An imaging direction, upwards relative to the long axis of the human body.

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'Superior Performance and Versatility
Based on decades of experience, the SSD-1000 is a high performance and versatile diagnostic ultrasound system. It uses our advanced technologies and over 5 decades of innovative ultrasound experience. Using the same technology as our more expensive systems, the SSD-1000 provides superior imaging capabilities in a compact and mobile setting.
We also employ Super High Density transducers (found our high-end systems) to enhance imaging resolution. High-quality images help you accurately diagnose patients in less time.
The SSD-1000 provides a fine balance of superb imaging and ergonomic design, well suited for a wide range of clinical examinations.'

[This entry is marked for removal.]

From Acusphere Inc
AI-700 (trade name Imagify™) is an US contrast agent, usable for myocardial perfusion undergoing regulatory FDA approval. The synthetic polymers used in AI-700 (perflubutane polymer microspheres) do not break during the ultrasound imaging procedure. The used perfluorocarbon filling gas is less soluble in water and therefore has the propensity to stay inside the contrast agent particles. As a result, a higher concentration of gas is delivered to the myocardium over a longer period of time, thereby enabling AI-700 to target the broader application of myocardial perfusion assessment.
Imagify is a dry powder consisting of small, porous microparticles filled with perfluoropropane. These microparticles are made of a synthetic biodegradable polymer, called poly (D, L-lactide co-glycolide), or PLGA, that has been used in other drug delivery systems approved by the FDA.
The composition and structure of the phospholipid containing microparticles and the properties of the perfluorocarbon gas slow the rate at which the gas dissolves and prevent the microparticles from being quickly broken down. The powder is to suspend in sterile water and injected by a single intravenous injection prior to ultrasound imaging.

In 2009, Acusphere Inc received feedback from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to their New Drug Application (NDA) stating that another clinical trial would be required for U.S. approval, this one demonstrating that Imagify with ultrasound is superior to ultrasound without Imagify.
In June 2004, Acusphere entered into a Collaboration, License and Supply Agreement with Nycomed Danmark APS for the European development and marketing rights to Acusphere's lead product candidate AI-700.
Acusphere's focus will be on preparing the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for filing in Q4 2010, building upon the work that the previous partner, Nycomed, had done, in concert with the NDA.


In 2008 the FDA panel rejected the regulatory application for AI-700 (Imagify™) because of safety concerns.

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'The ProSound SSD-4000 utilizes the most advanced acoustic technologies available today, and its multidisciplinary technology architecture enables it to offer great versatility and flexibility over a wide range of clinical applications.
With its new-generation, front-end technology including a 12-bit A/D converter, the ProSound SSD-4000 offers superior contrast resolution−especially when compared to 10-bit systems.'

From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'A Platform for Pure Harmonic Detection
The SSD-5000 is the second platform in our ProSound™ line of superior ultrasound systems.
The Pure Harmonic Detection technology provides distortion-free fundamental frequency transmission, offering optimum Harmonic Echo™ image quality. This technology is especially effective for obese patients and in a variety of technically difficult scanning conditions.'