First-Of-Its-Kind Handheld Ultrasound Delivers Precise, On-The-Go Answers From Anywhere

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 27 Sep 2023

Image: The Exo Iris handheld ultrasound system (Photo courtesy of Exo)

A new category-redefining handheld ultrasound device is designed to put high-performance medical imaging into the hands of healthcare professionals.

Exo (Santa Clara, CA, USA) has unveiled the Exo Iris handheld ultrasound device built on the company's cutting-edge silicon technology. The device provides high-quality imaging for point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) applications but comes in a much smaller and more affordable package than traditional cart-based units. By integrating imaging technology, workflow software, and artificial intelligence (AI), Exo Iris makes it feasible to implement POCUS on a broad scale. It's a tool designed for healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, and other clinicians working in various settings like emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, and even homes, offering immediate insights into the human body.

Exo Iris is tailored for ease of use, even for those with little experience, and employs real-time AI to deliver immediate results. It features the company's unique SweepAI technology that captures images through a simple wrist movement, minimizing the need for extensive operator training and reducing the chance of user error. The device comes pre-installed with Exo's Bladder AI software for quick bladder volume assessments and has other AI-powered features in the pipeline. These include FDA 510k-pending solutions for cardiac and lung imaging that will provide real-time analysis to help caregivers diagnose and monitor conditions more efficiently.

Powered by Exo's patented pMUT-based technology, the Exo Iris blends high-quality imaging from piezoelectric crystals with the affordability of silicon. This architecture enables rapid advancements in imaging quality and facilitates real-time AI analysis on each image frame. The device offers unmatched sensitivity for deeper scans and fine structure tracking, making it useful for scanning major organs and guiding procedures like IV placement. Among its standout features is an ultra-wide field of view, capable of capturing images up to 150 degrees, which is useful for capturing large areas like an entire liver or full-body fetus in a single scan.

Exo Iris is compatible with existing healthcare IT infrastructures, including PACS and VNA systems, for easy compliance and data storage. The device also offers offline functionality, making it invaluable for healthcare providers in remote or mobile settings. Equipped with Exo Works, Exo's POCUS workflow software, the device allows quick documentation and review of exams from any location. This comprehensive approach creates a seamless medical imaging environment that can be implemented across various healthcare settings. Regarding data security, Exo Iris adheres to the highest standards, including HITRUST, HIPAA, SOC2 Type II, and ISO 27001 certifications, ensuring IT departments can confidently manage data protection and regulatory compliance.

“Iris represents a new era of ultrasound,” said Sandeep Akkaraju, CEO and Co-Founder of Exo. “It’s built to perform as easily as taking an image with a smartphone. For caregivers who’ve bemoaned out-of-touch medical technology, you’ve been heard. This device is meant for you and everyone in healthcare—it will save lives, improve patient care, and lower costs. A testament to the transformative power of great design, Iris is the first of many innovations to come that will redefine the medical imaging space. We’re just getting started.”

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