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December 17, 2007

RSNA Products and Services Showcase
A Look at What New Was on Display at RSNA
Radiology Today
Vol. 8 No. 25 P. 22

Siemens Introduces New Interventional Imaging Systems
Siemens Medical Solutions showcased its new Artis zee family of interventional imaging systems at RSNA 2007. The next generation of interventional imaging systems offers versatility, enhanced image quality, and streamlined workflow across an array of clinical environments, from body and neurointerventional radiology suites to operating and hybrid rooms.

The entire Artis zee family of systems features an enhanced imaging chain—spanning image acquisition to image processing and documentation—that delivers sharply detailed images required for interventional procedures, enhances clarity in 2D imaging, and enables an array of 3D imaging applications.

New and enhanced 3D imaging applications included with the Artis zee systems are the following:

• syngo iPilot, which enables faster, more precise catheter navigation through 3D roadmapping that superimposes 3D reconstructions onto live 2D fluoroscopy images, 2D road maps, or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The application provides real-time updates of C-arm and table movements, as well as zoom and source-to-image distance changes.

• syngo iGuide, which is designed to bring needle procedures back into the interventional suite, enabling enhanced comfort for the physician and freeing up the CT scanner from this lengthy procedure. With the fluoroscopy image quality of the Artis zee systems, these procedures can be executed faster and with greater confidence.

The Artis zee systems are designed to streamline workflows and create efficiencies to help keep pace with increased interventional volume. Intuitive, menu-driven workflows streamline such procedures as obtaining soft tissue results for both frequent and infrequent users. The Artis zee systems also enable all system movements to be controlled with one ergonomic tableside device. The Artis zee systems are available in floor-mounted, ceiling-mounted, multipurpose, biplane, and biplane twin configurations, as well as the multiaxis Artis zeego.

The new Artis zeego features a multiaxis C-arm that employs robotic technology to extend imaging capabilities through virtually unrestricted C-arm positioning. This results in advanced cross-sectional imaging via its positioning flexibility, which is not achievable with traditional C-arm systems. The Artis zeego makes it possible for the isocenter position to be adjusted according to the procedural needs or the physician’s height, which is particularly beneficial to a physician during lengthy procedures while wearing a heavy lead-shielded apron. The Artis zeego enables physicians to perform complex scanning movements such as tilted table scans in the peripherals.
The adjustable isocenter also enables off-center rotational angiography for all areas of the body and supports advanced 3D imaging techniques, including cross-sectional imaging through Siemens’ syngo DynaCT.

The Artis zeego’s design enables advanced imaging capabilities, such as large-volume syngo DynaCT scans, which allow a physician to see the whole abdomen or the entire liver for chemoembolization and biopsies. The Artis zeego also addresses neurointerventional challenges by offering views of the skull and the neck and expanded views of the spine.

Advanced preoperative and postoperative imaging can be performed in the same room, and surgery can be started immediately, without transferring the patient in emergency situations when interventional procedures are unsuccessful. Artis zeego’s flexible park positioning enables it to be stowed away in a variety of space-saving positions.

For more information, visit here.

Agfa Launches DRYSTAR AXYS
Agfa HealthCare, a provider of IT-enabled clinical workflow and diagnostic imaging solutions, announced that it is introducing its DRYSTAR AXYS tabletop imager, a compact hard copy solution designed to fit a full range of applications, including mammography, CT, MRI, CR, and DR, to the United States market. The DRYSTAR AXYS is a multiapplication, direct digital imager (DDI) delivering mammography-quality images with 508 dots per inch image resolution, short access time, and full flexibility with two film sizes online. The solution is currently the only tabletop, dry hard copy printer that meets the mammography requirements of the U.S. market.

Input trays can be loaded with media in daylight without concern for ambient light. Two fully flexible input trays accept five media sizes and three film types (blue-clear-mammography). The compact design of the DRYSTAR AXYS means that it can be installed in space-restricted environments or, using an optional mobile mounting kit, in mobile vans.

