Seventy-Three Percent of Cardiologists to Use Hand-Held US in Five Years

May 19, 2008 - An extensive survey by InMedica on the use of ultrasound equipment in Western European hospitals and imaging centers has shown that 73 percent of cardiologists expect to be using a hand-held system within the next five years.

Cardiologists expect portable and hand-held ultrasound systems to be increasingly used in emergency situations and intensive care units, which are growing applications for ultrasound. The miniaturization of ultrasound systems has fueled their use in new areas such as emergency care.

The survey also showed that cardiologists expect their work to become more mobile in future, with bedside examinations expected to become common practice. Outpatient examinations were also expected to become much more regular. By taking ultrasound to the patient, waiting times will be reduced as all scans will not have to be referred to overstretched imaging departments. Screening and minor scans will be performed using portable equipment, often by non-imaging specialists, only referring patients to the imaging departments for in-depth scans for serious conditions.

For more information: www.inmedical.com