Philips ClearVue 550 Ultrasound Machine



The Philips ClearVue 550, is an economy priced shared service ultrasound machine that’s strengths are good image quality and workflow efficiency. The ClearVue 550 was launched in 2012 as the replacement for the HD7xe and is positioned in between the ClearVue 350, which has no articulating arm, and the ClearVue 650, which offers more standard features such as 4D which are options on the ClearVue 550. The ClearVue 550 excels at obstetrics, gynecology, abdominal imaging and radiology where it’s workflow advantages speed up common exams. The Philips ClearVue 550 also has the best cardiovascular imaging available in the world at this price point.


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General Product Information - Disclaimer

All items mentioned below including probes, accessories, options, features and similar properties are solely meant to provide general information about the maximum capability of the product. Some or all features mentioned may not be included in the listed price. Please contact us directly for accurate pricing per each additional feature.

 

Overview

Application Training for Philips ClearVue 550

Our on-staff sonographer can provide onsite applications training for the ClearVue 550 at a set price plus travel costs.

Service for ClearVue 550

Free technical support is available during installation and over the course of the standard limited warranty. Technical support is available after the warranty period at an hourly cost per issue.

Maintenance for Philips ClearVue 550

Ultrasound Supply recommends the use of a surge protector along with a dedicated power outlet. Probes should be disinfected after every use with a disinfectant wipe proven not to damage the lens .

Philips ClearVue 550 Dimensions & Weight

Height: (adjustable, maximum) 1160 mm (45.7 in)
Width: 520 mm (20.5 in)
Depth: 584 mm (23.0 in)
Control panel height: (non-adjustable) 837 mm (33.0 in)
Weight: (with printer) 52 kg (115 lbs.), approx. 200 lbs. with packaging

Philips ClearVue 550 Specifications

All-digital broadband beamformer
65,536 digitally-processed channels
Depth to 30 cm (exam and transducer specific)
Up to 272 dB Dynamic Range

Philips ClearVue 550 Electrical Power

Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC
Frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Power: 450VA
Power consumed: 300VA
Heat dissipation: <700 BTUs/hour (fully loaded)

Revisions

Philips ClearVue 550 revisions

Philips first launched the ClearVue 550 in 2012 as version 1.0. The 2.0 update made image quality updates and bug fixes. The 3.0 update added the L12-5 38 linear transducer and upgraded the monitor from 17” to 19”. Version 3.1 added support for the V6-2 4D convex and 3D9-3v 4D endovaginal probes, and added optional 3D fetal echo STIC, strain-based elastography, FloVue, QLAB GI 3DQ, QLAB IMT, Stress, and standard Auto Face Reveal.

Revisions of the Philips ClearVue 550

Philips ClearVue 550 (Rev 1.0)
Philips ClearVue 550 (Rev 2.0)
Philips ClearVue 550 (Rev 3.0)
Philips ClearVue 550 (Rev 3.1)

Common configurations of the ClearVue 550

  • Philips ClearVue 550 with 3 transducers

This is a General imaging (GI) and Women’s health configuration

C5-2 Convex

C9-3v Endovaginal

L12-4 Linear

  • Philips ClearVue 550 with 2 transducers

This is a Cardio/Vascular configuration

S4-1 Cardiac Sector

L12-4 Linear

Probes

Philips ClearVue 550 probes / transducers

Convex C5-2 [ 2 – 5 MHz ]
4D convex V6-2 [ 2 – 6 MHz ] 55mmR, 66° field of view

Endocavitary C9-4v [ 4 – 9 MHz ] End-fire sector, 11mmR, 180° field of view
4D Endocavitary 3D9-3v [ 3 – 9 MHz ] 11.5mmR, 150° field of view

Linear L12-4 [ 4 – 12 MHz ] 21° of trapezoidal imaging
Linear L12-5 38 [ 5 – 12 MHz ] 192 elements,

Cardiac sector S4-1 [ 1 – 4 MHz ]
Pedoff (CW Transducer) D2cwc [ 2 MHz ] Adult cardiology applications, non-imaging

Advanced Philips ClearVue 550 transducers: 4D

Version 3.0 of the Philips ClearVue 550 (released in 2015) supports two new 4D transducers; the [ 2 – 6 MHz ] V6-2 4D convex is useful not only for creating a 3D baby face image, but more importantly to speed up routine OB/GYN exams by allowing for an entire exam’s worth of 2D images in multiple planes and slices to be captured in a few seconds. The [ 3 – 9 MHz ] 3D9-3v 4D endovaginal transducer also speeds scanning time which reduces patient discomfort but more importantly the 4D endovaginal probe can capture the C-plane of the uterus, something a 2D probe cannot do. This allows for diagnostic certainty in evaluation of a cervical cerclage, placement of an IUD, or a bicornuate uterus where there is a question of only otherwise available through CT or MRI!

