CHICAGO – ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., a developer of ultrasound systems, released new upgrades for the z.one ultra system here at the 95th Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), Nov. 29 - Dec. 4, 2009. The release includes new advanced software applications and transducers designed to deliver premium image quality and performance across a variety of clinical applications. New capabilities include contrast enhanced imaging studies, comprehensive elastography applications and 3D imaging.

"Delivering new advanced software and transducer technology, this upgrade release expands the value and versatility of the z.one ultra system and brings premium image quality and performance to a single system across a wide variety of clinical applications," said Don Southard, president and CEO, ZONARE Medical Systems. "This release focused on significant enhancements to the clinical diagnostic imaging capabilities of the z.one ultrasound platform and further improved ergonomics and workflow features our customers have come to expect from ZONARE."

ZONARE is also showcasing the new z.one ultra sp system for the first time at RSNA. The z.one ultra sp builds upon the precedent set by the company's flagship z.one ultra system, offering superb image quality combined with a simple and intuitive user interface for a wider base of clinicians.

ZONARE also recently announced that it had been ranked the third fastest growing company in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal. Ranking third with a growth of 688 percent from 2006-2008, the list marks the second straight year the Company has been ranked in the Top 3. The Company also received a user loyalty rating of 100 percent in the recent KLAS Top 20: Year-End Report. All ZONARE customers interviewed for the ultrasound market report indicated that they would purchase a z.one ultrasound system again.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

ZONARE is showing as a work-in-progress a new feature for contrast-enhanced ultrasound studies of the liver and heart. Using contrast-enhanced ultrasound with ZONARE's new C4-1 Curved Array transducer can offer additional diagnostic information in liver lesion assessment by narrowing down the differential diagnosis, similar to contrast-enhanced CT of liver lesions.

In addition, ZONARE will also be showing contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the heart's left ventricle using the P4-1c cardiac transducer. This application helps the clinician visualize the left ventricular wall and endocardium in technically difficult patients by opacifying the left ventricle with contrast, making it easier to evaluate wall motion.
New Transducer Technology

The C9-4t is a tightly curved, small footprint, high frequency transducer that is ideal for pediatric head and abdomen imaging. The field of view offers up to 134 degrees of imaging with 2D frequency choices from 9-4 MHz, enabling superb imaging of neonatal to larger infant body types.
The C4-1 transducer is a small footprint, curved array transducer designed by ZONARE's acoustic engineers to address technically difficult-to-image patients. It offers physicians improved access and imaging performance resulting in increased penetration (up to 30cm) 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 solution for high-frequency, high resolution imaging. The new L14-5w Linear Array transducer offers broad bandwidth for improved imaging of small parts, breasts and superficial anatomy. It has a 55 mm wide field-of-view, which can be expanded further using ZONARE's Virtual Apex Array technology.
Elastography and 3D Imaging

The z.one ultrasound system now features new elastography applications for breast imaging 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 all ZONARE linear array 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 also 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.