New z.one ultra System Features Advanced Software, Hardware and Transducer Technology

VIENNA, Austria – March 7, 2008 – ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc. will showcase upgrades for its new z.one ultra system, the company’s next generation premium Convertible Ultrasound™ platform, at the annual European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2008, March 7 – 11 in Vienna, Austria.

Based on Zone Sonography™ technology, the z.one ultra system features advanced software, hardware and transducer technology, including a new Multi-Transducer Port (MTP). The z.one ultra system, which was recently awarded the 2007 Best in KLAS for the top hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) system, offers excellent value to clinicians worldwide, whether in its cart-based configuration or converted to the system’s compact portable unit.

“We appreciate the financial and clinical investment our customers have made in selecting ZONARE for their ultrasound needs,” said Don Southard, president and CEO at ZONARE Medical Systems. “We take every step to maximize this investment by providing ongoing upgrades to optimize clinical data and workflow efficiencies. The recent KLAS customer study ranking ZONARE the Best in KLAS in the HCU market provides an excellent measurement of our success in achieving this goal.”

Zone Sonography technology has enabled ZONARE Medical Systems to bring its patented Convertible Ultrasound platform to the industry, providing physicians with premium image quality and performance together with greater mobility. Clinicians are able to convert the z.one system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system, and as a result, optimize its versatility in a variety of clinical settings, with no sacrifice to image quality or performance.

“Due to Zone Sonography technology, we have the ability to automatically adjust for each individual’s unique body sound propagation characteristics and fully optimize the ultrasound image, achieving much higher image quality in our everyday work,” said Professor Stefan Delorme of the world renowned German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany. “Although this technology is of great benefit to all types of diagnoses, it is especially beneficial in diagnosing cancer.”

New, Advanced Software and Hardware

The company will highlight its newly introduced comprehensive obstetrical calculations package at ECR 2008, which includes Nuchal Translucency (NT) and nasal bone length measurements. In addition, cerebella diameter, humeral, radius and ulna measurements have been added to the OB calculation package, as well as measurements for fetal fibula.

Also being showcased is a new full-screen, high resolution single image viewing option for the z.one ultra system, which can be easily selected when a larger image format is preferred. Additionally, multiple images and a modality work list can be displayed all at once. Every image can be archived and retrieved via standard DICOM protocols to and from the PACS, HIS or RIS.

The company will also showcase the environmentally-friendly attributes of the z.one ultra system. Because the z.one ultra system is based primarily on advanced software instead of proprietary hardware, it uses far less power than most conventional systems, which results in less generation of heat. This leads to decreased air conditioning use and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions. ZONARE engineers estimate this could save customers hundreds of dollars each year. In addition, an optional battery pack, which enables cordless scanning for up to three hours with no need to power down or reboot between patients, will also be highlighted on the z.one ultra system.

New hardware features include a DVD burner archive capability device, which will be a standard feature on the z.one ultra system, allowing users to export the patient study with a DICOM viewer. As a result, review of all images, clips and reports can be reviewed though a PC.

And, based on comprehensive customer feedback, the company developed a convenient MTP specifically for the z.one ultra system. Now, clinicians can easily choose between three transducers that are all connected simultaneously to the cart-based system. Additionally, transducers can be quickly switched with a press of a button as imaging needs change.

New, Advanced Transducer Technology

Zone Sonography technology has also been the basis for advanced transducer technology as well. The new transducer technology expands imaging capabilities and applications, whether used with the z.one’s full-featured, cart-based configuration or the premium portable compact unit. There are now eight transducers, which can be used on any of the z.one systems.

The company will feature its C6-2 curved array transducer, which is well suited for abdominal, abdominal vascular, obstetrics, fetal heart and gynecologic imaging. The new transducer also provides excellent imaging for needle guided procedures and technically difficult-to-image patients. The C6-2 offers 11 frequencies including two frequencies each for 2D, Compound Harmonic, Color Doppler and PW Doppler, plus three for Tissue Harmonics.

In addition, ZONARE will be showcasing a new high frequency, 14-5 MHz linear array transducer* featuring a wide field of view as a work-in-progress (WIP). With an aperture of 55 mm, the L14-5 transducer also offers virtual apex capability. The transducer has 10 frequencies including three fundamental, one tissue harmonic, two compound imaging and two each for color Doppler and PW Doppler modes. The L14-5 is especially useful for imaging breasts, small parts and superficial anatomy.

Also being introduced this year will be the C9-3 curved array transducer* (WIP), which is designed for first trimester obstetrical and pediatric imaging. The transducer includes a new ergonomically shaped housing that fits more comfortably in the clinician’s hand. Like all ZONARE transducers, the C9-3 will include multiple frequencies in both fundamental and tissue harmonic imaging. In addition, the clinician can take advantage of automated capabilities, such as Auto-Opt with ZST, and compound imaging modes.

The ZONARE transducer technology, along with its wide bandwidth imaging and expanded range of frequencies, provides increased penetration and sensitivity as well as excellent image resolution. This, in turn, offers greater clinical information and expanded clinical applications. All of the transducers are lightweight and ergonomically designed, offering easier imaging access and increased operator comfort.

The z.one system’s software-based architecture allows its performance to continue to improve as greater processing power becomes available. System upgrades can be downloaded by visiting www.zonare.com.

About ZONARE Medical Systems

ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc., founded in 1999, is a privately-held company based in Mountain View, Calif. The company designs, develops and manufactures premium performance compact ultrasound solutions, which combine its proprietary technology with an innovative physical design. Zone Sonography technology, ZONARE’s unique patented approach to ultrasound imaging, is focused on bringing premium image quality and performance to clinical settings, leading to advanced diagnostic capabilities, portability, cost-effective operation, maintenance and upgrades, and attractive value to clinicians. For more information, go to www.zonare.com.

*The L14-5 and the C9-3 transducers are work-in-progress. Convertible Ultrasound and Zone Sonography are trademarks of ZONARE Medical Systems, Inc.