New Transducers for Neonatal, Superficial Structure Imaging

Transcranial Doppler Imaging
Added Wireless Connectivity Featured BOTHELL, WA - November 27, 2005 - Sonosite, Inc. (Nasdaq:SONO), the world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, announced today the expansion of radiology capabilities, including two new transducers, imaging enhancements and wireless connectivity, for its flagship product, the MicroMaxx system. The company made the announcement at the 91st Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) being held in Chicago from November 27 to December 2.

Existing MicroMaxx systems are compatible with the new upgrades, which will begin shipping in December. Weighing less than 8 pounds, Sonosite's third generation technology, the MicroMaxx system, delivers image resolution and performance comparable to costly, heavy, cart-based systems. This powerful device boots up in seconds, excels in both the imaging lab and at the patient bedside, can be easily hand-carried to wherever needed and comes with a five-year warranty. "Our goal for the MicroMaxx system is to bring the imaging lab to the patient," said Kevin M. Goodwin, Sonosite President and CEO.

"Capable of operating on battery power, and now with wireless connectivity, a radiologist can provide the benefits and immediacy of a complete ultrasound examination throughout the hospital whenever it is needed. For hospitals, it means faster radiology-based imaging care, with less risk of sonographer injury or strain from pushing cumbersome cart-based systems through elevators and corridors to the point of care." Recently awarded the prestigious 2005 Good Design Award in Japan for the MicroMaxx system, and recognized as the "Fastest Growing Medical Imaging Company" by Frost and Sullivan, Sonosite has built a global franchise by designing powerful, high performing ultrasound systems with the smallest form factor. Expanded Radiology Capabilities Introductions for the MicroMaxx system highlighted at the RSNA (Booth #5144) include:
  • the addition of two new broadband transducers for use with the MicroMaxx system - the P10/8-4, a high frequency, phased array probe for pediatric and neonatal radiology and the SLA/13-6, a high frequency linear array for imaging the vascular system, musculoskeletal, and superficial structures.
  • SonoRES - a smart algorithm that capitalizes on the powerful processing capability of the system's Chip Fusion technology for real time adaptation of speckle reduction in obstetrical, neonatal neurology and abdominal imaging on the P17, C60e and P10 transducers.
  • Transcranial Doppler - designed to provide imaging within the required power levels for trans-temporal, trans-occipital and trans-orbital windows on the P17 transducer for neurologists and neuroradiologists.
  • Wireless capability - the ability to immediately transfer still frames and clips of dynamic images wirelessly from the patient beside or imaging lab to the interpreting physician via DICOM networks or Sonosite's PC viewing software, SiteLink.
Unprecedented Five-Year Warranty Reduces Cost of Ownership Sonosite also offers an unprecedented five-year warranty on the MicroMaxx system and its transducers for most clinical applications that can significantly reduce the cost of owning advanced imaging equipment. Typical service contracts add another $30,000 to $50,000 to the purchase price over the life of an ultrasound system. Due to its highly integrated technical architecture, the MicroMaxx system and its transducers are designed to withstand the abuse of real-world portable use, including being dropped onto a hard surface or struck against bed rails and walls. The five-year warranty comes standard with the purchase of a MicroMaxx system.

About Sonosite
Sonosite, Inc. (www.sonosite.com) is the innovator and world leader in hand-carried ultrasound, with an installed base of more than 20,000 systems. The company, headquartered near Seattle, Washington, 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 470 people worldwide.