Welcome to the April 2011 issue of the Cone Connection - your source for medical imaging news, product information and Cone promotions.

This month, we focus on imaging tables - specifically, the myriad of features that are available on the Cone Instruments imaging tables. What's right for your facility and budget is unique to you, so we'll help you navigate through the available options and features to pick the best fit.

We also focus on some recent controversy that's been in the news about the use of thyroid shields during mammograms. We'll explain where it started, how it got to be such a hot topic, and what you should tell your patients if they have questions.

Our product of the month shows a recent addition to the Cone Instruments product family - the new SonoChair from Heritage is ideal for both scanning procedures and to relieve keyboard arm stress.

Thanks for being a valued Cone Instruments customer. We appreciate your business and look forward to being your source for medical imaging supplies, in 2011 and beyond.

The purpose of an imaging table is four-fold: deliver superior imaging, protect against Sonographer injury, improve productivity and promote patient comfort.

Whether your facility performs every type of scan from ob/gyn to vascular, or just performs general ultrasound procedures, the features and accessories of the table are an important factor in your purchase decision making.

The information presented here will help make you aware of the available features of the tables Cone Instruments has to offer. If you need assistance navigating through all this information, we’re here to help. Simply contact your account manager today at 800-321-6964, they’ll make sure you get the best table for your needs and budget.

When you take the time to choose the right table, you’ll be assured of a significantly longer useful life span in your facility.

The drop down leg section allows the Sonographer to perform endovaginal exams as well as lower extremity venous studies. For patients with circulatory issues, lowering the leg section provides comfort during extended procedures.

If your facility sees a high volume of ob/gyn and vascular studies, a powered drop down leg section adjusts with just a touch of a button. Leg sections with manual drop downs are ideal for departments with low scanning volumes or time between procedures.

Retractable stirrups are a nice feature to have if performing many endovaginal exams. When not in use, they slide under the table for convenient storage, rather than placing/removing each time the patient is moved on and off the table.

The cardiac cutout provides open access to the left thorax area for an unobstructed apical approach. Cone Instruments offers tables where the cardiac cutout can either swing out or fold down to perform the scan. There’s no scanning advantage to one or the other, it’s all Sonographer preference.

Some Sonographers prefer the swing out because the piece can double as an armrest for the Sonographer and patient. Left-handed Sonographers may prefer fold down, because the swing out piece could interfere with the placement of the ultrasound machine.

Competitor tables slide the cardio panel out to adjust the size of the opening. However, patients may experience some irritating tugging of the skin when the cutout slides in and out.

The adjustable Sonographer cutout cushion provides unhindered access to the patient, assuring comfortable shoulder, arm and hand positions when scanning. When folded up, it provides patient back support for cardiovascular procedures. Both manual and powered Sonographer cutouts are available options, with the powered option providing infinitely adjustable positioning. Sonographers who scan right-handed would enjoy the powered option, eliminating the need to walk to the opposite side of the table to adjust.

Most of the imaging tables we sell offer 15° Trendelenberg and 15° reverse Trendelenberg. The Trendelenberg feature of an imaging table can prevent or eliminate a vasovagal reaction by stabilizing a patient’s blood pressure. If patient begins to pass out during a procedure, setting the table in a Trendelenberg angle forces blood to the brain to help reduce the reaction.

The Sonobed-2000 Vascular exam table is the exception; it offers 30° reverse Trendelenberg with foot platform for maximum lower extremity vessel dilation and venous studies.

Cone Instruments line of tables offers Fowler back positioning up to 80°, assuring patient comfort and a helpful feature when doing venous duplex studies. The infinitely adjustable, powered Fowler back provides unassisted repositioning – the patient just sits there while the Fowler back does all the work.

The foot and hand controls offer height, Trendelenberg and Fowler adjustments with the touch of a button. This eliminates the need to physically move, adjust or lift the patient’s head or torso (up and down, Trendelenberg and reverse Trendelenberg). Deciding between using the foot or hand controls? The foot control may make more sense – one hand is scanning patient, the other is controlling the ultrasound machine, which leaves the foot free to adjust positioning. The foot control is also better for echo studies. Because the peak heart rate may only last from 30 seconds to 1 minute, the foot control can help position patient quicker, allowing the Sonographer to scan and obtain an optimal image.

Central locking casters are a great feature for procedures that require frequent repositioning of the table. The Sonographer doesn’t need to need to continuously unlock/lock individual casters. However, many get by with locking opposite corner casters (rather than all 4) to achieve bed stability.

The vascular armboard supports upper extremity venous studies. During vascular exams, it allows for optimal scanning positioning without the patient’s hand draped across the Sonographer’s lap.

The range of height adjustment is important to both the Sonographer and the patient. For patients, you’ll want to ensure the table can be low enough to make access easy for the elderly and those with ambulatory difficulties. A table that can be lowered to 23 inches is ideal to assist with wheelchair transfers. The table should also be able to rise to a comfortable working level for the Sonographer or physician, no matter if they prefer to sit or stand to perform their scan.

Many of our tables offer a standard width of 30". However, certain tables have width options of 24" and 27" for those tight on space.

The weight loads for tables we offer range from 400-600 lbs. If your facility is seeing an increase in ultrasounds for bariatric patients (due to the popularity in lap band surgeries), you may want to consider a table with a higher patient weight load.

Click here to view our full line of imaging tables and accessories. Now through September 30th, we're offering additional discounts on our most popular imaging tables. Call your account manager today at 800-321-6964 to learn more, or contact us via email.