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MIT is poised to revolutionize the ultrasound imaging market

With new stamp-sized ultrasound sticker technology that sticks to the skin and can provide ultrasound imaging of internal organs for up to 48 hours, a new era of wearable ultrasound imaging is in the offing.

Ultrasound Imaging, as it currently stands, requires specialized, bulky equipment typically only available in medical centers. However, MIT engineers are working to make such technology as wearable and accessible as lotion at a drug store.

The design for the new ultrasound sticker is stamp-sized technology that sticks to the skin and can provide ultrasound imaging of internal organs for up to 48 hours — much more convenient than having a technician hold a probe in place for extended periods of time.

The team applied the stickers to volunteers and the devices produced live, high-resolution images of major blood vessels and organs such as the heart, lungs, and stomach. The stickers stuck and captured changes in underlying organs even as the volunteers performed various exercises.

The design requires connecting the stickers to instruments that translate the reflected sound waves into images. However, the team is working to make the technology operate wirelessly.

The new technology produces higher-resolution images over a longer duration by pairing a stretchy adhesive layer with a rigid array of transducers, the combination of which enables the device to conform to the skin while maintaining the relative location of transducers for a clearer and more precise images.

The device’s adhesive layer is made up of two thin layers of elastomer that encapsulate a middle layer of solid hydrogel, a largely water-based, elastic, stretchy material — unlike current ultrasound gels — that transmits sound waves. The elastomer prevents dehydration of hydrogel. Only when hydrogel is highly hydrated can acoustic waves penetrate effectively and give high-resolution imaging of internal organs.

The bottom elastomer layer is designed to stick to the skin, while the top layer adheres to a rigid array of team-designed transducers. The entire sticker measures about 2 square centimeters across, and 3 millimeters thick — about the size of a postage stamp.

The team is also developing software algorithms based on AI that can better interpret and diagnose the stickers’ images. Then, they hope the stickers can be packaged and sold — and even used to monitor the progression of tumors and the development of fetuses in the womb.

There could be a box of stickers, each designed to image a different location of the body. This represents a major breakthrough in wearable devices and medical imaging. It may potentially revolutionize two fields (and the corresponding markets): medical imaging and wearable devices. Current medical imaging is usually taken in hospitals for short term, such as a few seconds. Current wearable devices only give linear data such as body temperature, heart rate, and ECG.

BAUS (bioadhesive ultrasound) provides long-term, continuous, wearable imaging of diverse internal organs such as the heart, lung, blood vessels, and muscles. It will add a time dimension (e.g., over a few days) to medical imaging; it will add an imaging dimension to wearable technology.

Depending upon how this technology develops, this could be a game changer in several fields of medical devices. Not only does this provide a smaller, more compact method of ultrasound imaging, but if these stickers could be packaged and sent to remote locations, a doctor could perform an ultrasound screening of a patient from thousands of miles away. This would make diagnostics of organ health, disease, or pregnancy much more accessible in the world of remote patient monitoring (RPM).

Investors will be chomping at the bit to see the results and efficacy of clinical trials coming out in the future. The results of these trials will determine whether these stickers can revolutionize healthcare. Currently, this technology sits in the intersection of two dynamic fields in healthcare – RPM and diagnostic imaging.

Should the ultrasound technology prove to be cheap and portable enough, it could cannibalize a significant portion of both of these technologies, but it could also carve out its own new, sizable niche. Currently, one of the largest untapped patient population is those living in remote areas. These patients will often live very far from the nearest hospital. However, their medical needs are no less diverse, and the closest specialized hospital could be hundreds of miles away. This technology could counteract this setback. By being able to mail these diagnostic stickers to patients in remote areas, healthcare professionals could conduct diagnostic images ranging from pregnancy ultrasounds to checking organ health to looking for cancerous tumors. This opens up a huge range of possibilities in the diagnostic space and thus, a large potential market.

At present, there is a rise in the adoption of ultrasound devices for diagnostic imaging and treatment across the globe. This, along with the growing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle disorders among the masses, represents one of the key factors driving the market. In addition, the escalating demand for minimally invasive surgery due to less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and fewer complications are contributing to the growth of the market. Besides this, the integration of artificial intelligence (Al) in ultrasound devices to automate timeconsuming processes, such as quantification and selecting the best image slice from a 3D dataset, is positively influencing the market.

