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Verathonhas announced the introduction of the portable BladderScan BVI 9400 bladder volume instrument with patent pending NeuralHarmonics Technology. This product made its debut at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting.

Verathon (formerly Diagnostic Ultrasound) has announced the introduction of the portable BladderScan BVI 9400 bladder volume instrument with patent pending NeuralHarmonics Technology. This latest addition to the BladderScan brand made its debut at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California on May 19th.

Designed for urologists, primary care physicians, acute and extended care facilities, to help prevent unnecessary catheterization, diagnose urinary retention and to help evaluate common urological conditions, this new ultrasound instrument offers sharpened accuracy and accelerated speed in bladder volume measurement. Additional innovations include improved aiming via Probe and Console, and a unique method of wireless data transfer for patient record keeping.

The BladderScan BVI 9400 incorporates a new technology in the science of ultrasound; NeuralHarmonics (patent pending). Found only in BladderScan instruments, NeuralHarmonics Technology (from 'neural network' harmonics) improves both speed and accuracy in bladder volume measurement. NeuralHarmonics Technology reduces error and minimizes uncertainty in essential measurements of bladder function by creating previously unattainable differentiation of the bladder, urine and hypo-echogenic regions such as the uterus. This technology, also based on the principle of 'neural networks' applies a multi-spectral analysis to a robust data set – giving clinicians definitive, intelligent diagnostic capabilities in bladder measurement.

"The new BVI 9400 is a perfect combination of our advanced technology, NeuralHarmonics, and all the attributes our users tell us they love about the BladderScan such as ease of use, reliability, etc.," stated Gerald McMorrow, CEO, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Verathon, Inc. "We worked diligently on this new technology over several years. It's been our goal to improve healthcare by providing well-designed instruments that make a difference."

The BVI 9400 is quick and easy to use. No sonographer is required. When the scan button is pressed, the instrument measures ultrasonic reflections on multiple planes inside the body and produces a three dimensional image. Based on this image, the BVI 9400 calculates and displays the bladder volume. To facilitate training, both a 'user' video and a 'NeuralHarmonics Technology' video are provided on the Console.

The BVI 9400 also offers users improvements in aiming, on both the ergonomic Probe and the Console. A new, larger color display with brightness control tilts for easy viewing, and voice annotation for patient record keeping is also offered. Healthcare providers have the option of using the readout provided by the Console, the printout provided by the onboard printer or the EMR related report provided via HIPAA compliant ScanPoint online technology. A unique Wireless Hub transfers exams to ScanPoint for viewing, saving and printing. The Hub also serves as a Battery Charger with two battery bays. ScanPoint subscribers may calibrate their instrument on line quickly and easily; the process takes only 15 minutes.

Also at the AUA meeting Verathon launched the FloPoint Elite Uroflow System, designed to measure and record a patient's pattern of urinary flow. The measurements the FloPoint Elite provides, such as voided volume and peak flow, help physicians quickly assess and diagnose abnormalities in voiding patterns.

Unlike current uroflow methods which require a special voiding chair, the FloPoint Elite sets up in a standard toilet. This design helps put patients at ease and is intended to provide a more normal environment for them to void - key in obtaining accurate measurements.

The unique setup also means FloPoint Elite is convenient and easy to use for medical staff. The device, which is portable and durable, installs in seconds and unlike traditional methods, there are no messy beakers of urine for staff to deal with. Clean up is easy and takes a few minutes. The design also accommodates to an array of clinical settings.

"Many healthcare providers have space limitations in their practices or facilities. Despite the importance of the uroflow test, they can't afford to dedicate one of their lavatories all of the time to traditional test equipment," stated Gerald McMorrow, CEO, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Verathon, Inc. "In designing a better product, we also wanted to eliminate uroflow inconvenience and mess for medical staff; the individuals on the front lines conducting the tests. We see the new FloPoint Elite as meeting both of these important needs."

The FloPoint Elite Uroflow System consists of a FloSensor, a FloCharger, a ScanPoint Remote and Docking Station, Funnels, Calibration Pack and related user and clinical manuals and quick reference cards. The FloSensor, which stows discreetly in the compact FloCharger for battery charging, is lightweight and designed to fit into a standard toilet bowl during an exam. The FloSensor records and transmits patient voiding data wirelessly to the ScanPoint Remote, a handset that facilitates voice annotation to assist in patient record keeping. The system offers the options of a digital readout, a printout (via an optional label writer) and an EMR-related report via HIPAA-compliant ScanPoint technology. ScanPoint also enables exam data storage.

Measurements provided by the system include peak flow, average flow, voided volume, time to peak flow, flow time and void time, as well as the charting of the flow pattern. Calibration is convenient and offered online.