Education / Technology

Ultrasound has been utilized by the medical community since the 1950's as a safe and flexible imaging modality. Over the last fifty years technological developments have substantially broaden the range of applications for ultrasound imaging, improved image quality, data processing and image presentation and enabled the miniaturization of systems into portable units. These developments have resulted in ultrasound still being considered the imaging modality of first choice by most clinicians despite the more recent introduction of technologies such as MRI, CT, PET etc.

The evolution of ultrasound imaging and the introduction of these other imaging technologies have however not addressed the imaging requirements of the surface of the body, despite the skin and underlying soft tissue being the subject of many diseases and injuries. Here, a combination of very high resolution imaging and the ability to differentiate between subtle differences in soft tissue characteristics is required. Systems addressing this need also have to be affordable to the clinical groupings associated with dermatology, wound care, aesthetics, etc. and be user friendly.

Longport has developed ultrasound imaging technology that addresses these requirements, the EPISCAN I-200.

This EPISCAN utilizes broadband ultrasound at frequencies from 10 to 50MHz to image the skin and underlying soft tissue. The system is primarily digital in design enabling flexible and cost effective data processing and presentation. The ultrasound data is digitalized in real time at rates up to 200MSPS (200 million samples per second) allowing the capture of the maximum amount of information. A series of interchangeable probes provide the user with a range of imaging options.

Longport's software operates under a Windows environment providing the user with a comprehensive, but user friendly interface.

**Click Images to see an enlarged version

Some of the features of the EPISCAN's software are:

  • Multiple images can be tiled on the scanner screen allowing the progression of conditions or different scan sites to be readily compared.
  • Measurements, including linear and area measurements can be performed and stored onto images.
  • Image assessment techniques such as pixel intensity distribution can be undertaken.
  • A range of palettes, grey scale and color can be applied to the images.
  • An integrated relational database enables images and other data, including digital photographs, to be stored and retrieved in a patient orientated manner.
  • When scanning the images are retained in "memory loop" enabling the user to review a series of images at the conclusion of the scanning process and to select what image(s) should be stored.

The EPISCAN can be connected to a network via cable or wireless means enabling data captured to be backed-up or shared with other clinicians within the facility or remotely. Thus the EPISCAN is compatible with telemedicine use including DICOM configured systems. A read / write DVD ROM enables data to be backed-up or transferred by this means as well.

The EPISCAN can be readily taken to the patient's bedside via and an optional cart. A medical grade UPS, (not illustrated) enables the system to remain powered up when being transferred between patients beds, thus optimizing system utilization.

A full system specification is downloadable from the download section of this WEB site.