Primary Function: The SuperSonic Imagine Aixplorer system is a cart-based ultrasound imaging system designed for a wide range of diagnostic and research applications, leveraging advanced UltraFast™ imaging technology.

Manufacturer: Originally developed by SuperSonic Imagine (based in Aix-en-Provence, France), the company was acquired by Hologic in 2019. Newer generations are often referred to as Hologic SuperSonic Imagine Aixplorer MACH series.

Technical Specifications:

• Cart-based ultrasound imaging system with an UltraFast™ imaging platform, capable of acquiring images up to 200 times faster than conventional systems.
• Features a scan converter and can be coupled to a variety of linear, curved, micro-convex, and motorized linear array transducers, including new transducer families with pinless connectors.
• Images are displayed on an LCD monitor.
• Adjustable control panel with an integrated touch screen (SonicPad™) for quick and efficient ultrasound exams, designed for improved workflow and user experience (ALARA principles).
• Allows for comprehensive measurements and associated calculations, including cardiac, vascular, OB/GYN, and general calculations.
• Capability to capture images to digital memory or to an external device.
• Functionality to review diagnostic studies in the form of a report.
• Conforms to the DICOM 2018b standard.
• Ergonomic design includes larger monitors, tiltable touch panel, motorized height adjustment, and flexible control panel movement.

Imaging Modes:

• B-Mode (with enhanced penetration, tissue contrast, and spatial resolution)
• M-mode
• Color Doppler imaging (with improved sensitivity and frame rates)
• Pulsed Wave Doppler
• Harmonic Imaging
• Amplitude Power Doppler imaging
• Directional Amplitude Power imaging
• Contrast Imaging (CEUS, optional on specific transducers)
• Elasticity Imaging (ShearWave™ Elastography (SWE™) / ShearWave™ PLUS for real-time tissue stiffness quantification, up to 1,200 kPa or 20 m/s)
• 3D imaging
• Angio PL.U.S. (PLanewave UltraSensitive Imaging for microvascularization)
• TriVu (real-time simultaneous imaging combining B-mode, SWE, and Color+)
• Needle PL.U.S. (for simultaneous visualization of anatomical structures and biopsy needles)

Imaging Applications:

• Abdominal (including advanced liver disease assessment for shear wave speed, tissue stiffness, brightness ratio, vascularization, and perfusion)
• Small Organs
• Musculoskeletal
• Superficial Musculoskeletal
• Vascular
• Peripheral Vascular
• OB-GYN
• Pelvic
• Pediatric
• Neonatal/Adult Cephalic
• Urology
• Intraoperative
• Transrectal
• Transvaginal
• Non-invasive Cardiac
• Breast (including breast lesion diagnosis, characterization, biopsy planning, and therapy monitoring)
• Thyroid
• Prostate

Applications: Comprehensive ultrasound diagnostics, research across multiple anatomical regions, with a strong focus on non-invasive assessment of tissue stiffness for conditions like liver fibrosis and breast lesions.