Velacur vs iLivTouch: Guided Liver Elastography Compared
Both systems offer real-time guided elastography. Here is how they differ on probe technology, BMI performance, and total cost for Australian clinics.
Why This Comparison Matters
The elastography market in Australia is shifting. As MSAC Application 1797 (FibroScan/VCTE MBS funding) was rejected in early 2025 and the clinical case for guided elastography has strengthened, two guided systems have emerged as the main options for Australian clinics considering a non-FibroScan path: Velacur (Echosens) and iLivTouch (Mindray, distributed by Elastography Australia).
Both are legitimate guided elastography systems. The decision comes down to probe architecture, local support, integration pathways, and commercial terms — not which system measures liver stiffness (both do, to equivalent clinical accuracy).
Feature Comparison
| Feature | iLivTouch | Velacur |
|---|---|---|
| Elastography type | Guided TE (Transient Elastography) | Guided 2D-SWE (ARFI) |
| Real-time imaging during acquisition | Yes | Yes |
| Blind VCTE fallback mode | No (not required) | Yes — includes VCTE mode |
| Single probe for all BMI ranges | Yes — wideband universal probe | Probe change required for high BMI |
| CAP steatosis measurement | Yes — independently validated algorithm | Yes — proprietary algorithm |
| Result output format | kPa + steatosis score + IQR/M | kPa + steatosis score + IQR/M |
| MBS rebate (Australia 2025) | Not available (MSAC 1797 rejected) | Not available (MSAC 1797 rejected) |
| Local clinical support (Australia) | Yes — Elastography Australia | Limited (Echosens AU distributor) |
| PACS/EMR integration | Yes — HL7 FHIR compatible | Yes — Echosens ecosystem |
| Manufacturer brand | Mindray (iLivTouch) | Echosens |
The Probe Architecture Difference
The most practically important difference between the two systems is probe architecture for high-BMI patients. Velacur inherits the Echosens probe family — including the need to switch to a different probe for patients above certain BMI thresholds. iLivTouch uses a single wideband probe that covers the full BMI range, which eliminates the additional capital cost and the workflow interruption of probe changes.
In an Australian MAFLD clinical context where 30–40% of patients have BMI >30, this is not a marginal consideration. A system that handles the full patient mix from a single probe simplifies clinical workflow significantly.
The Echosens Ecosystem Question
Velacur is built by Echosens — the same company that makes FibroScan. Clinics already using FibroScan report data may find Velacur familiar in its output format and reporting ecosystem. However, this also means clinics that have already decided FibroScan's approach is not suited to their patient mix are unlikely to find Velacur a compelling alternative — it is, in essence, the same company's guided solution.
iLivTouch (Mindray) is a genuinely independent manufacturer with a distinct technology lineage and different commercial structure.
iLivTouch is the right fit if:
- You want a single probe for all BMI ranges
- You prefer an independent manufacturer to Echosens
- You want Australian-based clinical support
- You are setting up a new elastography service from scratch
Velacur may suit if:
- You already use FibroScan and want to stay in the Echosens ecosystem
- You need VCTE mode as a fallback for existing report continuity
- Your patient BMI mix is primarily under 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velacur?
Velacur is a liver elastography system developed by Echosens — the same manufacturer as FibroScan. Unlike FibroScan (which uses blind VCTE), Velacur is an imaging-guided system that combines B-mode ultrasound with shear wave elastography. It is positioned as Echosens' answer to guided elastography competition in the market.
How does iLivTouch compare to Velacur?
Both iLivTouch and Velacur offer guided elastography with real-time ultrasound imaging. iLivTouch uses guided transient elastography (TE) with B-mode guidance; Velacur uses guided shear wave elastography. Key differentiators include the probe technology (iLivTouch uses a single wideband probe across all BMI ranges; Velacur requires probe changes for high-BMI patients), the steatosis measurement algorithm (iLivTouch uses an independently validated UAP algorithm), software integration options, and pricing. iLivTouch is the system offered through Elastography Australia with local clinical support.
Which guided elastography system has better performance in obese patients?
Both Velacur and iLivTouch outperform blind VCTE (FibroScan M probe) in high-BMI patients due to the fundamental advantage of real-time imaging guidance. The key question is whether a single probe covers all BMI ranges without additional hardware purchases. iLivTouch uses a universal wideband probe that works across all patient BMI ranges with no probe change required.
Is there an MBS rebate for Velacur or iLivTouch?
As of early 2025, MSAC Application 1797 — which sought MBS funding for liver elastography including VCTE (FibroScan) — was rejected. This applies to all elastography systems including Velacur, iLivTouch, and FibroScan. The elastography market in Australia currently operates out-of-pocket ($90–$200 per scan). Elastography Australia believes this rejection may be revisited as clinical adoption grows.
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