Pn Cardiovascular March09

Discover the Ultimate MyLabTM Advanced Cardiac & Vascular Package Genoa, Italy (March 30, 2009) - Esaote, a global leader in Cardiology Ultrasound has been a pioneer in the 2D Based Myocardial Quantification Imaging. At the ESC 2006 – the European Congress of Cardiology in Barcelona - Esaote introduced this up-to-date technology and confirmed its continued commitment to allow improved diagnostic confidence and time-to-exam capability in the Cardiovascular field: Advanced Cardiac Package Up-to-date Technologies in Cardiology XStrainTM Solution Improvements MyLabTM Desk, Coherent Work Station Software Advanced Vascular Package RF

QIMT, RFQAS*, M-View Technologies in Vascular

iQProbes Technology, Innovative Quality Standard in Transducers PA240, Wideband Phased Array Probe TEE132, Pediatric Transesophageal probe LA332, Linear Array Appleprobe BL433, High Frequency Linear Array 3D-4D Appleprobe * RFQAS is work-in-progress – expected release in June 2009

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Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

Advanced Cardiac Package Discover the Advanced Cardiac Package, the innovative suite which includes the latest updates in terms of technologies and features to provide the most accurate and easy diagnosis in Cardiology: TM

TEI , Tissue Enhancement Imaging XView, Real-Time Adaptive Algorithm CMM, Compass M-Mode TVM, Tissue Velocity Mapping Stress-Echo Comprehensive Package TM

CnTI , Contrast Tuned Imaging TM

XStrain , 2D-Based Innovative Method MyLab

TM

Desk, Coherent Work Station Software

TEITM, Tissue Enhancement Imaging Discover the superb contrast and detailed resolution of TEITM technology which gives you the diagnostic edge. Thanks to the wide bandwidth of the Esaote’s transducers, the harmonic signal is fully preserved without degradation of the acoustic information. Ease of use, one-button access and quick response time make the TEITM feature a true technological advantage in routine ultrasound use.

XView, Real-Time Adaptive Algorithm Discover the XView, Real-Time Adaptive Algorithm, the Esaote’s revolutionary technology that improves image quality during the acquisition, processing and display of images. Using aspects of resolution, post-processing and averaging image enhancement techniques, XView dramatically enhances tissue margins and conspicuity without any frame rate loss. The result allows for greater diagnostic confidence increasing.

CMM, Compass M-Mode Discover the innovative Compass MMode tool which allows up to three MMode lines to be placed and multiple measurements to be performed in realtime on one image without moving the patient. CMM is the ideal approach to increase patient throughput and diagnostic precision.

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

TVM, Tissue Velocity Mapping Discover the ability of TVM, Tissue Velocity Mapping, to perform a complete Wall Motion Analysis for both systolic and diastolic myocardial function evaluation. This PW Doppler-associated technology allows the user to measure velocity and local acceleration, and to obtain rapid quantification (i.e. displacement of the walls).

Stress-Echo Comprehensive Package Discover the Stress-Echo Comprehensive Package, the ideal solution for the accurate monitoring of all cardiovascular pathologies. Esaote’s solution is easy to use and allows programmable protocols and multiformat reviewing capabilities. The results of the investigation are automatically stored in a complete report and immediately visualized by regional scores for fast and easy interpretation.

CnTITM, Contrast Tuned Imaging Discover the Esaote’s proprietary CnTI™, Contrast Tuned Imaging, that provides high performance contrast enhanced ultrasound imaging in combination with second-generation contrast media. Intermittent and real-time low-MI modalities give optimal results in left ventricle opacification (LVO) and myocardial perfusion analysis, both in rest and stress examinations.

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

Esaote is proud to announce the latest improvements of the XStrain™ Advanced Cardiac Solution. Based on the most advanced tracking technology, XStrain™ provides astonishing results to better evaluate heart contractility and synchronicity. It concretely represents the evolution from the subjective qualitative analysis to the automated computer-based quantitative assessment:

Subjective Qualitative Evaluation

Automated Computer-Based Quantitative

XStrainTM, 2D-Based Innovative Method Discover the innovative XStrainTM technology. It provides an advanced and angle-independent 2D imaging-based tool for analyzing myocardial velocities, strain and strain rate. The quantification of these parameters is the most promising clinical technique for the early detection of myocardial contractility and distensibility impairment. XStrainTM provides an unmatched level of diagnostic capability allowing an

innovative approach to further clinical procedures (i.e. CRT – Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy).

