Signostics (Thebarton, South Australia) has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its Signos RT handheld ultrasound device in the United States, where it will be sold as the Sonimage P3. The Signos RT is a handheld self-contained portable ultrasound imager with an attached probe, and is one of the smallest ultrasound devices available. The RT is the successor to the the original Signos device which has been on the market since 2009. The new device has already been available in Europe and Australia for some months.
The Signos RT offers real-time B-Mode, M-Mode and PW (pulsed wave) Doppler imaging and volume measurements. It weighs less than 400 grams (14 ounces) and is targeted for quick and simple point-of-care applications such as e-FAST, pneumothoraces, AAA screening, bladder volumes, basic pregnancy assessments and ruling in obvious pathology. The major improvements over the original Signos device seem to be in battery life, which is now rated twice as long at 120 minutes of continuous operation, and the addition of Doppler imaging, both welcome improvements.
Two interchangeable transducers are available which connect through USB. The S3-5 is a general purpose sector annular array 3-5 MHz probe, providing high resolution images from superficial areas through to 18cm deep. The S3 is a less costly unfocused 3 MHz single crystal probe designed primarily for abdominal imaging applications such as bladder scanning and free fluid localisation. Images are saved on an included 4 GB microSD card which stores in excess of 10,000 high resolution shots. Images and data can be uploaded to a Windows based computer. When connected to a PC or tablet, the larger screen can also be used as the viewing device.
Flashback: The Signos, Self Contained Handheld Ultrasound Gains FDA Approval
Press release: Signostics Receives 510(k) Clearance to Market Handheld Ultrasound Device Across America…
Product page: Signos RT Personal Ultrasound…