SonoSite Inc., a specialist in bedside and point-of-care ultrasound, and United Medical Instruments (UMI), a provider of new and pre-owned ultrasound systems, have agreed that UMI will distribute SonoSite’s products into certain small office markets.

Under this relationship, UMI (umiultrasound.com) will act as an additional distributor of SonoSite’s flagship M-Turbo and MicroMaxx ultrasound systems and will serve as a reseller of SonoSite’s used products from its older lines. This collaboration positions SonoSite (sonosite.com), to continue to expand its presence in the office markets, while offering physicians greater access and customer support.

SonoSite’s point-of-care ultrasound systems are designed to provide healthcare professionals with the ability to view anatomy in a greater variety of clinical settings. With the implementation of realtime visualization, physicians in office settings are able to confidently assess, diagnose and perform interventional procedures directly in the patient’s examination room.

Kevin M. Goodwin, SonoSite’s president and CEO, said UMI’s sales team has more than 30 years of experience in the diagnostic instrument industry and will be a valuable partner to complement the existing sales force.

“This strategic distribution channel will be key in providing value to our customers and their patients, while enabling us to better access small office markets and reach a broader base of physicians in the expanding point-of-care ultrasound office segment,” Goodwin said.