Fujifilm Sonosite Explores the Future of Visual Medicine at HIMSS 2014 Annual Conference and Exhibition

The Future LIVE and Visualized at #HIMSS14 HIMSS14 is a global, cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on better health through information technology (IT). This year's HIMSS conference, hosted in Orlando, Florida, is a huge exhibition with the latest in medical technology.

Sonosite Teams up with the Seattle Seahawks 2014 Super Bowl Champions

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Ultrasound Guidance Enables More Difficult Peripheral Vein Access

This Philly.com story on the advantages of ultrasound needle guidance and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's findings is not only informative but is written in a particularly engageing style accessible to a wide readership. An informed public goes a long way in helping to reinforce the value of clinical ultrasound's multiple benefits.

Here is an excerpt from the article by Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Stacey Burling:

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Takes "One Small Step for Scan..."

Ultrasound researcher and Henry Ford Hospital physician Scott Dulchavsky, MD, PhD, was recently inducted into the National Space Technology Hall of Fame for techniques his team developed to empower point-of-care ultrasound. He is working with Sonosite to modify ultrasound training methods developed for the space programme for point-of-care applications on Earth.

Studies Indicate CT Scan Overuse, Radiation Overexposure

Recently the medical literature has documented the growing use of CT scans. It is certainly no secret that, when circumstances warrant, Sonosite advocates for the consideration of ultrasound first over other imaging modalities. A CT scan is a powerful and valuable test when used appropriately and—as with all medical procedures—when its therapeutic value is carefully weighed against its potential harm. Yet, while acknowledging CT’s value, I can’t ignore mounting evidence indicating CT scans are being ordered more often than are necessary or safe.

Morocco Trial Shows Remote Ultrasound Can Expand Access and Improve Maternal Care.

In the remote reaches of rural areas and developing countries there is continuous demand to accessible solutions  that provide reliable, faster, and affordable clinical care.  Every day, around the world, approximately 800 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth.  Of those deaths, 40 percent are due to injuries or conditions related to placenta complications.  The only way to detect abnormal placenta challenges is through an ultrasound exam.

Ultrasound Can Diagnose and Prevent Pneumothorax

I find it ironic that one of the most efficient ways to detect pneumothorax in patients is also one of the most effective ways to prevent two of its more common clinical causes.

While scenarios that might trigger the suspicion of pneumothorax are too numerous to list, screening for it has included the standard trinity of chest-imaging procedures: x-rays, tomography, and ultrasound. In “Think Ultrasound When Evaluating for Pneumothorax” (featured in AIUM’s Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine), author Vicki E. Noble, MD, of Massachusetts General, proposes that ultrasound is the ideal screening modality due to its portability and lack of “risk associated with repeated measures as clinical scenarios change.”

Dr. Noble’s article goes on to provide instruction for performing the examination, incorporates excellent research citations, and then concludes: “Using thoracic sonography as a screening tool may lead to decreased ordering of chest radiographs, thus saving time and money and improving the efficiency of treatment.”

It may come as no surprise that my colleagues and I at Sonosite enthusiastically support Dr. Noble’s conclusion. The entire article—a part of AIUM’s “think ultrasound first” Sound Judgment Series—is available here and is worth a thorough read.

Memorial Hermann

A Success Story

See why Memorial Hermann's physicians prefer driving with total vision, then find out how we can help

From Sceptic to Believer

Dr. Bryan Matusic

Growing Awareness

When Dr. Bryan Matusic first started practicing, the block and neurostimulator alone were considered best practise and block success rates of 85% were the accepted norm. "I was using just my own senses and the stimulator," he says. "Even if I had a 10%-15% failure rate, I was still doing better than most."

Dr. Jeff Gonzales' Story

Dr Jeff Gonzales

Catching a bus shouldn't be life-threatening. But for one 23-year-old woman, running for the bus could have cost her everything.

After rushing to hop on board, she fell unconscious, leaving her arm outstretched beyond the door. Not knowing this, the driver closed the door and drove to the next stop, about two-tenths of a mile away.