Vscan pocket-sized, ultra-smart ultrasound unveiled
GE’s drive to miniaturize technologies in order to make them more mobile couldn’t be better illustrated than with the breakthrough Vscan technology that GE’s Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt unveiled during his talk tonight at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. Roughly the size of a smart phone, it houses powerful ultrasound technology that can potentially redefine the way doctors examine patients. By giving doctors a view into the body from the palm of a hand, GE believes that Vscan could one day become as indispensable as the traditional physician’s stethoscope in patient exams.
Small is big: Jeff Immelt is seen here unveiling the new Vscan technology to the audience at tonight’s Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.
Pocket-sized technology like Vscan has the potential to help redefine the physical exam and improve patient care by enhancing a doctor’s ability to quickly and accurately make a diagnosis. For critical care clinicians, Vscan can offer an immediate look beyond patient vital signs with the potential to identify critical issues, like fluid around the heart, which could be a sign of congestive heart failure. And for cardiologists, Vscan provides a dependable visual evaluation of how well the heart is pumping at a glance, so they can treat patients more efficiently.
Calling Dr. McCoy to sickbay: The handheld ultrasound can reduce the need for specialist referrals, which in turn can lower healthcare costs.
The Vscan debut followed Jeff’s announcement earlier in the evening about the potentially game-changing computerized system that will give real-time clinical data and treatment options to doctors. GE’s next step in developing Vscan is to work with 12 leading clinical sites throughout the world to help determine how the technology will impact patient workflow and focused exams in primary care, critical care and the cardiology practices. The ultimate goal is to develop a structural protocol for Vscan exams.
Check back tomorrow morning to see a video in which Mike Barber, Vice President of healthymagination, gives a Vscan overview from GE’s healthymagination technology showcase, which is underway in New York City.
* Read coverage on cnet.com
* Read coverage on finance.sharpnews.info
* Read coverage on venturebeat.com
* Register to watch live streams of the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.
Read our recent stories from the new healthymagination technology showcase:
* “A breakthrough decision support solution for docs”
* “Tackling access with Brivo imaging technologies”
* “The business of bringing healthymagination to market”
* “At the showcase: Health by design and window tweets”
* “Scintillating tech: The world’s 1st high-def CT scanner”
* “Healthymagination tech showcase kicks off in NYC”
* Read the announcement about Jeff Immelt’s press event tomorrow at the showcase
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Just about time. For many years I wondered when it could be possible to have a portable ultrasound equipment at my medical office so that I could use it as a daily tool. Now I got marveled to see that GE has made it. I feel very happy but at the same time a wonder if it will be affordable to me, since I live in a coutry where medical revenues are not that big general.
Congratulations to GE. Regards. Jairo
Amazing !!
Is it me – or does Jeff look like Steve Jobs presenting the iPhone at MacWorld? It’s wonderful to see GE staking a claim to the ‘cool technology’ mantle in healthcare. It’s important for GE’s image and relevance to the common person. Should the Vscan look and perform as advertised, then perhaps a whole new dimension of ‘consumer’ appeal will open up in health technology.
Whet is the price. When I can buy
Okay, I want one.
I want one NOW.
You can also read the InformationWeek Web 2.0 note on Vscan.
This is a great innovation.Real healthimagination initiative from GE. Real power in the hands of our doctors.
Dreams do come true.I cant imagine what could be the next innovation.Big THANKS to GEHC.
This is a good instrument. I would likebuy it. But, I don´t know, How much is it? There is lineal probe 7 a 12 Mhz?.
There’s nothing new about that. Siemens has relesead its ACUSON P10 one year before (http://www.medical.siemens.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay~q_catalogId~e_-11~a_catTree~e_100010,1007660,12761,1005253~a_langId~e_-11~a_productId~e_182941~a_storeId~e_10001.htm) and seems has 510K.
It’s a scary possibility that the general public would have such easy access to a medical device such as this. What would happen to the credibility of the sonographer? This is a great application for ultrasound, but maybe it’s use should be more closely monitored?
The Aucson P10 is 1.6 lbs and the Vscan is the size of an ipod. There’s no comparison. This can go in your pocket! It’s a big deal for people looking for a pocket size system. Would you say the ipod is not new because Sony introduced a net-book a year ago?
I had a chance to check this device out; it is an incredible piece of technology! I’m glad GE was the one to come out with it.
