SonoSite and Physio-Control to collaborate on ultrasound devices

SonoSite is to collaborate with fellow medical device company Physio-Control on the development of ultrasound devices for the emergency medical services (EMS) sector.

Under the terms of the deal, Physio-Control will use its sales network and resources to take responsibility for launching SonoSite products for point-of-care EMS applications.

The two companies have identified ultrasound devices as a promising means of providing immediate diagnostics at the scene of accidents, which could help to improve outcomes once the patient reaches hospital.

Kevin Goodwin, SonoSite’s president and chief executive officer, said the company has “high confidence” that Physio-Control will aid its efforts to develop this market.

He added: “SonoSite intends to maintain and extend its leadership in driving access to point-of-care visualisation with our unique solutions.”

Last week, SonoSite published its financial results for the first quarter of 2010, highlighting an eight per cent growth in revenues compared to the corresponding quarter of last year.