Popular ClearVue 550 transducers

The [ 2 – 5 MHz ] C5-2 is the most popular convex transducer for the ClearVue 550, followed by the S4-1 [ 1 – 4 MHz ] adult cardiac sector probe and the [ 4 – 12 MHz ] L12-4 linear transducer.

Competitors

ClearVue 550 comparison with other Philips systems

The Philips ClearVue 550 was launched in 2012 as the modular, next generation replacement for the HD series ultrasound machines, specifically the popular HD7xe. The ClearVue 550 is much more compact and light, and has a larger monitor compared to the HD7 and HD7xe. Though transducer selection is more limited than the HD7xe, the ClearVue 550 now offers 4D and several advanced features such as blood flow in gray scale imaging and stress echo that were never available on the HD7xe. The ClearVue 650 and ClearVue 850 are positioned above the premium economy-level 550 in price and features. The lower cost HD5 is positioned below the Philips ClearVue 550 in price and features.

Philips ClearVue 550 vs ClearVue 350

The Philips ClearVue 550 and the ClearVue 350 were launched at the same time and at the beginning there were features and image quality differences between the early revisions, but as of version 3.1 the only differences are that the 350 does not have the standard articulating arm that the ClearVue550. The two are visually identical except for the monitor arm.

Other brands competing with the ClearVue 550

The closest competitor to the Philips ClearVue 550 from GE would be the Logiq P5 PE which has a very different set of benefits. The ClearVue 550’s strengths are it’s intuitive workflow and design including a larger monitor and image quality supported by technology that has migrated from more expensive Philips units, and cost-effectiveness as an entry-level system. Meanwhile the Logiq P5 has a much broader selection of transducers than the ClearVue 550, allowing it to function in many specialty applications. The closest competitor to the ClearVue 550 from Siemens is the X300 PE, which is more expensive, but like the Logiq P5 offers a broader set of transducers and features than the ClearVue 550. The 550 meanwhile has better greyscale image quality due to newer speckle reduction and image compounding, but the X300 PE has better Doppler sensitivity and access to TEE and ICE transducers. The Samsung R7 is another competitor though the R7 only competes in women’s health and general imaging unlike the ClearVue 550, which is a true shared-service ultrasound machine. The R7 is less expensive than the 550 but has the same monitor size and articulating arm. For scanning effeciency in the most common exams the ClearVue 550 is superior to all competitors, but it is not the best choice for less common specialty imaging situations.


AVAILABILITY: In stock


The Philips ClearVue 650 is a midrange 4D OB/GYN and shared service ultrasound machine. It is powered by Active Array technology, is easy to use, and has best in class automation features. The Philips ClearVue 650 replaces the HD9 and is visually identical to the ClearVue 550 except it has a larger monitor.


AVAILABILITY: In stock


The Samsung R7 was launched in 2011 as the Medison SonoAce R7. When Samsung purchased Medison later that year it continued developing the R7 and continues to produce it to this day, albeit in an improved form. The Samsung R7 is a reasonably priced diagnostic ultrasound system focused on women’s health applications. It features good 4D performance for the price. The SonoAce R7 was designed on the same platform as the SonoAce R5, but there are stark differences. Not only is the image quality much better than the R5, in 2D it also offers great 4D performance which is not available on the R5. The Samsung R7 also offers several midrange features such as the 19” monitor and Elastography that are not typically found on economy-priced ultrasound machines.

$6,700.00

AVAILABILITY: In stock

$6,700.00

The GE Logiq P5 premium is an economical shared service ultrasound machine that is unique in its price range by offering deep support for all applications from Cardiac to Pediatric, from 4D Obstetrics to Surgical or Elastography with an astounding 29 compatible transducers spread across every possible application. If it can be done with ultrasound, the Logiq P5 can do it.

