More than two dozen DOTmed companies were among the exhibitors at RSNA 2005, including manufacturers of some extraordinary devices for medical imaging and machine maintenance.

Sonora Medical Systems Debuts Futuristic Ultrasound Test Device

Sonora Medical Systems showcased its offerings last week in Chicago including a fountain pen-sized device that looks like something James Bond might use.
"We introduced a pocket-sized product called the Magic Nickel. It's a test device about the size of a high quality pen that receives and sends signals from ultrasound transducers so that the clinician or engineer can test a probe to ensure adequate signals," said President Wayne Moore. "It was really gratifying that our booth was overrun with folks looking at that, especially people in the hospital--biomedical engineers, physicists, and independent service organizations."

Sonora Medical Systems also played a role in the scientific sessions that were a vital part of the trade show. The company presented a paper, co-written with Columbia University and Washington University, St. Louis. The topic was the role of the new First Call ultrasound probe tester, which the company developed and commercialized. The device was also featured in the company's exhibit, along with technology for MRI subsystems repair.

Moore noticed significant traffic from international attendees this year. "[RSNA attendance] has sifted over the years and is becoming 50/50 domestic and international. We were inundated with visitors from Latin America especially," he said. The ISO-certified company also exports to Europe.

Huestis a Household Word at RSNA

Perennial exhibitor Huestis once again strutted its stuff with an RSNA display including the AMX digital plate x-ray system. "We demo'd the equipment every day, every hour and there was a crowd around it the whole show," said Paul Cugno, advertising manager.

The portable diagnostic imaging machine comes in handy in many clinical settings. "Radiologists, small hospital administrators, resellers and distributors...take a great deal of interest in the AMX with the digital plate because they see how easy it is to use. The image comes right up on screen. They can zoom into an area, enhance an area. It's amazing, fast and impressive," he said. The portability factor is clearly needed for hospitalized patients that aren't easily transported to a radiology department. "This machine comes up to them. It's great for smaller injuries or injuries in small areas because the plate is wired right to the machine and can be easily placed in tight areas. The x-ray is taken and in a minute or two, it's on screen."

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