GE Healthcare has been working hard in China to find technology solutions that can be used around the world, and now the company is planning to market a China-developed medical device to health practitioners in the United States.
GE Healthcare announced the U.S. launch of the first portable ECG device to combine the keypad of a phone with a full-size color display and world-class diagnostic software. The MAC 800 uses wireless messaging technology based on a mobile phone.
"GE's strategy of connecting locally and scaling globally is resonating around the world," stated Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of GE. "We are driving innovation, building partnerships and winning new customers to help accelerate growth."
The MAC 800 offers the features of a full size 65-pound ECG device engineered down to less than seven pounds, including the battery. The unit's integrated carrying handle enables clinicians to carry it like a briefcase, expanding access to care, regardless of patient location. Originally developed and introduced in China, for China, the lightweight portable device will be available in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2009.