Affordable universal high-quality ultrasound devices. What is the best ultrasound machine? Areas of application of ultrasound machines

In this article, we will analyze the problems that concern specialists who want to purchase an ultrasound scanner: specifications device, its condition, price, seller, payment method, manufacturer. All of the above is extremely important.

Where should you start choosing?

So, if you decide to buy an ultrasound machine, take your time, evaluate your requirements for the product you are purchasing according to the following five points (if you are buying for a government institution through a tender, you can skip the first four points):

1. New / non-new equipment.

Do you require exclusively new equipment, or could you consider purchasing non-new (refurbished or demo) equipment?

Non-new equipment can be of three types:

• Demonstration Equipment- devices that sellers present at exhibitions or approbations (it is often difficult to determine how much it was used). These devices come with a full or partial warranty.
• Just used equipment. As a rule, it is sold without a guarantee. The history of such devices can only be determined by the serial number.
• Refurbished Scanners. The body of the device is painted or completely changed, updated software, provide new or refurbished sensors. Parts with an expired use or with a certain percentage of wear are replaced with new ones (the percentage of wear is determined by the person who remanufactures the equipment). These devices are under warranty. Thus, we get an almost new scanner, as opposed to a used or demo machine.

2. The channel for entering the ultrasound machine on the market.

• Official(this is the only possible variant for public clinics). The big plus here is the presence of an official service and telephone line technical support where you will be helped to solve all problems.
• "Grey". In this case, you will be given documents for the device, but there may be difficulties with warranty service, service, and training.
• "Black"(the so-called way of buying "in a suitcase") - sensors, portable scanners are imported this way. In this case, you are not protected from any risks in the operation of the device.
• Independent purchase and transportation of the device from outside the Russian Federation. You can also use the services of third parties.

3. Required period of use of the scanner.

• Temporary: you use the machine for a period of time and then resell
• Rent: you have your own scanner, but it is not possible to use it for some time, for example, it is being repaired
• Constant use: You are going to use the equipment until it becomes obsolete or fails.

4. Method of payment for equipment.

• You pay the full cost of the equipment immediately, in which case you can get the lowest price from the seller.
• You buy in installments. Unfortunately, at present, fewer sellers are willing to provide installments.
• You buy equipment on lease. A great option if you do not immediately have the right amount.

5. Scanner configuration.

• Devices can differ in mobility: conditionally mobile, mobile, stationary, transforming.
• Black and white (without doppler) or color scanner (with doppler).
• Software and number of sensors (on these issues, you should consult with an ultrasound specialist working in your organization).

Selecting the manufacturer and model of the scanner

1. Don't Buy a Scanner You've Never Seen or Used(at exhibitions or approbation). Get advice from experts or familiar professionals. Better you spend a larger amount than later regret the purchase.

You will not be able to return the purchased scanner to the manufacturer if you are not satisfied with any of the specifications. Please note that medical equipment is non-refundable.

2. More expensive hardware isn't always better..

Brief overview of manufacturers of ultrasound equipment

Market leaders: General Electric, Toshiba, Philips, Siemens, Hitachi Aloka. The products of these companies are of high quality and have long established themselves. Therefore, if you do not need to save money, it is better to pay attention to the scanners of these companies first of all.

All other devices can be conditionally classified into three groups according to the level of confidence in the country of origin:

• Factories in Japan, USA, Europe (Italy, Denmark, Canada, France, etc.).
• Factories in developing countries such as Korea, India, Israel, etc.
• factories in China.

It is very important to pay attention not only to the country in which the ultrasound scanner is assembled, but also (more importantly) in which country all its components are manufactured, especially the sensors.

A detailed catalog of all models of ultrasound scanners currently on the market can be found in the section.

