Upgrade includes significant wireless connectivity enhancements and new transducer features for multiple clinical applications
BOTHELL, WA - November 26, 2006 - Sonosite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, announced today that it has introduced a new high frequency transducer, powerful enhancements for wireless connectivity and security, and additional capabilities that further add to the MicroMaxx system's performance in ultra-portable examinations throughout the hospital. Current customers can upgrade existing MicroMaxx systems to the new capabilities via compact flash cards. Sonosite plans to begin customer shipments in December.
"This is Sonosite's fourth major upgrade to the MicroMaxx system since its introduction in June 2005," said Thomas J. Dugan, Senior Vice President for Marketing and U.S. Sales. "The rapid execution of so many valuable enhancements in a short time period demonstrates the MicroMaxx system's exceptional flexibility and underscores its importance in point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic care across the clinical spectrum." Highlights of the new performance upgrade include:
- New C11e/8-5 transducer - A new micro-convex array, this slender, elegant transducer provides excellent imaging for pediatric and neonatal studies and enhanced image quality for line placement and nerve visualization.
- Extended performance of the P17/5-1 phased array transducer - This phased array transducer's design is optimal for cardiac imaging, transcranial imaging and abdominal imaging, particularly in difficult to image patients. Its 2D imaging performance has been improved with clutter reduction, second-generation harmonics, and increased imaging penetration to 35 centimeters. The increased depth allows clinicians to address a broader patient population.
- Enhanced Wireless Connectivity - The MicroMaxx system now features an 80211b/g card, which is the industry standard for enterprise applications and features enhanced security.
"The new wireless capability supports the clinician's frequent need to be nomadic by enhancing the value of the MicroMaxx system's portability," added Mr. Dugan. "With this new feature, clinicians can conduct imaging studies at the patient's bedside, transfer the results wirelessly, and be certain that the data are saved in a central server with enhanced security." Sonosite is showcasing the new MicroMaxx system capabilities at the 92nd Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) being held in Chicago from November 26 to December 1 in Booth #4948 in the south hall of McCormick Place.
About the MicroMaxx System
Weighing less than 8 pounds, the portability and high performance of the MicroMaxx system is rapidly changing patient assessment at the point of care throughout the hospital. A 5-year warranty on the system and most of its transducers is a standard feature which dramatically lowers the cost of ownership in an industry that typically charges 10 - 15% of a product's purchase price in annual service contracts. Sonosite's unprecedented warranty is a reflection of the understanding that an ultra-portable ultrasound system must be extremely durable compared to conventional products.
About Sonosite
Sonosite, Inc. (www.sonosite.com), the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound is headquartered near Seattle and is represented by eight subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 75 countries. Sonosite's small, lightweight systems are expanding the use of ultrasound across the clinical spectrum by cost-effectively bringing high performance ultrasound to the point of patient care. The company employs approximately 500 people worldwide.