Spencer promotes blood flow imaging device

Spencer Technologies of Seattle has filed a 510(k) with the FDA to market a new transcranial Doppler device: a noninvasive combination of hardware and software that helps clinicians image and track blood flow with ultrasound.

The company is developing five proprietary Doppler ultrasound products addressing the detection, prevention, and treatment of conditions leading to stroke, pulmonary embolism, deafness, and cranial hemorrhage. The transcranial Doppler technology is designed to help diagnose conditions that may lead to stroke, according to the firm.

Spencer Technologies president and CEO Scott Seidel said customers will replace older analog ultrasound technology with this product.

Some ultrasound systems use harmonic imaging to visualize blood activity. The difference between transcranial Doppler and harmonic imaging is that the former images blood flow, while the latter visualizes the outline of blood vessels, Seidel said.