Overcoming Unique Challenges in Pediatric Ultrasound: Why ACUSON Sequoia is a Game Changer
When it comes to diagnostic imaging in children, one size definitely does not fit all. Pediatric patients present a host of unique challenges—from their rapidly changing anatomy to their increased sensitivity to radiation. Unlike adults, children need to be assessed with specialized care, equipment, and protocols. This is why pediatric imaging cannot be approached with conventional systems alone.
In this landscape, the ACUSON™ Sequoia™ Ultrasound System by Siemens Healthineers stands out as a transformative solution. Designed specifically to address the difficulties in pediatric ultrasound, it redefines imaging performance with its high sensitivity, deep penetration, and specialized pediatric transducers.
At Shyam Medtech, your trusted Siemens Healthineers ultrasound distributor in India, we are proud to bring this groundbreaking solution to hospitals and diagnostic centers nationwide.
The Unique Challenges of Pediatric Ultrasound
Pediatric imaging requires clinicians to manage physiological and anatomical factors that are drastically different from adult cases. Consider the following:
- Increased Radiosensitivity: Pediatric patients can be up to 10 times more radiosensitive than adults, making non-ionizing imaging modalities like ultrasound the preferred option.
- High Movement and Respiration Rates: Children exhibit higher heart and breathing rates, making high-quality image acquisition in B-mode, color Doppler, and spectral Doppler more difficult.
- Risk of Sedation: Children between the ages of 1 to 6 years are the most likely to require sedation during diagnostic imaging—adding cost, risk, and complexity to the process.
- Fragility of Newborns: Transporting fragile neonates to imaging departments can be risky; hence, bedside, portable imaging becomes essential.
- Size Variability: Pediatric imaging spans a wide range of body sizes—from premature newborns to adult-sized teenagers—requiring multiple transducer options and adaptable frequencies.
Clearly, pediatric imaging requires much more than scaled-down adult protocols. This is where the ACUSON Sequoia Ultrasound System steps in as a true game changer.
ACUSON Sequoia: Tailored for Pediatric Ultrasound Excellence
ACUSON Sequoia is designed from the ground up to tackle pediatric imaging challenges. Here’s how it delivers unmatched performance:
1. Dedicated Pediatric Imaging Protocols
The system includes pediatric-specific transducers and measurement packages that allow for optimized imaging at every stage of child development. This not only ensures image clarity but also prevents unnecessary repeat scans.
2. Automation to Handle Variability
With a new imaging architecture that provides powerful automation across all major modes, the Sequoia minimizes user interaction while reducing image variability. This is particularly helpful when working with uncooperative pediatric patients.
3. InFocus Imaging Technology
Traditional systems rely on focal zones, which may limit image clarity. Sequoia eliminates this need, providing fully focused imaging across the field of view—even during faster scans required in pediatric cases.
Next-Generation Hardware for Superior Performance
The ACUSON Sequoia system’s cutting-edge hardware delivers performance metrics that far surpass conventional ultrasound machines:
- InTune Pulser: Transmits and receives with 10x higher acoustic fidelity.
- InFocus Imaging: Achieves 3x more sensitivity for high-resolution imaging.
- InTune Transducer Technology: Enables 2x deeper penetration—essential for cardiac and abdominal imaging in children.
- Energy Efficiency: Can store up to 6x more energy for sustained, high-powered scanning.
This makes the Sequoia a reliable medical imaging machine capable of delivering consistent, high-quality diagnostics for every pediatric patient.
Specialized Pediatric Transducers: Precision at Every Size
Imaging requirements vary widely across the pediatric age spectrum. For instance, neonatal exams demand a small acoustic footprint and high-resolution imaging for small anatomical targets.
The 11M3 single crystal micro-convex transducer is one such example. It offers:
- A compact design ideal for neonatal imaging
- Exceptional detail and temporal resolution
- Compatibility with isolette scanning environments
With a range of specialized pediatric transducers, Sequoia allows clinicians to switch seamlessly between imaging neonates, toddlers, and teenagers—delivering accurate results every time.
Portability and Efficiency in Emergency Care
Given the fragility of pediatric patients, especially newborns, transporting them for imaging is not always feasible. The Sequoia’s design supports bedside imaging, allowing clinicians to bring the power of advanced ultrasound directly to the NICU or PICU.
Its rapid boot time and intuitive interface also help reduce sedation needs, shorten scanning time, and increase patient throughput—a major win for hospitals managing high pediatric volumes.
Conclusion: A New Era in Pediatric Imaging
Pediatric ultrasound requires more than just advanced imaging—it demands a system built specifically to meet the unique physiological and clinical needs of children. The ACUSON Sequoia Ultrasound System provides this in full measure, with technology that supports faster, safer, and more precise diagnostics.
At Shyam Medtech, we are proud to offer this state-of-the-art medical diagnostic equipment to hospitals and healthcare providers across India. Whether you are planning to buy ultrasound machines in India or upgrade your existing pediatric imaging systems, Sequoia is the definitive choice for advanced care.