Choosing a hardware supplier

Suppliers can be classified into the following groups:

• Manufacturers of ultrasound equipment. If manufacturers are located in Russia, they can either distribute their products independently or through a network of dealers providing service and product advertising. for providing repairs and information activities foreign manufacturers are responsible for exclusive distributors or representative offices.
• Representative offices of manufacturing companies can perform the following functions: information support of the supplied products, service bases (either in the form of independent organizations, or on the basis of dealers and distributors). Official deliveries are made through them, while they themselves do not sell equipment.
• Exclusive distributors- these are organizations that have concluded an agreement with the manufacturer that no one except them has the right to import goods into the territory of the Russian Federation. They have the functions of representation, and they are also obliged to ensure the repair of equipment. Exclusive distributors can sell products directly or through a network of dealers.
• Official distributors have the right to import products, do not have all the rights of representation, but often have their own service base. They also carry out either direct sales or through dealers. We deliver equipment throughout Russia.
• Authorized distributors. Their main difference from official distributors is that they are engaged in the supply of equipment only in the part of the territory of the Russian Federation assigned to them.
• Dealers. Their main goal is direct sales of ultrasound equipment to consumers, the largest ones have their own service bases.
• Consumers- These are organizations that purchase ultrasound equipment for their needs.

All of the above organizations belong to the official market.

• "Gray" dealers import equipment to Russia bypassing official supply routes. Theoretically, they provide information support and maintenance of equipment. In this case, the equipment is subject to customs checks, and all documents are real.
• "Black" dealers imported equipment without customs clearance. Accounting documents are either missing or false.

One organization can combine several different functions. For example, an exclusive distributor of one company may be a black dealer for another, or an authorized distributor of a brand may import the same brand in a "gray" way. Such an organization violates agreements with its main client and may be deprived of its status.

Some of them really offer innovation in the world of ultrasound diagnostics, while others differ from their predecessors only in name and ergonomics. Bimedis tried to figure out what the modern market for sonographic equipment is like. We have compiled the results of our research in the format of a small rating based on such parameters as price and quality.

Let's take a look at it in more detail:

Stationary diagnostic system Voluson E8 is the best device in terms of price-quality ratio. General Electric engineers have implemented a huge number of innovative technologies, which made it possible to achieve hitherto unseen quality of volumetric visualization of the image. With the E8, OB/GYN imaging, in utero fetal heart assessment and early 1st trimester ultrasound imaging are taken to the next level.

The main difference between the GE Voluson E8 and its predecessors is the advanced second-generation HD live volumetric imaging technology. Thanks to it, the depth of perception and realism of anatomical structures has significantly increased. With the help of HD live ultrasound technology, the device allows you to achieve objective high-precision results and make the correct diagnosis.

It is noteworthy that the scanner supports tomography mode. Using a powerful ultrasonic signal, the operator can obtain several parallel sections, which together form a coherent three-dimensional image. The TUI tomographic ultrasound mode is a significant step towards expanding the possibilities of ultrasound diagnostics.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the modern sensors that the device is equipped with - their dimensions and weight are reduced by 40% compared to older models. Working with them is simple and convenient, while the load and fatigue of the hands is significantly reduced.

The Japanese manufacturer has offered a truly universal scanner that will suit both large medical institutions and private small clinics. Toshiba managed to fit the main functions of a modern ultrasound machine into a compact, inexpensive, but very productive device.

The Aplio 300 model supports all the necessary parameters:

● multifrequency scanning;

● auto tuning image parameters;

● impulse differential tissue harmonic;

● improved visualization of blood flow;

● tissue doppler;

● parallel image processing;

● measurement of intima-media wall thickness in automatic mode.

Toshiba took into account the success of the younger model, after which they made some adjustments to its functionality. As a result the lineup one of the best and most cost-effective ultrasound scanners of our time, Aplio 400, replenished the Japanese manufacturer. price category boasts high performance comparable to many competitive flagship models, advanced clinical applications, a large 19" monitor and four active transducer connectors.

Toshiba Aplio 400 immediately wins you over thanks to the high quality and excellent clarity of the image that is rendered on the screen. To achieve so many impressive results, engineers have been able to use Precision Imaging automatic processing of adjacent signals, which provides a high resolution throughout the scanning depth. In turn, the proprietary ApliPure+ technology ensures uniformity of the image without changing important clinical markers using partial and spatial coding.

The diagnostic stationary Acuson S2000 system - a leader in the field of ultrasonic researches. The device belongs to the premium price segment, but its functionality and performance fully justify the investment. With the help of an expert ultrasound scanner from Siemens, you can use shear wave elastography - a unique feature that, without auxiliary devices and increased compression, allows you to conduct high-precision examinations of the mammary glands, thyroid gland, neck, internal organs and various neoplasms.

