SonoSite and Wyle Laboratories will supply NASA three SonoSite 180 all-digital, hand-carried ultrasound systems to assist with monitoring the health of astronauts.
The SonoSite 180 system weighs 5.4 pounds, offers battery or AC power options and generates high-quality images comparable to those produced by larger, more expensive ultrasound machines.
“We chose the SonoSite 180 system because of its exceptional portability and outstanding image quality,” said Douglas Butler, Wyle Labs Project Manager for the NASA Medical Operations Branch.
“The system¿s small size and weight, and low power requirements make it ideal for the potential use in space or any mobile application. We expect that these revolutionary systems will expand the diagnostic services that we provide to NASA¿s astronauts,” Butler.
“Wyle Laboratories¿ purchase of our systems for their NASA Medical Support and Integration Contract program affirms our belief that the SonoSite 180 system is ¿go anywhere¿ ultrasound,” said Kevin M. Goodwin, president and CEO of SonoSite. “We are honored to have our products chosen for use in the nation¿s space program.”
MICROGRAVITY AND BIOLOGY
Blood In Orbit
Washington – September 23, 1999 –
Even a small nick won’t heal properly in zero gravity–a problem that has made astronauts’ jobs just that much tougher. Now NASA is learning how to heal wounds with light. Harry Whelan, a neurologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, said: “Minor injuries typically don’t heal until they land,” he says. The reason for this is not well understood.