Moreover, the increasing application of ultrasound devices in 3D imaging, shearwave elastography, development of wireless transducers, app-based ultrasound technology, fusion with CT/MR, and laparoscopic ultrasound is propelling the growth of the market. Apart from this, there is an increase in the demand for handheld ultrasound devices to treat critical care patients in crowded hospitals due to their speed, portability, and ease of use. This, along with the burgeoning healthcare industry, is bolstering the growth of the ultrasound equipment market around the world.

Indian market dynamics
The Indian ultrasound market in 2022 is estimated at ₹1550 crore, by value, a 7-percent increase over 2021. Despite a distinct preference for high-end models, it is the mid-end and entry-level models that saw an increase in share and continued to be the belly of the market with a combined 55-percent share by value. It is the portable segment that has seen a major jump, from ₹101.5 crore in 2021 to ₹225 crore in 2022, the market share having increased from 7 percent to 14 percent.

The traditional machines constituted 13,150 machines. Another 3000 machines were the portable models and, despite the fading away of single-color machines, 2022 saw about 150 machines being procured by semi-urban areas or for veterinary use.

By type, the cart/trolley-based machines continued to dominate with 81.4-percent share, and the balance 18.6-percent was contributed by the compact machines.

GE continues to dominate this market with a huge lead. Mindray, Samsung, and Philips are neck-to-neck. Sonoscape and Sonosite followed with almost equivalent market shares. BPL, Trivitron, Konica, Toshiba, Aloka, and Esaote also have presence in this segment.

Leading players*
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Others
GE Mindray,  Samsung, and Philips Sonoscape and Sonosite BPL, Trivitron, Konica, Toshiba, Aloka, and Esaote
*Vendors are placed in different tiers on the basis of their sales contribution to the overall revenues of the Indian ultrasound equipment market.

ADI Media Research

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the online procurement platform for government bodies, has made it mandatory for sellers to mention the country of origin, while registering all new products. The small Chinese players at the periphery have lost out from this market.

Emerging technological trends in ultrasound sector
Hitesh Singh
Sr. Product & Marketing Manager,
FUJIFILM Sonosite India Pvt. Ltd.

Ultrasound technology, with major advances and newer developments, has nowadays become an indispensable and preferred first-line imaging modality for clinical diagnosis and interventional assistance in medical practice. Being real-time, non-invasive, cost-effective, and easily accessible, it is one of the most widely accepted tools among varied specialty physicians. Here’s what we can expect as the emerging ultrasound technological trends are in the days to come.

Adaptability is the key for this market segment, which is moving sonography outside the walls of the imaging lab to first response scenes, the emergency department, and even the patient’s bedside. The introduction of touch–enabled compact ultrasound systems, which enhance mobility by sacrificing cumbersome keyboards, and the adaptable positioning of the new generation system provides clinicians to perform procedural and diagnostics applications with more confidence and ease. The significant advancement in image clarity and improved color doppler performance offers physician the clinical confidence with better visualization when performing the patient’s exam. With infection control paramount, the new ultrasound systems are designed with sealed edge-to-edge surfaces to help prevent liquid ingress (for optimal infection control) and can be operated with gloves and a sterile drape in an indoor clinical environment. Innovations in ultrasound technology are also happening due to various efforts to automate parts of the workflow. The idea is to improve efficiency while reducing errors and next-generation ultrasound systems offer automatic or quick assisted calculations to physicians for faster decision-making.

As per the growing incidences of cyber-attacks on premium healthcare institutes, there is a dire need for ultrasound manufacturers to design and introduce systems with advanced data security options (e.g., secure boot-up with complex password options) to safeguard patient data and mitigate security risks before they occur.

As ultrasound technology continues to expand its footprint, especially among non-traditional users in emerging specialties (like e-med, critical care, and nephrology), nowadays the device manufacturers have started incorporating scan along learning tutorials in newer generation systems, to train and assist physicians in performing exams or guided procedures with ease. The future seems promising, and ultrasound machines will continue to assist physicians in delivering better patient care.

Within the segment, unlike all the other years, the premium radiology machines overtook the so far dominant cardiology machines, while the demand for OB GYN segment remained steady. This may be primarily attributed to HERA models from Samsung and Resona series, particularly model 19 from Mindray. These high-end models have found acceptance from the buyer community, and hurt Philips’ market share.