All DRYSTAR imagers incorporate DDI technology, software that controls every pixel in an image for excellent and consistent image quality. The DDI software includes A#Sharp technology, which enhances imaging capability, for sharper image quality across all applications.

For more information, visit here.

Carestream Debuts Single-cassette CR Systems
Carestream Health, Inc., debuted two new compact, single-cassette CR systems that deliver versatility by supporting general radiography and long-length, dental, and mammography exams (in countries where these systems are approved for mammography applications).

The KODAK DIRECTVIEW Classic and Elite CR Systems, which will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2008, were shown at the annual RSNA meeting. These CR platforms accept standard KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR cassettes and perform a range of exams that eliminates the need for additional CR units. The new Classic and Elite CR systems also provide automatic image rendering and allow users to create customized settings for image presentation (by exam type/body part).

These systems incorporate Carestream Health’s new CR operating software that includes new KODAK DIRECTVIEW EVP Plus Image Processing Software. The new image processing software expands image presentation options by allowing parameters such as contrast and brightness to be adjusted independently and by enabling user-customized image presentation. The software independently processes multiple exposures on a single cassette, automatically identifies multiple radiation fields in an image, and applies masking so that each field is processed and rendered as a unique image. Images are automatically rendered without the need for technologists to identify body part or projection information. Other new features include the ability to make adjustments to zoomed images and improved connectivity with other devices.

The new CR software offers an enhanced version of the KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR mammography feature that includes two-up image printing aligned with the narrow chest wall, support for interfaces that expedite the exchange of image information with other vendors’ digital mammography and RIS/PACS systems, and reduction of digital artifacts at the skin line. The optional mammography feature is available in countries where it is approved for use.

The new Classic and Elite CR systems are designed for hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, multispecialty clinics, and private practices. The Elite CR system offers a throughput of up to 98 cassettes per hour, which includes loading, scanning, erasing, and ejecting a 35 X 43 centimeter cassette. The Classic CR system features throughput of up to 68 cassettes per hour for a 35 X 43 centimeter cassette. Both platforms accept KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR cassettes and phosphor screens in the following sizes: 18 X 24 centimeters, 24 X 30 centimeters, 35 X 35 centimeters, 35 X 43 centimeters, 15 X 30 centimeters, and 35 X 84 centimeters. The user interface display and PC are separate from the CR reader so users can choose from several flat panel monitor displays and mounting options.

For more information, visit here.

FUJIFILM Extends DR Product Line
FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc. highlighted its newest Fuji DR (FDR) system, the Unity SpeedSuite. The Unity SpeedSuite is a cost-effective digital x-ray system that has the ability to do multiple exams with only one DR detector. The Unity SpeedSuite provides radiologists and technologists with clinical flexibility and productivity from a single DR detector system.

Unity SpeedSuite performs a wide range of general radiographic exams, including table-based and upright procedures. Fully motorized, the system can be positioned and controlled to do practically any exam from chest to extremities and is ideal for most clinical areas including general radiography, emergency departments, and dedicated chest rooms or outpatient care facilities. Its smart U-Arm design ensures fast exams and ease of patient positioning because of its fully motorized movements.

Unity SpeedSuite requires a smaller footprint than traditional DR systems, providing a flexible option for space-constrained rooms. In addition, with just one detector vs. two, it greatly reduces the overall cost of ownership for facilities by having fewer components to maintain over time.

Other features of the Unity SpeedSuite include a wireless handheld remote and site-customizable settings so facilities can program the exams that they perform most. As with all FDR systems, it also includes Fujifilm’s intuitive IIP technologist workstation with Fujifilm’s image processing tools.

Unity SpeedSuite also includes SpeedLink X-ray Control Software, an intelligent interface between the IIP and the x-ray generator. By automatically setting all exposure settings for each exam according to Fujifilm’s proven anatomical parameters, SpeedLink eliminates workflow steps and saves time.

For more information, visit here.

GE Introduces HD MRI
At the annual RSNA meeting, GE Healthcare introduced the Signa HDxt as the next generation high-definition MR scanner, available in both 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths. Highlighting the new system are two new applications called Cube and IDEAL.

