ZONARE Medical Systems Introduces Advancements for z.one Ultrasound Platform at RSNA

New Capabilities Include Solution for Difficult-to-Image Patients, High Resolution Imaging Capabilities, Elastography Applications and 3D Imaging

• Press Release
• Source: ZONARE Medical Systems
• On Tuesday December 2, 2008, 9:00 am EST

CHICAGO, IL--(MARKET WIRE)--Dec 2, 2008 -- ZONARE Booth #909, Lakeside Center, Hall D -- ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., a developer of premium ultrasound systems, is showcasing new software advancements to its proprietary Zone Sonography(TM) technology coupled with new transducer technology to address the growing population of difficult-to-image patients at the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 30 - Dec. 5, 2008. ZONARE is also showcasing high resolution imaging capabilities and software advancements, including a high resolution, high frequency transducer, comprehensive elastography applications and 3D imaging capabilities.

"It is our goal to continue to offer physicians clinical applications and new technology that not only expands the utilization of ultrasound, but also significantly improves clinical performance and offers economic value worldwide," said Don Southard, president and CEO at ZONARE Medical Systems. "As an example, the new proprietary software and transducer technology we have introduced is designed to address the growing population of difficult-to-image patients. At the same time, this new technology significantly improves clinical diagnostic imaging capabilities and further improves ergonomics and workflow features."

Proprietary Software

The difficult-to-image patient population makes up a large percentage of patients examined with ultrasound today and includes people who are overweight, elderly, muscular, or who have a thick body wall. Traditionally, a definitive ultrasound diagnosis for this patient group was challenging and often these patients were referred for more expensive testing. ZONARE has engineered new proprietary software for ZONE Sonography technology and, when combined with the company's new C4-1 transducer, clinicians have a new tool to image their most technically difficult patients with advanced image clarity.

New Transducer Technology

The C4-1 is a small footprint, curved array transducer designed by ZONARE's acoustic engineers. It offers physicians improved access and imaging performance resulting in improved penetration with sensitive Doppler imaging. All ZONARE customers worldwide have access to this new technology on their current z.one ultrasound platform.

ZONARE is also showing its new L14-5w high resolution, high frequency transducer, which offers broad bandwidth for improved imaging of small parts, breasts and superficial anatomy. Its wide field of view has an aperture of 55mm offering virtual apex capability, and it has 10 frequencies including three fundamental, one tissue harmonic, two compound imaging and two each for color Doppler and PW Doppler modes.

Elastography and 3D Imaging

The z.one ultrasound system will feature new elastography applications that enable qualitative visual assessment of the mechanical stiffness properties of tissue. The high resolution elastography images are generated and visualized using a variety of grayscale and colorized maps and the L10-5 and L14-5w transducers are supported. Clinicians using the new applications report that this technique may provide significant new diagnostic information.

The comprehensive 3D ultrasound imaging capabilities are available for the z.one ultra system with primary applications for obstetrical imaging during the second and third trimester. The new C8-33D curved linear transducer offers mechanical sweep array, 3D fetal surface rendering, 3D Multi Planar rendering and additional diagnostic tools. The new 3D imaging capabilities are also available for general abdominal ultrasound imaging. ZONARE's 3D ultrasound imaging expands the clinical utility of the z.one ultra system and may reduce exam time, enabling physicians to spend additional time on patient care.

About the z.one Ultrasound Platform

The z.one ultrasound system is a premium-quality, Convertible Ultrasound(TM) platform based on proprietary Zone Sonography technology. Clinicians are able to easily convert the z.one system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system without sacrificing image quality or performance. In addition, the system's software-based architecture allows its performance to continue to improve as greater processing power becomes available. System upgrades can be downloaded over the internet.

ZONARE Medical Systems was recently ranked the no. 1 fastest growing company in the Silicon Valley and San Jose, Calif., area by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

About ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc.

ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., based in Mountain View, Calif., develops, manufactures and commercializes premium compact ultrasound systems that combine its proprietary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE's unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing premium image quality, performance and features to a wide range of clinical settings. Additional information can be found at www.zonare.com.

Zone Sonography and Convertible Ultrasound are trademarks of ZONARE Medical Systems.

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