The Mindray Resona 19 Ultrasound System is an advanced diagnostic ultrasound platform designed for comprehensive medical imaging across multiple clinical applications. Developed by Mindray, the system combines advanced ultrasound signal processing, high-quality transducer technology, and intelligent clinical tools to support detailed evaluation of anatomical structures and physiological information.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. Unlike X-ray and CT imaging, conventional diagnostic ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. This makes ultrasound an important imaging modality for a wide range of examinations, including abdominal, vascular, thyroid, breast, musculoskeletal, obstetric and gynaecological assessments.

The Resona 19 is built around Mindray's ZST+ platform, which uses channel-data-based processing rather than relying solely on conventional beamforming. Mindray describes this technology as providing a combination of spatial and temporal resolution with improved tissue uniformity and supporting a broad range of advanced imaging applications.

Understanding the Core Ultrasound Technology

In conventional ultrasound imaging, electrical signals from the transducer are processed to construct an image of the tissues being examined. The Resona 19 uses Mindray's Zone Sonography Technology Plus (ZST+) architecture to process ultrasound information at the channel-data level. This approach allows the system to acquire and process ultrasound data efficiently and provides a foundation for different imaging modes and advanced applications. 

Mindray describes ZST+ as supporting high-quality imaging while allowing the platform to accommodate different clinical imaging requirements. The system can generate conventional B-mode images as well as Doppler and other advanced imaging modes. This allows clinicians to examine both anatomical structures and aspects of blood flow and tissue characteristics, depending on the examination being performed.

Advanced Image Acquisition and Processing

The Resona 19 is designed to support high-resolution imaging across a range of clinical applications. Its image-processing platform is intended to provide a balance between spatial resolution, temporal resolution and tissue uniformity. High spatial resolution is important when small anatomical structures need to be visualised, while temporal resolution is particularly relevant for real-time examinations and moving structures. The system supports multiple imaging modes, including:

• B-mode imaging
• M-mode imaging
• Colour Doppler
• Power Doppler
• Pulsed-wave Doppler
• Continuous-wave Doppler
• Tissue Doppler imaging
• Tissue harmonic imaging
• Strain elastography
• Shear-wave elastography
• 3D and 4D imaging
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound applications

The availability of these modes allows the system to be configured according to the clinical requirement and the anatomical region being examined.

Comprehensive Transducer Technology

Ultrasound performance depends heavily on the transducer used for a particular examination. The Resona 19 supports a broad range of transducers designed for different anatomical regions and clinical applications. Available transducer categories include convex, linear, phased-array, endocavity, bi-plane, TEE, and pencil transducers. Convex transducers can be used for applications such as abdominal and obstetric imaging, while linear transducers are suitable for superficial structures, vascular examinations, and musculoskeletal imaging.

Phased-array transducers can support cardiac and other applications requiring imaging through smaller acoustic windows. Endocavity probes are designed for examinations such as gynaecological and urological imaging. This range of transducers allows one ultrasound platform to support examinations involving both superficial and deep anatomical structures.

Vascular and Doppler Imaging

Doppler ultrasound is an important part of modern diagnostic sonography because it allows clinicians to evaluate blood flow. The Resona 19 supports multiple Doppler modes, including Colour Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed-Wave Doppler and Continuous-Wave Doppler.

These technologies can be used to assess blood flow direction, flow characteristics, and vascular structures according to the clinical examination. Mindray also incorporates V Flow, an advanced flow-visualisation technology designed to provide information about vascular haemodynamics. The technology can be used to visualise blood-flow behaviour and vascular structures in appropriate applications.

Obstetric and Gynaecological Imaging

With appropriate transducers, the Resona 19 can support obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound examinations. Ultrasound is widely used in obstetrics because it can provide real-time imaging without ionising radiation. Depending on the examination, clinicians can evaluate pregnancy-related anatomy, fetal development and other relevant structures.

Endocavity transducers can be used for selected gynaecological examinations, while suitable convex and volume transducers can support other obstetric applications. Three-dimensional and four-dimensional imaging capabilities can provide additional visualisation in selected examinations. The exact imaging approach depends on the patient's clinical requirement and the protocol selected by the healthcare professional.

Elastography for Tissue Assessment

One of the advanced capabilities of the Resona 19 is elastography, which provides information related to tissue stiffness. The system supports both strain elastography and shear-wave elastography. Mindray describes its elastography solutions as providing qualitative and quantitative information that can support assessment of tissue characteristics.

Shear-wave elastography can generate quantitative measurements of tissue stiffness, while strain elastography evaluates relative changes in tissue deformation. These techniques may be incorporated into examinations of organs and tissues such as the liver, breast, thyroid, and prostate when clinically indicated. The Resona platform also includes STE and STQ technologies for shear-wave elastography applications, providing tools for quantitative tissue assessment.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound

The Resona 19 also supports contrast-enhanced ultrasound applications. Regulatory documentation for the system identifies contrast imaging capabilities, including applications involving liver imaging and selected contrast-enhanced studies. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound uses an approved ultrasound contrast agent to improve visualisation of blood flow and tissue perfusion in appropriate clinical settings. This can provide additional information that may complement conventional B-mode and Doppler imaging.

