Pocket-Sized Ultrasound Produces Cardiac Images

Siemens Medical Solutions has launched its new pocket ultrasound system, the ACUSON P10, which is a little larger than a common PDA, intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage.
The FDA cleared device weighs 1.6 pounds, and fits easily into a lab coat pocket, the company says. It can also reportedly be used to detect conditions that may be clinically significant, but have previously required expansive or invasive diagnostic testing in asymptomatic patients. In addition to cardiac and emergency care, the ACUSON P10 offers applications in other medical specialties, most notably obstetrics where it can be used in labor and delivery. Specifically, the device can determine fetal viability, fetal positioning and amniotic fluid volume.