DP-6600 Digital Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging System

A member of the Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology editorial board has reviewed the following devices. The views of the author are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology or MedReviews, LLC.

Companies can submit a product for review by e-mailing dgern@medreviews.com.

• Design/Functionality Scale

  • 1 = Poor design; many deficits
  • 2 = Solid design; many deficits
  • 3 = Good design; few flaws
  • 4 = Excellent design; few flaws
  • 5 = Excellent design; flaws not apparent
• Value Scale

  • 1 = Added cost with limited benefit
  • 2 = Added cost with some benefit
  • 3 = Added cost but significant benefit
  • 4 = Marginal added cost but significant benefit
  • 5 = Significant cost savings
• Overall Scale

  • 1 = Don’t bother
  • 2 = Niche product
  • 3 = Worth a try
  • 4 = Must try
  • 5 = Must have

Evaluation

Design/Functionality: 4

Value: 5

Overall Score: 3.5

Background

Ultrasound has become central to obstetrics. Yet its integration into any given office practice can vary. Some practitioners outsource all of their ultrasound needs; others have specialized ultrasound skills and perform all of their scans themselves in the office. A third hybrid option is to perform simple ultrasounds (eg, fetal position checks, fetal heart-rate documentation) in the office and refer out more complex cases. Not surprisingly, this variety of need matches a variety of ultrasound systems at a variety of prices, ranging from $10,000 to over $350,000.

For simpler cases, expensive technologies to maximize resolution or store large quantities of color Doppler flow cine loops are often superfluous. A machine to confirm a breech presentation requires lower resolution capabilities than one needed for detailed fetal surveys including nuchal translucency measurements. Moreover, offices with simpler ultrasound requirements frequently need more portability to maximize machine use.

Design/Functionality

The DP-6600 digital ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system from Mindray (Redmond, WA) is a sturdy, well-configured entry-level ultrasound machine. At 24 lb (11 kg), it is easily portable. Its 10-inch noninterlaced 256-grayscale monitor provides a clear, comfortably viewable image. The machine has 128-frame cine memory and stores 16-frame images. There are also 2 USB ports for external image storage. The imbedded software for measurements and calculations yields reporting options for a variety of obstetric or gynecological needs, including urogynecology and in vitro fertilization. As with similar machines, it functions in both B-mode and M-mode with a variety of scanning angles and depths. Best of all, the standard configuration includes 2 transducer connections with a frequency range of 2.0 to 10 MHz. In a typical ob-gyn setting, this allows for easy switching between the convex array transducer for transabdominal scanning and the endocavity transducer for transvaginal applications. For those with networking needs, the machine has an option for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine 3.0 compatibility. Finally, the intelligent zoom in both real-time and frozen modes is a nice feature and is easy to use.

On the downside, the software reporting packages, although comprehensive, are convoluted. In particular, the obstetrics package’s estimated date of confinement (EDC) report can be unclear and averages the last menstrual period (LMP) EDC and the calculated measured EDC, which is technically incorrect. Finally, measurement errors are difficult to correct, so inaccuracies can unintentionally distort the final calculations even when the errors are recognized.

Design/Functionality Score: 4

Value

As with any purchase, it is essential to understand what you are getting. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $15,000 (but most systems can be purchased at a discount to the suggested retail price), the Mindray DP-6600 ultrasound system includes the standard configured ultrasound machine, two probes (most ob-gyns will opt for a convex array transducer and an endocavity transducer), a mobile trolley, and a Sony UP-895MD black and white video printer. This is everything a practice needs to be up and scanning out of the box.

Value score: 5

Summary

The Mindray DP-6600 Digital Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging System is an excellent value for the ob-gyn looking for an entry-level ultrasound machine. In price and features, it compares quite favorably with competitors such as the Hitachi EUB-405, the Shimadzu SDU-350 XL, and the SonoSite TITAN®. The DP-6600 provides sound functionality and portability for physicians seeking to perform basic ultrasound examinations in their practices. Though it lacks the resolution and added features of the upper-end machines, most of these added features have little practical value to the average ob-gyn generalist and, in a climate where ultrasound machines can carry a price tag higher than $350,000, the Mindray DP-6600 is a refreshing option.

Overall Score: 3.5

DP-6600 Digital Ultrasonic Diagnostic Imaging System (Mindray Medical International Limited, Redmond, WA). Photo courtesy of Mindray Medical International Limited.