Breast and Thyroid Imaging

The Resona 19 includes specialised tools for small-parts imaging, including applications involving the breast and thyroid. High-frequency linear transducers can provide detailed imaging of superficial structures. The system also supports intelligent tools such as Smart Breast and Smart Thyroid, which are designed to assist with standardised assessment and measurements of lesions.

For breast examinations, ultrasound can be used to evaluate breast tissue and selected abnormalities, often as part of a broader diagnostic assessment. For thyroid imaging, ultrasound can provide detailed visualisation of the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. Doppler and elastography techniques can provide additional information when clinically required.

Abdominal and General Imaging

The Resona 19 can be used for general abdominal ultrasound examinations. Ultrasound can provide real-time imaging of organs and structures including the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and urinary bladder. During abdominal examinations, clinicians can evaluate organ size, tissue appearance, and selected structural abnormalities. Doppler techniques can additionally provide information about blood flow within vessels. The system's high-resolution imaging capabilities can be particularly useful when examining anatomical structures that require detailed visualisation.

3D and 4D Imaging

The Resona 19 supports Smart 3D and real-time 4D imaging. Three-dimensional ultrasound allows volumetric information to be acquired and reconstructed, while 4D ultrasound adds the element of real-time movement to three-dimensional imaging. These capabilities can be useful in selected obstetric, gynaecological and other specialised examinations where volumetric information provides additional clinical value.

Intelligent Clinical Tools

The Resona 19 incorporates intelligent software tools designed to assist with measurements, image analysis and workflow standardisation. Mindray describes intelligent applications such as Smart Breast and Smart Thyroid, along with vascular and elastography tools, as part of the platform's advanced clinical capabilities. Automated and semi-automated tools can help streamline repetitive measurements and support consistent examination workflows. These tools assist healthcare professionals but do not replace clinical interpretation.

User-Centred System Design

In addition to imaging technology, the Resona 19 incorporates features intended to improve the scanning experience for the operator. Mindray describes an intelligent iConsole control panel with customisable E-ink keys, a flexible control-panel structure and design features intended to reduce operator fatigue during scanning. The system's design allows controls and examination settings to be adjusted according to the requirements of different clinical workflows. Efficient controls are particularly important in ultrasound because examinations require continuous interaction between the operator, transducer and imaging system.

Patient Experience and Safety

Ultrasound examinations are generally non-invasive and do not use ionising radiation. During an examination, a trained professional places an appropriate transducer against the skin using ultrasound gel to allow sound waves to travel efficiently between the transducer and the body. Depending on the examination, the patient may need to change position or follow specific preparation instructions, such as fasting before certain abdominal examinations. Ultrasound systems are operated according to established safety principles. Mindray's documentation specifically emphasises the ALARA principle, As Low As Reasonably Achievable, for acoustic output, meaning ultrasound exposure should be kept appropriate for the diagnostic purpose.

Clinical Applications

The versatility of the Resona 19 allows it to support a broad range of diagnostic ultrasound examinations.

Major application areas include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Liver and hepatobiliary imaging
• Thyroid imaging
• Breast imaging
• Vascular and Doppler studies
• Musculoskeletal imaging
• Obstetric ultrasound
• Gynaecological imaging
• Urological imaging
• Small-parts imaging
• Cardiac applications with appropriate transducers
• Prostate imaging
• Elastography
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasound
• 3D and 4D ultrasound

The specific transducer, imaging mode, and clinical application are selected according to the patient's examination requirements.

Importance of Resona 19 at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy

The availability of the Mindray Resona 19 Ultrasound System contributes advanced ultrasound capability to the diagnostic services at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy. Its combination of ZST+ technology, multiple transducer options, Doppler imaging, elastography, 3D/4D imaging, and intelligent clinical tools allows the system to support diverse diagnostic examinations. 

The platform is particularly useful because ultrasound can provide real-time imaging without ionising radiation, while advanced technologies such as elastography and Doppler can provide additional information beyond conventional grayscale imaging. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, ultrasound examinations can be performed according to the clinical requirement, with appropriate transducers, imaging modes and protocols selected for the anatomical region being evaluated.

Conclusion

The Mindray Resona 19 is a comprehensive diagnostic ultrasound platform designed to support general imaging as well as specialised clinical applications. Its ZST+ technology, broad transducer portfolio, Doppler capabilities, elastography, 3D/4D imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasound functions provide a versatile foundation for modern sonography.

With applications extending across abdominal, vascular, breast, thyroid, musculoskeletal, obstetric, gynaecological and urological imaging, the system can accommodate a wide variety of diagnostic requirements. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, the Resona 19 supports the centre's imaging capabilities by combining real-time ultrasound imaging with advanced quantitative and functional tools, helping healthcare professionals obtain the information required for appropriate clinical evaluation.