Global market dynamics
The global diagnostic ultrasound devices market size is estimated to be worth USD 6254.5 million in 2022, and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 7450 million by 2028 with a CAGR of 2.5 percent during 2023–2028. The rise in the adoption of ultrasound devices for diagnostic imaging and treatment, coupled with the increasing incidences of chronic and lifestyle-related disorders, is expected to boost the market growth. In addition, the rising demand for minimally invasive surgery and technological advancements in ultrasound imaging technology are some of the key factors driving the market.

The healthcare system had faced enormous difficulties as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand for ultrasound devices was uneven during the pandemic as there were postponements in installations, and a drop in manufacturing was also observed. Manufacturers had to focus on Covid-essential device manufacturing and Covid-tackling methods, such as telehealth services, vaccination drives for employees, and others. However, the handheld ultrasound device was in high demand owing to its efficiency in treating critical care patients in crowded hospitals because of the system’s speed, portability, and ease of use.

Product insights. The diagnostic imaging ultrasound devices segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 72 percent in 2022. This is owing to the wide range of applications in obstetrics, cardiology, and oncology. In addition, the increasing prevalence of various lifestyle-related disorders and technological advancements are expected to boost the demand for diagnostic ultrasound devices. Furthermore, the worldwide market for diagnostic ultrasound devices is likely to be driven by rising demand for improved diagnostic devices, such as miniaturized 2D and 3D/4D. The segment is further sub-segmented into 2D, 3D/4D, and Doppler.

The therapeutic ultrasound devices segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 5.2 percent. This segment is further divided into high-intensity focused ultrasound and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. The high-intensity focused ultrasound segment held the largest revenue share in 2021, and is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period since it is highly effective in treating cancer and other related disorders. As per the WHO, cancer is the cause of the majority of deaths in the world, with more than 10 million fatalities in 2021.

Product type. The cart/trolley-based ultrasound devices segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 70 percent in 2022. By transporting the device to the patient’s location, whether it is an intensive care unit (ICU) or an emergency department, cart/trolley ultrasounds completely avoid the issue of transferring critical patients. Furthermore, it aids in rapid diagnosis, treatment decision-making, and administration, all of which contribute to improved patient recovery and satisfaction.

The handheld ultrasound devices segment is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate over the next 5 years. Handheld devices are in high demand due to the growing trend of home healthcare and remote patient monitoring. During the Covid-19 pandemic, handheld ultrasound devices have proven to be efficient in monitoring critically ill patients, and thus since the pandemic, the demand for handheld ultrasound devices has only been accelerating. Technological advancements are further expected to expand the market size.

End-use insights. The hospitals segment dominated the ultrasound devices market and held the largest revenue share of over 39.2 percent in 2022, and is further expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. The segment growth can be attributed to the extensive use of ultrasound devices in hospital settings and an increase in the number of patients visiting hospitals with various lifestyle-related disorders. The introduction of portable systems is expected to fuel the demand for ultrasound devices in OPD as well as in-patient departments.

Furthermore, the rise in the adoption of technologically advanced imaging systems and the increasing mergers and acquisitions between hospitals and market players are likely to boost the demand for new installations in the coming years.

Key players and market share insights. First, as for the global diagnostic ultrasound devices industry, the industry structure is relatively concentrated. Half of the market share in revenue is grasped by the top three manufacturers, GE HealthCare, Philips, and Siemens, which closes to 57 percent totally. The United States giant GE HealthCare, which has 24 percent market share, is the leader in the diagnostic ultrasound devices industry. The manufacturers following GE are Philips and Siemens, which respectively have 19 percent and 13 percent market share globally. Mindray is the leader of China diagnostic ultrasound devices industry.

Some of the other leading players, operating in global diagnostic ultrasound devices industry, are Canon Medical Systems Corporation, CHISON Medical Technologies Co. Ltd., Esaote SpA, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Hologic Inc., Konica Minolta Inc., and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

Industry updates
In December 2022, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) developer Butterfly Network deployed 500 of its handheld, whole-body Butterfly iQ+ devices in Kenya. The device deployment began in September and has been supported by a USD 5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The second phase of the project will commence in the first half of 2023, and will bring an additional 500 Butterfly iQ+ devices to South Africa.

