First-of-a-Kind Ultrasound System Designed for Image-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Access and Fits in Pocket

A new, ultra-compact ultrasound device provides direct visualization of structures beneath the skin in real time to effectively guide clinicians placing peripheral intravenous (IV) lines.

Analogic Corp. (Peabody, MA, USA), a developer of medical imaging and aviation security technology, reported that it has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the handheld Sonic Window ultrasound system, an imaging device for visualizing vasculature and guiding peripheral intravenous access (PIV).

“Improved visualization has been demonstrated to improve first attempt success in PIV insertion. The Sonic Window is an intuitive, handheld visualization tool that allows clinicians to quickly visualize a patient’s vessel location, depth, and size,” said Jim Green, president and CEO of Analogic. “Intravenous access is often one of the first needs a patient has when medical or surgical intervention is necessary. First stick success has many potential benefits: complication and cost reduction, improved time-to-care and improved patient satisfaction. With the Sonic Window acting as ’through the skin and into the body,’ clinicians are equipped with a portable imaging device that provides clear, easy-to-interpret images on a real-time display.”

Dissimilar to existing portable devices on the market today, the Sonic Window handheld is self-contained and does not have cables and wires connecting a transducer nor does it require a stand or cart to operate. The small, lightweight device, which is the size of a TV remote control, requires only one hand for operation. The system’s controls may be manipulated during scanning without any interruption to the image on the screen. Furthermore, the handheld portable device has a rechargeable battery and does not need to be plugged in to operate.

Initial assessment by clinicians reveals that the Sonic Window integrates the advantages of cutting-edge ultrasound imaging technology with portability, making it an efficient approach to use in a clinical setting for the successful establishment of PIV in the patient with challenging IV access.

“The Sonic Window provides clinicians with accurate depth measurement, allowing them to choose the appropriate catheter size and length. We are confident that the innovative Sonic Window handheld will offer clinicians a valuable tool for vascular access applications,” continued Mr. Green. “The FDA clearance supports our previously announced plan to begin shipments later this summer. We also expect that the Sonic Window platform, which is based on our patented DSIQ technology and incorporates an advanced 2D ultrasound imaging array, will form the foundation of a family of products that will address procedure guidance and diagnostic needs in both acute care and physician offices.”

Analogic provides healthcare and security technology systems to advance the practice of medicine and save lives. The company develops advanced imaging systems and technology that enable computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, digital mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as automated threat detection for aviation security.

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