Berndt Schmit, MD, MBOE, Service Chief of Emergency Radiology, was featured in a recent NPR Arizona Science interview to discuss VistaScan, a company he is affiliated with which aims to make ultrasound technology affordable and accessible.
VistaScan’s portable Ultrasound platform allows physicians to use a phone or tablet for diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Currently compatible with Android devices, the platform enables quick assessments determining whether further imaging is required.
VistaScan received FDA Approval in January 2021 and Dr. Schmit has been working to donate the devices through his charitable organization, HRD Corps. So far, devices have been donated to Haiti and have been very well received.
Locally, Dr. Schmit has worked with the Green Valley Fire Department to test the use of the handheld scanners. After only two ½ hour training sessions, paramedics were able to successfully scan volunteers in a moving ambulance. Positive results showed that 70% of the handheld scans provided sufficient imaging to treat the patient.
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