In the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device market called `visible stethoscope`, global companies as well as domestic companies are challenging themselves.

According to the medical device industry on March 27, Philips is considering the domestic launch of the mobile ultrasound diagnostic device `Lumipai` approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. This product is a device that can check ultrasound images directly through apps by putting them in the mobile devices used by medical staffs such as smart phones and tablet PCs. Previously, GE Healthcare introduced a portable ultrasound `VISCAN` in Korea in 2011 and recently introduced the `VISCAR scan stand` which can switch between black and white organ images and color blood flow images in real time.

Ultrasonic diagnostic devices have recently become increasingly smaller and lighter as the demand for various diagnosis fields such as operating room, emergency room, intensive care room, and anesthesiology is increased as well as in the department of radiology. Portable ultrasound, which is small enough to be carried in a pocket, is an attractive niche market because it has various application fields such as medical staff training, animal medicine, as well as places where medical equipment is difficult to use, such as medical vulnerability, emergency and disaster scene, According to market researcher Global Information, the market for portable ultrasonic equipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% until 2021.

Korean companies are also entering the portable ultrasonic market through their unique technology. Hilleryon, a physician-born graduate, has been knocking on the door of the global market with its wireless portable ultrasonic Sonon, which eliminates the wires. Ultrasonic diagnostic devices that transmit images in real time are considered to be difficult to wireless, but this company overcame them by incorporating various information and communication technologies (ICT). Last year, Sonon signed up to supply USD 12 million (approx. 13 billion won) sales contracts with China and Japan and signed a supply agreement with Hesca To the marine medical device market. ALPINION MEDICAL SYSTEM, a specialist in ultrasound, recently presented `MINISONO`, a miniature diagnostic tool that compresses ultrasound diagnostic function to a probe less than 200g. This product connects to Microsoft`s tablet PC` surface `to see high - resolution ultrasound images.

"As the need for portable ultrasound imaging devices in emerging countries increases, so does investment," an expert from the Korea Health Industry Development Agency said. "Manufacturers are producing more compact ultrasound systems and adding functions for handheld devices."

By Nam Do Yeong namdo0@


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