Strengths of Siemens Acuson S2000: research in the field of obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, urology, cardiology, neonatology, as well as abdominal, intracavitary and intraoperative studies. Among the important technological advantages, it is necessary to highlight such research modes as visualization of the skeleton, a package of automatic calculations of fetal parameters at all stages of pregnancy, volumetric visualization in 3D and 4D, a detailed study of the fetal heart, as well as amnioscopic rendering.

Universal diagnostic system Toshiba Aplio MX - the best choice for a diagnostic center that specializes in examining severe patients, studying pathological foci and neoplasms in the human body. Comfortable, ergonomic and mobile device perfectly adapts to any clinical task. Important arguments in favor of the Japanese scanner are low power consumption, high performance, a wide range of functionality at an affordable price.

Along with the basic scanning modes, the ultrasound device boasts such innovations as:

· high-precision sensors for studying objects with a diameter of less than 1 mm in 3D and 4D;

automatic adjustment of image parameters for a specific examination;

Combining private and spatial scanning to provide a uniform and clear picture;

contrast enhancement of the image;

tissue harmonica.

When you need a portable diagnostic system, the capabilities of which are comparable to stationary ultrasound machines, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the General Electric LOGIQ E model in more detail. Despite the fact that the scanner has a compact size, its performance allows you to perform complex ultrasound examinations.

Power Doppler, color Doppler mapping, automatic image parameter optimization and noise cancellation, pulsed wave Doppler, multibeam scanning, automatic calculation packages for obstetrics, cardiology, radiology and gynecology - this is not a complete list of the device's capabilities.

Compared with competitors, the advantages of the LOGIQ E model look very convincing. The device supports the mode of three-dimensional reconstruction, coded harmonics and panoramic scanning.

The ClearVue 350 Ultrasound Scanner is a mobile, agile diagnostic system with a stunning ergonomic design. The modest size and low price do not affect the arsenal of the device's capabilities. Thanks to Philips' proprietary Active Array technology, which transfers the basic processes of ultrasonic beam formation directly into the transducer, the device provides excellent image quality comparable to more expensive and complex models.

On board the stationary system are features such as XRES and SonoCT, which significantly improve image clarity, reduce graininess, remove artifacts and emphasize the boundaries of structures. Together with ClearVue 350, you can conduct complex studies at a sufficiently large depth of immersion of the ultrasound beam.

The independent research organization KLAS once published a report that analyzed reviews of ultrasound imaging equipment. 2012 report and it's great because this information will allow to draw parallels with today's realities and trace the preferences of diagnosticians in dynamics.

Ultrasound devices participate in this "competition" very different. It is important that the title of Best in KLAS (best in class) is awarded solely on the basis of consumer assessments, expressing their own opinion, counting on improving the quality of health care by improving existing technological solutions.

This award recognizes not only ultrasound machines, but equipment manufacturers that meet the needs of medical institutions by expanding the functionality of their products, as well as impeccable service.

It is important that the report includes more than three thousand seven hundred responses from private and public health care providers and their representatives: administrators, doctors, nurses, managers, etc. It is these people who constantly work with diagnostic equipment and related infrastructure.

How were medical ultrasound systems evaluated? This happened within two categories. The first of them is devices for general imaging, the second one is for cardiovascular studies.

ultrasound scanners, used for the purpose of general visualization

This category includes units used to visualize studies conducted using ultrasound of the internal structure of the human body. Their main task is to provide a common picture, including in urological studies, diagnostic radiology, gynecological and obstetric studies and other areas of a related nature. Each ultrasound scanner was rated on a 100-point scale.

Meet the top five:

• Standout Winner - Philips iU 22 (number of points - 90.3).
• In second place is ZONARE z.one ultra (88.4 points).
• The third number is an ultrasonic device GE Healthcare LOGIQ E 9 (number of points - 87.5).
• A solid four Siemens ACUSON S 2000 (number of points - 86.6).
• Honorable fifth place - Toshiba Aplio MX (score - 84.7).

