Navigating the ultrasound machine market is not an easy task. There are many different models to choose from and dozens of system specifications and features to consider. Having a budget narrows down your choices considerably, but even machines within the same price bracket have significant differences that affect your purchasing decision.

We understand that finding the right imaging equipment for your business plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to your patients. This article aims to simplify your shopping experience by introducing the Philips Epiq 7 and comparing it to three other top premium ultrasound machines. Keep reading for a detailed comparison of each ultrasound machine’s clinical applications, unique features, price, pros and cons, and more.

Philips EPIQ 7 Vs. Similar Models

The Philips EPIQ 7 is one of the most well-rounded premium ultrasound machines on the market. It is a shared service device with clinical applications for Cardiac, OB/GYN, Vascular, Urology, MSK, and a host of others. As a premium ultrasound device, the Philips EPIQ 7 has some of the best software and hardware features the market has to offer, allowing for ultra-fast processing speeds and exceptional image quality.

Spectacular as the Philips EPIQ 7 may be, it has serious competition from a few other machines that cannot be overlooked. The Philips EPIQ 5, the Philips iU22, and the GE Voluson e10 are all premium ultrasound machines with shared service functionality and offer phenomenal imaging performance in various clinical settings. In the next section, we break down the unique features, pros, and cons of each machine to help prospective buyers identify the best fit for their business.

Philips EPIQ 7

The EPIQ 7 replaces Philips’ older iE33 model with an array of upgrades and improvements. The EPIQ 7’s addition of multiple clinical applications is most noticeable, making it much more versatile than the iE33, which has a singular cardiovascular use.

The EPIQ 7’s advanced xMatrix and Purewave single crystal probes provide clinicians with the ultimate satisfaction of crystal clear high-definition images on a large 21.5” LED monitor. The system’s 12” touchscreen combined with its trackball, knobs, and button controls give users a smooth navigation experience. Clinicians can also take advantage of the EPIQ 7’s lightweight, compact design for better maneuverability between exam rooms.

The Philips EPIQ 7 pulls out all the stops when it comes to advanced imaging technology. Its TrueVue advanced 3D display delivers remarkably lifelike 3D images, and its MaxVue HD Display adds a million more pixels to scan images for a more realistic display of anatomical features. Additionally, the Philips EPIQ 7 has an Anatomical Intelligence for Breasts feature that automatically identifies anatomy and performs the most common tasks during breast screenings. With such premium image quality, it’s hard to believe you can purchase a Philips EPIQ 7 unit for between $47,500 and $71,250.

Pros:

• nSight technology that increases ultrasound penetration by 76% for optimal imaging in hard-to-image patients
• MicroCPA for better visualization of tiny vessels and organ perfusion
• Shear wave elastography for improved liver assessment and evaluation of tissue elasticity of various traumatic and pathologic MSK cases

Cons:

• 45 min back-up battery life is shorter than some of its competitors

Philips EPIQ 5

The Philips EPIQ 5 offers many of the same great features found in the EPIQ 7. It uses Purewave single crystal probes that produce astonishingly clear images. It also has Philips’ signature TrueVue 3D display and MaxVue HD display to enhance visualization of patient anatomy during exams. Plus, clinicians can use the EPIQ 5 to confidently examine hard-to-image patients using its advanced nSight feature.

The major difference between the Philips EPIQ 5 and 7 is that the EPIQ 5 does not use xMatrix transducers. Additionally, it has a larger console base, making it slightly less transportable than the EPIQ 7. These differences lower the cost of the EPIQ 5 to 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
• 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:

• 45 min battery life may leave users wanting more
• No B-Flow feature

Philips iU22

The Philips iU22 has been an industry-leading premium ultrasound machine for over a decade. It offers a wide range of advanced imaging features and produces crisp, high-definition images on a 22” OLED monitor. The console has three probe ports and an intelligent control panel that facilitates easier navigation and an intuitive workflow.

Similar to the EPIQ 7, the Philips iU22 is a shared service ultrasound machine and offers premium 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging across multiple clinical applications, including:

• Pediatrics
• Radiology
• Cardiac
• OB/GYN
• Vascular, Musculoskeletal
• Urology
• And more

Clinicians can save time during exams using the iU22’s iScan – an advanced feature that automatically optimizes image quality at the touch of a button.The Philips iU22 stands out from ultrasound machines of competing brands with cutting-edge features like InFocus Imaging, allowing physicians to get deeper penetration in hard-to-image patients while preserving image quality at every depth. In addition to xMatrix single crystal probes, the Philips iU22 has a full range of transducers for crystal clear imaging, including:

• Broadband
• Volume sector
• Linear-array,
• Curved linear array,
• TEE
• Doppler pencil

The Philips iU22 costs between $60,000 and $90,000.