In December 2022, Glasgow, Scotland-based ultrasound sensor developer Novosound signed a commercial agreement with medical technology company PAVmed to develop intrascular ultrasound imaging technology. Novosound has patented a thin-film manufacturing process that eliminates conventional limitations in ultrasound sensors, including the high cost of high-resolution imaging, and underpins the company’s nondestructive testing (NDT) products. The agreement with PavMED furthers Novosound’s move into healthcare, and its regional expansion into North America.

In November 2022, with an eye on helping radiologists to become more efficient, collaborate, and avoid burnout, Philips focused on its new artificial intelligence (AI) and imaging informatics offerings at RSNA 2022. In the ultrasound section, Philip introduced its Compact 5000 series, a portable ultrasound scanner that is designed for shared service across specialties including cardiovascular, obstetrics and gynecology, point of care, and general imaging, according to the vendor. The company has also included AI automation tools and support for its collaboration live real-time telemedicine software. Compact 5000 has received USFDA 510(k) clearance and is pending the CE Mark in Europe. The company also announced that it has added pulse-wave Doppler capability to its Lumify handheld ultrasound systems.

In November 2022, Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas launched a new POCUS called Sonimage MX1 Platinum. The handheld device can be used at bedside, in the exam room, or in the operating room. It includes an imaging algorithm that improves resolution of ultrasound images by offering speckle reduction and smoothing image graininess. Its battery life allows for two hours of scanning time. Sonimage MX1 is available with Konica’s L18-4 and HL18-4 wide-band frequency linear probes for musculoskeletal and general imaging, as features the company’s S4-2 phased array for perioperative heart scanning.

In November 2022, Clarius Mobile Health posted 44 percent higher sales in fiscal year 2022, which it attributed to the 2021 launch of Clarius HD3, its third-generation handheld ultrasound scanner. The device wirelessly connects to clinicians’ Apple and Android smart devices with an artificial intelligence-powered application, according to the firm. It sells for just under USD 3000 and requires a membership that gives users access to advanced software-as-a-service (SaaS), education tools, and unlimited Clarius Cloud exam management.

In November 2022, GE HealthCare made a donation of ultrasound and monitoring equipment worth USD 1 million to Ukraine. The company said it made the donation in support of the country as the ongoing war takes a toll on its healthcare system. The donation includes patient monitors and handheld and stationary ultrasound devices. The company’s latest donation adds to a USD 4-million equipment donation made in March 2022.

In August 2022, Mindray North America announced the launch of a new product that is changing the perspective in the POCUS market – the TE X ultrasound system. The technology-rich system gives clinicians access to the most robust suite of artificial intelligence-powered smart tools available today, and is powered by Mindray’s proprietary software-based beamformer Zone Sonography Technology+ (ZST+). The portable TE X ultrasound system offers a full suite of innovative features and AI-powered smart tools to help expedite clinical decision-making and achieve reproducibility between exams.

AI models use fetal ultrasound images for gestational age estimates
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of ultrasound images and videos can more accurately predict the gestational age of fetuses than conventional fetal biometry techniques, a study published January 4, 2023, in JAMA Network Open found.

A team led by Chace Lee from Google Health in Palo Alto, CA, developed the models, which predicted gestational age in testing better than standard ultrasound fetal biometry-based measurements. This study was partially funded by Google and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“Since our models are built on data collected during routine fetal ultrasonography examinations, they have the potential of being incorporated seamlessly into the routine clinical workflow,” Lee and co-authors wrote.

Fetal ultrasonography estimates gestational age for fetuses. This is important for care provision and strategy throughout pregnancy, as well as identifying complications in fetal growth and development.

Fetal biometric measurements from ultrasound images are taken to help confirm gestational age, and diagnose fetal growth disorders. Although these measurements are reproducible across different operators, previous research suggests increased variability in later stages of pregnancy. Factors, such as fetal movement and positioning, can make it harder for operators to accurately position the ultrasound probe.

Researchers have explored AI’s potential in this area in recent years. Lee and colleagues wanted to find out the efficacy of three end-to-end AI models that leverage ultrasonography images and videos to estimate gestational age. These include the following – an image model using fetal ultrasound images captured by sonographers during biometry measurements; a video model using 5 to 10 seconds of video immediately before image capture (fly-to videos); and an ensemble model using both still images and fly-to videos.

The study authors collected and calculated data for a test set of 404 US and Zambian women with an average age of 28.8 years at study enrollment. They found that all three models were superior to the performance of standard biometry measurement collection methods.

