Uptake and sustainability of many biomedical and medical imaging technologies in low-resource settings has been lacking due to inadequate healthcare provider training and post-implementation support. Globally, 4.7 billion patients lack access to medical ultrasound (RAD-AID). There is less than 1 CT scanner per million inhabitants in low- and middle-income countries (compared to 40 per million in high income countries) and fewer radiologists in West Africa than in the four major teaching hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts (Lancet Oncology Commission Report, The Atlantic).

As an example, antenatal care is an example of critical inequities in global health. In 2020, almost 95% of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middle-income countries (WHO). In sub-Saharan Africa, as many as 200,000 mothers and 28 of every 1000 infants die in childbirth every year (UNICEF, WHO). Globally, many critical efforts are underway to improve the quality of antenatal care through investments in clinical training, healthcare infrastructure, and the supply chain. One element of the quality antenatal care puzzle – ultrasound during pregnancy and delivery – is a critical tool for early detection of life-threatening complications.

Detailed description of the solution

By providing clinicians with a handheld, cloud-connected ultrasound probe, Butterfly consolidates complex processes into one connected Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) system to help providers offer better, more efficient patient care.

Today, our solution is being used by many top hospitals across the US and in healthcare delivery settings across the globe. Butterfly iQ+ is the world’s only single-probe, whole-body handheld imaging device, powered by Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology. This technology, combined with our purpose-built software, integrates with your workflow to remove system barriers, improve efficiencies, and transform patient care. The iQ+ is typically 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of other point-of-care ultrasound systems in the market.  The reduced cost is driven by the microchip technology used to create the soundwaves vs. piezoelectric crystals.

Further, the Butterfly Global Health Program seeks to democratize access to medical imaging in vulnerable and marginalized communities across the world by improving access to the Butterfly IQ+ and supporting POCUS implementation and education efforts in resource-constrained settings. Butterfly’s Global Health Program provides accessible pricing for Butterfly products and aids partners in the development of training curricula and user education suitable for their unique needs.

Created by

• Created by: Butterfly Network, Inc

Where it is sold

The Butterfly IQ+ has regulatory approval and is commercially available in the United States, Canada, and EU as well as 30+ other countries. Butterfly Network, Inc also has a Global Health Program through which global health partners operating in resource-limited settings can procure devices as well as education & implementation support.

Funding Source

Butterfly Network, Inc received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the largest ever distribution and training of POCUS for antenatal care workers in Kenya and South Africa.

References