Philips Adds Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound Imaging to Systems

February 19, 2014 — Philips partnered with SonoCiné Inc., a U.S. research, development and manufacturing company, to provide automated whole breast ultrasound (AWBUS) imaging for the Philips EPIQ and iU22 ultrasound systems.

Combining SonoCiné’s AWBUS with Philips’ imaging technology brings an automated examination to Philips ultrasound, providing the potential to increase early detection and diagnosis. The companies’ combined technologies allow for automated, whole breast ultrasound examinations to be carried out quickly and reproducibly. 

SonoCiné’s technology is engineered specifically as an adjunct to mammography in order to detect mammographically occult breast lesions in women with dense breast tissue. The AWBUS system utilizes a robotic ultrasound probe carrier and positioning gantry with angle sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopic motion control. These features record thousands of equally-spaced images of the entire breast. Combined with the company’s PACS-compatible CinéDetect software, recorded images are subsequently reviewed in a format designed to maximize the conspicuity of suspicious lesions.

For more information: www.healthcare.philips.com, www.sonocine.com