Software Analyzes Previously Unused Ultrasound Data to Quantify Extent of Musculoskeletal Injuries

New ultrasound demonstration software was been developed to provide the acoustoelastic evaluation of ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Echometrix (Madison, WI, USA), a developer of ultrasound image processing tools for the evaluation of ligament, tendon, and muscle function, has released a trial download version of EchoSoft, a software program that is compatible with all standard ultrasound equipment.

The announcement by Echometrix comes as key research collaborators of the company presented new data highlighting the software's efficacy at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine's annual convention held April 2011, in New York, NY, USA.

EchoSoft allows users to upload, analyze, and review dynamic ultrasound images for the advanced evaluation of soft tissue pathology. The product is still limited to investigational use pending its upcoming US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval and is designed to provide the first-ever functional evaluation of soft tissue by measuring its acoustoelastic properties with noninvasive technology.

EchoSoft analyzes previously unused information carried by ultrasound waves to quantify the degree of musculoskeletal injuries. The technology was developed by company co-founder Hirohito Kobayashi, now chief technology officer, and Ray Vanderby, a professor in the orthopedics and rehabilitation department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. The technology is assigned to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and licensed exclusively to Echometrix.

In addition to the trial software download, Echometrix offers the EchoSoft Research Program to support evaluation of a wide range of clinical indications as well as basic research on musculoskeletal tissue properties. The research program features access to the company's cloud-based research software, with on-demand software upgrades and highly scalable computing power.

Through the research program, the EchoSoft technology is being used to explore the benefits of a variety of innovative therapies. The program also offers key services, such as statistical, methodological, data mining, and grant writing support provided by PhD-level engineers and researchers.

Sam Adams, chief executive officer of Echometrix, reported that the company anticipates its technology will be approved for clinical use in coming months. In the meantime, research applications continue to grow in the fields of biomechanics and sports medicine. "Our technology addresses a growing need for a low-cost solution to improve the initial diagnosis of strains, sprains, and partial tears,'' Mr. Adams said. "It also offers significant advantages over current systems by presenting results in a clear, easy-to-interpret display that enables evaluation of the functional properties of the affected tissues. Equally important, it promises to reduce the risk of re-injury by quantifying the healing progress.''

Mr. Adams also noted that while the company remains focused on commercializing its core technology, researcher Prof. Vanderby continues to pursue breakthroughs in the lab related to the use of acoustoelasticity for the quantitative evaluation of additional biologic tissues.

Echometrix is a developer of proprietary ultrasound products that improve the speed, convenience, and efficacy of musculoskeletal injury diagnosis and rehabilitation, while lowering cost. Early studies have demonstrated improved utility for injury assessment and rehabilitation management when compared to conventional methods.

Echometrix released the trial version of new EchoSoft program via its Web portal (Please see Related Links below).

Related Links:
Echometrix
Echosoft Portal