Available for 1.5T and 3.0T systems, Cube can replace standard 2D acquisitions acquired in multiple planes with a single, highly accelerated 3D volume scan. Users are able to review high-definition 3D data from one acquisition in any plane—axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique—with no gaps or resolution loss. The submillimeter isotropic voxel size and enhanced tissue contrast typical for Cube acquisitions allows radiologists to visualize lesions as small as 2 millimeters and get consistent image quality and reproducible results with automated protocols optimized for each anatomy.

Cube provides users with the same standard plane views with the option to reformat data into additional planes should questions arise. High-resolution reformatting in the axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique planes is done on the operating console with reformatting tools that take less than one minute to run.

Also new on the Signa HDxt platform is IDEAL, an imaging technique resulting in four images from one acquisition, succeeding where traditional fat suppression techniques often fail. Even with challenging anatomy or metal implants, IDEAL provides water-only images while providing users with important information from fat images as well.
Features of IDEAL include the following:

• uniform fat suppression, virtually eliminating variation from patient to patient and technologist to technologist;

• multiple contrasts—fat, water, and combined fat/water in-phase and out-of-phase—in one acquisition; and

• minimal artifacts from chemical shift and metal implants and elimination of misregistration between fat and water.

In addition to Cube and IDEAL, the following applications available for the Signa HDxt 1.5T and 3.0T MR systems have also expanded imaging visualization for neurological, vascular, cardiac, and liver diagnostic assessment:

• AngioCard expedites vascular reporting and enhances communication with schematics, images, and movies provided to reports for referring physicians.

• StarMap assesses iron deposition in the heart and liver with an automated scanning sequence, calculates T2*-R2* pixel by pixel within a region of interest, and provides decay curve, grayscale, and color map displays.

• Flow Analysis quantifies flow characteristics, which complements phase contrast, speeds region of interest placement with automated and propagated trace, and provides graphic and numeric display of flow and velocity data.

For more information, visit here.

MEDRAD’s Mobile MR Injector
The new Spectris Solaris EP Mobile Injection System from MEDRAD is specifically tailored for the mobile MR trailer environment and combines reliability and performance with space-saving efficiency. The Spectris Solaris EP Mobile sets the standard for space savings with an off-the-floor design, compact storage against the trailer wall, new AC power solution, and equal access to either of the patient’s arms.

“We’ve modified the MR injection system to mount the power unit and injector head advantageously on the trailer wall and free up valuable floor space,” said Joe Havrilla, senior vice president of the MR business unit and corporate innovation for MEDRAD.

For more information, visit here.

Philips Displays Brilliance
Royal Philips Electronics debuted its 256-slice Brilliance iCT scanner at the annual RSNA meeting. The Brilliance iCT allows radiologists to produce high-quality images with good acquisition speed, including complete coverage of the heart and brain. It can capture an image of the entire heart in just two beats, while incorporating Philips technology that has reduced radiation doses by up to 80%.

Brilliance iCT features Philips Essence technology, consisting of new x-ray tubes, detectors, and reconstruction design elements. This technology can provide detailed and clear 3D images of an entire organ, including the heart and brain, and can also show changes over time. Images can be accessed on any hospital computer or remotely by colleagues and researchers to make it easier for the whole team to share information.

The scanners deliver key clinical insights for a wide range of applications in the radiology and cardiology settings, while the enhanced visualizations will be valuable for doctors diagnosing and treating problems within the heart. The Brilliance iCT scanner is also designed to reduce patients’ exposure to x-rays. The machine’s x-ray emitting gantry can rotate four times in a single second, which is 22% faster than most current systems.

For more information, visit here.

Confirma Showcases Breast Coil
At RSNA, Confirma showcased the new Access Breast Coil, which is designed for high-quality diagnostic imaging, flexible interventional access, and optimized patient comfort. The Access Breast Coil’s four-channel, phased-array coil architecture provides parallel imaging of the breast, chest wall, and axillary tissue. Access is optimized for parallel imaging and supports bilateral and unilateral imaging.

