The use of POC ultrasound is now not limited to departments traditionally focused on clinical imaging. Diverse specialties, such as anaesthesiology, sports medicine, dermatology, paediatrics, rheumatology, trauma, surgery, cardiology, etc. are relying on it for diagnosis and assistance with clinical procedures. It has also found its way into remote corners of the world where funds and facilities are limited, and smaller, more economical machines are desirable. Indeed, portable units have made the cost for ultrasound technology affordable to more healthcare providers overall, including numerous hospitals and medical facilities throughout India.
The implementation of POC ultrasound technology by appropriately trained physicians results in improved quality of care. It enables medical professionals to perform precision-based procedures and treatments under direct, real-time ultrasound visualisation. Use of ultrasound guidance by physicians may improve success and decrease complications in regional anaesthesia (nerve blocks), lumbar puncture, I.V. placement (central and peripheral vascular access), biopsies, thoracentesis, paracentesis, arthrocentesis, incision and drainage of abscesses, and localisation and removal of foreign bodies.
FUJIFILM SonoSite, the pioneer of cutting-edge ultrasound tools, has recently launched its latest point-of-care ultrasound system, the X-Porte Ultrasound Kiosk. The state-of-the-art X-Porte introduces advanced signal processing for high resolution imaging, 3D animated clinical guides and a multigesture user interface – all unique innovations in point-of-care ultrasound.
Created to serve a broad spectrum of users, the X-Porte represents an entirely new ethos for point-of-care ultrasound. Its groundbreaking visual learning guides allow ‘any user, any time’ operation, enabling simultaneous live scanning and 3D animations to maximise in-the-moment imaging performance. Proprietary Extreme Definition Imaging (XDI) technology offers a revolution in image quality, significantly reducing visual clutter from side-lobe artefacts that affect conventional ultrasound imaging, regardless of system size. To maximise the benefits of XDI technology, the X-Porte has been designed for optimised use in a variety of workflows and environments, with a multi-touch, gesture-driven user interface for user-friendly operation.
Designed for a busy clinical environment, the X-Porte’s slender profile makes it easy to manoeuvre down corridors and between beds, and the ultrasound core can be easily detached from the kiosk to provide another configuration option. The instruments sleek design and sealed user interface allow rapid cleaning with a wide range of disinfectants, ensuring optimal infection control and increasing productivity. Combined with SonoSite’s robust build quality and industry-leading five-year warranty, this ensures maximum flexibility for bedside ultrasound imaging.