VISIQ mobile ultrasound gets FDA marketing approval

Dutch firm Royal Philips has secured 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its ultra mobile ultrasound system, VISIQ, in the U.S.

The easy to transport ultrasound system, which incorporates quick-start technology and long battery life, features a smart transducer that fits comfortably into the user's hand, the company claimed.

Philips Healthcare Imaging Systems CEO Gene Saragnese said: "VISIQ marks a new vision in ultrasound for Philips by allowing physicians to perform on-the-spot diagnostic scans, limiting the need for patients to go to multiple locations or schedule return visits."

Users can easily capture images, take measurements and share data with the help of VISIQ's touchscreen gesture controls, which are familiar to anyone who has used a smartphone or tablet.

In addition, the device provides many of the automatic image optimization features found on the company's EPIQ system, as well as built-in Wi-Fi for DICOM data transfer to hospital or cloud-based PACS.

The transducer-plus-tablet display of the device offers excellent image quality, making ultrasound available anytime, in a wide range of clinical environments for obstetric patients.

Perinatal Associates of New Mexico maternal-fetal medicine specialist Michael Ruma said: "Portable and convenient, VISIQ is so intuitive, with remarkable, easy-to-use measurement capabilities for maternal-fetal medicine specialists or general obstetricians.

"Instead of just listening to the baby's heartbeat, clinicians are able to see the baby in 2D and colour."

The VISIQ ultra mobile ultrasound system is also commercially available in China, East Africa, France, Germany, and India.

Source: Philips Healthcare