For more information, visit here.

Naviscan Adds MIMvista Viewer
Naviscan PET Systems, developer of the positron emission mammography Flex Solo II PET scanner for imaging small body parts such as the breast and hand, announced it will offer viewing software developed by MIMvista Corporation with the Naviscan scanner.

“My 30 years with the diagnostic imaging industry taught me the importance of combining cutting-edge imaging technology with efficacious, user-friendly software,” said Paul J. Mirabella, Naviscan’s president and CEO. “Now we have the best of both worlds in our partnership with MIMvista.”

For more information, visit here.

Viztek Offers Mammography Solution
Viztek rolled out its new mammography solution at RSNA 2007 designed to meet the full range of imaging needs from analog and digital image acquisition to computer-aided detection.

Partnering with Cintec as its global distributor, Viztek offers Cintec mammography systems, including a full range of accessories and optional digital stereotactic biopsy capabilities that will integrate with Vitzek’s PACS and RIS offerings.

Viztek is also offering Carestream’s (formerly Kodak) CR 850 and CR 975, which work with Carestream’s CR mammography cassettes currently waiting for FDA approval.

For more information, visit here.

VIDAR Goes Red
VIDAR Systems Corporation showcased upgrades to its DosimetryPRO Advantage at RSNA 2007. The red LED version of DosimetryPRO Advantage is designed for use with International Specialty Products’ GAFCHROMIC EBT Film.

The DosimetryPRO Advantage for film dosimetry, quality assurance (QA), and image-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows radiation physicists and oncologists to measure the consistency and precision of treatment beams they need for cancer therapy. The fast growing use of radiochromic film in film dosimetry, QA, and IMRT has increased the need for an accurate, medical-grade device that utilizes red spectrum light. With the industry moving to eliminate film chemistry from modern cancer centers, VIDAR’s DosimetryPRO Advantage (Red) was designed to meet the exacting needs for using radiochromic film in beam analysis and related applications. Other upgrades include USB connectivity, restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances to meet European Union standards for lead-free electronics, and a removable LED lighting system replacing previous fluorescent lamp design and offering significantly longer lamp life.

Additional benefits include the following:

• self-calibrating before every film digitized;

• superior reproducibility;

• highest reliability for maximum “uptime”;

• designed to meet exacting needs of radiation physicists and oncologists; and

• choice between standard film and film chemistry and GAFCHROMIC EBT Film.

For more information, visit here.

Data Distributing Launches Video Solution
Data Distributing, in concert with key partners, is now providing PX Medical Video Archive, which is designed to streamline workflow for departments that manage video clips, photos, and documents. The PX Medical Video Archive gives departments the ability to organize, tag, and archive valuable digital assets so each department can easily retrieve the information and share the information within and outside of the facility.

The PX Medical Video Archive is a modular solution that can consist of Focus Enhancements PX Media Servers and ProxSys Media Asset Management software. The solution can be integrated with existing or new cameras, as well as QStar for archive management and the Rimage Disc Publishing System for shelf archive or distribution.

For more information, visit here.

CodeRyte Scouts Data
CodeRyte, Inc., a provider of computer-assisted coding technologies, announced at RSNA 2007 the release and availability of DataScout, a clinical data extraction solution. DataScout uses natural language processing technology to convert data found within medical reports into actionable information for organizations to make critical treatment and business decisions.

DataScout’s context-sensitive linguistic technology uncovers data buried deep in medical records—important patterns of care, disease and intervention, and the relationships between them. DataScout uses context-sensitive mining and clinical information extraction to enable the following:

• dictation pattern analysis for improved reporting;

• physician quality reporting initiative (PQRI) analysis;

• compliance and adherence to clinical policy;

• decision, referral pattern, and clinical condition analysis; and

• in-depth clinical research.

Using DataScout, an organization can quickly identify evolving medical terms; survey patient information for clinical trial inclusion or exclusion data; assign codes or values for PQRI quality indicators; or search for particular phrases used within medical reports to easily identify diagnosis patterns, unexpected data relationships, and more.