XStrainTM - AHS, Aided Heart Segmentation Discover the AHS, the innovative tool to assist physicians in selecting the myocardial points to be tracked within the quantification process of XStrainTM sw analysis. The relevant aim is to provide a software driven, easy to use and “operator independent” procedure to obtain a very accurate tracking points positioning. The latter is applicable with dedicated methods for both apical and short axis views.

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The procedure is based on anatomical heart landmarks identification without the need for template matching algorithms. The tool takes into consideration the Standard Heart Segmentation (ASE Segmentation), and has been designed to rely on a different number of points according to the heart view under exam. The AHS is an extraordinary help in reducing inter-intra operator variability and to make the point insertion procedure easier, faster and more accurate.

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

XStrainTM - Multilayer Tracking & Radial Strain Two different layers are analysed in RT for both Endocardial & Epicardial analysis. This allows the physician to assess the Cardiac Radial Strain. By calculating the relative movement between the Endocardial & Epicardial layer, the Radial Strain allows the quantification of heart thickening. Example of Multilayer Tracking for Radial Strain Assessment

XStrainTM Rotational/Radial/Longitudinal Displacement & Velocity The XStrainTM Displacement and Velocity option allows the user to quantify the behaviour of the heart at different levels. These two parameters represent a further evolution of heart kinetics to provide more and more accurate diagnosis. Example of Rotational Displacement (degree) in SAX View

XStrainTM - RCA, Regional Curves Analysis The RCA, Regional Curves Analysis, function was extended to cover all the parameters provided by the XStrainTM technology. Relying on the ASE heart segmentation, the RCA simplifies the data interpretation providing one single averaged graph for each heart segment. It allows an overall assessment of all cardiac parameters by using a smart and immediate graphycal representation. The physicians can anyway perform further measurements based on time, peaks, shifts and delays. Example of Longitudinal Displacement (mm) in Apical 4CH View

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

View the Heart from a Different Point of View: Cardiology without Compromise.

MyLabTM Desk, Coherent Work Station Software Discover the MyLabTM Desk, the Esaote’s latest image management solution to meet all needs in hospitals and private offices, increasing workflow and productivity. MyLabTM Desk operates the MyLabTM systems user interface on a standard PC, offering a comfortable reviewing and processing station based on all available PC functions.

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

Advanced Vascular Package The Advanced Vascular Package is the most advanced tool available today to virtually “look inside” the arterial vessels. Based on RadioFrequeency (RF) signal analysis and real time elaboration, it provides different parameters which represent the next step in vascular examination, moving from standard diagnosis to the assessment of predictive values. With extremely simple measurements, these sophisticated technologies can offer to the physicians an extraordinary help in early detection of cardiovascular desease, monitoring of therapy, reduction of healthcare costs and improved quality of life for patients.

RF

QIMT (Quality IMT)

Discover the RF-based Quality Intima Media Thickness - RFQIMT application: it represents the next generation IMT realtime measurement. The RFQIMT value is easily measured and displayed on the monitor, and visualizes diameter tracking and several IMT samples derived from the RF signal analysis. To improve quality in the measurements, the system displays the Standard Deviation (SD) which represents the most important parameter to get an immediate feedback of measure reliability. Full details report with QIMT value over IMT normality graphs and multiple exams trend plotting is provided to complete the exam results.

RF

QAS* (Quality Arterial Stiffness)

Discover the RF-based Quality Arterial Stiffness, the most accurate assessment of arterial vessel health condition. Based on the same RF-based and Real Time technology, RFQAS provides additional several parameters which combined with the available standard ultrasound acquisition offer to the physician an extraordinary tool to evaluate the arterial stiffness condition.

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Starting from the analysis of the blood vessel wall properties, the algorithm is looking at vessel diameter and its relevant distention and stiffness. The procedure is based under the guidance of the Standard Deviation (SD) value, to guarantee an high value in measure feedback reliability. *

RF

QAS is work-in-progress – expected release in June 2009

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

The extraordinary importance of RFQAS and RFQIMT technologies is based on the accurate resolution of the measure (far superior to currently available alternative options). Thanks to the RF analysis, the system can offer increased user independence and greater accuracy of the measurements compared to all other available solutions. In vitro set-up - Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

M-View Technology Discover the M-View Technology consisting of the electronic beam steering applied to an ultrasound transducer array. This technology allows the acquisition of several co-planar scans of the area of interest from different angles of view. Its capability to improve image quality is mainly due to the suppression of image artifacts. When scanning from different angles the system acquires different artifact patterns; by integrating these independent frames into a single derived image, the results are evident both in speckle suppression and structure enhancement visualization. M-View provides enhanced contrast resolution with better tissue differentiation

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and improved visualization of organ borders, tissue layers and vessel walls. M-View Technology ensures the best diagnostic confidence.