The Logiq P5 premium replaced the older Logiq 5 in 2006 and is currently in production as a BT11 revision. GE sells more of the Logiq P5 premium than any other model in production around the world and the fact that the Logiq P5 has been in production for a decade is proof of its reliability and popularity. The GE Logiq P5 is compact and has many premium features and ergonomic details that are typically only available on midrange units costing more. Because the Logiq P5 premium has been in production so long and has been so popular there are large quantities of replacement parts and transducers available on the market. This will make maintenance and support inexpensive and easily available for many years to come, far beyond all other economy priced ultrasound machines.

The GE Logiq P5 price is between $10,000 and $30,000 dollars depending upon the condition, options, and the number and types of probes included. The similar GE Logiq P6 fits in the midrange price point and is visually very similar to the P5 but offers even more probe options and features.

$15,000.00

AVAILABILITY: In stock

$15,000.00

The Siemens Acuson X300 is a mid-range cardiovascular and shared-service ultrasound system. It was intended to replace the popular Sequoia 512 ultrasound, which is still sold by our partner Providian Medical. The Siemens X300 balances mid-range technology and features with an affordable price point. A refurbished Siemens Acuson X300 ultrasound costs between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on the age and condition of the system, its use history, and what additional transducers are included with the system. At Ultrasound Supply, our machines start out at the lower $15,000 range.


AVAILABILITY: In stock


The Philips ClearVue 350 is an entry-level economy shared service ultrasound machine that replaces the HD6 and HD7. It is tiny, with a refined user interface and hardware that is far easier to service and maintain. The Philips ClearVue 350 differs from the more expensive ClearVue 550 only by the articulating monitor arm.

AVAILABILITY: In stock


The Philips HD7 xe is an economy shared service ultrasound machine that provided the best low-end cardiac imaging available. The Philips HD7 xe added an articulating monitor arm and Xres to the HD7.


Features

Philips ClearVue 550 Features:

19” fold-down LCD monitor on fully articulating, tilt and swivel arm
Four transducer ports
2D Opt signal processing with 2X multi-line parallel processing and frequency compounding
iSCAN intelligent optimization
AUTOSCAN
Active Native Data
Live Compare
Auto Doppler
Intelligent Doppler Imaging
Adaptive Doppler
Active Array technology
Broadband beamforming and advanced signal processing
Advanced Doppler and color Doppler capabilities
Configurable reports and analysis
OB workflow enhancements
Cineloop review: up to 1,200 frames of 2D and color images
Exam documentation
Measurement tools
High Q automatic Doppler analysis
Clinical option analysis packages: General imaging, Ob/Gyn and fertility, Cardiac, Vascular.
320 GB hard drive space
DVD/CD drive with write and read capabilities
Extensive image management capability
1 three-lead ECG input
Abdominal
Abdominal Vascular
Adult Echo
Anatomical M-mode
Cerebro Vascular
Continuous Wave Doppler (CW)
DICOM networking option
DICOM Structured Reporting
Strain Elastography
Grayscale Freehand 3D
SonoCT image compounding
XRES (Speckle Reduction Imaging)
3D Fetal Echo STIC
4D Imaging
High Q automatic Doppler analysis
Musculoskeletal
OB/GYN
Pediatric Echo
Pediatric Radiology
Pediatric Vascular
Physio
Sector probe
Small parts
TDI
Tissue harmonic imaging with pulse inversion
Stress Echo
Urology
iScan 2D
iScan Color/Doppler
High Q automatic Doppler analysis
XFOV (Philips Panoramic)
Barcode Scanner
Exam protocols
Pulse inversion Harmonic (PIH)
QLAB – GI 3DQ
QLAB – IMT
Advanced system automation
SmartExam protocols
Three-pedal footswitch

Philips ClearVue 550 technology definitions:

iSCAN intelligent optimization: Automatic one-button global image optimization standard on the ClearVue 550 through AI adjustment of TGC, Doppler and receiver gain, compression curve, Doppler PRF, and Doppler baseline.

AutoSCAN: An efficiency feature on the ClearVue 550 that automatically and continuously optimizes the brightness of the image at the default gain and TGC settings for the best image display. It can be turned on and off.

Active native data: This is a software tool that enables image processing, quick data re-acquisition, and image analysis with same resolution and same frame rates of the original images. On the ClearVue 550 it is available in 2D mode, PW & CW Doppler, Color Doppler, and Physio. Active native data helps shorten total exam duration, improves clinical workflow by post-processing, and reduces the time needed to have the probe on the patient.

Live Compare: This feature allows for the recall of current or previous exam image data for direct side-by-side comparison with current live image data.

