The HI VISION 6500 high resolution digital ultrasound system offers advanced clinical imaging, enhanced operating efficiency and remarkable clinical flexibility, all in a robust and versatile configuration that simply represents a better clinical solution in a variety of real-world, real-work arenas.

Featuring a Windows®-based open system architecture for easy expandability, proprietary Hitachi signal processing and advanced transducer technology, the 6500 embodies the technical and design approach we call "HI VUE." It achieves uncompromising diagnostic image quality across the widest range of applications by optimizing each component and subsystem along the entire image processing chain. This includes advanced digital beamforming for excellent image detail and contrast resolution; five-frequency, low impedance, wideband transducer technology for consistent image quality in both near and far fields; Gigasampling technology to ensure precise digital data; and fully-digital parallelprocessing architecture for high frame rates.

The same design approach optimizes ergonomic factors for exceptional user efficiency. Designed to deliver intuitive operation and logical workflow, the 6500 features fully customizable presets, as well as nearly instant transition times when switching from one mode to another. Even probes and probe cables are designed for comfort and ease of use throughout the day. Its compact size, small footprint and low heat dissipation make it a better 'clinical partner' in small procedure rooms, so operators can focus on the patient and procedure, maximize efficiency and provide better images and better quality of care. With its remarkable selection of Hitachi standard and specialty probes supported by application specific hardware and software features, the 6500 provides high-performance digital ultrasound across a broad range of applications.

Hitachi HI VISION 6500: robust, reliable performance in a remarkably compact platform.

A Synergistic Approach to Diagnostic Image Quality.

The true source of the HI VISION 6500's superb imaging capabilities is found in the design philosophy of the Hitachi engineers who created it: optimize each sub-system for individual high performance, and at the same time, integrate them to work more efficiently in concert. We call it HI VUE. The HI VUE philosophy guided the development of each sub-system to achieve superb overall imaging and seamless component synergy, in order to break through previous performance barriers. Fully-digital architecture: more signal, less noise. The digital processor at the heart of the 6500 offers outstanding signal processing capabilities, for grayscale and color flow imaging that significantly improves diagnostic confidence. Dynamic digital beamforming technology facilitates optimal signal acquisition which, integrated with the parallel processing design, increases signal processing capacity from the originating transducer elements through the entire imaging chain. This same capacity allows the effective separation of diagnostically relevant signal information from noise at an earlier stage, for excellent detail and contrast resolution, even in deeper regions.

Gigasampling technology: more samples, precise digital data.
The 6500's 12-bit analog-to-digital converter creates an ultra-fine digital signal from the acquired raw data, even at high frequencies. This provides precise digital information, enabling more sophisticated real-time signal analysis and image processing for excellent clinical image detail.

Wide bandwidth: multi-frequency imaging
The 6500 covers an extended frequency range, allowing selection of five frequency steps in B-mode, four modes of dynamic Tissue Harmonic Imaging (dTHI), as well as two frequencies for color and spectral Doppler mode. This ability to adjust the operating frequency to meet the requirements of a particular application or patient body type often eliminates the need for additional probes with different center frequencies. Another practical benefit of this wider frequency range is evidenced by the availability of Tissue Harmonic Imaging with high-frequency linear and endocavity probes. It also promises greater clinical flexibility in the future, accommodating the development of innovative probes and new applications.

Windows®- based open architecture: a flexible foundation
While Hitachi's HI VUE technology provides unique clinical imaging benefits in the 6500, it is integrated with the proven Windows® platform, for maximum flexibility and customization. The resulting operating efficiency and the ease of developing and integrating new software enhancements provided by this platform make the system a particularly attractive investment over the long term.

Exclusive Hitachi probe technology: Unequaled user utility
The variety of general and application-specific multi-frequency probes available for the 6500 represents a key clinical and economic advantage. Hitachi designs and manufactures its own probes, utilizing the resources and expertise of one of the world's largest electronics companies, to ensure quality, ergonomics, and innovation are fully represented in every probe, including:

Biopsy Biplane Convex Endocavity Endoscopic (linear and radial)

The result is more consistent, high quality imaging on a more productive, user-friendly ultrasound system….a better clinical solution. Outstanding probe performance is based on Hitachi's multi-layer low-impedance transducer technology, providing higher sensitivity over a broad frequency range, reduced noise and artifacts, and the selection of up to five discreet frequencies for clinical imaging flexibility.

Broadband probes for Harmonic Imaging, an advanced technology offered in the 6500, improve morphological differentiation, especially in deeper regions.

Fingertip Intra-operative Laparoscopic Linear Phased Array

Revolutionary Ease of Use

Brilliant engineering to achieve superb image quality is only one side of the coin. The other is real-world performance. And in this arena, the HI VISION 6500 truly shines. The combination of outstanding ergonomics, intuitive operation, efficient design and clinical flexibility means higher utilization of the system is possible without sacrificing advanced clinical performance or patient care.

