After successfully developing our first ultrasound blog series, called “How it Works”, it is time to invest in a new series that will further enhance your understanding of ultrasound machines and systems. This series, entitled “Understanding Ultrasounds” will enlighten you, our dear reader, on various ultrasound machines, features and manufacturers. We will begin the series with one of the most popular and renown names in the medical world – Philips.
Philips, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Ultrasound systems, have, over the last few decades, produced some of the most popular ultrasound systems in the country. Manufacturing and producing various series of systems, the Philips HD series is widespread due to it’s economical pricing and reliability. There are several systems in the HD series including the HD3, HD5, HD7 (and HD7 XE), HD9, HD11, HD11 XE, and the HD15. Each of these systems have their own characteristics and unique advantages. This blog will provide a brief understand of a few of these ultrasound systems.
Philips HD3 Ultrasound Machine
HD 3:
The Philips’ HD 3 ultrasound machine is more of a specialized ultrasound system, used for general imaging, obstetrics and gynecological applications (OB-GYN in short). This unit is popular for specialists who prefer an ultrasound system that can do one (or a few general) application particularly well – as opposed to a system that can provide multiple application with mediocre quality.
Lighter than most other stationary ultrasound systems, with a keyboard that can be lowered or elevated based on the diagnostician’s desire, and a screen that swivels, the HD3 is basic but adored by it’s users.
The HD 3 is the most economically priced of all the HD ultrasound machines, due to a few primary factors: Firstly, it is the oldest of the HD ultrasound machines, and because there are so many models that were manufactured and engineered after it – it is considered “outdated”. Despite these facts, an HD 3 that was well maintained and cared for can provide excellent images and is very reliable.
Philips HD7-XE Ultrasound Machine
HD7 XE:
Just as the HD3 is well known for it’s OB-GYN imaging and application, the HD7 XE is acclaimed for it’s cardio-vascular imaging and application. Launched in 2008, this ultrasound system is more advanced than the HD3, and the HD5, and is capable of producing images for more applications than the previous systems in the HD series, while still specializing in cardio-vascular applications. Other applications that this probe is capable of producing images for include abdominal, OB-GYN, small parts and urological applications.
Despite the fact that this system is more advanced than the previous HD systems (with 3D imaging options for example), it is still considered one of the most economical systems available for diagnosticians – whether in private practices or public hospitals.
Philips HD11 Ultrasound Machine
HD 11/11XE:
This system can be considered the more sophisticated sibling to the HD7/ 7 XE. Both systems specialize in cardio-vascular applications, while able to provide quality imaging for other general applications. Some technological features include tissue doppler imaging, 3D fetal imaging and stress echo. Some other applications that the HD11 XE can project images for include abdominal, OB-GYN, small parts and musculoskeletal applications.
The HD11 XE (and the HD11) are prime examples of Philips’ desire to remain technologically advanced yet economical. It contains the potential to produce 2D, 3D and 4D imaging, along with TEE (transesophageal) imaging – which provides enhanced cardiac ultrasound images.
These features, along with a wide array of compatible ultrasound probes and transducers, this ultrasound system remains an extremely popular Philips ultrasound unit to this very day. Because Philips has engineered many more systems after this one, including the HD 15, IE33, IU22, Epiq 5 and Epiq 7, this machine is not nearly as expensive as it used to be, despite containing reliable and advanced image enhancing technologies.
Philips HD15 Ultrasound Machine
HD15:
The HD15 is considered to be the highest end ultrasound system in the entire HD series. This extremely popular machine has been so favored due to it’s phenomenal image quality, its specialized cardio-vascular application, and advanced features including PureWave crystal technology, SonoCT real-time compound imaging, and advanced XRES adaptive image processing.
Despite specializing in Cardio-vascular imaging, the HD 15 is employed by sonographers and diagnosticians for small parts, musculoskeletal, abdominal, transcranial doppler, and superficial imaging applications. The myriad of probes, advanced technological features, and imaging potentials make the HD 15 extremely popular despite being production coming to a halt in 2015. Diagnosticians admire this system in particular – for it provides many advanced ultrasound features for a fair, economical price.
There is always the concern, particularly when it comes to medical equipment, regarding the safety of the devices and the potential side effects that occur as a result of employing these machines.
It is important to know that ultrasound machines are known to be completely harmless. They function through the utilization of sound waves emitting from the probe or transducer. These sound waves are then translated into images by the ultrasound machine or system. There is no need to fear when using ultrasound machines – it is a quick, easy and efficient way to diagnose and help determine a patient’s ails.
At A.M.E. Ultrasounds we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality customer service. If there is a particular topic you would like to read about, learn more about, or would be interested in, please feel free to contact us!
