can rapidly deploy ultrasound when and where it’s needed.

“Radiologists told us they wanted a premium, deployable solution to more fully utilize ultrasound throughout their facility,” said Claudio Bertolini, President of Esaote North America. “We were able to leverage our experience in both cart-based and point-of-care ultrasound to create an integrated solution that effectively gives our customers two systems for the price of one.”

The cart delivers premium general imaging performance that busy departments need, while the companion MyLab Sat tablet gives clinicians the flexibility to quickly image anywhere a high quality ultrasound scan is needed. Both units are wireless, compact, and easy to use.

“We implemented MyLab Twice to help us keep up with increasing imaging volumes and be more responsive wherever ultrasound is needed around our facility,” said Dr. Ezel Orfi of Ontario Medical Imaging in Toronto, Ontario. “Both the tablet and cart are easy to use, provide excellent image quality, and seamlessly interact with our network.”

While the cart-based system is busy imaging one patient, the tablet can be imaging another patient elsewhere in the facility. The results can be transmitted directly to PACS or back to the cart, whichever is preferred. “The increase in our clinical productivity has been gratifying,” commented Dr. Orsi.

Both MyLab Twice components feature advanced ergonomics to ease stress on the sonographer. For example, programmable buttons on probes and the tablet handle allow sonographers to initiate routine tasks without having to move their hand from the scanning position.

One of the shared transducers available on the MyLab Twice and on display at RSNA 2012 is the 22 MHz linear IQ probe, which excels at imaging anatomy close to the surface of the skin. “Whether it’s a small, superficial lesion or intricate pediatric anatomy, this advanced high frequency probe helps radiologists address important clinical areas and was created specifically in response to needs expressed by our US customers,” stated Gordon Parhar, Ultrasound Marketing Director at Esaote North America.

“We recognize the continuing pressure on the healthcare system to reduce costs,” Parhar said. “Our approach with the MyLab Twice, as with all our systems, is to create reliable, high value products with a low total cost of ownership.”

RSNA attendees can get hands-on experience with MyLab Twice during a series of physician-led refresher courses during the meeting. Topics covered include thermal ablation, interventional breast procedures, carotid Doppler, and musculoskeletal applications.

Other ultrasound products highlighted in the Esaote Booth include a selection of cart, tablet and laptop systems to help hospitals and healthcare facilities cost-effectively provide the highest quality of care wherever it is needed.

About Esaote North America, Inc.

Esaote North America, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of portable and console-based ultrasound and MRI equipment in the U.S. Established in 1979, Esaote North America is part of the international Esaote Group, a global leader in the research, production and marketing of diagnostic medical equipment. Esaote is among the largest manufacturers of ultrasound systems worldwide and prides itself on achieving superior price-performance over competitors through its focus on only ultrasound and office-based MRI medical equipment. For more information, visit www.esaoteusa.com.