Ultrasound machines have become a staple diagnostic tool in the modern healthcare system. Many of today’s machines can perform a wide range of imaging techniques that were unheard of just a decade ago. The market introduces new imaging features and system designs to choose from year after year. This has proven to be a boon for modern medicine but a headache for prospective buyers.

As the list of ultrasound machine options continues to grow, medical professionals find it increasingly difficult to identify the best machine for their practice.

This article aims to simplify your ultrasound purchasing decision by introducing the GE Vivid E90 and comparing it to three other top ultrasound alternatives – the GE Vivid E95, the Philips iE33, and the Philips EPIQ 5.

We detail each machine’s standout features, clinical strengths and weaknesses, and price-to-performance value to help you determine the best ultrasound machine for your business.

Ultrasound Machine	Details
GE Vivid E90	Price Range: $62,000 to $93,000 Monitor Size: 22 inches Imaging Modes: 2D/3D Probe Ports: 4 probe ports Controls: Knobs, buttons, trackball, and 12-inch touchscreen   Applications: Cardiac, OB/GYN, MSK, Vascular Key Features: B-Flow, M-Mode, Anatomical M-Mode, Color Doppler, CW Doppler, PW Doppler, Power Doppler, Tissue Doppler, Tissue harmonic imaging, Tissue Tracking, Tissue synchronization, 3D/4D cardiac, Stress echo, Continuous high pulse repetition frequency, IMT, Compound imaging, Strain and strain rate, Needle visualization, DICOM 3.1, Speckle reduction, Tomographic, Auto ejection fraction
GE Vivid E95	Price Range: $65,000 to $97,500 Monitor Size: 22 inches Imaging Modes: 2D/3D/4D Probe Ports: 4 probe ports Controls: Knobs, buttons, trackball, and 12-inch touchscreen Applications: Cardiac, OB/GYN, MSK, Vascular, 4D Key Features: B-Flow, M-Mode, Anatomical M-Mode, Color Doppler, CW Doppler, PW Doppler, Power Doppler, Tissue Doppler, Tissue harmonic imaging, Tissue Tracking, Tissue synchronization, 3D/4D cardiac, Stress echo, Continuous high pulse repetition frequency, IMT, Compound imaging, Strain and strain rate, Needle visualization, DICOM 3.1, Speckle reduction, Tomographic, Auto ejection fraction, 4D auto LVQ, Auto AVQ, Auto EF, AFI stress
Philips iE33	Price Range: $20,000 to $30,000 Monitor Size: 17 inches Imaging Modes: 2D/3D/4D Probe Ports: 3 probe ports Controls: Dual touchscreen, knobs, buttons, and trackball Applications: Cardiac, Vascular, MSK Key Features: M-Mode, Color doppler, CW Doppler, PW Doppler, Tissue Doppler, Power Doppler
Philips EPIQ 5	Price Range: $42,500 to $63,750 Monitor Size: 21.5 inches Imaging Modes: 2D/3D/4D Probe Ports: 4 probe ports Controls: Touchscreen, knobs, buttons, and trackball Applications: Cardiac, OB/GYN, Vascular, Urology, MSK Key Features: Anatomical Intelligence for Breast, TrueVue advanced 3D display, MaxVue HD display

GE Vivid E90 Vs. Similar Models

The GE Vivid E90 is one of the most sought-after premium ultrasound machines for top hospitals and imaging facilities. It is a shared service device with clinical applications for Cardiac, OB/GYN, Vascular, MSK, and more.

As a premium ultrasound machine, the GE Vivid E90 has cutting-edge software and hardware features that render powerful processing speeds and spectacular image quality.

While the GE Vivid E90 has the imaging capabilities to satisfy most medical practices, its alternatives are equally impressive in their own right. They may be a better fit for your clinic’s imaging needs.

The GE Vivid E95, Philips iE33, and Philips EPIQ 5 are all premium shared service devices that offer phenomenal imaging performance in various clinical settings. In the next section, we break down each machine’s unique features, pros, and cons to help prospective buyers identify the best fit for their business.

GE Vivid E90

The GE Vivid E90 is a shared service device that performs particularly well for cardiovascular imaging. It replaces its predecessor, the Vivid E9, with several software and transducer enhancements.

The GE Vivid E90 runs on an advanced image processing software called cSound. This innovative technology addresses the limitations of today’s ultrasound systems for scanning hard-to-image patients.

cSound uses advanced beamformer technology to introduce a new level of versatility and imaging power, providing clinicians with greater diagnostic confidence when examining patients with difficult body types.

