The first few minutes are instrumental in emergency situations. A new portable ultrasound device from Siemens Medical Systems supports medical personnel in these efforts. The device, known as Acuson P10, is a hand-held device intended for complementary initial diagnostic care and triage, particularly in cardiology, emergency care and obstetrics. It is poised to change the physical exam by providing
immediate information to health care providers at the earliest possible patient intervention points, such as intensive care units, ambulances and medical
helicopters. The advantages of the new system are its portability, easy handling as well as its fast and consistent availability to the physician. The device is barely larger than a Blackberry and weighs just a little more than 700 grams.
In emergency situations, for example, this translates into earlier, faster and more accurate screening and triage decisions. Its emergency applications include FAST (Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma) for detecting fluid, determining cardiac activity and pericardial effusion as well as for detecting abdominal aortic aneurysms and performing pelvic exams.
"Instead of having to rush the patient to the technology, P10 brings the technology to the patient, which can reduce critical minutes, particularly when a patient is in cardiac distress or with trauma patients, who have multiple injuries," says Klaus Hambuechen, head of the Ultrasound Division of Siemens Medical Solutions. "The flexibility and portability of the P10 mark significant changes in the way diagnostic and emergency care are administered, changes that could alter the face of the physical exam and, ultimately, lead to better patient outcomes."
In addition to cardiac and emergency care, the ACUSON P10 offers applications in other medical specialties, most notably obstetrics where it can be used during labor and delivery. Specifically, the device can determine fetal viability, fetal positioning, amniotic fluid volume, bleeding and miscarriage. Additional applications include veterinarian medicine.
Product Highlights
The system is equipped with a black-and-white monitor and delivers information via a flip-up LCD display that measures 3.7 inches diagonally. The user interface is optimized for "thumbing," using only the thumbs to navigate, similar to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The ACUSON P10's lithium ion batteries enable approximately one hour of scanning without recharging.
About Siemens Medical Solutions
Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is one of the worlds largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Recent acquisitions in the area of in-vitro diagnostics - such as Diagnostic Products Corporation and Bayer Diagnostics mark a significant milestone for Siemens as it becomes the first full service diagnostics company. Employing more than 41,000 people worldwide and operating in over 130 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 8.23 billion EUR, orders of 9.33 billion EUR and group profit of 1.06 billion EUR for fiscal 2006 (Sept. 30), according to U.S. GAAP. Further information can be found by visiting www.siemens.com/medical