SonoSite Edge Ultrasound Review

So I appreciate SonoSite on a number of levels. I feel like this is one of the only ultrasound companies that really listened to the marketing golden rule: Know Thy Customer.

What comes with this, however, is that these are not for everybody. It’s designed for a fairly specific type of user and market. For those, it’s perfect. For others… not so much.

As expected, the Fuji SonoSite Edge is an upgrade to the SonoSite M-Turbo, but has a new look and new design. The most notable difference is the size. Is still holds the old-school form, but a more modern look.

Beyond that, the user experience is very similar. I like this because the learning curve is small for those who have used SonoSite ultrasound machines before (they have many repeat customers). For newbies, however, I have a free multi-part training series on the SonoSite Edge here on our website.

More about the SonoSite Edge after the Video Review here:

SonoSite Edge Feature Review

Probably my single complaint about the SonoSite systems are the keyboards. This is the part that’s been a downside, and the Edge is no exception.  I found the keys a little more difficult to get used to than the other SonoSites. These keys required more pressure to get a response, and you need to focus on pressing the center of the button.

However: the practical side of the keyboard outweighs the minor downside.

Because the keyboard splash-resistant and can be disinfected much easier, I’d say the trade-off is worth it. Besides, you get used to it. All you have to do is remember to press the middle of the key and be firm.

For imaging and overall function, key features include:

• Multibeam Compound Imaging
• SonoHD II Speckle Reduction Imaging
• Advanced Needle Visualization
• ColorHD
• SonoADAPT Automatic Tissue Optimization

While most of these technologies are carry-over or upgrades to the M-Turbo, it’s the ColorHD that shined. As discussed in the video, color on the Edge is solid and simple to use at the default settings. It makes me wonder why other manufacturers can’t optimize the default settings as well as SonoSite does.

Oddly, however, it doesn’t feature Triplex imaging. For the vein market, this is often something they request. For the most part, this isn’t a high-demand function, but it would be nice regardless.

Also, we can’t forget how durable the SonoSite systems are. There aren’t any moving parts because it uses solid-state flash memory, and it’s made out of strong materials. The probes and system itself can take quite a bit of abuse without fear of breakage or a crashed hard drive. I don’t recommend testing their claims, but if you have an environment in which this has multiple users or a more crowded environment, eventually you may discover this on your own.

The SonoSite Titan, MicroMaxx, and M-Turbo were all very durable and I’ve a few testimonials of relieved customers after their system experienced a bout with gravity . So, with the new materials, I’d assume the SonoSite Edge is nearly bulletproof. Maybe literally.

Using the SonoSite Edge

SonoSite users tend to like things simple. Most users aren’t using the system 8-hours a day. They’re using it in smaller bursts throughout the day, using it as a tool rather than a full diagnostic machine. It can definitely perform full diagnostics, which is a nice bonus, but many users don’t rely on the calc package, they rely on the image quality.

So, SonoSite didn’t forget to Keep It Simple. Relative to anything else, this system is intuitive.

As more clinicians use ultrasounds in so many new settings, a new system provides a nice solution for places with larger budgets. For the smaller budgets, here at Probo Medical, you can get a refurbished unit. Refurbished units present a nice choice because of the savings and its extended life.

A final note on the SonoSite Edge: I believe I’m being objective in this review, but note that I’ve always liked SonoSite. We don’t have an affiliation with SonoSite, it’s my honest opinion. I like what they do and I like what they produce. After all these years, they haven’t tried to over-do it (yet).

If you think this system is right for you, give us a call. It just takes a few moments with one of our sales reps to know if this is the perfect ultrasound for you.