Another distinguishing feature of the GE Vivid E90 includes compatibility with multiple XDclear transducer options. XDclear is GE’s most advanced transducer technology, designed to enhance 2D, 3D, color, and Doppler image quality.

Using XDclear, clinicians can achieve remarkably clear imaging, detailed anatomical insight, and comprehensive quantitative assessment for various clinical exams and procedures.

The GE Vivid E90 ranges between $62,000 and $93,000.

Pros:

• M-Mode and Anatomical M-Mode features for accurate, real-time measurements of various echocardiographic parameters
• Multiple Doppler modes for optimal visualization of blow flow (Color, CW, PW, Power, and Tissue Doppler)
• Tissue Harmonic Imaging feature that improves image clarity by enhancing edge detection so patient anatomy is clearly defined
• Strain Rate imaging feature allows clinicians to assess myocardial function
• Auto Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) measurement of anterior and posterior walls for accurate carotid status
• Auto ejection fraction feature provides an automated measurement of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during cardiac exams
• Speckle Reduction feature improves the quality of B-Mode scanning by reducing artifacts
• Continuous high pulse repetition frequency
• Needle visualization feature for precise needle and catheter placements
• DICOM 3.1 compatibility lets users send and receive patient data across other devices

Cons:

• No 4D imaging mode
• No HD Live imaging
• No Shear Wave Elastography

GE Vivid E95

The GE Vivid E95 raises the bar on the Vivid E90 by introducing a 4D imaging mode. It has all the same features as the Vivid E90 and is also capable of advanced 4D imaging, allowing clinicians to view high-definition video of patient anatomy with incredible structural detail.

The GE Vivid E95’s array of 4D imaging features includes HD Live imaging, 4D Auto LVQ, and 4D Auto AVQ. Using the 4D Auto LVQ and AVQ features, clinicians get automated measurements of various left ventricular and aortic annulus parameters, including volume, ejection fraction, dimension, area, and circumference.

Another standout feature in the GE Vivid E95 is Scan Assistant Pro – a customizable tool that lets clinicians save scanning protocols for routine imaging exams and decreases key stokes up to 60~70%.

The introduction of advanced 4D imaging capabilities and workflow enhancement tools raises the starting price of the GE Vivid E95 slightly above the Vivid E90, costing between $65,000 and $97,500.

Pros:

• AFI Stress feature automates 2D speckle tracking to measure in real-time the deformation (strain) of the myocardial wall
• M-Mode and Anatomical M-Mode features for accurate, real-time measurements of various echocardiographic parameters
• Multiple Doppler modes for optimal visualization of blow flow (Color, CW, PW, Power, and Tissue Doppler)
• Tissue Harmonic Imaging feature that improves image clarity by enhancing edge detection so patient anatomy is clearly defined
• Strain Rate imaging feature allows clinicians to assess myocardial function
• Auto Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) measurement of anterior and posterior walls for accurate carotid status
• Auto ejection fraction feature provides automated measurement of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during cardiac exams
• Speckle Reduction feature improves the quality of B-Mode scanning by reducing artifacts
• Continuous high pulse repetition frequency
• Needle visualization feature for precise needle and catheter placements
• DICOM 3.1 compatibility lets users send and receive patient data across other devices

Cons:

No Shear Wave Elastography
No Intracardiac Echo (ICE)

Philips iE33

The Philips iE33 is a premium ultrasound machine with clinical applications for Cardiac, Vascular, and Musculoskeletal. Similar to the GE Vivid E90, the Philips iE33 provides exceptional clinical performance in cardiovascular units.

Among the Philips iE33’s various applications and tools, this ultrasound machine includes 4D TEE compatibility, 3D imaging, and quantitative stress echo.

The Philips iE33 also has multiple Doppler modes, including:

Color Doppler
Power Doppler
Continuous-Wave (CW) Doppler
Pulsed-Wave (PW) Doppler
Tissue Doppler

The Philips iE33’s integrated dual touchscreen is a standout feature, providing superior navigation and an intuitive workflow. The device also boasts a 4D imaging mode, providing live, feature-rich videos of patient anatomy.

The Philips iE33 is a great option for medical practices looking for advanced cardiac imaging capabilities on a conservative budget.

The price of the Philips iE33 ranges between $20,000 and $30,000.

