Diagnostic imaging

Siemens introduces pocket ultrasound system for emergency care

2 October 2007

A revolutionary new portable ultrasound device from Siemens Medical Systems will support medical staff in the crucial first minutes of an emergency situation. The new system, known as Acuson P10, is a hand-held device intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in cardiology, emergency care and obstetrics. 

The flexibility and portability of the Acuson P10 can significantly change the way diagnostic and emergency care are administered, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.  The P10 will provide immediate information to healthcare providers at the earliest possible intervention points, within locations including intensive care units, ambulances and medical helicopters. The advantages of the new system are its portability, easy handling as well as its fast and consistent availability to the clinician. The device is barely larger than a Blackberry and weighs just over 700 gms. 

In emergency situations, this translates into earlier, faster and more accurate screening and triage decisions. Its emergency applications include focused abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) for detecting fluid, determining cardiac activity and pericardial effusion as well as for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms and performing pelvic examinations. 

“Instead of having to rush the patient to the technology, P10 brings the technology to the patient, which can reduce critical minutes, particularly when a patient is in cardiac distress or with trauma patients, who have multiple injuries,” says Klaus Hambuechen, Head of the Ultrasound Division of Siemens Medical Solutions. 

In addition to cardiac and emergency care, the Acuson P10 offers applications in other medical specialties, most notably obstetrics where it can be used during labour and delivery.  Specifically, the device can determine foetal viability, foetal positioning, amniotic fluid volume, bleeding and miscarriage. Additional applications include veterinary medicine. 

The system is equipped with a colour monitor and delivers information via a flip-up LCD display that measures 3.7" diagonally. The user interface is optimised for 'thumbing', similar to a personal digital assistant. The Acuson P10’s lithium ion batteries enable approximately one hour of scanning without recharging.  

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