For more information, visit here.

AMICAS Launches Vision Reach 2.0
AMICAS, Inc., a provider of radiology and medical image and information management solutions, announced at the RSNA 2007 meeting the launch of Vision Reach 2.0, a tool that can help imaging businesses grow by attracting referrals and securing referring physician loyalty. Vision Reach 2.0 includes a Web-based radiology order entry capability, enabling referring physicians and their staff to order exams online directly from completed reports or the Vision Reach portal, in addition to receiving instantaneous, secure notification when radiology reports are available. This functionality builds on Vision Reach’s zero client architecture—which means no software to download and no plug-ins to worry about—and its ability to integrate the radiology report with key images and create a single “multimedia” report for referring physicians. Vision Reach also includes a personalized referring portal for physicians and their staffs of all current and historical exams.

Vision Reach uses common e-mail and secure messaging to proactively deliver images, reports, and information to any portable e-mail-enabled device. The zero-install client Web-based application eliminates installation and any client-level application requirements. Vision Reach is available as a stand-alone referring physician product or in combination with the AMICAS Vision Series suite of products, including RIS, PACS, and Financials.

For more information, visit www.amicas.com.

Radlink Introduces New Family of Digital Imaging Products
Radlink, Inc., a supplier of medical imaging systems, introduced a new family of hardware and software products at RSNA 2007. Radlink’s CR Pro utilizes sealed fiber-optic laser technology to obtain high-resolution, higher-quality digital x-ray images at a lower cost. This year’s offerings include three distinct CR Pro machines, each designed for a specific profile, and a PACS designed and priced specifically for the private practice environment.

The new products are the following:

CR Pro 2000
This machine features a CR reader that is specifically designed for two markets: the original equipment manufacturer market, for use as a CR appliance with digital radiography, as well as distributed applications for end users with smaller budgets. The CR Pro 2000 is engineered with an upgrade path that provides all of the capabilities of the entire Radlink family of imaging systems.

CR Pro 2100
This is Radlink’s core CR product, based on a proprietary “sealed fiber-optics” design that maximizes transfer efficiency in private physician offices where low-power x-ray equipment is common. This machine delivers better resolution to clinicians at a lower cost and is a self-contained system requiring less maintenance and lasting longer than other products on the market.

CR Pro 2200
In a practice with multiple physicians, all digital images must be stored in a secure, HIPAA-compliant database for future access. This requires practices to double their investment in digital imaging by purchasing an additional PACS. The CR Pro 2200 bundles a PACS with up to 10 terabytes of secure storage inside a self-contained Radlink CR system with image quality and speed that equals any other CR system available.

ThinPACS
Radlink is also introducing a stand-alone PACS offering specifically built and scaled for the private practice market. ThinPACS brings the necessary components of a hospital-sized PACS to the smaller private practice and imaging operation environment. This is a completely standards-based medical imaging communications and storage system.

For more information, visit here.

Medison Launches V10
ACCUVIX V10 is the newest addition to the ACCUVIX ultrasound product line. Building on the ACCUVIX XQ, Medison has infused many advanced imaging technologies, as well as the reliability of the current ACCUVIX product line into each V10 system, providing efficient patient management and effective diagnoses. The new design features an ergonomic console design, high-definition 17-inch LCD monitor, and floating articulated arm. High-resolution 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging in combination with sensitive spectral, color, and power Doppler, make V10 an exceptional multimodality ultrasound solution for all obstetrics/gynecology and radiology needs.

For more information, visit here.

Thinking Systems Enhances ThinkingPACS
Thinking Systems Corporation announced the release of a new version of its flagship ThinkingPACS with enhanced support for PET/CT fusion. ThinkingPACS offers either turnkey or software-only solutions for multimodality archiving, workstation, and Web-based image review and processing, and Web-based reporting.

