The Butterfly iQ3 point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) system is a semiconductor-based, single-probe, whole-body ultrasound offering. iQ3 features a brand-new ergonomic design and provides double the data processing speed compared to previous generations. The FDA cleared the iQ3 system last month.
Burlington, Massachusetts–based Butterfly powers the iQ3 with its most advanced semiconductor chip. It features a data transfer rate that doubles that of its predecessor. This results in enhanced image quality and faster micro-beamforming for advanced 3D capabilities called iQ Slice and iQFan.
Other enhancements include a 17% smaller probe face and a 7% shorter probe with ergonomic weight distribution. iQ3 features three configurable control buttons, has a 2.5-times faster charge time and offers up to two hours of thermal run time.
According to a news release, Butterfly iQ3 offers best-in-class high-resolution image quality. It has a novel “no-focus” rubber lens for identifying anatomy, observing small structures and making more confident diagnostic decisions. The company said a blind survey of 475 clinicians showed they ranked iQ3’s image quality better than GE HealthCare’s Vscan Air handheld ultrasound technology.
“Butterfly iQ3 is a pivotal moment in Butterfly’s trajectory, further validating the company’s initial hypothesis that semiconductor-based digital ultrasound is not only viable, but the future of all ultrasound,” said Joseph DeVivo, Butterfly Network president, CEO, and chair. “With the introduction of iQ3, we’re witnessing a paradigm shift in ultrasound. iQ3 sets a new standard where digital image quality matches that of traditional handheld devices, and even certain carts. This device will attract more seasoned POCUS experts to choose Butterfly and support new learners to gain confidence and competency through artificial intelligence and advanced imaging tools.”
Features of the next-gen Butterfly iQ3
The company’s two new advanced 3D imaging capabilities, iQ Slice and iQ Fan, aim to make image capturing easier. They join more than 20 already existing anatomical presets, six imaging modes and AI imaging tools.
Butterfly labeled iQ Slice the world’s first automated, sequential ultrasound capture mode on a handheld device. It automatically steers the beam to scan an organ and capture up to 46 ultrasound slices at a time across a wide angle. The company says this mode can make it easier and faster to acquire excellent images without skilled maneuvering.
Skilled scanners can immediately read and measure these files at the bedside, but the less experienced can send them to a specialist for further review, similar to the workflow of CT imaging or MRI.
iQ Fan, meanwhile, is a dedicated lung tool that builds upon the core iQ Slice technology. It allows providers to benefit from real-time, back-and-forth virtual fanning. This makes it easier to visualize A-lines and other lung conditions.
“With Butterfly iQ3, we set out to give clinicians the clear leading solution in point-of-care ultrasound. We built this device to meet the needs of the end user every step of the way, whether they’re an advanced scanner or just starting out, and we achieved this,” said Dr. John Martin, Butterfly Network chief medical officer. “We delivered a probe that will always be ready for them. Immediate boot up to clear imaging, long run time, fit-in-hand comfort, customizable controls, and rapid charging… all at a price that’s still below incumbents.”
Butterfly made the iQ3 available to healthcare providers for purchase at a price of $3,899, plus membership.
