SonoSite and Soma to partner on AxoTrack needle guidance system

SonoSite has announced a new collaboration with Soma Access Systems to bring an innovative needle guidance device to market.

The companies will work together to bring AxoTrack needle visualisation technology to SonoSite's ultrasound systems in order to facilitate central venous catheter (CVC) procedures.

Combining traditional ultrasound imaging with advanced magnetic innovations, it provides clinicians with real-time visualisation of the needle's position that can be tracked as it travels through tissue to its target.

An in-vitro study using AxoTrack resulted in a 99.3 percent first-pass success rate for vascular access procedures, compared to 37.1 percent for standard freehand methods.

Kevin Goodwin, SonoSite's president and chief executive officer, said: "We believe that AxoTrack will advance the practice of ultrasound-guided CVCs, improving patient outcomes, and will ultimately reduce costs from complications like pneumothorax."

Last month, SonoSite won praise from Solent NHS Trust after the Adelaide Health Centre in Southampton invested in hand-carried M-Turbo ultrasound systems from the manufacturer, resulting in a number of benefits.