Butterfly iQ3 is a semiconductor technology-based, single-probe, whole-body ultrasound system that is powered by the company’s most advanced P4.3 Ultrasound-on-Chip technology
A product shot of Butterfly iQ3 POCUS. (Credit: Butterfly Network, Inc.)
US-based digital health company Butterfly Network has introduced its third-generation Butterfly iQ3, a handheld point-of-care ultrasound system (POCUS), in the US.
Butterfly iQ3 is a semiconductor technology-based, single-probe, whole-body ultrasound system. It was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month.
Butterfly Network has powered the system with its most advanced P4.3 Ultrasound-on-Chip technology.
The semiconductor chip is said to have a data transfer rate that doubles that of its predecessor, improving frame rates, frequency and new 3D imaging capabilities.
This generates better image quality and faster micro-beamforming for advanced 3D imaging capabilities such as iQ Slice and iQ Fan.
According to the company, the iQ3 system offers high-resolution image quality using twice the processing capacity of the Butterfly iQ+ and a unique no-focus rubber lens.
This helps to detect anatomy, view minute structures, and make more confident diagnostic decisions, the digital health firm said.
Additionally, the handheld ultrasound system has a user-centric ergonomic design that is smaller, lighter and better distributed and comes with a more powerful battery.
Other updates include a 17% smaller probe that allows better intercostal access and a 7% shorter probe to lower the physical strain on scanners and ensure better control and manoeuvrability.
Butterfly iQ3 also has three configurable control buttons that can be customised for functionality and 2.5x faster charge time than Butterfly iQ+ and up to two hours of thermal run time.
Butterfly Network president, CEO, and board chairman Joseph DeVivo said: “Butterfly iQ3 is a pivotal moment in Butterfly’s trajectory, further validating the company’s initial hypothesis that semiconductor-based digital ultrasound is not only viable, but the future of all ultrasound.
“With the introduction of iQ3, we’re witnessing a paradigm shift in ultrasound. iQ3 sets a new standard where digital image quality matches that of traditional handheld devices and even certain carts.
“This device will attract more seasoned POCUS experts to choose Butterfly and support new learners to gain confidence and competency through artificial intelligence and advanced imaging tools.”