Intuitive operation
The 6500's tactile keyboard is designed to allow the operator to work as efficiently as possible, enhancing productivity and permitting focus on the procedure and the patient, not the control panel. All important functions are arranged around the central trackball, minimizing hand movement. Only the active keys and switches for the selected mode of operation are backlit for quick recognition. Dedicated keys provide one-touch access to the most-used acquisition and data retrieval functions. User-programmable function keys provide customization options. Hitachi's Keyboard Personalization feature allows two users to define their own complete chain of imaging settings including acquisition parameters, display mode, measurement functions, and color and Doppler settings. User-defined measurement tables and patient protocols are available for instant call-up. These application-specific protocols allow the clinician to determine parameters and formats according to diagnostic requirements.

Compact, portable, rugged and reliable
Innovative Hitachi engineering and microdesign components have produced a high performance digital ultrasound system with a smaller footprint, slimmer chassis and better performance-to-weight ratio. The 6500 is more maneuverable, and easier to position in tight procedure or patient rooms. Reduced noise and heat generation make working with the system more comfortable over extended periods. The entire system is engineered for durability, to take full advantage of its portability without sacrificing legendary Hitachi reliability.

Designed for efficient workflow
Just as HI VUE technology optimizes each component and sub-system for outstanding overall imaging, Hitachi has optimized each feature set of the 6500 to maximize patient throughput. Application-specific set-up is pre-programmable. Operator efficiency is maximized, even over long workdays. Switching of modes and probes during exams is ultra-fast. Video sequences can be digitally stored for routine documentation. Entire data sets, images and measurement tables are instantly accessible. In addition, the 6500 is fully networkable and DICOM-compliant, for integration with hospital PACS and RIS equipment. DICOM functionality includes the support of Store, Print, Worklist Management and Performed Procedure Step service classes.

High resolution color monitor Low heat-output electronics Multiple image storage formats Dynamically backlit control panel Adjustable shelf for peripheral devices Swivel/lock wheels Slim profile design M-Mode Image retrieval User defined controls Patient data menu CW/PW controls Frequency selector Measurement functions One-touch dynamic Tissue Harmonics (dTH)

Advanced Clinical Imaging Capabilities

Dynamic Tissue Harmonic Imaging (dTHI)
The concept of Harmonic Imaging is based on transmission of a fundamental or primary frequency, and the reception of a second harmonic frequency. Hitachi has developed a proprietary algorithm called dTHI, which dynamically filters the receiving frequency as a function of depth. To achieve the best image quality, the system uses the high frequency component to produce the nearfield portion of the image, while the lower frequency component is enhanced for improved penetration.

Dynamic Contrast Harmonic Imaging (dCHI)
The use of ultrasound in conjunction with contrast agents is an emerging application that has shown promise in clinical studies. The 6500's dCHI feature is based on the physical principles of Harmonic Imaging using WPI. This technique allows observation of different clinical effects following injection of a contrast agent, which results in variations of image morphology over time. Clinically relevant information is achieved by choice of imaging technique, such as Monitoring Mode, Intermittent Mode or One-Push MI Change.

Wideband Pulse Inversion (WPI)
Multi-Frequency Wideband Imaging has been the prerequisite for the introduction of a novel image processing technique, Wideband Pulse Inversion. As in conventional phase inversion techniques, two succeeding acoustic signals with inverted phases are emitted, and the corresponding echoes added. Consequently, the out-of-phase components of the base frequency signal are neutralized, and only the higher-frequency harmonic waves are added together for subsequent signal processing. This proprietary Hitachi technique is employed in two of the HI VISION 6500's dynamic Tissue Harmonic Imaging (dTHI) modes and also in dynamic Contrast Harmonic Imaging (dCHI). The resulting improvement in lateral and axial resolution provides better grayscale definition and increased image contrast resolution. An additional benefit of WPI is the increased sensitivity in deeper regions compared to conventional Harmonic Imaging. Wideband Pulse Inversion is applicable for lower frequency abdominal probes as well as for higher frequency linear and endocavity probes.

Wide View
This software module enables real-time panoramic imaging with linear and convex probes in B-mode and Color Doppler-mode. Wide View’s ability to image over an extended field-of-view is especially helpful when evaluating the thyroid, vasculature or musculoskeletal structures. Measurement functions allow the calculation of distances between organs or structures that could not typically be visualized in a single image. Wide View also supports image manipulation features like the zoom function, which allows users to focus in on particular areas of interest.

3D Imaging
The 6500’s fully integrated 3D option creates volume reconstructions in B/W imaging as well as Color Flow Mapping and Color Flow Angiography modes. By using a proprietary algorithm, the excellent contrast and spatial resolution of the system’s 2D imaging is maintained. The flexibility provided by a wide range of image processing and display modes enables the user to tailor the image to their specific needs. High reconstruction speeds combined with a user-friendly acquisition method make this a technique that can be used in day-to-day routine diagnostics.

Directional Color Flow Angiography
In addition to conventional Color Flow Angiography (CFA), which acquires flow intensity information when evaluating areas of slow or uncertain blood flow, the system also has the ability to visualize flow direction. By implementing third-generation artifact suppression algorithms, Directional CFA avoids many of the motion artifacts associated with this technique.

Clinical Solutions: Custom Tailored Applications for Maximum Flexibility

Clinical flexibility is a hallmark of the HI VISION 6500, thanks to the variety of available general and application specific multi-frequency probes, and the breadth of clinical solutions it offers.