New ultrasound utilizes global positioning, produces clearer imaging

By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
Published on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 9:46 AM MST

A new ultrasound machine at the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center creates clearer images for doctors to interpret and employs a global positioning system for biopsy guidance.

Called the Logiq E9, the equipment is produced by General Electric and “is the latest and greatest ultrasound machine out there,” said Jonathan Sanders, the hospital’s director of imaging.

The Logiq E9 merges the components of computerized tomography — CT — scan; position emission tomography, known as PET scan, and magnetic resonance imaging — MRI. The addition of GPS adds precision in guiding a biopsy needle.

David Allen, an ultrasound technician at the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center, demonstrates the new Logiq E9 ultrasound machine now in use at the hospital. The machine’s GPS attachment is in the background. Photo by Diane Saunders

“It makes us more accurate and efficient,” said Dr. J. Bernado Rebeil, hospital radiologist. “We’re very excited about the new equipment. It’s amazing this technology is here before anyplace in Arizona.”

He added that the purchase of the new equipment is an example of “how the hospital strives to be at the forefront” of medical care.

Sanders said Mount Graham is the first hospital in Arizona to purchase the Logiq E9. The machine has been available in the United States only a few weeks.

Jose Armas, hospital sonographer, said the GPS-assisted needle biopsy may be painful, but it is less invasive than a surgical biopsy. He said the GPS directs the doctor to the problem area, thus making the procedure more precise.

Sanders said the Logiq E9 is so sensitive that it can show the ridges of a fingerprint when the machine is used to examine a finger. This was a key factor when hospital officials were considering buying the machine.

The machine is especially useful in examinations of breasts, gall bladders, livers, kidneys, spleen and other soft tissue. It can detect blood clots in legs and is especially helpful in diagnosing breast cancer, Sanders said.

Many patients will still require examinations by the standard ultrasound machine. The hospital recently purchased a new standard machine in addition to the Logiq E9.

David Allen, an ultrasound technician, said the training required to use the machine was difficult. Ultrasound technicians will also receive follow-up training. He also agreed the new machine creates clearer images.

Sanders said a doctor’s referral is required for an exam using the Logiq E9.

The hospital performed about 3,600 ultrasounds last year.

Print this story Email this story Post A Comment

Comments

10 comment(s)

Rivers wrote on Jan 21, 2009 9:20 AM:

" David Allen is a heartbreakin, love making, pimp! "

GPS Huh wrote on Jan 16, 2009 2:18 PM:

" Does that mean you will always know where the machine is. With GPS the thing won't ever get lost, right, no matter where you try to hide it, and it can't get stolen, right?

Now lets see who respond and correct these remarks. Who will take the bait? "

to hot wrote on Jan 10, 2009 3:37 AM:

" If you are referring to the deputy david you better schedule this david to ultrasound your eyes..... "

Jack Bauer wrote on Jan 9, 2009 10:25 PM:

" David Allen is actually a CTU agent. "

ohhlalala wrote on Jan 9, 2009 5:26 PM:

" david allen is HOT! "

Had to go to Tucson wrote on Jan 9, 2009 10:55 AM:

" I'm very thankful for the new equipment. We were recently sent to TMC for a simple ultrasound on our baby to see if he had a hernia. My doctor's office didn't understand why MGRMC couldn't do the ultrasound. Even the tech at TMC didn't understand the need for us to come there. I hope this will allow more families to avoid the trip to Tucson. "

reptilist wrote on Jan 8, 2009 2:47 PM:

" The state of the art GPS equipment I use can narrow down a coordinate to within 1/4 inch. I wonder how accurate is the GPS with this instrument? "

um no... wrote on Jan 7, 2009 4:57 PM:

" David Allen is a deputy sheriff... "

FYI wrote on Jan 7, 2009 1:26 PM:

" David Allen is an Ultrasound Technologist not Technician. "

wrote on Jan 7, 2009 1:08 PM:

" How much did this machine cost? "

WRITE A COMMENT

READER COMMENTS
* Be respectful of others, the writer and the subjects in the story.

* Be relevant. Keep your comments pertinent to the story that is being discussed.

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All reader comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Eastern Arizona Courier is not liable for messages from third parties. IP addresses can be subpoenaed and your identity established by individuals who have been hurt by your comments.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity: You can be prosecuted for identity theft.
* Comments unrelated to the story.

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in www.eacourier.com reader comments represent the individual's own views and not those of the Eastern Arizona Courier. The Courier does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than Eastern Arizona Courier spokespersons.

Thank you for your comments!