ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., a developer of high-end ultrasound solutions, announced a new software release for its z.one ultrasound platform here at the 96th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 28 - Dec. 3, 2010. Designed to continually improve image quality and system performance, the 11th software release in six years also includes new advanced software applications and transducers which further expands the clinical utility of the z.one system in radiology, obstetric and vascular imaging.

"Through our proprietary Zone Sonography™ Technology (ZST) and exclusive focus on ultrasound excellence, we have invested heavily to develop new innovative software-based capabilities that continuously elevate the performance of our z.one system," said Jay D. Miller, president and CEO, ZONARE Medical Systems. "This latest software release includes additional software applications and new transducers that expand the value and versatility of the z.one system across a wide variety of clinical applications."

4D Imaging

Building on the comprehensive 3D ultrasound imaging capabilities available on the z.one ultra system, ZONARE has now added real-time 3D ultrasound imaging capabilities (4D).

The C8-3(3D) Curved Array transducer is available for the z.one ultrasound system with primary applications for obstetrical imaging during the second and third trimesters. The C8-3(3D) transducer offers 3D/4D fetal surface rendering, 3D/4D Multi-Planar Rendering (MPR) and additional diagnostic tools. These new 3D/4D imaging capabilities are also available for general abdominal ultrasound imaging that includes MPR and tomographic viewing.

Also, the new E9-3(3D) transducer is designed for high-quality 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging for endovaginal applications. The E9-3(3D) offers volume data imaging, including MPR and tomographic views. The E9-3(3D) offers up to 135 degrees of imaging with imaging frequency choices from 9-3MHz. The transducer is lightweight and ergonomically designed for increased comfort for both patients and sonographers.

Solution for Pediatric Echocardiography Imaging

ZONARE is also showing its new solution for pediatric echocardiography imaging. The new C10-3 Curved Array transducer offers continuous wave Doppler (CW) imaging designed for evaluating high velocity blood flow of cardiac anomalies in neonatal and pediatric patients. The C10-3 has a unique, small footprint designed by ZONARE's acoustic engineers for improved imaging access and increased patient comfort. Other applications include neonatal/pediatric heads and abdominal imaging.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

ZONARE now offers contrast-enhanced ultrasound which can offer additional diagnostic information similar to contrast-enhanced CT. Using the P4-1c Phased Array echocardiography transducer, ZONARE will show contrast-enhanced imaging for Left Ventricular Opacification (LVO). This application allows the clinician to visualize the Left Ventricle wall and endocardium in technically difficult patients by opacifying the chamber with contrast, making it easier to evaluate heart function.

Zone Steer for Improved Needle Visualization

ZONARE will demonstrate its new 2D Zone Steer upgrade available for all linear transducers. 2D Zone Steer offers clinicians the ability to steer the 2D image to the left or right for improved resolution and needle visualization.

ZONARE, z.one, and Zone Sonography is a trademark of ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc.

Source: ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc