A Unique, Patented Convertible Ultrasound™ Platform.

ZONARE SHOWCASES NEXT GENERATION PREMIUM CONVERTIBLE ULTRASOUND™ PLATFORM AT RSNA

New z.one ultra System Features Advanced Software, Hardware and Transducer Technology

Chicago – November 25, 2007 – ZONARE Medical Systems, a developer of premium ultrasound systems, is showcasing its new z.one ultra system, the company’s next generation premium Convertible Ultrasound™ platform, at the annual Radiology Society of North America conference (RSNA) being held November 25 – 30, 2007. Based on Zone Sonography™ technology, the z.one ultra system features advanced software, hardware and transducer technology, including a new Multi-Transducer Port (MTP) and Multi Transducer Connector for the z.one scan engine. Whether in its fully-featured, cart-based configuration or converted to the system’s premium compact portable unit, the z.one ultra system offers excellent value to clinicians around the world.

“Earlier this year, we completed a major facility expansion which required us to provide ultrasound imaging throughout the Center,” said Jana Anguis, ultrasound supervisor, Memorial Medical Center of Modesto, Calif. “With the z.one system’s premium compact design, we were able to replace our heavy, bulky conventional unit without compromising image quality. The system also allows us to convert to completely portable exams which can especially be important in locations where mobility is an issue for the patient such as the ICU.”

Zone Sonography technology has enabled ZONARE Medical Systems to bring its unique, patented Convertible Ultrasound platform to the industry providing premium image quality and performance together with greater portability at an attractive price to value ratio compared to conventional ultrasound systems. Clinicians are able to convert the z.one system, at the touch of a button, from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system, optimizing its versatility in a variety of clinical settings, without sacrificing image quality or performance.

The z.one system’s Zone Sonography software-based architecture allows its performance to continue to improve as greater processing power becomes available. System upgrades can be downloaded via the internet, allowing for fast, convenient advances in clinical capabilities, enabling clinicians to cost-effectively maintain a state of the art premium ultrasound system.

“We appreciate the financial and clinical investment our customers have made in selecting ZONARE for their ultrasound needs,” said Mark Miller, vice president of sales and marketing for ZONARE. “We take every step to maximize this investment by providing ongoing upgrades to optimize clinical data and workflow efficiencies. The recent KLAS customer study ranking ZONARE number one in the Hand Held Ultrasound market provides an excellent measurement of our success in achieving this goal.”

Advanced Software and Hardware

To this end, a software upgrade introduced in 2007 is a new comprehensive obstetrical calculations package. The upgrade includes Nuchal Translucency (NT) and nasal bone length measurements. In addition, cerebellar diameter, humeral, radius and ulnar measurements have been added to the OB calculation package, as well as measurements for fetal fibula.

Also being showcased are the environmentally friendly attributes of the z.one ultra system. Because the z.one ultra system is based primarily on advanced software instead of proprietary hardware, it uses far less power than most conventional systems which results in less generation of heat. This leads to decreased air conditioning use and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. ZONARE engineers estimate this could save customers up to hundreds of dollars each year.

A new advanced hardware feature includes a new DVD burner archive capability. The DVD device is a standard feature on the z.one ultra system. Users can now export the patient study with a DICOM viewer. This allows the review of all images, clips and reports though a PC.

Based on comprehensive customer feedback, ZONARE has developed a convenient MTP and MTC specifically for the z.one ultra system. Now the clinician can easily choose between three transducers that are all connected simultaneously to the cart-based system. Transducers can be quickly switched with a press of a button as imaging needs change.

Advanced Transducer Technology

Zone Sonography technology has also been the basis for new advanced transducer technology as well. The new transducer technology expands imaging capabilities and applications, whether used with the z.one’s full-featured, cart-based configuration or the premium portable compact unit. There are now nine transducers which can be used on any of the z.one systems.

Introduced at RSNA 2006, with customer shipments beginning in the first quarter of this year, the P4-1c is designed to address transcranial and abdominal vascular imaging. It has a small footprint, (14 X 21mm), ideal for acoustic access to these types of exams. In addition, the P4-1c has a combination of nine multiple frequencies within 2D and M-Mode, Tissue Harmonics, Color / Power Doppler, and PW Doppler. The user can easily choose the optimal frequency for their patient while scanning, and can penetrate up to 30 cm. Like all of ZONARE’s transducers, the P4-1c is lightweight and ergonomically designed resulting in easier imaging access and increased operator comfort.

Also introduced at last year’s RSNA, ZONARE began customer shipments of the SP14-5 linear array transducer in second quarter of this year. Dedicated to specialty purpose, the L14-5sp provides a narrow footprint with high frequency imaging, coupled to a small ergonomic handle. With eight multiple frequencies, the L14-5sp design is ideal for intra-operative vessel scanning, guiding needles/catheters, musculoskeletal applications and superficial vein mapping.

In addition, ZONARE is showcasing a new high frequency, 14-5 MHz linear array transducer (*WIP) featuring a wide field of view. With an aperture of 55 mm, the L14-5 transducer also offers virtual apex capability. The new transducer has 10 frequencies including three fundamental, one tissue harmonic, two compound imaging and two each for color Doppler and PW Doppler modes. The L14-5 is especially useful for imaging breasts, small parts and superficial peripheral vascular.

Also being introduced this year is the C9-3 curved array transducer (*WIP) which is designed for high frequency obstetrical and pediatric imaging. The transducer includes a new ergonomically shaped housing that fits more comfortably in the clinician’s hand. Like all ZONARE transducers, the C9-3 will include multiple frequencies in both fundamental and tissue harmonic imaging. In addition, the clinician can take advantage of automated capabilities, such as Auto-Opt with ZST, and compound imaging modes.

The ZONARE transducer technology, along with its wide bandwidth imaging and expanded range of frequencies, provides increased penetration and sensitivity as well as excellent image resolution. This, in turn, offers greater clinical information and expanded clinical applications. All of the transducers are lightweight and ergonomically designed. This offers far easier imaging access and increased operator comfort.

*Works in Progress (WIP)

About ZONARE Medical Systems

ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., is a privately-held company that designs, develops, and manufactures premium performance compact ultrasound solutions, which combine its proprietary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE’s unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing premium image quality and performance to clinical settings, leading to advanced diagnostic capabilities, portability, cost-effective operation, maintenance and upgrades, and attractive value to clinicians. For more information, please visit our web site at www.zonare.com.

Laurie Hallwyler
ZONARE Medical Systems
lhallwyler@zonare.com
650-248-9081