With patents on file for a breakthrough “zone sonography” technology and proof-of-concept breadboards in hand, Zonare’s founders approached Praxis to take the challenge of producing a medical ultrasound imaging system that was portable yet could rival the quality of large hospital cart-bound systems. The innovation team included company leaders, sonographers, user researchers, industrial design, user interface design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and medical regulatory specialists that brought focus and clarity to the challenge. Neil guided them to produce and test a series of prototypes that culminated in the Zone 1 portable ultrasound system – con
sisting of a light cart and a handheld scanner that have been sold throughout the world and have lead the market in portable ultrasound. Since then, many have imitated this hybrid portable/cart based systems, designed by Praxis, pioneered by Zonare.
In 2013 Zonare was sold to Mindray for $104M