Auto Doppler: This time saving feature on the ClearVue 550 automates repetitive tasks for pulsed wave Doppler calculation to speed up and simplify standard vascular exams. This reduces repetitive button pushes by an average of 67.9 percent.

Intelligent Doppler imaging: This feature automatically maintains optimal angle-to-flow to assist in delivering consistent Doppler velocity measurements. Intelligent Doppler is available with vascular and general imaging application packages and only with a linear transducer.

Adaptive Doppler: A feature on the ClearVue 550 that boosts weak signals to enhance spectrum visibility and pulsed-wave audio signals for enhanced flow assessment.

Grayscale freehand 3D: Volume images created by piecing together multiple passes of the transducer into a static 3D image shown in grayscale. This does not require a 4D transducer to create, and is not shown in real-time.

SonoCT image compounding: Real-time compound imaging on the Philips ClearVue 550 that obtains multiple coplanar, tomographic images from different viewing angles, then combines them into a single compound image at real-time frame rates.

XRES adaptive image processing: Real-time speckle reduction standard on the ClearVue 550 that also enhances edge definition.

Tissue Harmonic Imaging with pulse inversion: The ClearVue 550 uses system processing of secondary harmonic frequencies in tissue incorporating these with a patented pulse inversion phase cancellation technology for high detail resolution during harmonic imaging.

iSCAN intelligent optimization: Automatic one-button global image optimization for 2D and Color Doppler on the ClearVue 550 through AI adjustment of TGC, Doppler and receiver gain, compression curve, Doppler PRF, and Doppler baseline.

High Q automatic Doppler analysis: Automatic real-time and retrospective value measurements and calculations for cardiovascular applications.

XFOV (Philips Panoramic imaging): This ClearVue 550 technology give real-time extended field-of-view composite images, in fundamental and SonoCT modes.

QLAB IMT: This QLAB tool makes measurement of intima media thickness in carotids and superficial vessels quick and consistent.

QLAB 3DQ GI: This QLAB tool on the ClearVue 550 allows viewing, quantification, cropping, rotation, and measurements of 3D image data sets.

SmartExam protocols: Step-by-step user customizable protocols on the ClearVue 550 that can help speed exams and increase consistency.

Accessories

Philips ClearVue 550 Accessories

Sony UPD-897MD Digital Black & white thermal printer
Sony UPD-898MD Digital Black & white thermal printer
Sony UPX-898MD Digital Black & white thermal printer
Sony UPD-25MD Digital Color thermal printer
Mitsubishi P95DW Digital Black & white thermal printer
Mitsubishi CP30DW Digital Color thermal printer
Sony DVO-1000 DVD Recorder
CIVCO disposable biopsy guides (for Convex, Linear and Endo-cavity transducers)

Philips ClearVue 550 Supplies

Aquasonic ultrasound gel
Sono ultrasound wipes
Sony UPP-110HG thermal printing paper
Sony UPC-21L color thermal printing pack
Mitsubishi CK30L printing paper
Mitsubishi K95HG high gloss thermal printing paper

Philips ClearVue 550 ports

4 transducer ports
1 three-lead ECG input
3 USB ports
Ethernet output
S-video output
VGA output
LAN connector

Imaging Modes

Philips ClearVue 550 Imaging Modes

Philips Microfine 2D focusing
Philips Color Power Angio (CPA)
M-mode
Anatomical M-mode
Color M-mode
Pulsed wave Doppler
High PRF pulsed wave Doppler (PW)
Continuous wave Doppler (CW)
Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI)
Freehand 3D
Color compare mode
4D
Dual mode
Duplex mode
Triplex mode
Tissue Harmonic Imaging
Pulse Inversion Harmonic
Intelligent Doppler
Read Zoom
Write Zoom
Panoramic
Trapezoidal
Adaptive Doppler
Adaptive color Doppler

Applications

Philips ClearVue 550 Applications:

Abdominal
Small parts and superficial
Pediatric (head, hips)
Musculoskeletal
Urology and prostate
Obstetrical
Gynecology and fertility
Vascular (Cerebrovascular, Peripheral vascular)
Transcranial Doppler
Cardiac (Adult, Pediatric)

Year Launched

2012

Estimated Market Price

Economy

Monitor

19"(17") LCD

Tilt/Rotate Adjustable Monitor

Yes

Monitor Resolution

1280*1024

Image Size Resolution

 

Touch Screen

No

Trackball or Trackpad

Trackball

CP Back-Lighting

Yes

Weight

115 lbs(52kg)

