Cardiovascular ultrasound system
The new Prime edition of the Acuson SC2000 cardiovascular imaging system is the first to offer live full-volume colour Doppler imaging of heart valve anatomy and blood-flow using a new true volume transesophageal echo (TEE) probe. With this technology, physicians can obtain a more anatomically authentic view of the heart and dynamic blood flow in one view during interventional valve procedures, even in patients with ECG abnormalities. This helps them to take faster and more accurate critical decisions. During 3D TEE imaging, the physician guides a flexible probe into the esophagus to acquire close-range, detailed pictures of the heart to assess valve function. When a dysfunctional valve leaks blood back into the heart chambers (known as regurgitation) or does not open properly to let through sufficient blood, a valve procedure may be necessary to repair or replace the valve with an artificial one. TEE is used to guide placement of devices such as mitraclips and artificial valves during cardiac interventions to correct valve dysfunction. Current methods of imaging with 3D TEE require stitching
