Unit 556 Therapeutic Applications
of Ultrasound

HemoSonic™

The HemoSonic™ device is a compact hemodynamic monitoring device from Arrow International that uses technology developed by researchers from Team 2 of INSERM Unit 556 (formerly Unit 281).

HemoSonic™ measures and monitors multiple parameters of a patient’s hemodynamic profile, including the descending aortic blood flow, from which cardiac output is derived. Hemodynamic monitoring does not usually include measurement of cardiac output.

The HemoSonic™ device consists of four main components: the main console (monitor), a trans-esophageal probe, a disposable jacket and an articulated probe holder.

The technologically advanced transesophageal probe contains two ultrasound transducers that operate to accurately measure the beat-to-beat descending aortic blood flow. An M-mode transducer continuously measures the aortic diameter, providing a precise measurement of the aortic cross-section. At the same time, a pulsed Doppler transducer measures blood velocity within the aortic walls. Using these two measurements, the device calculates descending aortic blood flow. Both transducers are externally rotated simultaneously, allowing optimized probe positioning in front of the descending aorta.

For more information:
Testimonial from a physician
HemoSonic™ web page
Arrow® International web page