Portable ultrasound device tackles urinary tract infections

Verathon has launched its portable 3D ultrasound device, BladderScan Prime

The device has a touchscreen, live B-mode scanning and onboard self-diagnostics. It is designed to help reduce catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), by reducing the use of catheters.

Prime's Vmode technology acquires multiple scan planes inside the body, producing a 3‑dimensional quantification of the bladder. Based on this quantification, the instrument calculates and displays urinary bladder volume.

David Garner, global director of marketing for Verathon’s imaging and scanning solutions business group, said: "Prime is built to be a workhorse device in any healthcare environment. It is designed to reduce downtime, which in turn raises quality of care.

"Prime supports evidence-based catheter management, along with consistent, comfortable assessment of patients.

"CAUTI is one of the leading causes of infection in hospitals today, and despite years of efforts, those infection rates aren't improving.  We're hoping to change that.”

BladderScan Prime also provides aiming modes, immediate feedback for off-center scans and pubic bone interference and onboard help/tutorial assistance.

Neil Hunn, Verathon president, said the device, "Is designed to support reliable outcomes for caregivers and patients, as well as economic goals in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Prime is a low-maintenance solution for high-impact conditions."