Cost-Effective Ultrasound Removes Ownership Barriers

A handheld diagnostic ultrasound device that fits in the palm of the hand accelerates diagnosis and provides a richer patient experience.

The Healcerion (Seoul, South Korea) Sonon 300L handheld ultrasound probe is an advanced diagnostic imaging device weighing just 370 grams, allowing it to be used anywhere, including retail clinics, urgent care centers, mini-hospitals, home healthcare providers, and rural and third-world regions. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides three hours of continuous scanning, Wi-Fi, 3G, and LTE connectivity. Most imaging protocols are supported, including Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).

Additional features include scanning at 5, 7.5, and 10MHz frequencies to a maximum depth of 10 centimeter in both pulsed-echo/Doppler technology (Color Flow Doppler) and B Mode (2D); intuitive finger-touch controls, a simple user interface, and an accompanying mobile app provide rapid, accurate diagnostics. The Android and iOS app enables ultrasound image capture and review, time gain, dynamic range, display of mirror image, focal length, depth, brightness, contrast, linear/elliptical measurement, color flow, image annotation, and storage and email transmission of images and videos. Additional accessories include an external battery charger and a mains adapter.

“Ease-of-use and cost-effective portability of the Sonon 300L are a powerful set of differentiators. It provides a new diagnostic ultrasound option for family physicians, retail clinics, urgent care centers, mini-hospitals, home health care providers, and remote points-of-care,” said Benjamin Ryu, MD, CEO and founder of Healceiron. “The unit connects with iOS and Android devices, providing an easy to learn intuitive interface for this point-of-care device that allows for the imaging of ultrasound-guided procedures and diagnosis.”

The exponential growth of bedside ultrasound use in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital clinical wards has been driven by mounting clinical evidence showing heightened patient safety and less risk of complication when key interventions are performed with ultrasound guidance at the point of care, such as imaging the abdomen, heart, and lungs and guiding interventional procedures, such as nerve blocks and targeted injections.