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Fwd: FW: Sonographic Equipment SurveyFrom: James Smeltzer (James.Smeltzer@wellstar.org)Mon Aug 27 16:34:19 2007
I would agree with Dr Lyons. 1. What is the LONGEST period of time that you have personal knowledge of a sonographic machine continuing to function. 21 years. I know of many lasting at least 15 Years: ADR original version, Toshiba real-time, Diasonics ?2000, Acuson - original version, ATL UM4, GE RT 3000 all have come to or close to this mark (>= 15 years). 2. What is the SHORTEST period of time that you have personal knowledge of a sonographic machine dieing (not worth repairing). Diasonics Synergee (Orig Israeli co, one of the earliest PC-based systems, bought out by GE and deep-sixed for the Logiq 400, which they then incorporated the PC base and rolled out as some major improvement - which it was. Mine blew a power supply and started smoking and was trashed at the age of 9- two years after GE stopped supporting it. This was because they would not support it past the minimum time required by law. GE - Short for Gerrrrrrr!!!!!! 3. In your opinion, what is the AVERAGE time that a sonographic machine should live, or continue to function diagnostically? The question is about function, not obsolescence. 14 4. In your opinion, what is the AVERAGE time before most machines become OBSOLETE; still functioning, but needs to be replaced because it is too limited as to modalities? 10-12 for some purposes, 6-7 for others (e.g. prenatal diagnosis [BUT I have to say that I have never reviewed a "missed" diagnosis that I could confidently say I would have seen this with a newer machine - Hmmmmmm]. The old Toshiba without a freeze-frame that I first learned with became known among the residentsas "The Molar Generator" based on the images appearing more like an Alaskan blizzard than a diagnostic image - how quickly we become spoiled. 5. Finally, what type of sonographic equipment you are discussing? General (Abdominal & OB/GYN) sonography Yes 6. Additional comments: Machines need an "Implode" button to self-destruct when penny-pinching administrators won't update them, including myself. I once had a UM-4 Plus (The only machine I ever personally owned) that had been regularly updated and well maintained that I bought Used for $12000 at the age of 12. I used it 3 years and sold it for the same. The next guy retired it last year after 6 more years. To my knowledge the machine was never the source of a missed or wrong diagnosis.
-- James S. Smeltzer, MD, FACOG, SMFM Consultant, Maternal Fetal Medicine Wellstar Physicians' Group Northwest Women's Care 787 Campbell Hill St Marietta GA 30060 James.Smeltzer@wellstar.org VM 678-290-3035 Off 770-528-0260 Page 404-318-3451
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