Butterfly Releases iQ3 Handheld Ultrasound in Europe

Butterfly Network has released its third-generation, handheld, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) system, Butterfly iQ3, in Europe.
 
Butterfly iQ3, now CE marked, is powered by the company’s most advanced semiconductor chip. The company said this enables unparalleled image quality and new iQ Slice and iQ Fan capabilities.
 
The device was released in the U.S. in February 2024. It features twice the processing power compared to Butterfly iQ+ and a “no focus” rubber lens to providers can intuitively identify anatomy, observe small structures, and make more confident diagnostic decisions.
 
Butterfly iQ3’s 17% smaller probe face allows better intercostal access for cardiac and lung imaging as well as vascular access, the company said. A 7% shorter probe with ergonomically distributed weight aims to reduce the physical strain on scanners and allow better control and maneuverability.
 
It has three configurable control buttons that can be adjusted for functionality. It also has a 2.5 times faster charge time than Butterfly iQ+ and up to two hours of thermal run time for outstanding continuous scanning. 

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READ MORE: Butterfly Network Launches iQ+ Bladder in U.S.

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“After witnessing the enthusiastic uptake of Butterfly iQ3 in the United States and Canada over the past few months, we’ve been eager to receive the regulatory approval to introduce this high-performance device in Europe,” said Butterfly Network’s chairman, president, and CEO Joseph DeVivo. “We’re confident that the enhanced image quality and advanced features of Butterfly iQ3 will bring significant value to healthcare providers across Europe, supporting them in delivering quality patient care. Our mission to democratize ultrasound continues, and we are excited to continue seeing the promise of Butterfly iQ3 benefit new regions.”

More about Butterfly iQ3

Launching on Butterfly iQ3 are two new advanced 3D imaging capabilities designed to make image capturing easier: iQ Slice and iQ Fan.
 
iQ Slice is touted as the world’s first automated, sequential ultrasound capture mode on a handheld scanner, made possible by the company’s Ultrasound-on-Chip technology. iQ Slice automatically steers the beam to scan an organ, capturing up to 46 ultrasound slices at a time across a wide angle.
 
The imaging mode was designed to acquire high-quality images without skilled maneuvering. The image files can be immediately read and measured at the bedside by skilled scanners. For less experience scanners, they can be sent to a specialist for further review.
 
Butterfly iQ Fan is a dedicated lung tool that builds on iQ Slice tech. Using it, providers have real-time, back-and-forth virtual fanning to visualize A-lines and other lung pathology. iQ Fan helps users leverage beam steering to reduce the movements necessary to capture information and make informed decisions.
 
“’We are pleased that our customer response to Butterfly iQ3 matches our enthusiasm for this remarkable advance,” said Butterfly Network’s chief medical officer John Martin, MD. “Our customers asked for better resolution, and we delivered with exceptional image quality, as well as a smaller more ergonomic design, and improved performance. iQ3’s immediate boot-up, long run time, and fit-in-hand comfort ensure it is always ready for use. We are proud to bring Europe our newest solution that meets the standards of advanced users while remaining accessible for those new to ultrasound, all at an unmatched value.”