Patient obesity is a growing concern for clinicians. Not only can it compromise the diagnostic quality of ultrasound imaging, it can also put the safety of sonographers at risk. According to a recent publication, patient obesity is reported as the most significant barrier to practicing ergonomic scanning technique. Partially as a result of scanning on an increasingly more technically challenging patient population, up to 90% of sonographers experience symptoms of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRSMDs).1 An injured sonographer can be detrimental to institutions and clinics facing financial strain and lack of workforce readiness due to COVID-19.
The ACUSON Sequoia ultrasound system powers the patented and industry-exclusive DAX (Deep Abdominal Transducer), enabling unprecedented imaging throughout 40 cm depth through an advanced form of Multi-D beam formation. According to an ergonomic assessment by Sound Ergonomics, the DAX Transducer requires approximately 70% less force compared to a conventional abdominal transducer on a large model patient.2
By reducing the required transducer pressure, we have improved the ergonomics of a technically difficult scan that is beneficial to both sonographer and patient.