Pros:

• iCommand voice recognition with over 2300 commands so users can control their device hands-free for improved imaging flexibility
• QLAB software allows clinicians to easily expand patient diagnostic information, and with several assessment and analysis apps
• Custom Tissue Imaging lets users adjust scans to specific body types while preserving the image’s resolution
• Modality Compare feature allows clinicians to view side-by-side images from other imaging modalities during scans
• InTune Transducer Technology matches transducers to the best acoustics for each clinical use to optimize patient diagnostic exams

Cons:

• Heavier console with a larger base, making it slightly less transportable than its competitors

GE Voluson e10

The Voluson e10 is one of GE’s most advanced ultrasound machines for OB/GYN practices. It combines high-end e4D technology with curved matrix electronic 4D probes to produce breathtakingly detailed live images during prenatal exams. The GE Voluson e10 also provides exceptional performance in a host of other clinical settings, including cardiac, vascular, MSK, and urology.

The GE Voluson e10 has the edge over other premium ultrasound systems in its use of Radiance System Architecture. This innovative technology holds 6x more data and renders 2x more processing power than previous versions. The Voluson e10 also stands out from the pack with HDlive imaging – an advanced feature that displays crystal clear images in real-time on a 23” LED monitor. The price for the GE Voluson ranges from $47,000 to $51,000.

Pros:

• Tissue harmonic imaging feature that improves image clarity by enhancing edge detection so patient anatomy is clearly defined
• Auto Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) measurement of anterior and posterior walls for accurate carotid status
• Speckle Reduction feature improves the quality of B-Mode scanning by reducing artifacts
• Strain Rate imaging feature allows clinicians to assess myocardial function
• RadiantFlow for detailed vascular imaging and a near-3D view of blood flow tiny vessels
• Has both Strain and Shearwave Elastography features for optimal assessments of lesioned tissue
• Edison-Artificial Intelligence in SonoCNS for improved viewing and measurements of the fetal brain
• SlowFlow HD for better visualization of blood perfusion in small vessels

Cons:

• 20 min battery life, the shortest of its competitors
• No sleep mode

What to Consider When Buying an Ultrasound Machine

Choosing the right ultrasound machine for your medical practice translates into higher quality care for your patients. It can also improve the productivity of your staff and reduce patient exam times. Before you buy, consider the imaging needs of your practice, the features you will use most often, the compatibility of your current healthcare software, and the seller’s technical support.

Will it suit your needs?

The intended clinical use of your ultrasound machine is the most critical factor to consider before you buy. For instance, medical practices specializing in cardiovascular care may need a different ultrasound machine than emergency room teams.

Most hospitals and private practices will benefit from purchasing a shared service ultrasound machine. Premium ultrasound systems with shared service functionality provide exceptional performance in multiple clinical settings. If you plan to transport your ultrasound machine between distant clinical locations, you may benefit from a portable ultrasound machine or a lightweight stationary unit.

What kind of features do you want?

The features you want in your ultrasound machine will be determined by several factors, including:

• Your medical specialty
• The type of procedures you do

Your patient population OB/GYN practices that routinely care for pregnant women typically seek out ultrasound systems with 4D and HDlive imaging, which allows expecting parents to see a high-definition movie of their baby inside the womb. Vascular care units will benefit from features like MicroCPA, which allows clinicians to observe tiny vessels and organ perfusion with greater accuracy.

Is it compatible with your healthcare software?

Ultrasound images are often stored, shared, and compared to other forms of patient diagnostic data from different imaging modalities. The most efficiently run medical practices ensure that all of their medical devices are compatible with each other and with their computer software so that the transmission of patient files is seamless and secure.

Technical support and availability of replacement parts and accessories

Machinery failures and technical issues are an inevitable part of running a busy medical practice. The ability to quickly overcome these issues when they arise is essential to hospitals and clinics that see a high volume of patients.

Purchasing your ultrasound machine from a seller with a proven record of quality technical support will save you from headaches down the line.

Strata Imaging customers repeatedly choose to purchase with us because of our knowledgeable support team, speedy repair service, and extensive supply of parts and accessories. We strive for a 24 hour or less response time to customer repair requests and offer an extensive collection of imaging equipment and related peripherals to all 50 states.

Why Buy from Strata?

The Philips EPIQ 7, Philips EPIQ 5, Philips iU22, and GE Voluson e10 are all premium ultrasound machines with shared service functionality. They represent the best of what the market has to offer and provide power imaging performance in various clinical settings. To get the most of your ultrasound purchase, consider the intended clinical use of your ultrasound machine, the advanced features you want, your current software landscape, and the availability of technical support and replacement parts.

At Strata Imaging, we take the imaging equipment needs of your medical practice seriously. We understand the importance of providing accurate, reliable diagnostics to your patients and we’re here to help.

Browse our full catalog of ultrasound equipment today to find the best fit for your healthcare team. We offer a complete rental, maintenance, repair, and sale of almost every type of ultrasound machine and related peripherals.

Contact us for more information about the ultrasounds compared in this guide or any other machine on the market. Our dedicated support team will gladly assist you with any additional questions you have.

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