Butterfly Network Launches Next-Generation Butterfly iQ3™ in the United States
- Butterfly iQ3 is a cutting-edge ultrasound system featuring P4.3 Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology with the world's fastest digital data transfer.
- The device offers enhanced frame rates, frequency, and new 3D imaging capabilities on a smaller, lighter, and ergonomically designed probe.
- Butterfly iQ3 received FDA clearance and is now commercially available in the United States for $3,899 plus membership.
- The device is powered by Butterfly's most advanced semiconductor chip, doubling the data transfer rate for unparalleled image quality and faster micro-beamforming.
- Butterfly iQ3 introduces novel tools like iQ Slice and iQ Fan, enhancing image capturing and visualization for healthcare providers.
- The device's ergonomic design includes a smaller probe face, shorter probe length, and configurable control buttons for improved comfort, control, and efficiency.
- Butterfly iQ3 aims to revolutionize point-of-care ultrasound by attracting seasoned experts and supporting new learners through AI and advanced imaging tools.
- The device's advanced imaging capabilities have been positively received in a blind survey, with clinicians ranking its image quality better than a competitor's device.
- The partnership with TSMC has enabled Butterfly to develop the next-generation P4.3 chip, enhancing device performance across hardware, mobile app, and enterprise software.
- Butterfly iQ3 sets a new standard in ultrasound, providing a leading solution for point-of-care imaging with user-friendly features and rapid charging.
- None.
Insights
The commercial launch of Butterfly iQ3 represents a significant advancement in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) technology, potentially disrupting the medical imaging market. The device's improved data transfer rate and enhanced imaging capabilities, such as the novel iQ Slice and iQ Fan tools, are likely to increase its adoption among healthcare providers. The fact that the device provides high-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence features at a competitive price point could lead to market share gains for Butterfly Network, Inc. over incumbents like GE Healthcare.
The introduction of advanced semiconductor chip technology, developed in collaboration with TSMC, underscores the trend towards miniaturization and increased functionality in medical devices. The ergonomic design and battery improvements also indicate a focus on user experience, which is critical for adoption in various clinical settings. As POCUS becomes more prevalent in medical diagnostics, devices that offer ease of use, affordability and superior image quality are well-positioned to capture a larger market segment.
The FDA clearance and subsequent commercial availability of Butterfly iQ3 in the United States could catalyze a shift in the POCUS landscape. The healthcare industry's growing emphasis on bedside diagnostics and rapid decision-making could see a surge in demand for handheld ultrasound devices. This product launch could influence Butterfly Network's financial performance, reflected in potential revenue growth and increased market penetration.
From an industry perspective, the advancements in ultrasound technology, such as 3D imaging capabilities, align with the broader trend of integrating artificial intelligence into diagnostic tools. The survey results comparing image quality favorably to GE Vscan Air suggest that Butterfly iQ3 has the potential to set a new benchmark in the sector. As healthcare providers increasingly adopt these technologies, Butterfly Network may see an expansion in both clinical applications and user base.
Butterfly Network's strategic partnership with TSMC and the technological advancements in Butterfly iQ3 could have favorable implications for the company's stock (NYSE: BFLY). Investors may view the launch as a positive indicator of the company's innovation capabilities and growth trajectory. The stock market often reacts to such product launches, especially when they have the potential to disrupt existing market dynamics.
However, it is essential to monitor the product's market adoption and customer feedback over time to assess the long-term financial impact. While the initial investment in research and development for the iQ3 platform may have been substantial, the return on investment will depend on the product's commercial success. The competitive pricing strategy and the device's technological edge could contribute to increased sales volumes and improved profit margins.
- Butterfly iQ3 is built on the next-generation P4.3 Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology with the world’s fastest digital data transfer, enhancing frame rates, frequency and new 3D imaging capabilities – all on a smaller, lighter and more ergonomically designed probe.
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Effective today, Butterfly iQ3 is available for purchase via direct sales representatives and Ecommerce in
the United States .
The Butterfly iQ3 device featuring a new user-centric ergonomic design that is smaller, lighter and better weight distributed.
“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’s President, Chief Executive Officer, and Board Chairman. “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.”
Unparalleled image quality.
Butterfly iQ3 brings best-in-class, high-resolution image quality with twice the processing power compared to Butterfly iQ+ and a novel “no focus” rubber lens, enabling providers to intuitively identify anatomy, observe small structures, and ultimately, make more confident diagnostic decisions. In a blind survey distributed by third-party vendor, Intellisurvey, 475 clinicians across more than eight specialties compared Butterfly iQ3 images to GE Vscan Air™ CL, with the majority across all categories ranking iQ3’s overall image quality better than that of GE Vscan Air™ CL.*
"Healthcare is at a cornerstone in the adoption of point-of-care ultrasound. Bedside ultrasound has the potential to vastly increase the information available to clinicians for proper assessment, intervention, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions across the human body," said Partho Sengupta, MD, Henry Rutgers Professor and Chief of Cardiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. "I use Butterfly in my clinical practice and in clinical research. The introduction of Butterfly iQ3 includes a focus on higher precision capabilities for cardiovascular point-of-care ultrasound applications to inform complex decisions. In my early experience, I found that the enhancements in visualization technology and artificial intelligence, as well as image quality will greatly assist health care professionals in our efforts to continually improve outcomes for our patients.”
