The best ultrasound machine for breast exams is the Siemens Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution, specifically with the Acuson S2000 ABVS. According to national averages, the reimbursement can be up to ~$118 per exam and image reading. Advances in ultrasound transducer and ultrasound system design, computers, and signal processing have improved the quality of ultrasound imaging enough so that it is now a prime choice for the clinical diagnosis of breast cancer, differentiating cysts, and solid nodules.
Ultrasound Machines for Breast Ultrasound Exams
Siemens Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution
Ultrasound is an excellent non-invasive tool for detecting breast abnormalities, particularly if a patient cannot undergo MRI exams. One of the best machines available for breast ultrasound is the Siemens Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution, particularly because it supports the Acuson S2000 ABVS. The Siemens Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution can produce 2D, 3D, 4D and Doppler imaging to assist in a wide array of diagnostic demands – particularly for breast ultrasound exams. It also features a floating keyboard with a 19″ flat panel display and is easily portable. By using Doppler ultrasound, systems can detect blood flow for measuring tumor blood flow and for imaging tumor vascularity, which in combination with mammography, can help determine if a solid mass is benign or malignant. Additionally, the real-time images produced make ultrasound a great option for guiding breast biopsies and other interventional procedures.
Philips Epiq 5
The Philips Epiq 5 ultrasound features the most powerful architecture applied to ultrasound imaging at the time of its release – touching all aspects of acoustic acquisition and processing. The Philips Epiq 5 is supported by Philips’ Anatomical Intelligence, which elevates the system to an actively adaptive device for your breast exams. It's also compatible with xMATRIX, iSCAN, nSIGHT and DICOM. With DICOM, you can see CT, NM, MRI, mammography, and ultrasound images on your Epiq system to compare past breast exams with your current image. Philips' Epiq 5 is a great ultrasound system for breast exams, but its power and image clarity is versatile for cardiac exams, OBGYN, anesthesia and more!
Siemens Acuson S2000 ABVS
The Acuson S2000 ABVS is a 3D Total Breast Ultrasound Solution that efficiently identifies lesions or other areas of concern in fatty and dense breast tissue during your breast exams. The ABVS provides consistent, reproducible, operator-independent results with high-resolution images of the breast. The Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution's Virtual Touch IQ and Shear Wave Elastography technology offers a non-invasive quantitative test of lesion morphology that is cannot be detected in normal ultrasound imaging. The analysis of tissue stiffness can help differentiate between solid tumors, cysts, and other areas of concern during breast exams.
The Siemens Acuson S2000 maximizes its capabilities by offering automated and hand-held imaging options. For example, if a lesion is found using ABVS, a traditional ultrasound transducer can be used to capture 2D images with Color Doppler, Elasticity, and Shear Wave Imaging.
Ultrasound Probes for Breast Imaging
A range of probes that are great for breast exams on the Siemens Acuson S2000 Helix Evolution includes the 18L-6 HD and 14L5. The 18L-6 HD probe is linear with a bandwidth of 1.8-6 MHz, meaning it’s better for deeper exams and denser tissues. It can be used in breast, vascular, and musculoskeletal applications. The 14L5 is also a linear probe, but with a bandwidth of 14-5 MHz, so it’ll perform better for shallower exams. It’s used for breast, cerebrovascular, musculoskeletal, OB/GYN, pediatric abdomen, peripheral vascular, and thyroid applications.
Ultrasound probes for the Philips Epiq 5 that are great for breast exams are the Philips L12-5, which is a linear probe with a 12-5 MHz bandwidth. The Philips eL18-4 is also a great option because it is ultra-broadband with a frequency of 22-2 MHz, making it perfect for high-resolution superficial applications including small parts, breast, vascular, musculoskeletal, bowel, pediatric, OB imaging, and more!
To see Probo Medical's full list of interactive transducer guides for over 80 systems, click here!
How Probo Medical Can Help
If you need a new or refurbished ultrasound probe, give us a call at 866-513-8322, email us at sales@probomedical.com, or fill out a form and one of our knowledgeable ultrasound transducer sales specialists will be happy to answer your questions!
About the Author
Brian Gill is Probo Medical’s Vice President of Marketing. He has been in the ultrasound industry since 1999. From sales to service to customer support, he has done everything from circuit board repair and on-site service to networking and PACS, to training clinicians on ultrasound equipment. Through the years, Brian has trained more than 500 clinicians on over 100 different ultrasound machines. Currently, Brian is known as the industry expert in evaluating ultrasounds and training users on all makes and models of ultrasound equipment, this includes consulting with manufacturers with equipment evaluations during all stages of product development.