Also, the researchers found that the ensemble model was superior to alternative formulas that measure gestational age in addition to the standard Hadlock method. These included the Intergrowth-21st and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) formulas. The ensemble model showed an average absolute error of 3.65 days, lower than the three alternative formulas.

In a joint email statement, Google product manager Akib Uddin and software engineer Ryan Gomes said they were surprised by the models having lower error for subgroups and that traditional biometry-based approaches are predisposed to higher error for subgroups.

“We also found a substantial increase in estimation accuracy when our artificial intelligence system used motion video acquired during the 10-second period before a sonographer captures single images of fetal biometry,” they added.

The team suggested that the AI models could help in clinical workflows with sonographers being in high demand and thus suffering from workplace or overuse injuries from scanning requirements. The group also called for more studies to find out whether AI can reduce scanning time, assist sonographers, and minimize workplace injury in an adjunct position.

“Our AI models have the potential to empower trained operators to estimate gestational age with higher accuracy,” the authors wrote.

Uddin and Gomes said the team is interested in exploring AI’s impact on access to ultrasound during pregnancy, especially in low-resource settings. They added that Google is partnering with Northwestern Medicine to further develop and test the AI models to be more generalizable across different levels of experience and technologies.

“With more automated and accurate evaluations of maternal and fetal health risks, we hope to lower barriers and help people get timely care in the right settings,” they said.

Research update – Adding 3D capabilities to 2D ultrasound imaging systems
A new device in the works at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology could make high-quality medical imaging more accessible in diverse communities. Affordable and user-friendly, it is designed to instantly add 3D capabilities to 2D ultrasound imaging systems.

Pengfei Song, a researcher at the Beckman Institute and an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is leading the project, which is supported by a four-year, USD 2-million award from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering at the National Institutes of Health.

Like bats slaloming around stalactites, guided by echolocation, humans use ultrasonic waves to visualize the body’s internal landscape. Ultrasound imaging typically uses a handheld probe to send a beam of ultrasonic waves toward a target, like a tumor; clinicians can determine its size, shape, and location based on how the waves bounce back. Cancer care providers use ultrasound to identify abnormal tissues and tumors for screening and diagnosis.

But unlike the nocturnal echolocators of the animal kingdom, clinical ultrasound systems mostly operate in 2D, which restricts the range of view during a scan.

“The human anatomy is three-dimensional,” Song said. “A 2D ultrasound image of a tumor, tissue, or internal organ can be difficult to interpret.”

During a 2D ultrasound scan, a slight change in the angle of the probe or the patient’s posture can make objects appear larger or smaller than they are.

“With 3D ultrasound, you can capture the whole object and surrounding environment, and you have landmarks to know exactly what you’re looking at,” said Matthew Lowerison, a Beckman Institute Postdoctoral Fellow in the Song Lab.

The researchers’ proposed device uses a clip-on technique to easily integrate with the 2D ultrasound probes that most clinics already own. 3D systems are available in some clinics, but they are mainly used in high-end facilities for specialized care.

Aptly named FASTER, the device is designed to instantly enable real-time 3D ultrasound imaging for clinics in diverse communities, especially those where 3D imaging is cost prohibitive.

In FASTER’s first clinical application, which will be conducted in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the researchers will focus on imaging axillary lymph nodes on patients with breast cancer.

The versatile model means that as imaging technology evolves, FASTER will, too.

With the rapid development of pocket-sized, handheld ultrasound imaging systems, more and more ultrasound imaging procedures can be done by individuals without formal sonography training. 3D imaging is essential in these situations because non-experts can scan the general location in need of attention, and a physician can interpret the images.

While a 2D ultrasound scan uses a stationary probe to direct a beam of sound waves in a fixed direction, a 3D ultrasound scan sweeps the beam back and forth. The two most common methods of doing this – manual rotation or automatic motors – can be unwieldy and impractical for scaled-up use.

With small, fast-tilting mirrors, FASTER can sweep the ultrasonic waves while the probe itself remains stationary, a key innovation that aims to make 3D imaging systems faster and more compact.

In addition to clinical applications, FASTER could significantly impact basic research in ultrasound, as the device provides a robust, low-cost solution for ultrafast 3D imaging, the foundation for many advanced ultrasound imaging methods, such as shear-wave elastography, functional neural imaging, and super-resolution imaging.