Pros:

• PureWave single crystal transducer technology for deeper penetration and better clarity in hard-to-image patients
• Advanced XRES adaptive image processing for improved image resolution and enhanced edge definition
• Four-way articulating arm and fully adjustable control panel for a more comfortable user experience

Cons:

• No HD Live imaging
• No B-Flow feature

Philips EPIQ 5

The Philips EPIQ 5 has many of the advanced features found in the GE Vivid E90 and also offers 4D imaging capabilities.

Standout features in the Philips EPIQ 5 include Purewave single crystal probes that produce astonishingly clear images on the device’s 21.5” LED monitor. The EPIQ 5 also comes with Philips’ signature TrueVue 3D display and MaxVue HD display technology, allowing for enhanced visualization of patient anatomy during exams and procedures.

Using the Philips EPIQ 5’s proprietary nSight feature, clinicians achieve greater diagnostic confidence when scanning hard-to-image patients.

The price of the Philips EPIQ 5 ranges between $42,500 and $63,750.

Pros:

• 110 Sec boot-up time and high processing speeds, so users spend less time waiting
• SmartExam protocols that help you perform complete studies on every patient and significantly reduce exam time
• Shear Wave Elastography feature for optimal assessments of lesioned tissue
• Advanced PureWave and nSight Imaging technology that increases penetration by up to 76% for better scans of hard-to-image patients
• DICOM capability allows patient data to be shared across devices

Cons:

• No HD Live imaging
• No B-Flow feature

What to Consider When Buying an Ultrasound Machine

Get the most out of your ultrasound machine by considering the following things before you buy: the intended clinical use, the advanced features you need in your practice, and the machine’s ergonomic benefits.

Intended Clinical Use

The intended clinical use of your ultrasound machine plays a critical role in your purchasing decision. For instance, medical practices specializing in OB/GYN care may need a different ultrasound machine than Intensive Care Units.

Most medical practices benefit from purchasing a shared service ultrasound machine. Premium ultrasound systems with shared service functionality provide exceptional performance for various medical specialties.

Some shared service devices perform well in multiple clinical settings while also offering especially powerful performance in a particular specialty area, as is the case for the GE Vivid E90’s cardiac application.

Advanced Features

Identifying the advanced features and tools you use most frequently in your practice will help you narrow down your ultrasound options.

For example, OB/GYN and women’s healthcare practices may want an ultrasound machine that comes with Anatomical Intelligence for Breasts. This feature guides clinicians during breast screenings and increases reproducibility for follow-up exams.

Vascular care units may seek out advanced features like MicroCPA, allowing clinicians to visualize small blood vessels and organ perfusion with greater accuracy.

Other advanced features to look for include:

• Compatibility with a wide selection of transducers
• HD Live imaging
• Intracardiac Echo (ICE)
• Shear Wave Elastography
• 3D/4D imaging
• Artificial Intelligence tools
• Workflow efficiency tools
• Productivity enhancements

Ergonomic Benefits

Clinicians who spend a significant portion of their day imaging patients should seek out ultrasound machines with ergonomic benefits. Ergonomic ultrasound machines improve the comfortability and workflow efficiency of the user experience.

Ergonomic features include:

• 360° Articulating arm
• Adjustable monitor to achieve optimal viewing angles
• Adjustable console for both seating and standing use
• Cable management features to prevent cords from tangling and dragging

Why Buy From Strata?

The GE Vivid E90, GE Vivid E95, Philips iE33, and Philips EPIQ 5 are all premium shared service ultrasound machines with exceptional performance for cardiac imaging.

Clinicians requiring a broad range of advanced imaging features and powerful processing speeds will find satisfaction in the GE Vivid E90. Healthcare teams desiring 4D imaging tools should consider the GE Vivid E95 or Philips EPIQ 5.

The Philips iE33 is an excellent option for medical practices that need advanced imaging capabilities but have a conservative budget.

In addition to the four ultrasound machines compared in this article, Strata Imaging offers complete rental, maintenance, repair, and sale of almost every type of ultrasound machine and related peripherals to all 50 states.

Browse our extensive catalog of ultrasound equipment to find the best fit for your medical practice.

When you buy from Strata Imaging, you get more than a first-class machine at a great price. You also gain access to our expert repair team and knowledgeable customer service reps.

Give us a call today at 866-770-9605 or fill out this form with any questions you have, and our dedicated service team will gladly assist you.

Contact for Price Quote