FDA Approves Philips’ ‘Small Parts’ Ultrasound Transducer

Philips announced that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for their “small parts” ultrasound transducer, the eL18-4.

The “Small Parts” solution, as it’s being marketed, features the eL18-4 PureWave linear array transducer, Philips MicroFlow Imaging, Philips Elastography, and Philips Precision Biopsy, according to a release. The solution’s primary use is to detect abnormalities in the small organs that are close to the skin. It can also be used to assess musculoskeletal injuries.

The eL18-4 transducer allows fine-elevation focusing to deliver detailed resolution and tissue uniformity for clinical solutions, especially for thyroid, breast, testicular, musculoskeletal, vascular, bowel, pediatrics, and obstetrics, the release said.[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_crop","fid":"64154","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image media-image-right","id":"media_crop_5945958103787","media_crop_h":"0","media_crop_image_style":"-1","media_crop_instance":"8207","media_crop_rotate":"0","media_crop_scale_h":"0","media_crop_scale_w":"0","media_crop_w":"0","media_crop_x":"0","media_crop_y":"0","style":"height: 169px; width: 301px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 1px; float: right;","title":"Philips eL18-4 PureWave linear array transducer allows fine-elevation focusing to help clinicians evaluate small organs, including the thyroid gland, and diagnose a variety of conditions. Image courtesy of Philips.","typeof":"foaf:Image"}}]]

Philips MicroFlow Imaging provides sensitivity and detail for small vessel blood flow assessment. The Elastography solution with both strain and ElastQ Imaging shear wave capability are used to reveal information on tissue stiffness, and precision biopsy capabilities minimize needle blind zones and support display of needle reflections, according to the release.