The Sleek Preview

Ultrasonography—the most versatile diagnostic technique that man has ever discovered as a diagnostic tool, has existed for about 50 years now, evolving and metamorphosing all along. The current avtaars of ultrasounds are as sleek and swanky as any other modern day gadget, reinforcing the popular belief of ‘small and handy is trendy’. The latest range of
hand-held ultrasound devices have revolutionised the way imaging diagnostics is practised today. One of the most appealing systems in the market is from the SonoSite Inc. bunch
called MicroMaxx.
Be it abdominal visualisation or vascular or transcranial, this real-time image generator is a big help to doctors who can make informed and clear diagnosis in any set-up. The system is used for emergency medicine, surgery, critical care internal medicine and vascular access process as well as in the traditional application fields.

The design advantage
This hand carried unit, weighing 3.5 kilograms, is a portable device with a 10.4-inch diagonal LCD display for good view. An advanced ergonomic design favours user-friendly keyboard and controls for maximum freedom to the user. One of the unique features of MicroMaxx is that it is drop tested; the system and most of the transducers can survive the drop from one meter and do not fail like other systems using a hard disk. From busy offices and big city hospitals to critical care situations where seconds count, the SonoSite MicroMaxx system boots up quickly, in under 15 seconds. This easily carried device gets medical professionals into and out of tight situations quickly.
Interestingly, the device also performs flawlessly on battery power at high altitudes and sub-freezing temperatures. Further, MicroMaxx’s reliability and durability are backed by a five-year warranty, an industry first, far exceeding warranties available on competing products. This reduces the cost of ownership and makes it lighter on the users’ pocket. With MicroMaxx, SonoSite is extending the capabilities of hand-carried systems by adding
high-performance features such as high-frequency linear and multi-plane transesophageal imaging. The system does not function on any operating system and does not have an option for a CD writer, which might be a hindrance to some users.

The transducers
The MicroMaxx system comes with a wide range of transducers for multiple clinical applications. Currently, around 13 transducers are available with the system, both broadband and multi-frequency, like linear array, curved array, phased array,
multi-plane tee and micro-convex single frequency, as well as cardiac static pencil.

Other advantages
MicroMaxx’s purpose-built software and proprietary ASIC design yields high-quality images with speed and reliability, while efficiently operating on either AC or battery power. Further, MicroMaxx system software is hard-wired for faster boot-up times, faster digital image processing and the ability to run for a longer time. Power is efficiently used, extending battery life for use wherever needed. SonoSite’s proprietary Chip Fusion™ technology enables advanced, cart-based image resolution in a hand-carried unit by integrating digital signal processing and multiple ultrasound functions into a custom ASIC microchip to deliver unprecedented performance without the size, weight and cost of conventional systems.
The MicroMaxx system also includes SonoCalc™ IMT, proprietary edge-detection software that enable clinicians to quickly and easily measure intima-media thickness of the carotid artery for assessment of arterial wall disease progression and cardiovascular risk. The ultrasound system has a compact flash card for image and live storage and special software for data transfer through USB port. It has standard output for interface with thermal printers. MicroMaxx has options for DICOM ready interface to be used with any PACS, teleradiology and HIS system environment. Incidentally, the company provides a standby of similar systems within 24 hours of