Agilent Technologies Debuts Breakthrough Point-of-Care Ultrasound Device.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BW HealthWire)--March 19, 2001

ACC 2001--

OptiGo Provides Immediate Cardiac Assessment;

Charts New Direction for Ultrasound

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today unveiled a revolutionary ultrasound device for routine cardiac assessment at the point-of-care. This "visual stethoscope," dubbed OptiGo, represents a new use for ultrasound, allowing physicians to image patients in any care setting. OptiGo debuts at the 50th Scientific Session of The American College of Cardiology, March 18 to 21, at the Orange County Convention Center (Booth 5543) in Orlando, Fla.

OptiGo, which is about the size of a laptop computer, allows physicians to use ultrasound as part of a routine cardiac exam -- much as they use a stethoscope. But unlike a stethoscope, OptiGo gives the physician the capability to evaluate left ventricular function, valve function, chamber size and pericardial effusion. Lightweight and durable, OptiGo is ideal for settings such as a doctor's office, the CCU and ICU, emergency rooms, and outreach clinics, as well as for use during hospital rounds.

The heart can now be imaged in a variety of environments during the physician-patient encounter. This could facilitate earlier diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment, allowing physicians to order tests more selectively. A recent study from the University of Chicago(1) found point-of-care ultrasound could significantly improve a cardiologist's ability to make an accurate diagnosis. "The use of the small device enabled physicians to double the number of accurate diagnoses compared to those made using a stethoscope," said Dr. Roberto Lang of the University of Chicago.

"Agilent is a worldwide leader in echocardiography, and OptiGo is a natural outgrowth of Agilent's commitment to cardiac imaging. We believe OptiGo fills the gap between the modern stethoscope and traditional cardiac ultrasound, providing a mix of features specially suited for evaluation at the point of care," said Mike Miller, marketing manager of Agilent's Imaging Systems Division.

OptiGo features include:

-- a simple intuitive interface;

-- proven color-flow Doppler for sensitive detection of blood flow
abnormalities;

-- a 2.5 MHz phased-array transducer for high-quality, all digital 2-D imaging;


-- the ability to export still-frame images to a CompactFlash memory card for
printing, e-mailing, or archiving;

-- light weight (approx. 7 lb.) and small size (13 in. x 9 in. x 3.5 in.);

-- operated with battery or A/C power;

-- an affordable price of $11,900;

For more information about OptiGo visit www.agilent.com/healthcare/optigo.

About Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group

Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group is a worldwide leader in clinical measurement and diagnostic solutions for the healthcare industry. The group has 5,000 employees and had revenues of more than $1.4 billion in its 2000 fiscal year.

Agilent holds leading market share worldwide in patient monitoring, cardiovascular ultrasound imaging and for critical-care information-management systems. Information about Agilent's Healthcare Solutions Group can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/healthcare/.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare. With 48,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2000. Information about Agilent can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

(1) 2000 Scientific Sessions of The American Heart Association: Physician Performed Point of Care Echocardiography Using a Laptop Platform Compared to Physical Examination in the Cardiovascular Patient. Roberto Lang M.D. and Kirk T. Spencer M.D. 2000; Vol 102, No 18, 1780