Medison improves ob/gyn scanner design

Korean ultrasound manufacturer Medison will display a new ultrasound scanner at this week's AmericanInstitute of Ultrasound in Medicine conference that is easierto use than its previous ob/gyn product offering. Sonoace 5000is similar to Medison's Sonoace 1500 ob/gyn scanner, but addsimproved resolution, a larger monitor, and swivel and tilt capabilitiesto the monitor and keyboard for easier positioning, accordingto Mark Hayward, president of the company's U.S. subsidiary inPleasanton, CA.

Like Sonoace 1500, Sonoace 5000 is a gray-scale non-Dopplerscanner. Sonoace 5000's improved mechanical design makes it moresuited to ob/gyn studies with patients in the lithotomy position,Hayward said. While Sonoace 1500 is a tabletop unit, Sonoace 5000is a floor console system weighing about 140 pounds. Its 12-inchmonitor is also larger than that of the 1500.

List price of Sonoace 5000 is $30,950 and Medison is readyto begin shipping the scanner. Sonoace 1500 will remain in thecompany's product line, Hayward said.