The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a wireless ultrasound scanner, a device that can help physicians complete high-quality scans quickly when they have limited access to traditional machines.

The ultrasound, made by Clarius Mobile Health, a digital healthcare company in Canada, is a pocket-sized scanner that wirelessly connected to Apple and Android devices, according to a statement from the company. It was first introduced in March 2016 and is designed to allow clinicians to conduct quick scans and to conduct short procedures at bedside.

"Clarius is the future of patient care,” said Steven Steinhubl, MD, director of digital medicine at the Scripps Translational Science Institute, in a statement. “The image quality is amazing for any scanner, much less one that fits in my pocket. The ability to wirelessly connect it to any Apple or Android device means that anyone on my team can use it with whatever they already carry around in their pocket."

The scanner is powered by a rechargeable battery and can image the abdomen, lungs and heart. Built with a magnesium case, it is designed to withstand rugged environments and is water submersible.

"Receiving 510(k) clearance for our Clarius Scanners is a significant milestone for our company," said Laurent Pelissier, chairman and CEO of Clarius Mobile Health, in a statement. "There appears to be a growing trend of digital healthcare companies receiving FDA clearance for innovations designed to deliver more efficient patient care. We are delighted to bring a new class of affordable and easy to use ultrasound to the medical community in the United States."