Ideal for a developing country. Hope we can scan Heads,chest and abdomen and soon apply for obstetric care.
If GE is looking to do some studies in the ER I would love to be a part of that. I work in an academic ER in Jamaica.
how much this ultrasound,thanks
more than excellent,pls send me the price of this ultarsound
I was told that the image quaity is far superior on the new GE VSCAN than the seimans P10.
With that being said its all image quality based to me IMHO.The better the image the easier to spot the problem.
I would like to see some image bank studies and single frame and cine data online to look at the quality.
Also this unit should retail out a lot less than Seimans P10 which is about 10K.I have to say under 5K for this unit makes it more available to most health providers for POC (point of care).
how much this ultrasound’and how i can get it?
its a welcome innovation. please can you u send me the full details of this pocket size scan and how much it will cost to acquire.
thank you
Fascinating technology but in the US,how do you suppose it would work? We get no reimbursement to justify the probably exorbitant price it will carry. If it has the capability of doing full echocardiography and generating a report, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is priced at over $20,000. If it doesn’t then our reimbursement codes have no place in them to justify the cost.
From the liability standpoint, it places the primary care physician at the same standard as the board certified radiologist in interpreting imaging.
I truly congratulate you for your technical innovation, but until our health care system is revamped to the point where the reimbursement process and liability situation are remedied, I just don’t see the practicality.
Review hand carrier cardiovascular ultrasound systems including ratings from our community at:
http://www.echochief.com/echochief_echo_gear.php
Tim Thigpen
Editor
EchoChief
Now for the FDA to Submerg the device in red tape and paper work and GE to spend millions to satisfy the FDA requirements. What a waste of money to justify the use of a device which is a miniture version of existing technology. The FDA should pay 50% of the costs if the device is approved.
wooo!! where to buy ??
Hi!,
I am from türkiye.What is the price? When I can buy?Where to buy?
It is very interesting, how much does it cost …we want one too…
Need to evaluate and require more information. Kindly do the needful.
I sure wouldn’t want some dr do a ultrasound on me with that small screen…it’s scary to find any thing wrong with the size of the screen. Jeff I maybe when you are told you have cancer thye should your little device to tell you too.
It’s one scam after another!
Dear Sir,
a fantastic device,but one which i personally knew about in the mid 90s. My best friend,Professor, Richard Rzedzian who was involved in the development of the first M.R.I scanner and who lived in Lexington, Massachusetts told me that he had designed a scanner the size of a stethoscope.He had shown his design to others in the Boston scientific community and was urged to develop and market it. Unfortunately he had Pancreatic Cancer and died not long after. All his research and development info was on his Apple Mac and after his death his wife sold the computer because she could not remember the password. She has since moved back to the U.K.
felicidades cual es el costo? Vscan de tamaño de bolsillo, ultra-inteligente ecografía .
I would like to know the pricing and when is it being launched in India
is it available in india what is the price in india & price in USA what are the connectivity options
It will be the most WONDERFUL equipment we doctors will likely to use in near future. For Obstetrics & Gynecologists, Casualty medical officers, Physicians, Cardiologists, Surgeons…..every doctor needs it. Definitely, one day, it will be used as a “TORCH” to see abdominal organs.
I would foresee it will replace Doppler, we see in Labour room now. Mother can see her fetus along with the Doctor when ever she comes with complaint of decreased fetal movements or any other complaint.
IT WILL BE A DOCTOR’S MOBILE. I foresee Obstetricians doing ward rounds with Vscan (and not stethoscope) in their hand.
I would like to have one before I die.
Thanks GE for coming up with this one.
I want to know more about the Vscan.
Where can I get it. Wich is the price
Thanks
GREAT INVENTION PLZ PROVIDE MUCH MORE INFORMATION N PRICE OF VSCAN IN INDIAN CURRENCY N HOW TO BUY.
Please give me information about product (brusure) and How many Price?
plz send me price
how much it cost’s in indian currency?
congratulations, its fantastic!!
How much is this device? Where i can buy it?
It looks great. How much is the device please? Where do I buy it from. Thanks
i’d like to know when the V-scan will be available and
the estimate price.
I work in a rural ER and this would be great but if everyone is asking how much it cost then it must be high if they are not willing to post it on the site.
As a physician who participates in international medical missions to rural communities, the Vscan seems to offer portability and simplicity. Now…about the price?