Ultrasound devices for cardiovascular research

• Philips iE 33 ultrasound scanner (score - 85.4).
• Second place goes to GE Healthcare Vivid E 9 with 85.1 points.
• "Medium" - GE Healthcare Vivid i (score - 2.5).
• "Four" - ultrasound scanner Toshiba Aplio CV (score - 81.8).
• Closes the top five Siemens ACUSON SC 2000 (79.7 points).

We hope that, taking into account the data obtained, ultrasound examinations in Russia will be carried out at the highest level.

Ultrasound devices, used for medical diagnosis or treatment, emit high-frequency, ultrasonic waves towards a specific part of the body and can reproduce images of the inside of an object without the use of harmful X-ray radiation. Ultrasound devices produce such a meager amount of ionizing radiation (almost zero) that ultrasound is safe for human health, because the radiation from it is in such a small amount that it cannot harm a person.

Having their own ultrasound machines in their medical center or clinic, doctors have the opportunity to examine various human organs on the spot, without having to send patients to the hospital or expensive medical ultrasound therapy centers. Compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), ultrasound machines are relatively inexpensive and portable.

What is ultrasound?

Saving data to disk

The processed data and/or images may be stored. You can save to the hard disk, compact disc (CD), digital video discs (DVD), or network driver. In most cases, a patient examination record is stored on the ultrasound machine.

Printers

Most ultrasound machines are connected to thermal printers. The ultrasound machine's images are in motion, but the "silent" image is captured anywhere in time to send the image to the printer.

The use of ultrasound in ultrasound machines

Ultrasound machines can be used on many objects, usually to get inside them and identify reflections, or to deliver concentrated energy. Ultrasonic reflection can detail the internal structure of a medium. The most well-known and widespread use of ultrasound machines is to obtain images of the fetus in the womb. While many people associate this applied science with obstetrics alone, there are many other uses for ultrasound technology.

Ultrasound machines provide an opportunity to view real images of internal organs. With the help of machine controls, the radiologist can view the desired section of the internal organ within precisely defined limits. Portable ultrasound machines are available for emergency medical teams.

How is an ultrasound performed?

During an ultrasound examination, the scanner generates a continuous series of images of the subject on the screen in real time. The transducer is used to release these waves. Ultrasonic beams scan the object and return to the transducer. The data obtained from the various displays is reconstructed in the form of an image shown on the screen.

An ultrasound examination is a complex medical procedure that requires prior training due to possible risk for good health. The high frequency waves generated during the process are potentially harmful to the organs and nerves if exposed for too long. Only professional doctors with experience in radiology can correctly adjust the duration of ultrasound exposure.

Today, the medical equipment market offers a wide range of manufacturers, models and software options for ultrasound equipment. From all the variety, you need to choose one that will best suit the needs of your clinic. How to choose an ultrasound machine? What is the best ultrasound machine? What should be considered? In this article, we have tried to answer these and other questions. Let's take it in order.

1. Decide on the types of research that you plan to conduct.

Before you start choosing an ultrasound machine, we suggest you make a list of the types of studies that you plan to conduct. Do you need a specialized ultrasound system or a universal one?

• Dedicated ultrasound system

Designed for fast and accurate screening and targeted studies. These systems are already equipped with many specialized applications, automation programs and various packages, which will help to optimize the workflow even with a large flow of patients.

• Universal ultrasound system

It is an affordable ultrasound diagnostic system with excellent image quality for a variety of clinical applications. A universal ultrasound scanner will be the best choice for small clinics with a small stream of narrowly focused examinations.

Often, manufacturers break down the lines of ultrasound machines based on this criterion. For example, for diagnostics in the field of women's health and obstetrics, GE Healthcare has developed the Voluson series (Voluson), for cardiology - the Vivid series (Vivid), for general diagnostics - the Logiq series (Logic).

2. What ultrasound scanner configuration should I choose?

Now let's take a closer look at the configuration of the ultrasound scanner.

• The class of the system is medium, high, expert.

According to GOST, medical ultrasound diagnostic systems are divided into 3 classes: medium, high and expert. However, he does not give exact characteristics by which the system can be attributed to a specific class. In fact, it turns out that each manufacturer independently assigns a class specific model device. For a correct comparison of devices of different brands by class, it is necessary, first of all, to compare technical and software features ultrasound machine, as well as a set of sensors for it.

