[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SONOSITE, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 1999

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SonoSite, Inc., a 
company located in my home State of Washington. SonoSite, is a spin-off 
from ATL Ultrasound, has revolutionized the quality and portability of 
ultrasound equipment by using advanced technology to provide for 
ultrasound delivery through a hand-held device. Physicians and their 
patients around the country will benefit from this new high-tech, 
ultra-portable diagnostic tool that is expected to expand the use of 
ultrasound in medical care.
  Originally designed for the military under ATL Ultrasound, SonoSite's 
ultrasound system pioneers an advanced high performance, miniaturized 
all-digital broadband technology platform in a compact, lightweight 
system. This allows the simultaneous acquisition and interpretation of 
images, and provides the ability to diagnose conditions in any clinical 
or field setting. This advancement promises to alter current paradigms 
in routine patient care--at the patient's bedside, an imaging facility, 
or even a remote location.
  Initially available for use in obstetrics, gynecology, and emergency 
medicine, this ultrasound technology will enable trained physicians to 
significantly expand the routine use of ultrasound for faster, more 
accurate patient evaluations anytime, anywhere, resulting in better 
patient care. Patients may benefit by avoiding ``waiting trauma,'' the 
anxiety felt by both patients and physicians when a problem is 
indicated but diagnostic answers are not available at the point of 
care.
  I recognize the work being done by the Agency for Health Care Policy 
and Research (AHCPR) to complete outcome-based studies assessing 
routine use of ultrasound in the assessment of abnormal uterine 
bleeding. I urge the continued partnership between the Agency and 
SonoSite to best meet the needs of patients and physicians.
  The SonoSite ultrasound system is a highly accessible advance in 
medical technology--both in terms of portability and cost. The low cost 
of the new system can result in improved healthcare delivery at a time 
when health clinics and hospitals are facing additional cuts in their 
day to day financial operations. The portability of this new technology 
can allow physicians to expand the use of ultrasound in practice by 
adding an ultrasound machine to every exam room or otherwise 
supplementing current stationary ultrasound equipment.
  I recognize SonoSite, Inc. for its efforts to maximize the use of 
innovative technology to advance the heavily-utilized ultrasound system 
as we move into the 21st century. Their efforts in partnership with the 
AHCPR, will result in quality, portable, and affordable medical care 
that will have a positive effect on my constituents in the State of 
Washington, and to others across the country.
  In a State known for medical innovation and technological ingenuity, 
SonoSite deserves recognition for its pioneering technology.

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