This is Revolutionary!
when and where available? india? u.s.? how much?
For years I’ve been saying “what we need is a good quality ultra-portable ultrasound in every primary care practitioners office, right next to the opthalmascope and otoscope.” This looks like a big step in the right direction. Congrats to GE for putting this out there. Now how long before you can market it for $1000, $500?
Internist. Of course I want one. How much???? Where???? When???
Priced at about £5,000 in UK.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8521067.stm
Sounds fantastic!
How much time / training need to use it? Could it be used by a paramedic to transmit image to a doctor for interpretation?
I’m trying to buy a VScan before 2/24/2010 for a mission trip to Central America, and after spending a day on the phone with GE, nobody can help me. I have cash. GE — get in touch PLEASE.
Since I left the obvious first response last night I’ve thought about the device through a day of examining patients and teaching medical students. The VScan is a must have. I think the comments about reimbursement and liability are irrelevant. This device would join the stethoscope for Internists as just another part of everyday examination. If it stores images fine, but I don’t see its output as the equivalent or competitor for the professional scanners and official reports of trained sonographers. NOT storing images would be a deliberate and unnecessary dumb-down, but if that speeds it over billing and liability issues, so be it. Nor is it a Bones McCoy omniscience device. It took years of wishing before I could wear an oximeter around my neck, yet now I wear it and use it like a pen or otoscope. There are still CPT codes related to oximetry, but no one using one in practice bills for it. I see this device the same way. If it’s priced at/under $1000 it WILL be the iPod of all practicing physicians. The benefits for patients are almost unimaginable. If any government agency or medical regulator impedes its availability they best fear patients’ anger. If GE markets it correctly they will profit and I will get to use it. I hope they do. Selling it by its potential for billing fees, as many devices are, would be a grave error. Price it fairly and it’s a guaranteed must have for diagnosticians, and by using it intelligently as a tool instead of a profit-center those physicians will moot the points of reimbursement and liability.
can vscan be used to diagnose gallstones and common bile duct parameters?
is it reimbursable for a gastroenterologist such as myself performing it in my office?
When will iy be available for purchase and wha does it cost?
Thanks
J. Greenspan,MD
Where can I purchase this
Sincerely
Malcolm DickersonMD
I really hate sites that promote their products but wont list the prices. My time is very valuable and i dont need the web chase! Just How Much does it cost plain and simple!
AT FIRST I WROTE ALOT-BUT SHORT OF PR WHAT GOOD IS IT –IT IS NOT BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY UNLESS POSITIONED AS SUCH–ANOTHER SMALL ULTRASOUND SYSTEM– ANOTHER POCKET FOR ANOTHER DEVICE—-STAY TUNED GUYS ———-
J.K.DESIGNS HAS THE NEW DIAGNOSTIC COAT
As a note the V Scan is a very cool new device-It will fit nicely into the New Medical Training-The ER Quick Scan-Philips,-Sonosite, Zonare, Siemens, the Monday morning meeting are taking place tonight or last week to figure out positioning. It really is a GREAT Technology for all. There is nothing Disruptive Just the opportunity to practice better medicine and perhaps a little device to make life more fun for the medical school student while in the midst of understanding the intricacies of WHY—Keep it simple–a great device–by all means–We are living in times of Regenerative Medicine–organ replacement and a period of competition for the $$
please call JK for a grand idea –see James Kuttnauer on Linkedin
I will take all calls and work for the benefit of the people the rest will happen–That I know–Peace to all and Best to G.E.
My son is a resident physician specializing in critical care medicine My daughter was a former vice president for General Electric and so this is the perfect fit. Please let me know the cost and how to order. I am very impressed with the v-san and its future.
I love your product. It has a real future in health care. I want to buy your product for my physician son and my own private physician/
pLEASE CONTACT ME WHEN THIS IS AVALIBLE.
Please let me know when it will for sale or any a source where I can get more information.
Thanks in advanced.
A fantastic Innovation
It recently released for commercial sale with more info at https://www2.gehealthcare.com/portal/site/vscan
The word is that it will sell for under $5k, but availability might be tough with demand far exceeding their plan.
Can I have one to take with me to Haiti?! What a way to change the face of disaster medical relief….
how much is it
can i buy it in large quantities
how much per unit
I need this device.Can I purchase it in Peru or in the USA? Thanks.