• Design – portable (portable) or stationary.

Everything is simple here: compact ultrasonic systems are portable. Modern models developed in the form of laptops and tablets. Portable models of ultrasound scanners can be easily moved within a medical facility, plus they allow you to provide ultrasound diagnostic services at home. Stationary models of ultrasound machines do not have such mobility and are intended to be used in a specific office. It is generally accepted that portable ultrasound scanners are inferior in terms of functionality stationary, but this is not necessarily the case. It is necessary to compare specific characteristics of models. Modern models of portable scanners give high quality visualization.

• Configuration of the main part of the ultrasound system: the electronic unit with a monitor and a console, a set of supplied ultrasonic transducers, a set of supplied software options (allowing processing of examination results), a set of power cables, a set of operational documentation.

Here, as when choosing a computer or laptop, you should pay attention to the processor power, memory size, screen resolution and monitor diagonal. The processor does all the calculations and forms an image on the screen. Accordingly, an appropriate monitor is required for good image visualization.

A set of software options and ultrasound sensors plays an important role in choosing an ultrasound system and directly affects its cost. Here you need to build on the list of ultrasound examinations that you plan to conduct. Different sensors are able to provide an image of a certain level.

• Additional part configuration.

The components of the add-on include a video printer, a specialized cart (for portable version), a set of tips for taking biopsy samples, a gel, a source uninterruptible power supply, a workstation with application software for processing ultrasound images.

3. Should I buy a new ultrasound system or a used one?

Given below detailed description for each state of the system. Let us immediately make a reservation that with the advent of the segment budget systems new systems became more accessible. It should be borne in mind that technology does not stand still, and it is possible that the software of a used high-end model is currently comparable in price and capabilities to a new mid-range ultrasound machine.

• The new ultrasound system is devices that are supplied through official distributors in the territory of the Russian Federation with a standard or extended warranty and the availability of official service and telephone technical support.
• Demonstration ultrasound system - devices that sellers / manufacturers present at exhibitions or approbations. If such a system is purchased through an official channel, then it is also under warranty.
• Used equipment - devices that are usually sold by private clinics that want to replace their systems with new ones. These devices are sold without warranty. The history of such systems can be determined from the manufacturer by the serial number.
• Refurbished ultrasonic system - devices in which the software part and the technical component (case, parts, etc.) are updated, provide new or restored to the state of the new sensors. Such systems are only guaranteed if they have been officially refurbished.

4. Warranty, service, or how not to make a mistake with the choice of supplier.

During the warranty period, the system is under the official service maintenance of the manufacturer/manufacturer's representative. The ultrasound scanner warranty is a kind of insurance for your investment. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid the so-called gray dealers. Such dealers buy equipment abroad from foreign medical equipment dealers. At the same time, the manufacturer's warranty on the territory of the Russian Federation will not apply to such equipment, which means that there is a possibility that the repair will be carried out at your expense. Checking the dealer for "authorization" is easy: ask the supplier for an official letter certified by the manufacturer of the ultrasound equipment. The presence of such a letter also confirms the business reputation of the company in the Russian market, foreign companies take the choice of their representatives seriously and conduct a serious check on a variety of criteria.

In general, most ultrasound systems are warranted for at least 12 months. There are a number of manufacturers that provide a standard 36 month warranty, which is much more attractive to the clinic as you avoid the additional cost of service for a longer period.

5. How much does an ultrasound scanner cost?

As we said above, the cost of an ultrasound machine directly depends on the types of studies that you are going to conduct. In accordance with them, software options and a set of sensors are selected. Therefore, before buying an ultrasound scanner, think carefully about what is your priority. A cheap system may not give you the desired result, the quality of research will suffer, as a result of which you will soon have to think about purchasing a new ultrasound machine. At the same time, it is inappropriate to overpay for a "fancy" ultrasound system, provided that its specific functions are rarely used. Accordingly, the best ultrasound machine is the one that optimizes the workflow and thus quickly pays for itself.

We hope that our article will help you make the right choice. We will be happy to advise you on the selection of ultrasonic equipment.

LLC IMK "INSIGHT".