Novel tools: iQ Slice and iQ Fan.
Launching on Butterfly iQ3 are two new, advanced 3D imaging capabilities designed to make image capturing easier: iQ Slice and iQ Fan. These tools join Butterfly’s existing robust feature list of over 20 anatomical presets, six imaging modes (B-Mode, M-Mode, Color Doppler, Power Doppler, Pulsed-Wave Doppler, and Biplane Imaging™) and collection of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging tools (e.g, Auto Bladder Volume Capture, Auto B-Line Counter, NeedleViz™, and a rich set of Calculation tools).
- Butterfly iQ Slice: The world’s first automated, sequential ultrasound capture mode on a handheld device, made uniquely possible by Butterfly’s proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology. iQ Slice automatically steers the beam to scan an organ and capture up to 46 ultrasound slices at a time across a wide angle. The imaging mode is designed to make it easier and faster to acquire excellent images without skilled maneuvering. These files can either be immediately read and measured at the bedside by skilled scanners, or for those less experienced, can be sent to a specialist for further review – similar to the workflow of a CT or MRI.
- Butterfly iQ Fan: A dedicated lung tool that further builds on the core iQ Slice technology to allow providers to benefit from real-time, back-and-forth virtual fanning, making it easier to visualize A-lines and other lung conditions. With iQ Fan the user no longer needs to manually fan the probe, and can just focus on analyzing the images.
“The next-generation P4.3 chip we developed with TSMC [“Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited”, NYSE: TSM], the world’s leading semiconductor foundry, is the foundation for the Butterfly iQ3 hardware platform. From the micron-sized MEMS1 that transmit and receive ultrasound to the electronics and mechanical heat dissipation, we’ve improved device performance across the board. Our customers will have a seamless experience that’s fully integrated across hardware, mobile app, and enterprise software.” said Andrei Stoica, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Butterfly Network.
“TSMC has partnered with Butterfly to push the boundaries of ultrasound imaging through innovative CMOS-MEMS2 integration and our latest collaboration in delivery of Butterfly iQ3 represents our joint research and development efforts, resulting in incredibly advanced imaging capabilities,” said Lucas Tsai, Senior Director of Market Development and Emerging Business Management, TSMC North America. “TSMC continues to put substantial effort into developing more advanced CMOS and MEMS technologies to enable our customers like Butterfly to unleash semiconductor innovation for applications from traditional motion sensing to microphone, bio-sensing, micro-speakers, and medical ultrasound to enhance human convenience, health, and safety.”
The new shape of ultrasound: enhanced comfort and efficiency.
Butterfly iQ3 features a new user-centric ergonomic design that is smaller, lighter and better distributed, and with even stronger battery:
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17% smaller probe face allows for better intercostal access for cardiac and lung imaging, as well as vascular access. -
7% shorter probe with ergonomic weight distribution designed to reduce the physical strain on scanners and ensure better control and maneuverability, which allows for more precise and comfortable scans. - 3 configurable control buttons can be tailored for functionality, allowing for user-friendly, seamless navigation, quick scans and interpretations, saving critical time during diagnoses.
- 2.5x faster charge time than Butterfly iQ+ and up to 2 hours of thermal run time for outstanding continuous scanning.
Butterfly Network’s Chief Medical Officer, John Martin, MD, concludes, “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. 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.”
As of today, February 13, 2024, Butterfly iQ3 is now commercially available to healthcare providers in
Butterfly will host a Virtual Launch Event today, February 13, 2024, from 4:30-6:00 pm ET featuring product demonstrations and thought leader discussion: view details and register.
The news follows Butterfly’s release of ScanLab™ last month, a separate AI-powered educational application for ultrasound scanning practice that is available for download to all Butterfly members at no additional cost, and is compatible with Butterfly iQ3, as well as prior generations.
About Butterfly Network
Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in 2011, Butterfly Network is a digital health company with a mission is to democratize medical imaging by making high-quality ultrasound affordable, easy-to-use, globally accessible, and intelligently connected, including for the 4.7 billion people around the world lacking access to ultrasound. Butterfly created the world's first handheld single-probe, whole-body ultrasound system using semiconductor technology, Butterfly iQ. The company has continued to innovate, leveraging the benefits of Moore’s Law, to launch its second generation Butterfly iQ+ in 2020, and third generation iQ3 in 2024 – each with increased processing power and performance enhancements. The disruptive technology has been recognized by TIME’s Best Inventions, Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, and MedTech Breakthrough Awards, among other accolades. With its proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology, intelligent software, and educational offerings, Butterfly is paving the way to mass adoption of ultrasound for earlier detection and remote management of health conditions around the world. Butterfly devices are commercially available to trained healthcare practitioners in areas including, but not limited to, parts of
Endnotes and definitions:
*Internal data available upon request.
1MEMS: Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems
2CMOS-MEMS: are micromachined systems in which MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical systems) devices are integrated with CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) circuitry on a single chip to enable miniaturization and performance improvement.
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Source: Butterfly Network, Inc.
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