There is no scarcity of traits that can be used to define human beings, and yet none would do justice quite like our trait of improving at a consistent pace. This progressive streak, on our part, has already got the world to hit upon some huge milestones, with technology sticking out as one major member to emerge from the stated group. The reason why technology enjoys such an esteemed stature among people is, by and large, predicated upon its skill-set, which guided us towards a reality that nobody could have ever imagined otherwise. Nevertheless, if we look up close for a second, it will become clear how the whole runner was also very much inspired from the way we applied those skills across a real world environment. The latter component was, in fact, what gave the creation a spectrum-wide presence, and consequentially, kickstarted a full-blown tech revolution. Of course, this revolution then went on to scale up the human experience through some outright unique avenues, but even after achieving such a monumental feat, technology will somehow continue to produce the right goods. The same has grown increasingly evident in recent times, and assuming one new healthcare development shakes out just like we envision, it will only make that trend bigger and better moving forward.
Butterfly Network, a digital health company transforming care through the power of portable, semiconductor-based ultrasound technology and intuitive software, has officially announced the launch of its third-generation handheld point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) system called Butterfly iQ3. Approved by the FDA last month, Butterfly iQ3 leverages the most advanced semiconductor chip, at a data transfer rate double of its predecessor, to generate unparalleled image quality and faster micro-beamforming for advanced 3D capabilities. Furthermore, it brings to the fore a novel “no focus” rubber lens which enables providers to intuitively identify anatomy, observe small structures, and ultimately make more confident diagnostic decisions. Having touched on the initial bits and bobs, we now must take stock of the product at a slightly deeper level. You see, once we do so, we’ll see how Butterfly iQ3 is set to bring with it two advanced 3D imaging tools that will make image capturing easier than ever before. Named as iQ Slice and iQ Fan, these tools join Butterfly’s existing robust feature list of over 20 anatomical presets, and six imaging modes in B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed-Wave Doppler, and Biplane Imaging™. They also join the company’s collection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging tools, including Auto Bladder Volume Capture, Auto B-Line Counter, and NeedleViz™, alongside various other Calculation tools. Starting from iQ Slice, it happens to be the world’s first automated sequential ultrasound capture mode on a handheld device, brought to fruition by Butterfly’s proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology. In practice, the tool can automatically steer the beam to scan an organ and capture up to 46 ultrasound slices at a time, and also across a wide angle. Markedly enough, iQ Slice’s one major advantage is how it simplifies, and therefore, accelerates the very process of acquiring excellent images without skilled maneuvering. After these images have been acquired, they can be immediately read and measured by professional skilled scanners, or if someone doesn’t quite have enough experience to make such readings, they can also send the images to a specialist for further review, mirroring the workflow of a CT or MRI. Next up, we have iQ Fan, which is essentially a dedicated lung tool that further builds on the core iQ Slice technology to let providers benefit from real-time back-and-forth virtual fanning. Such a mechanism, like you might guess, makes it easier to visualize A-lines and other lung conditions. Not just that, it also eliminates the need for users to manually fan the probe, leaving us to focus solely on analyzing the images.
“Healthcare is at a cornerstone in the adoption of point-of-care ultrasound. Bedside ultrasound has the potential to vastly increase the information available to clinicians for proper assessment, intervention, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions across the human body,” said Partho Sengupta, MD, Henry Rutgers Professor, and Chief of Cardiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. “I use Butterfly in my clinical practice and in clinical research. The introduction of Butterfly iQ3 includes a focus on higher precision capabilities for cardiovascular point-of-care ultrasound applications to inform complex decisions.”
Among other details, we must mention how the new Butterfly iQ3 features user-centric ergonomic design that is smaller, lighter, and better distributed, all while still boasting a stronger battery. To give you concrete figures, the system comes decked up with 17% smaller probe face which instantly translates to better intercostal access for cardiac and lung imaging, as well as vascular access. It is understood to have almost 7% shorter probe with ergonomic weight distribution. This alone reduces the physical strain on scanners and ensures better control and maneuverability, eventually resulting in more precise and comfortable scans. Moving on, we must mention three buttons on Butterfly iQ3 that can be tailored for functionality so to conceive user-friendly navigation, quick scans and interpretations, and shorter timelines for diagnoses. We referred to the system’s battery, it has 2 hours worth of thermal run time for outstanding continuous scanning, and when it’s finally time for charging, Butterfly iQ3 boasts 2.5x charge time than Butterfly iQ+.
Another detail worth a mention here is rooted in system’s next-generation P4.3 chip, which was developed in collaboration with the North American division of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). This particular chip is expected to offer significant upgrades on everything from the micron-sized MEMS1 that transmit and receive ultrasound to the electronics and mechanical heat dissipation.
“TSMC has partnered with Butterfly to push the boundaries of ultrasound imaging through innovative CMOS-MEMS2 integration and our latest collaboration in delivery of Butterfly iQ3 represents our joint research and development efforts, resulting in incredibly advanced imaging capabilities,” said Lucas Tsai, Senior Director of Market Development and Emerging Business Management at TSMC North America. “TSMC continues to put substantial effort into developing more advanced CMOS and MEMS technologies to enable our customers like Butterfly to unleash semiconductor innovation for applications from traditional motion sensing to microphone, bio-sensing, micro-speakers, and medical ultrasound to enhance human convenience, health, and safety.”
Coming shortly after Butterfly’s recent release of ScanLab™, Butterfly iQ3 is now available for purchase in US at a cost of $3,899 plus membership.
Founded in 2011, Butterfly Network has climbed up the ranks with a sole intention to make high-quality medical imaging more accessible. In this pursuit, the company would launch the world’s first handheld single-probe, whole-body ultrasound system, built on semiconductor technology, called Butterfly iQ. Then, it will bet on Moore Law to deliver its second generation Butterfly iQ+ in 2020 before finally reaching the one acting as a centerpiece here. Butterfly Network’s proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology, intelligent software, and educational offerings have further solidified its case by fetching the company recognition across TIME’s Best Inventions, Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, and MedTech Breakthrough Awards etc.
“Butterfly iQ3 is a pivotal moment in Butterfly’s trajectory, further validating the company’s initial hypothesis that semiconductor-based digital ultrasound is not only viable, but the future of all ultrasound,” said Joseph DeVivo, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chairman at Butterfly Network. “With the introduction of iQ3, we’re witnessing a paradigm shift in ultrasound. iQ3 sets a new standard where digital image quality matches that of traditional handheld devices, and even certain carts. This device will attract more seasoned POCUS experts to choose Butterfly and support new learners to gain confidence and competency through artificial intelligence and advanced imaging tools.”
