Sonus Microsystems set to transform ultrasound remote monitoring, diagnostic imaging

Vancouver-based medtech firm, Sonus Microsystems, has unveiled what it is calling the “next generation” of ultrasound technology, delivering remote diagnostic imaging, without the need to go to a clinic or hospital.

The stagnant development of ultrasound transducers, still primarily rooted in piezoelectric technology, poses challenges in the medical sector where sonographers’ expertise is pivotal. This stagnation underscores the urgent demand for versatile, high-performance, and cost-effective solutions to fully unlock the potential of ultrasound technology. Ultrasound devices and services, a nearly $100 billion market growing at a 12% CAGR (BCC Research 2022), find a significant portion in medical therapeutic, surgical, and diagnostic equipment, comprising one-third of the market. Emerging applications represent the highest-growth segment.

Sonus senior management include (from left): Hani Eskandari, Ph.D., CEO & president; Carlos D. Gerardo, Ph.D. director of R&D, co-founder; and Edmond Cretu, Ph.D., co-founder. Source: Sonus Microsystems

Sonus Microsystems is developing and commercializing a novel and proprietary ultrasound technology that utilizes polymer MEMS sensors to send and receive ultrasonic waves. Their transducers are empowered by the innovative polyCMUT technology (stands for polymer-based Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasound Transducers). This advanced method of manufacturing ultrasonic transducer arrays involves crafting thousands of vibrating micro-drums on different types of substrate, resulting in superior performance for imaging and testing applications. The polyCMUT technology is a leap forward in the ultrasound field, offering enhanced imaging capabilities and a new standard for diagnostic and material testing.

Polymer-based ultrasound transducers

“We are uniquely positioned with over 100 years of ultrasound domain expertise to deliver our cutting-edge customizable ultrasound transducers which enable automated imaging for remote monitoring and wearable ultrasound applications powered by AI diagnosis,” says Dr. Hani Eskandari, CEO and president at Sonus Microsystems.

The company specializes in manufacturing ultrasound transducers tailored for three distinct use cases: disposable and miniature transducers ideal for applications demanding high-quality imaging in limited spaces; flexible and cost-efficient wearable transducers that unlock various healthcare monitoring and screening applications; and large matrix array transducers, offering operator-independent ultrasound imaging for remote monitoring and screening across diverse use cases. Sonus’s novel matrix technology is paving the way for accessible AI-powered patches that automate ultrasound scanning and measurement and unlock affordable monitoring and screening of patients.

Sonus PolyCMUT 1D Array. Source: Sonus Microsystems

“Our transducers have demonstrated superb performance for medical diagnostic applications requiring a high degree of design flexibility. We are empowering industry leaders and visionary ventures to expedite their NPI timelines, enhance metrics, and explore new markets,” says Dr. Carlos D. Gerardo, Co-Founder and Director of R&D. “By utilizing polymers, we can manufacture polyCMUTs with fewer fabrication steps and minimal equipment, leading to substantial cost savings, swift iteration cycles, and unique capabilities,” he explains.

Charting new frontiers

Sonus Microsystems has recently secured several partnerships in the medical space to develop the tools needed to turn remote diagnostic imaging and monitoring into a reality.

The team, led by four Ph.D.s with extensive experience in ultrasound, nanotechnology, and semiconductors – Hani Eskandari, Carlos D. Gerardo, Robert Rohling, and Edmond Cretu – announced today that they have raised a $2.1M pre-seed round led by LDV Capital. Other investors including several notable angel investors, early-stage funds and ultrasound and AI domain experts have joined the round. The new funding will be used to enhance processes related to R&D and production, identify new application areas and partnerships, and build a robust engineering team, encompassing fabrication, electronics, and software engineering.

“Sonus Microsystems’ advanced imaging and sensing platform is poised to redefine the ultrasound landscape and unlock new remote monitoring applications in healthcare,” says Evan Nisselson, General Partner at LDV Capital. “We thrive on investing in people building cutting edge proactive healthcare solutions to hopefully improve people’s lives and deliver significant value.”

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Sonus Microsystems has raised more than $3M to date. LDV Capital led the most recent financing in their $2.1M pre-seed round with participation from notable angel investors and early-stage funds.

https://www.sonusmicrosystems.com