Boston Scientific Corporation announced the release of its iLab(TM) Ultrasound Imaging System in the U.S. This Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) will portray images inside the heart and coronary and peripheral arteries to assist physicians with diagnosis. Boston Scientific will make the system available immediately. Here’s more about the new technology:
This first system of its kind, the iLab™ Ultrasound Imaging System can be directly installed into the cardiac catheterization lab or radiology suite, enabling physicians to quickly and easily incorporate IVUS technology into their procedures every day. The system’s tableside controller gives physicians control of the device within the sterile field, and the unique Dynamic Review™ feature enhances image interpretation. The system’s touch panel provides an intuitive user interface with prompts that correspond to the particular stage of the procedure. In addition, the easy-to-upgrade platform allows for future innovation to keep pace with a fast-moving health care environment.
With IVUS, a tiny catheter is inserted into the heart or into a coronary or peripheral vessel where high-frequency sound waves reflect off tissue or vessel walls. The reflected sound waves create a cross-sectional image from within the vessel or heart to aid in visualizing vessel and heart structure. IVUS technology also provides physicians with a better understanding of blocked vessels, which allows for proper selection and placement of stents and other devices to restore blood flow at the site of the blockage.
“Boston Scientific is making it easier for physicians to use IVUS technology every day,” said Hank Kucheman, President of Boston Scientific’s Interventional Cardiology business. “Historically, a barrier to regular IVUS usage has been the need for more user-friendliness. By installing the system right into the lab and putting controls into their hands, physicians now have immediate access to this important technology.”