A Pilot Study on Remote Ultrasound Using the “Butterfly iQ3™” Was Conducted

Mar 17
2 min read

Southwood Inc. (Headquarters: Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture; Representative Director: Kenya Kusunose), a licensed distributor of the portable ultrasound diagnostic device “Butterfly iQ3™” manufactured by Butterfly Network, Inc. (U.S.), conducted a remote echocardiography demonstration (pilot study) on March 6, 2026, at University of the Ryukyus Hospital and Okinawa Prefectural Yaeyama Hospital, with real-time connectivity between both locations.

In this pilot study of online diagnosis, a specialist provided guidance while viewing ultrasound images captured remotely. This initiative represents the first such attempt in Japan.

The objective of this initiative is to verify the operational procedures and effectiveness of remote echocardiography support. It also aims to establish a system in which specialists can immediately review images captured in remote locations and provide specific guidance, including instructions on how to obtain appropriate cross-sectional views.

To provide comprehensive medical care with limited resources on remote islands and in rural areas, support is required not only for online diagnosis but also for the examination procedures themselves. By enabling high-quality echocardiography examinations, which are highly versatile diagnostic tools, this initiative is expected to help raise the overall standard of medical care.

Southwood will continue to collaborate with medical and educational institutions nationwide to expand the use of the “Butterfly iQ3™.”

Use of this product is limited to clinical purposes. “Butterfly iQ™” is a portable ultrasound diagnostic device designed for external ultrasound examinations. Please read the user manual for warnings, precautions, and contraindications.

Media Coverage

[Ryukyu Shimpo] Article here https://ryukyushimpo.jp/national/entry-5103610.html

[Okinawa Times] Article here https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1789481

[NHK News] Article here https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nb-5090034363

Related Press Releases

· U.S.-based Butterfly Network’s “Butterfly iQ3” Obtains Medical Device Certification in Japan — Southwood to Begin Sales on September 1, 2025 — (August 20, 2025)

· A training session using the “Butterfly iQ3™” was held at Okayama University. — (February 12, 2026)

Contact Information

info@southwood.co.jp

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