GE Medical Systems gives birth to world's first realtime 4D ultrasound technology

GE VOLUSON 730, the breakthrough ultrasound available in two versions, Expert and Pro, is one of a number of GE's innovative healthcare products to be highlighted at the region's leading medical exhibition from January 26-29 (2003).

Dr. Hisham Youssef, General Manager, GE Ultrasound, Middle East and Africa commenting on GE Medical System's latest innovation in research and development: "Exclusive live-action technology brings the fourth dimension - time - to ultrasound making the GE VOLUSON 730 Expert and Pro 4D Ultrasound Systems a revolution in women's healthcare. Physicians are now able to detect tumourous female breast tissue with a degree of precision previously unknown."

Available in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Egypt, the GE VOLUSON 730 is the world's first and only ultrasound system featuring RealTime 4D technology, allowing doctors to observe anatomy in motion and patients to recognise what is being viewed inside their body. Expectant mothers will have the opportunity to view moving images of their unborn child with detailed precision.

"In obstetrics the new ultrasound also means a mother can see her baby even before it is born with fine details of the face, body, fingers and toes - a truly warming experience. The entire family can be involved in a pregnancy with this innovative technology," added Dr. Youssef.

The new 4D ultrasound also increases the degree of accuracy of ultrasound-guided biopsies to 100 per cent, as opposed to previous results of 50 per cent, even with tumours of diameter less than 5 millimetres. Studies show, that this breakthrough ultrasound system, which uses RealTime 4D technology, can save the lives of nearly 111,000 women worldwide each year by detecting breast cancer at an early stage, according to figures published by the World Health Organisation.

Using the GE VOLUSON 730 Expert and Pro, which are manufactured by GE Kretz in Austria, physicians can analyse fetal development and perform exams previously unavailable. In addition, the 4D ultrasound technology determines fetal age, evaluates high-risk pregnancies, and detects fetal abnormalities, structural problems with the uterus, placental abnormalities, abnormal bleeding, ectopic pregnancies and ovarian tumours and fibroids.

For physicians to learn more about and become familiarised with the RealTime 4D ultrasound, GEMS will be offering the "International Academy of Medical Ultrasound" from 12 -14 April in Cairo, preceding the 3rd Middle East 3D Ultrasound Congress, taking place from 15- 16 April.