GE Healthcare
9900 W. Innovation Dr., Wauwatosa
Innovation: Created the Vscan, a portable handheld ultrasound device
Global medical health care technology and services company GE Healthcare prides itself on innovation. The Pewaukee-based corporation’s motto “Imagination at Work,” is certainly displayed in one of the firm’s latest products.
GE Healthcare recently launched the VScan, a portable ultrasound device. Agnes Berzseny, general manager of the company’s Primary Care Ultrasound division, says the handheld device allows doctors to get “a quick look” ultrasound image of patients, eliminating unnecessary and costly tests.
The device is being used by doctors in cardiology, OB-GYN and abdominal specialties, in primary care and in post-operation monitoring, Berzseny said.
“It is used in emergencies where every second counts,” she said.
Operating in real time the device is easy to use and quickly “provides information to the physician to make the next decision,” Berzseny said.
The VScan uses the same technology as standard ultrasound technology, but has been “miniaturized,” in a device that resembles a cross between an iPod and a tablet. Doctors are able to instantly detect problems or concerns, record voice notes, and upload information from the device onto a computer for further study.
With several thousand units already sold, the device is already revolutionizing care. In Japan, doctors are taking the device with them on house-calls, said GE public relations manager Arvind Gopaltratnam.
“Our vision is it will become an essential part of the physicians’ exam,” Gopalratnam said. “We hope it will become as common as a stethoscope.”
