SonoSite highlights benefits of new ultrasound imaging technology

SonoSite has received a number of endorsements for its new Advanced Needle Visualization ultrasound imaging software from international experts.

The medical technology company has published the comments of Dr Curtis Holbrook of the Wilson N Jones Medical Center in Texas and Dr Astrid Ursula Behr of the University of Padova in Italy, who have praised the new technology as a step forward for medical care.

SonoSite's new system incorporates a proprietary imaging algorithm that intensifies the brightness of the needle and makes it more visible during steep angle nerve block approaches for deep targets.

According to Dr Behr, the system offers superior performance to using an echogenic needle and "solves a lot of our difficulties with needle visibility".

Dr Holbrook concurred, saying: "Advanced Needle Visualization is a major advancement in patient safety because it helps clinicians prevent nerve damage during nerve blocks."

In August 2010, the company announced the appointment of Dr Robert Hauser as the new non-executive chairman of the board, following the retirement of Kirby Cramer.