I saw a competing device on the news recently and it’s priced below $4K! I just called them and it’s available now. I’m having one shipped to me overnight.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=7325735
This device could ultimately change prehospital medicine. Currently EMTs and Paramedic’s do not have the curriculum to learn to read sonogram’s but that could be addressed and added to the curriculum. This device would easily fit on a truck and come in handy when internal bleeding is suspected, especially in the abdomen post-MVA. THis would allow for a quicker relay of data to the hospital ultimately leading to a faster response time by a trauma surgeon. Thus further reducing the time from injury to OR. WHich should show an increase in lives saved and quicker healing processes. I would like to see a study trial of the use of this device by a emergency medical service.
i like this device.I want a trial of this
very nice.can i use it in obstetrics .how much does it cost ?where can i find it?
very nice,specially for emergeny and trauma dept,can u send me a brochure and price list?thanks a lot
i am interested more about this where avalable in india price and performance
Two other competitors already make and market a similarly-sized device. The Siemens ACUSON (>$10,000) and the Signostics SIGNOS ($3,000). I’ve used the latter and have been impressed. Same form factor and size, and very affordable. See the review at : http://journals.lww.com/em-news/Fulltext/2009/09000/Ultrasound_for_the_Masses.19.aspx
Dear sir,
This is to inform you that i am interested in buying these medical products
from your company,viz,
(1) EKG MACHINE
(2) PORTABLE ULTRASOUND MACHINE(Sonosite MicroMaxx,sonosite titan,Sonosite Sonoheart Elite,philips cx50,philips HD11XE and Mettler Sonicator)
(3) DEFIBRILLATOR MACHINE
I will like to have their price and to know their availability in stock so as to
enable us tell you how many quantities we are purchasing per one.
Your quick response will be highly appreciated.
Thanks
Corey
I like this device, please send me the price.
I am doing a research paper on the v-scan and it is due today before nine I can’t seem find info if u know just a little information it would help I am a student at Kaplan college I’m going for Medical Practice Management I would really appreciate it thank you. Leon May
I think this equipment is wonderful, I am not doctor, but I believe V-scan should be mandatory for every ER in the US to have at at least two. Medical staff can then provide immediate medical care in EMERGENCY situations. Every patient care floor should have one and especially critical care in hospitals should also have two, so response time for critical patient can be improved quicker to help save a life.
The major reason I believe this is a revolutionary device is because I believe the method of guessing to insert IV needles and for the of drawing blood is very Barbaric! Think about it! The medical providers insert needles in patients veins base on a good feel and probe this can be very painful and especially awful for patient with small veins and elderly patients.
This method reminds of days when like doctors use saw off patients legs with a sip of whiskey and leather bit between their teeth.
Vscan should be used to see the blood in veins, which would improve the insertion of needles the first time this truly great new technology available. Be kinder to your patients, they are paying the care of their health.
I hope GE gets their sales & marketing people out in full force and sale this device, market it on Television to the public and ask the question why is your medical provider still probing for vein when they draw blood for lab work? Why did it take so long to diagnose your mother’s leaky heart valves, are they still using stone age equipment? Remember the Autoclave Sterilers, this device revolutionize the dental pratice, either you have one or two or you had no patients:) Buy a Vscan – your patient would appreciate it.
GE new innovative Vscan is a trailblazing piece of hard weare, but i suspect the UK’s NHS is not ready for it.
Most critical care clinicians cant scan, I work in the UK’s NHS as an echocardiographer,often there will be a genral purpose or even a Vivid3 sitting in the corner gathering dust because nobody can use it.
I welcome the new technology and GE is to be comended, but hosptials have to make a shift in medics training. I suspect this will not cut down specilist referrals, (at least not in the NHS) but aid critical care.
John Hartley
Echocardiographer
Birmingham city general hospital (Uk)
Does it support facebook integration?
PLEASE SEND ANY ADDITIONAL INFORATION YOU HAVE ON THIS V-SCAN UNIT AND/OR 3-D ULTRASOUND SCANNER.
THANK YOU
I want to have a vscan.But i don’t known its price.Can you tell me by my E-mail?I am a doctor.
How do i find a doctor with this new wonderfull invention? I had a hernia repair (x3) done and have a lump that really bothers me.
please send me some more information
can u give information regarding its price in indian currency and how do i get in india