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

iQProbes Technology, Innovating Quality Standard in Transducers Discover the innovative iQProbes Technology which represents the next generation of transducers suitable for a wide range of clinical applications. Thanks to its extraordinary, innovative, gold standard quality design, iQProbes Technology brings into the market a breakthrough in the manufacturing process of Ultrasound Transducers. The combination of the Active Matrix Composite Material, Multiple Adaptive

Microscopic view of the Active Matrix Composite Material

Layers, the Structure Filling Material and the Low-Absorption Geometric Lens Manufacturing Process delivers huge improvements in terms of Signal to Noise ratio providing unmatched sensitivity. It maximizes the transmission efficiency to provide superb B-Mode spatial/contrast resolution and Gold Standard Colour and Spectral Doppler in both near and far field applications.

Microscopic view of the Multiple Adaptive Layers Technology

PA240, Wideband Phased Array Probe Discover the new PA240 Phased Array Probe designed for echocardiography and transcranial examinations in adult patient. Thanks to its ergonomic, light design and anatomical probe head profile, the PA240 offers extraordinary comfort during the examination for both patient and operator. The PA240 can provide multi-frequency operative working modalities in all available modes (B, Tissue Enhancement Imaging, XView, Colour Doppler, Tissue Velocity, Spectral PW-CW Doppler and Contrast Tuned Imaging). Based on its

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exceptional design and state of the art performance, the PA240 can meet every expectation in penetration capability (dept range up to 36 cm), Image Quality resolution, and Colour & Spectral Doppler sensitivity.

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

TEE132, Pediatric Transesophageal Probe Discover the TEE132, Pediatric Transesophageal probe, that combines its small size transducer with the high level of imaging both in B-Mode and CFM. It offers a 360 degree view of the heart unobstructed by lungs and ribs. The transducer bandwidth is 8-3 MHz with 180 degree array rotation thanks to the dedicated control located on the probe handle.

LA332, Linear Array Appleprobe Discover the LA332 Linear Compact Array Appleprobe, which has been developed for vascular (both superficial and deep area) examinations. This probe combines the double advantage of iQProbe and Appleprobe technology design, representing a unique opportunity for examination efficiency. The LA332 can provide multi-frequency operative working modalities in all available modes (B, Tissue Enhancement Imaging, XView, MView, Colour-Power Doppler, Spectral PW Doppler and Radio Frequency Based QIMT- RFQAS Imaging). *

RF

Thanks to the iQProbe design and related benefits, the LA332 delivers superb vascular B-Mode imaging even at very deep depths which is always available due to the extended linear format (TPView) modality. Excellent Colour sensitivity and brilliant Spectral Doppler are always available for user diagnostic confidence in all vascular near and far field areas.

QAS is work-in-progress – expected release in June 2009

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com

BL433, High Frequency Linear Array 3D/4D Appleprobe Discover the BL433 Linear High Frequency 3D/4D Appleprobe, which has been developed for vascular volumetric examinations. This probe combines the double advantage of iQProbe and Appleprobe technology design, representing a unique opportunity for examination efficiency. The BL433 can provide multi-frequency operative working modalities in all available modes (2D, 3D, 4D, Tissue Enhancement Imaging, XView, MView, Colour-Power Doppler and Spectral PW Doppler).

Discover the excellence in high frequency 4D imaging for dedicated elaborations of vascular structures. Light and compact design, fast and detailed 3D/4D reconstructions, and multiplanar and tomographic 3D visualizations are all featured by the new High Frequency 3D/4D Linear probe.

Esaote is a leading European manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment, the worldwide leader in dedicated MRI and one of the main players in information technology. Information about Esaote and its products is available on the Internet: www.esaote.com

© 2009 - Esaote S.p.A. All rights are reserved. Technology and features are system/configuration dependent. Specifications subject to change without notice. For further details, please contact your Esaote sales representative: [email protected]

Esaote S.p.A. International Activities

Via di Caciolle 15, 50127 Florence, Italy, Tel +39 055 4229 1, Fax +39 055 4229 208 [email protected] – www.esaote.com