Probe Ports

4

Battery

No

Boot-Up Time

 

Sleep Mode

No

Maximum Depth of Field

30cm

Minimum Depth of Field

 

Cart

No

Independent Steer & Lockable Wheels

Yes

2D, M mode

Yes

M-color Flow Mode

Yes

Anatomical M-mode

Yes

Trapezoidal Mode

Yes

Color, Power Angio, Pulse Wave Doppler

Yes

Bi-directional Power

Yes

SCW Doppler

Yes

Tissue Doppler(Velocity) Imaging

No

Freehand 3D

Yes

Live 3/4D OB/GYN

No

HD Live

No

STIC

No

Live 3D Echo

No

Stress Echo

No

Strain and Strain Rate

No

B Flow

No

Panoramic Imaging

Yes

Contrast Imaging-Cardiac

No

Contrast Imaging - General Imaging

No

Strain-based Elastography

No

Shear Wave Elastography

No

Tissue Harmonic Imaging

Yes

Spatial Compounding(=CrossXbeam)

Yes

Speckle Reduction (=SRI)

Yes

Auto Image Opt(B mode)

Yes

Auto Image Opt(Doppler)

Yes

Write Zoom

Yes

Triplex Mode

Yes

Needle Enhancement or Needle Recognition

No

Auto NT Measurement

Yes

Auto Follicle 2D Measurement

No

Auto Follicle 3D Measurement

No

Auto IMT

No

Auto IMT (Real Time)

No

Automated B/M/D Measurement

No

Automated LH Measurement(Automated Function Imaging(AFI), Cardiac Motion Quantification(CMQ), or Auto EF(Ejection Fraction)

No

Live Dual (B/BC) Mode

Yes

SmartExam or Scan Assistant

Yes

Fusion

No

Raw Data File

No

Flexible Report

Yes

Barcode Reader

Yes

Gel Warmer

No

Abdominal

Yes

Women's Health Care

Yes

OB

Yes

Fetal Echo

Yes(Option)

Vascular

Yes

TCD(Transcranial)

Yes

Small Parts

Yes

MSK/Anesthesiology

Yes

Pediatrics

Yes

Urology

Yes

Echocardiography_Adult

Yes

Interventional Cardiology

No

Echocardiography_Pediatric

Yes

Echocardiography_Neonate

No

Stress Echocardiography

No

Transesophageal Echo_Adult

No

Transesophageal Echo_Pediatric

No

Internal Medicine w/ Shared Service

Yes

Surgury

No

Interventional Radiology

No

Contrast Imaging_General Imaging

No

Contrast Imaging_Cardiac

No

Bowel Imaging

No

Strain Elastography

No

Shear Wave Elastography

No

Convex (1~6Mhz)

Yes(C5-2)

Convex (2~9Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Convex (1~6Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Convex (2~9Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Micro Convex

No

2D Arrary 3D Convex

No

Micro Convex (5~8Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Endocavity_Straight Type

No

Endocavity_Curved Type

Yes(C9-4v)

BiPlane Endo Rectal

No

Biplane Micro Convex (3~10MHz)

 

3D Convex

Option(V6-2)

3D Convex Light Weight

No

3D Endocavity

Option(3D9-3v)

3D Micro Convex

No

3D Linear

No

Linear (>14Mhz)

No

Linear (3~12Mhz)

Yes(L12-4/L12-5)

Linear (<9Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Linear

No

Single Crystal Linear (3~12Mhz)

No

Single Crystal Linear (<9Mhz)

No

Linear 50mm

No

Linear 25mm

No

Hockey stick (<13Mhz)

No

Hockey stick (>13Mhz)

No

T or L shape Intra Operative

No

Laparoscopic

No

Phased Array_Adult

Yes(S4-1)

Single Crystal Phased Array_Adult

No

2D Arrary 3D Phased Array

No

Phased Array_Pediatric

No

Single Crystal Phased Array_Pediatric

No

Phased Array_Neonate

No

ICE

No

TEE_Adult

No

TEE_Pediatric

No

2D Array 3D TEE

No

Pencil CW (2Mhz)

Yes(D2cwc)

Pencil CW (5 or 6Mhz)

No

DICOM 3.0

Yes

DICOM SR_Cardiac

Yes

DICOM SR_Vascular

Yes

DICOM SR_OB/GYN

Yes

JPEG, WMV, & AVI

Yes

USB

Yes(3)

HDD/SDD

320GB

DVD/CD RW

Yes

Wireless LAN

No