Terason, the maker of portable ultrasound systems, and Soma Access Systems LLC received FDA clearance for a new transducer featuring AxoTrack needle visualization technology from Soma.
Basically, AxoTrack allows traditional ultrasound imaging to be coupled with a virtual needle that points the way for the real needle during all kinds of ultrasound-guided procedures, especially central line placements. The company says that “when tested in vitro, an AxoTrack-equipped ultrasound probe resulted in successful vascular access on the first stick and first pass 99.3% of the time versus just 37.1% of the time when compared to the standard freehand method for ultrasound-guided central venous access.”
From the product page:
AxoTrack is specifically designed to perform needle-guided procedures right the first time, every time by providing clear, uninterrupted needle visualization throughout an entire procedure. AxoTrack’s proficiency has been repeatedly demonstrated in studies illustrating higher “first attempt success” rates for accurate needle placement. For example, when tested in vitro, an AxoTrack-equipped ultrasound probe resulted in successful vascular access on the first stick and first pass 99.3% of the time versus just 37.1% of the time when compared to the standard freehand method for ultrasound-guided central venous access.
An AxoTrack-equipped ultrasound probe has an integral needle guide and built-in needle position sensors. Together these project on the ultrasound monitor an enhanced virtual image of the needle as it moves through the tissue toward and into the target vessel. The procedure is performed in three easy steps:
First, simply align the on-screen target line with the target vessel displayed on the monitor.
Next, insert the needle through the needle guide in the ultrasound probe and advance the needle while observing its progress until the vessel is entered, which can be seen on the monitor and confirmed by the flash of blood in the syringe.
Finally, activate the needle lock on the probe to ensure stabilization of the needle before passing the guidewire into the desired vessel. The procedure is completed employing the standard Modified Seldinger Technique.
An AxoTrack-equipped ultrasound probe has an integral needle guide and built-in needle position sensors. Together these project on the ultrasound monitor an enhanced virtual image of the needle as it moves through the tissue toward and into the target vessel. The procedure is performed in three easy steps:Product page: AxoTrack…
Press release: TERASON AND SOMA RECEIVE FDA CLEARANCE FOR NEW NEEDLE VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY