Kolo Medical
Revolutionizing Ultrasound Imagery through SiliconWave Technology

Ultrasound imaging has transitioned from the stone age of technology into the digital era of innovation, and Kolo Medical has catalyzed this evolution by developing a SiliconWave™ transducer technology. “The traditional transducer technology is still based on the piezoelectric materials, which are literally from the stone age as they use a special stone or a ceramic material. Our aim was to overcome the restrictions of this architecture and deliver far more superior performance characteristics with our products,” explains Steve Zhuang, CEO of Kolo Medical.

Kolo’s SiliconWave™ technology draws its roots from its key co-founders. Two inventors—including Zhuang— developed the principle of utilizing a silicon based array, effectively superseding limitations such as negative thermal effects, restricted acoustic performance, and environmental damage due to lead contamination. When Kolo was founded, Zhuang envisioned the idea of reducing the number of manufacturing processes involved in developing the transducer required for ultrasound imaging. Kolo’s approach to developing transducers no longer requires operations such as dicing and polishing of ceramics, while still offering a substantial increase in performance characteristics correlating to higher resolution images and greater penetration into anatomical contours.

Ron Tousignant, senior director of business development at Kolo Medical, explains that the manufacturing of the silicon-based array transducers employs processes similar to the production of computer chips, which deliver three key benefits over traditional methodologies. These transducers offer unmatched performance as opposed to PZT transducers, their manufacturing processes facilitate large volumes of production in a shorter period, and the ultrasound devices utilizing these chips provide greater functionality and applicability.

Additionally, these transducers reduce the thermal effects of conventional ultrasound probes that often hindermedical examinations and procedures. “We are revolutionizing the medical ultrasound imaging industry by addressing the weakest link, which is the transducer itself. The company is well-positioned to leverage the rapidly advancing computer chip manufacturing industry to advance our transducer designs,” adds Tousignant.

We are revolutionizing the medical ultrasound imaging industry by addressing the weakest link, which is the transducer itself

Medical professionals have carried out parallel comparisons of Kolo’s ultrasound equipment with several ultrasound probes available in the marketplace and have observed that the SiliconWave™ technology outperforms the competitors in many aspects of medical imaging. The professionals noticed that Kolo’s products deliver finer and more detailed ultrasound images in intricate anatomies such as the kidney of a mouse. Evaluations not only reveal the merits of SiliconWave™ but also showcase how one transducer could be used for multiple applications. Conventionally, ultrasound systems support numerous probes that can be interchanged by doctors depending on the need of the hour. However, Kolo’s products automate and simplify the workflows of doctors by ensuring that numerous medical applications can be addressed with a single device, in turn, saving valuable time for healthcare professionals.

Kolo transducers can potentially adapt to a diverse array of medical platforms and systems. The sophistication of SiliconWave™ technology has successfully demonstrated one of the most critical aspects of transducers: Reliability. “Our technology is born out of years of dedication, nurtured by a group of engineers who are devoted to transcending the barriers of conventional ultrasound imaging. We wish to expand our presence across the globe by leveraging the investments made in the ultrasound imaging industry and delivering state-of-the-art technology to the fingertips of medical professionals,” concludes Zhuang.