Contact: Sam Adams, Echometrix CEO
sadams@echo-metrix.com
(608) 217-2685
Jennifer Sereno, WARF
jsereno@warf.org
(608) 770-8084
Demonstration software first to provide acoustoelastic evaluation of ligaments, tendons and muscles
Echometrix releases trial version of new EchoSoft program via http://www.echosoftportal.com
Echometrix, a Madison, Wis., developer of ultrasound image processing tools for the evaluation of ligament, tendon and muscle function, has released a trial download version of EchoSoft, a software program that is compatible with all standard ultrasound equipment.
The announcement by Echometrix comes as key research collaborators of the company prepare to present new data highlighting the software’s efficacy at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine’s annual convention this week in New York.
EchoSoft allows users to upload, analyze and review dynamic ultrasound images for the advanced evaluation of soft tissue pathology. The product is still limited to investigational use pending its upcoming 510(k) approval and is designed to provide the first-ever functional evaluation of soft tissue by measuring its acoustoelastic properties with non-invasive technology.
EchoSoft analyzes previously unused information carried by ultrasound waves to quantify the extent of musculoskeletal injuries. The technology was developed by company co-founder Hirohito Kobayashi, now chief technology officer, and Ray Vanderby, a professor in the orthopedics and rehabilitation department at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. The technology is assigned to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation and licensed exclusively to Echometrix.
In addition to the trial software download, Echometrix offers the EchoSoft Research Program to support evaluation of a wide range of clinical indications as well as basic research on musculoskeletal tissue properties. The research program features access to the company’s cloud-based research software, with on-demand software upgrades and highly scalable computing power.
Through the research program, the EchoSoft technology is being used to explore the benefits of a variety of innovative therapies. The program also offers key services, such as statistical, methodological, data mining and grant writing support provided by Ph.D.-level engineers and researchers.
Sam Adams, chief executive officer of Echometrix, said the company anticipates its technology will be approved for clinical use in coming months. In the meantime, research applications continue to grow in the fields of biomechanics and sports medicine.
“Our technology addresses a growing need for a low-cost solution to improve the initial diagnosis of strains, sprains and partial tears,’’ Adams said. “It also offers significant advantages over current systems by presenting results in a clear, easy-to-interpret display that enables evaluation of the functional properties of the affected tissues. Equally important, it promises to reduce the risk of re-injury by quantifying the healing progress.’’
Adams said while the company remains focused on commercializing its core technology, researcher Vanderby continues to pursue breakthroughs in the lab related to the use of acoustoelasticity for the quantitative evaluation of additional biological tissues.
About Echometrix
Echometrix is a Madison developer of proprietary ultrasound products that improve the speed, convenience and efficacy of musculoskeletal injury diagnosis and rehabilitation, while lowering cost. Early studies have demonstrated improved utility for injury assessment and rehabilitation management when compared to conventional methods. The company is well positioned to address opportunities at the nexus of three growing markets: portable ultrasound, musculoskeletal imaging and orthopedics. For more information, visit http://www.echo-metrix.com<http://www.echo-metrix.com/>.
About WARF
Since its founding in 1925 to manage a UW–Madison discovery that eventually eliminated the childhood disease rickets, WARF has worked with industry to transform university research into products that benefit society. As a private, nonprofit organization, WARF accomplishes its mission of supporting scientific research by patenting and licensing inventions arising from university discoveries. Since making its first grant of $1,200 in 1928, WARF has contributed more than $1 billion to UW–Madison through annual “margin of excellence” grants and other funding.
