Ultrasound
to Mindray for 44 model M8 ultrasound machines, to cover all of the 14 health boards in Scotland.
Delivering fast and precise examinations at the point of care, the M8 ultrasound machines were chosen for their ability to provide exceptional image quality. Half of the models were supplied with trolleys, to be permanently situated within screening departments, while the rest were portable units designed to be transported between different clinics. “The tender for this screening programme
was extremely competitive with six leading companies’ technologies evaluated for the contract. Staff undertaking the screening are not clinicians but undertake three months of training – so clear, unambiguous image quality was of paramount importance, along with ease of use. “The portability of the ultrasound technology
was also important – it needed to be robust, lightweight, and able to be transported in the boot of a car, without risk of damage. The Mindray systems were able to meet these criteria and already had a proven reputation in the UK,” commented Wasim Javed, Mindray’s UK Marketing Manager, Ultrasound.
Connectivity and customisation The technology also underwent stringent IT connectivity testing as part of the tender. Historically, the image processing/ data transfer software, used by NHS Scotland, had been customised to be compatible with the previously used ultrasound machines. This meant that Mindray needed to have the IT capabilities to seamlessly integrate the new ultrasound machines with the existing systems and infrastructure, including vital reporting systems. “We had to respond very quickly by connecting
Mindray UK and Mindray headquarters. The R&D team in China were very responsive and worked on this day and night. After just one month, following the initial demonstration in Edinburgh, we had developed the connectivity required to fully integrate the ultrasound technology,” commented Wasim. “This was a significant undertaking, and the Screening Programme Leads were extremely pleased with the results.” However, this level of flexibility continued
the measurements are taken in centimetres, the data is exported in metres. The software needed to be programmed to meet these requirements and the turnaround was extremely quick.”
The technology A thorough evaluation during the tender process identified that the screening programme’s key criteria were successfully met by the model M8 ultrasound machines – they were user-friendly, offering high imaging quality, at an affordable price. The system is powered by mQuadro,
Screeners have found the ultrasound technology easy to use.
with further adaptions being made, following the roll out. Gavin Seaman, Ultrasound Field Engineer, at Mindray UK, worked closely with the screening team to significantly adapt the machines to suit the exact requirements of the AAA screening programme in Scotland – from unique software features to hardware changes, such as customised keys to optimise workflow. Many bespoke software safeguards have been designed into the system, so the screening team have full quality control and any screening issues are flagged. This offers an added layer of confidence for the screening teams. “An important feature was the ease of communication between the measurements being taken and the reporting system,” Emma explained. “This automated system has been designed to provide a safety net, to eliminate human errors associated with manual input of data into records, while ensuring men with aneurysms are not missed. In addition, if the user performs more measurements than usual, this is also flagged. This ensures complex and challenging cases are referred to a qualified sonographer, rather than a technician, for specialist review where necessary. “Mindray also went the extra mile in meeting the bespoke demands associated with the use of Atos’s software platform. For example, while
When an aneurysm ruptures, less than half of patients will reach hospital alive and, even when an operation is possible, mortality is high – meaning the overall chance of death from rupture is as high as 85%.
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I June 2024
an innovative imaging architecture that incorporates powerful, high speed digital signal processing and intelligent software algorithms, designed to ensure high quality imaging. The four pillars of this technology include: l mFast hardware: The high speed, high- capacity hardware components of the M8 machine enable rapid processing of large amounts of acoustic data.
l mWave front end signal processing: Exercising precise software control over both the transmitted acoustic beam and the received acoustic data set results in less clutter, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and faster data acquisition times.
l mVue fundamental image processing: Patented, intelligent processes direct innovative approaches to digital signal processing. These processes optimise image creation based on segmentation analysis and comparison to an anatomical database that minimise inherent artifacts, improving image quality.
l mSmart advanced parallel processing technology: Next generation signal processing technology captures an enormous amount of acoustic data from each transmit operation and performs focused digital beam reconstruction that creates images of exceptional resolution and uniformity.
The C5-1s transducer also provides good penetration, image resolution and colour sensitivity – ideal for abdominal screening applications. For ease of viewing when taking the measurements of the aorta, the unit has a large 15.6’ LED monitor. In addition, for improved efficiency, the unit is designed to provide an ultra-fast response – with a seven second boot up from standby. The ergonomics of the ultrasound machines
were also an important consideration for the screening programme. The M8 units are light in weight (5.8 kg with battery or 5kg without). This feature, along with the unit’s robust magnesium-alloy case and spill resistant
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