Diasonics develops new Gateway beamformer

Diasonics will use the RSNA meeting to introduce the latest memberof its Gateway scanner family, Gateway fx. The system makes useof a new expanded-aperture beamformer that combines the best ofanalog and digital beamformers, according to Ken Marich, directorof marketing communications for the Santa Clara, CA, vendor.

The new beamformer produces very high dynamic range, betterimage quality, and increased Doppler sensitivity, Marich said.The new beamformer also enables the scanner to extend the focusof Diasonics' 2-D transducers into the deep abdomen. In addition,Gateway fx features a larger 12-inch dual monitor.

Gateway fx has 510(k) clearance, and Diasonics plans to beginshipments shortly after the RSNA show, with the scanner sellingfor $150,000 to $200,000.

Other new features to be shown in the Diasonics exhibit includeOB Advisory, an ob package that enhances the ability to determinethe gestational age of a fetus; SmartCaliper for the automatedplacement of measurement calipers; and OB Trend Analysis, whichenables clinicians to track six key fetal growth factors.

In the networking arena, Diasonics has expanded its supportfor the DICOM 3.0 print and storage classes to enable its scannersto make direct connections to DICOM-compatible workstations.