Emerging trends
A new era in ultrasound technology is quickly approaching. Ultrasound technology is a go-to method for numerous specialists to deal with a wide range of ailments and duties, from aiding in the detection of several diseases, such as malignant cells to providing real-time images inside the mother’s womb.

Let us examine how the future of ultrasound imaging is being impacted by new technologies like volumetric ultrasound, 3D and 4D ultrasound, AI, tissue harmonic imaging, and ultra-compact ultrasound.

Volumetric ultrasound. In general, volumetric imaging creates images of objects in space by combining multiple 2D images taken from different angles. This allows for a more complete view of an object than would be possible with just a single image. Now, the same concept is being used for medical diagnosis purposes.

Volumetric ultrasound provides 3D images of the body by steering a 2D array transducer in a scan format, using sound waves and computer algorithms to create images of the inside of the body. This imaging modality can be helpful in identifying cancer cells, tumor cells, and other abnormalities, as well as diagnosing various conditions, such as various heart diseases. Further, volumetric ultrasound is often used to help guide procedures, such as biopsies and needle injections.

It is often used to image the fetus during pregnancy. It can also be used to image other organs and structures, as well as to assess relationships between different structures of human body organs. It is a great way to see small structures, and is very clear.

3D and 4D real-time ultrasound imaging. The use of three-dimensional (3D) real-time imaging ultrasound technology is being driven by the demand for more accurate diagnostic images. This type of imaging provides a clear picture of the internal organs and can be used to detect abnormalities, such as tumors. It is becoming more popular because it gives a better view of what is going on inside the body.

3D real-time imaging is becoming more popular for fetal ultrasound. This technology gives a more detailed view of the baby. This technology is new, and there is no standard protocol for its use yet. However, more hospitals are expected to start using this technology in the near future.

Further, this technology helps determine diseases with ease. It helps to achieve better visuals of human body organs. Compared to 2D imaging technology, 3D ultrasound imaging technology also takes less time.

Four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound imaging technology is even more convenient for healthcare specialists, such as gynecologists. Compared to 3D ultrasound technology, 4D ultrasound shows live motion with the help of several images. With this technology, gynecologists can observe the live movement of the baby in the mother’s womb.

4D real-time ultrasound imaging provides a lot of benefits that traditional two-dimensional imaging does not, especially to gynecologists. This type of imaging gives a more complete view of the fetus, as well as showing how the fetus is developing over time. This technology can also be used to monitor multiple fetuses simultaneously. This is beneficial for high-risk pregnancies.

Artificial intelligence. AI has a lot of potential in the MedTech and imaging industry, including in the area of ultrasound technology. Ultrasound waves are used to create images of the inside of the body. This technology has been used for diagnostic purposes for many years. However, interpreting these images can be tricky, even for experienced radiologists. This is where AI comes in to help.

AI-enabled ultrasound machines can quickly and accurately interpret images. This can help doctors diagnose and treat patients faster. Additionally, AI can help identify patterns that human observers may miss. For example, AI can help identify early signs of several serious diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke. This technology has the potential to save lives by providing early diagnosis and treatment.

Tissue harmonic imaging. THI is another new emerging technology that is rapidly changing the use of standard ultrasound techniques. THI is an advanced technology that produces images with greater clarity than standard ultrasound. This means that clinicians can make more accurate diagnoses using THI, and this makes it particularly well-suited for use in cardiac imaging.

In addition, THI technology requires less power and can be performed more quickly, making it more convenient for both patients and clinicians. Further, THI is less likely than standard ultrasound to produce artifacts, which can often lead to inaccurate diagnoses.

Ultra-compact. Portable ultrasound machines have taken imaging technology by storm. Previously, medical professionals had to use large, bulky, and complicated ultrasound machines for treating patients. Now, healthcare and clinical laboratories are opting for these ultra-compact imaging machines due to their portability and ease of use.

Portable ultrasound machines are also being used by healthcare specialists. In particular, portable ultrasound machines are useful in detecting UTIs. These machines offer a number of advantages over standard methods of UTI detection, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Portable ultrasound machines provide superior imaging quality and allow for real-time image guidance. These machines are perfect for primary care settings.

Way forward
The future of ultrasound is one in which its full potential to transform patient care is reached – but only if practitioners embrace it and use it.

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