Zone Sonography Technology
Conventional ultrasound systems acquire data line-by-line with each line being acquired at the speed of sound propagation in the body. As a result, the entire process of acquiring image data and beam formation is limited by the speed of sound.
Zone Sonography, developed by ZONARE Medical Systems, isn’t simply an improvement in current ultrasound technology. It is a fundamentally new approach to data acquisition and image formation. Zone Sonography acquires larger quantities of data very quickly in relatively few “zones” and processes the data at the speed of light—in other words, the speed of the processor. So the throughput is substantially faster and there is more time for a variety of advanced processing options while still delivering extremely high image quality. Since it is implemented almost entirely in software, Zone Sonography systems are smaller, lighter and less expensive than traditional systems offering equivalent image quality—yet deliver performance and flexibility that far exceeds any other ultrasound technology.
Performance of Zone Sonography systems is limited only by the power of the processor. According to Moore’s Law, processing power will continue to double approximately every eighteen months for the foreseeable future, offering the promise of substantially improved speed and capability. Since conventional systems are implemented primarily through hardware, they do not significantly benefit from increased processing power.
In addition, after conventional ultrasound systems form each line by summing together the contributions of all the channels in the transducer, the original channel data are discarded. The z.one system, on the other hand, aggregates the original channel data and stores this information in Channel Domain™ Memory. All of the original raw echo information is then utilized in Channel Domain Processing™ to form the image.
Channel Domain Memory and Processing
Channel Domain Memory and Processing are ZONARE’s proprietary methods of acquiring and managing data. It is the only ultrasound system that is implemented primarily in software. As a result, data equivalent to individual “lines” are stored permanently in a separate cine memory, substantially increasing post-processing options. This approach provides greater flexibility by employing a more complete data set in processing the echo data, significantly increasing the accuracy of the image. The clinician benefits from increased speed, lower costs and more processing options that are not possible with conventional systems which offer premium image quality. Channel Domain Data also allows the user unprecedented flexibility in optimizing a frozen image, offering a significant benefit in mobile examinations.
Upgradeable Platform
New clinical applications and enhanced system capability can be made available to the clinician quickly and inexpensively through software upgrades. Long development cycles and the high cost of system upgrades no longer need to be an impediment to the improvement of clinical capability. Upgrades for the z.one platform can be provided quickly and easily through a variety of common data distribution media. This is extremely economical, prolongs the useful life of the system, and keeps the clinician at the leading edge of ultrasound technology.
The World’s First Convertible Ultrasound system
Zone Sonography makes it possible to produce the first Convertible Ultrasound™ system, a compact system with all the quality and performance of substantially larger and more expensive systems while still delivering significantly higher performance than previous portable and compact systems. The z.one platform consists of a full featured cart based system and a compact system, the convertible scan engine, capable of high-resolution, full-exam operation. Essentially, the z.one platform is two systems in one.
The cart itself is designed from the ground up to accommodate the needs of the operator. Cart height is easily adjustable. The highly advanced LCD display works extremely well in ambient light conditions, is easy to position, and collapses for convenient transport. The backlit alphanumeric keyboard is easy on the eyes as well as the hands. Probes and cables have been ergonomically designed to be as user-friendly as possible. They are light, easy to use, and fit naturally in the hand. Unlike other compact systems, the cart has a full user interface that works like a conventional ultrasound system
The convertible scan engine, the “brain” of the system, is contained in a self-enclosed, compact unit that can be removed from the cart and transported to the patient quickly and easily. The compact unit weighs less than six pounds and can be used for hand-supported, one-thumb operation.
Whether using the z.one system in a cart configuration or just the standalone compact unit, it is never necessary to compromise image quality. Full functionality is available in both configurations—including advanced imaging and multiple simultaneous modes without sacrificing frame rate.
Economic, Ergonomic and Efficient Imaging Solution for a Wide Variety of Environments
The z.one platform is ideal for both traditional and non-traditional radiology setting such as the emergency room, where access to the patient may be limited and time at a premium, and to situations where the patient is difficult to access, such as the ICU. Its unprecedented adaptability and flexibility combined with premium quality imaging enable the system to adapt to the workflow on demand, substantially improving productivity and responsiveness.
The combination of portability and image quality also makes it possible to perform more examinations per day by enabling the clinician to transport the scanner quickly and easily and reducing the necessity for repeat scanning due to questionable image quality. Additionally, focal zones are no longer an issue, saving a substantial amount of time.
The z.one platform provides the same image quality and functionality as the traditional 400-pound ultrasound cart system. Yet it is substantially smaller, lighter, more maneuverable, and nimbler than any system of equivalent image quality. The operator is therefore relieved of the sheer physical burden of pushing unwieldy equipment, especially when using the system in its compact form. The z.one platform is also easier to maneuver into an ergonomically correct position than a conventional system.
Increased Price/Performance Ratio
The software-based architecture of the z.one platform and reduction of development costs substantially improves the price/performance ratio. It offers a lower purchase price and lower maintenance cost than conventional systems with comparable image quality due to the elimination of costly proprietary hardware and the inherent simplicity of the physical aspects of the system. As a result, the z.one platform provides a substantially lower lifetime cost of ownership including reduced service costs due to the compact nature of the technology. The potential for performing a greater number of exams each day, the simplicity and economy of software updates and upgrades, and the resulting long-term viability of the platform, also contribute to a compelling story of superior economics.
In Summary
Zone Sonography technology and Convertible Ultrasound from ZONARE Medical Systems make it possible to produce a premium compact ultrasound system with all the quality and performance of substantially larger and more expensive systems, and with significantly higher performance than conventional portable and compact systems. Initially, the system will provide clinical solutions for the general imaging, vascular, and OB/GYN markets with subsequent upgrades for other applications such as cardiology. Commercial shipment of the z.one ultrasound platform started in February 2005.
posted by mcbridek on 02 March 2008 18:36:37
I agree entirely with Dr Haslam. This is an excellent multipurpose versatile machine that goes beyond the performance of other "laptop ultrasound" machines. I summarize; Features The scan engine is lighter than my current GE LogiqBook, and is more robust. I agree, it is a bit stiff attaching it onto the SmartCart. The screen is small but adequate, similar to earlier Sonosite models, when used on its own. But this machine is best when attached, as the screen is so much bigger and better. Technology The fact that focussing is not needed and opimisation really is instant make this an amazingly powerful little beast. The signal output is the newer digital format, but we have used an adaptor provided by Zonare to hitch the image to our monitor bank in the Interventional suite. It exceeds the images produced by the Logiq7 high-end machine that was provided with our new room. Design/Construction This is where the Z.one really excels. It is so light and mobile, with a very small footprint. It is THE best US machine in a crowded interventional room or ultrasound room. The Sonosite Titan has such a small screen and far poorer near-field resolution it is really only designed for access punctures. This machine is brilliant for endovenous laser and other very superficial procedures, but is also great for deep drainage procedures as well. It has a lovely screen to view in ITU as well with easily adjustable viewing. Probes and usage We use curvilinear and 2 linear array probes. There is apparently a new superficial hockey-stick probe but the current probes are not up to the standards of my MSK colleague. The colour fill-in is excellent with no lag time, and the calculations/report files are good too. We have linked our borrowed machine to our PACS quite easily via DICOM. I have also captured really good quality colour video for a workshop at CIRSE, with little effort, just downloaded software. Summary We are delighted with this machine. I have given my Logiq7 to our breast radiologists, and we have leased this machine until our Trust agrees to buy two. If anyone is looking for US machines to do venous access / ITU portables, and have a budget, then buy this now and forget about having to buy high-end machines as well !!
