Ultrasound is a non-invasive and expedient way to look inside the body at organs and soft tissue.  There is no exposure to ionizing radiation as there is with X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) exams.  Instead, ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to create a detailed image of the organ or tissue being examined.  Sound waves are sent into the body through a hand-held device called a transducer which is pressed against and moved over the skin.  The ‘echoes’ that bounce back are then displayed as an image in real time on the ultrasound monitor.

Most people associate ultrasound with prenatal exams to view developing fetuses.  But ultrasound has many applications.  It can be used to help make a diagnosis, determine therapy options and guide medical procedures.  Advances in ultrasound technology continue to expand its diagnostic capabilities.

Our ultrasound technologist are Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonograhers (RDMS) which are imparted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. In addition, our sonographers are Registered Vascular Technologists (RVT) which are specialists specifically within vascular anatomy.

According to the FDA:

Ultrasound imaging has been used for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. It is based on non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same risks as X-rays or other types of imaging systems that use ionizing radiation.

Although ultrasound imaging is generally considered safe when used prudently by appropriately trained health care providers, ultrasound energy has the potential to produce biological effects on the body. Ultrasound waves can heat the tissues slightly. In some cases, it can also produce small pockets of gas in body fluids or tissues (cavitation). The long-term consequences of these effects are still unknown.

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The length of the vascular studies are predominately contingent on your condition; there are cases that require several studies to be performed within one clinical visit. However, on average our studies range from 45-60 minutes. Please note, multiple studies could be appropriate for your condition resulting in a longer visit.

The next-generation LOGIQ E10 ultrasound system from GE Healthcare is backed by years of research and medical science.  This premium system provides innovative technologies to help improve patient care in many specialties.  Among its many advances are:

The cSound™ Architecture that combines versatile XDclear™ probes and the new cSound ImageFormer to deliver exceptional image quality. It’s an increasingly important benefit because of the growing number of obese patients who can be more difficult to scan due to distortion of the diagnostic sound waves as they attempt to penetrate large body mass.

B-Flow™ Imaging provides exceptionally detailed images of blood flow, helping clinicians evaluate heart and vascular disease. One example is plaque build-up in the carotid artery, which can place a person at risk for stroke.

Photo Assistant allows clinicians to add a photograph of relevant anatomy using an Android™ tablet or phone to provide valuable context for documentation and comparison after a procedure.

Compare Assistant makes it possible for the sonographer to standardize imaging protocols, and expedite exam preparation and planning, as well as view a prior ultrasound or another diagnostic study during a current exam.

Scan Assistant software allows the sonographer taking the exams to program the LOGIQ E10 to automatically perform frequently used exam steps, which helps reduce exam time and which allows the sonographer to focus more on patient care.

Remote Control allows clinicians to operate the system directly from an Android tablet or phone using an app, allowing the sonographer greater mobility and enhanced ability to concentrate on the patient.

Productivity Packages help increase the efficiency of breast, thyroid and OB exams by enabling the sonographer to label, measure, and describe anatomy quickly and confidently.

Volume Navigation helps consolidate critical exam information in one place to assist doctors in making informed decisions.  A previous CT, MR or PET scan can be imported into the LOGIQ E10 for immediate comparison to the current scan which means doctors get enhanced information and patients may be able to avoid the need for repeat tests.  A GPS-like tool allows areas of interest, or reference points, to be noted directly on the scan, making it easier to review the same areas again later or to compare them to earlier scans.

Needle tip tracking is another advanced volume navigation tool.  Needles are used in many diagnostic procedures such as tissue biopsies or fluid aspirations. The advanced needle tracking capabilities of the LOGIQ E10 enhances the precision of these procedures by helping the physician determine the point of entry and path to the targeted tissue. The needle’s sensor tip allows its progress to be seen on the ultrasound monitor, giving clinicians enhanced confidence.

Auto IMT helps reduce time of vascular exams by automating measurement of intima-media thickness from multiple samples across a length as defined by the user.

Strain Elastography can help determine the stiffness of masses and help classify tissue.  For example, the application is becoming widely used in follow-up breast exams after a questionable mass has been detected and can help provide important information to help classify tissue without requiring the patient to undergo a biopsy.

Shear Wave Elastography, for non-invasive, quantitative assessment of tissue stiffness in chronic liver disease and lesions in the liver, breast and thyroid, provides clinicians with accurate and consistent data that can be used to identify underlying disease.

Volume ultrasound enables the capture of 3D images of organs and tissue so they can be viewed from every angle, which can help improve physician confidence in diagnosis and treatment decisions.

What is the importance of the cSound™ Architecture platform?

The cSound™ Architecture is the power behind the system’s leap forward in imaging performance. This latest platform from GE Healthcare combines the resolution and penetration of XDclear technology with innovations to the system’s acoustic architecture, processing engine, and display technologies.  The sum of these imaging advances is enhanced speed and confidence. The LOGIQ E10 system helps radiologists and sonographers quickly acquire the information in both routine and difficult procedures, to guide decisions that enhance clinical confidence.

How does the LOGIQ E10 help improve health care efficiency?

The LOGIQ E10 was developed with the input of radiologists and sonographers to help address the growing need for health care efficiency.  The system helps shorten exam times so more exams can be efficiently scheduled throughout the day.  Its advanced technologies help produce exceptionally detailed 2D and 3D/4D images that can be compared in real time to prior scans.  This brings key health information together in one place to help physicians make decisions efficiently.  In some instances, the LOGIQ E10 may be an alternative to more expensive CT or MRI exams.

How does the LOGIQ E10 benefit patients?

Patients may experience shortened exam times with the LOGIQ E10.  In some cases, this innovative system may also help reduce the need for invasive tests or provide an alternative to exams with X-Ray or CT that expose patients to radiation.

About GE Healthcare

GE Healthcare provides transformational medical technologies and services to meet the demand for increased access, enhanced quality and more affordable healthcare around the world. GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter – great people and technologies taking on tough challenges. From medical imaging, software & IT, patient monitoring and diagnostics to drug discovery, biopharmaceutical manufacturing technologies and performance improvement solutions, GE Healthcare helps medical professionals deliver great healthcare to their patients.