ThinkingPACS offers essential and advanced features for general radiology (CT, MR, CR, and DR), PET/CT and SPECT/CT fusion, nuclear cardiology processing and analysis, general nuclear medicine processing and review, cardiac PET analysis, PET brain analysis, advanced 3D processing and visualization, orthopedic templating, cardiac catheterization and angiography, echocardiography, general ultrasound, and mammography. ThinkingPACS also offers comprehensive connectivity to modalities and third-party products through DICOM, Health Level Seven, or proprietary protocols or formats. Through its ModalityBroker and ThinkingAddOn, Thinking Systems integrates all imaging modalities into an existing or new enterprise radiology PACS from a third-party vendor.

“The enhanced PET/CT features include optimized, radiology-centric or nuclear medicine-centric views to satisfy the needs of differently trained physicians; simultaneous display of CT, PET, and fused images with multiple window/level settings; shortcut keys for window/level preset adjustment; shortcut key to turn fusion on and off; and side by side comparison between PET/CT and contrasted diagnostic CT,” said Xiaoyi Wang, president and cochairman of Thinking Systems Corporation. “These advanced features are available on both Thinking Systems’ PACS workstation and its ThinkingWeb Web server to provide real-time PET/CT fusion over the Web.”

For more information, visit here.

AFC Industries Achieves MACH ONE
At the RSNA 2007 meeting, AFC Industries, Inc. introduced MACH ONE, an electronically height-adjustable, mobile x-ray cassette stand for scoliosis, long leg, or standard examinations. This ergonomic product provides maximum flexibility with minimum effort. Features include the following:

• bottom end of the primary cassette ranges from the floor electronically: 0.25 inches to 40 inches;

• adjustable cassette holder to facilitate use of different size x-ray cassettes;

• separate holders for cassette and grid;

• cassette holder allows inserting and removing the cassette from the stand without having to remove the grid;

• x-ray cassette can be oriented in either portrait or landscape position;

• constructed for medical environment using high-grade steel and aluminum;

• allows easy disinfectant cleaning and can withstand cleaning solutions commonly used in hospital environments (such as alcohol- or ammonia-based);

• custom colors to accommodate your existing planned expansion;

• designed to maintain the correct center of gravity for a well-balanced unit and also allow the user to comfortably position the patient in front of the stand;

• small footprint with 4-inch casters that can be locked, also allowing easy movement of the stand with the grid and cassette in place; and

• backed by the AFC Industries warranty.

For more information, visit here.

RIS Concepts Debuts Spanish Language, PET/CT Support
RIS Concepts, Inc. announced a range of upgrades at RSNA 2007. Spanish language support is being introduced to the flagship RCI-RIS browser-based, multifacility application and RAD-RIS, the company’s Web-based workflow application designed for the needs of radiology groups reading studies for multiple client facilities. Additionally, the RIS Concepts family of products will now support PET/CT hybrid modality studies.

“With growing distribution of our products in Puerto Rico as well as in Spanish-speaking countries internationally, RIS Concepts broadens our language capabilities, starting with Spanish,” said Christie Hentschl, vice president of marketing and sales for RIS Concepts.

For more information, visit here.

NAI Tech Upgrades DICOM Box
NAI Tech Products, Inc. announced at RSNA 2007 the release of a software and hardware upgrade to the DICOM box network interface. The software and hardware enhancements provide dramatic improvements in speed, functionality, and set-up.

The DICOM box connects non-DICOM modalities to the network. The hardware upgrade provides a faster processor and expanded memory for improved performance in applying image filters, data compression, and conversion of higher frequency video sources. In addition, the network transfer speed has been increased to improve data transmission over the network. Release 7.0 software includes an upgrade to the video set-up capabilities, simplifying installation and set-up, creating a completely plug-and-play interface for any analog video source.

“Video interfacing has always required strong technical skills in the field for installation and set-up. We have succeeded in simplifying that process to achieve the plug-and-play simplicity our customers desire. In addition, we design our products with global environmental standards in mind and this latest upgrade will put us on the path to fully meeting ROHS [restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances] compliance in early 2008,” said Paul Dempster, NAI Tech’s president.

For more information, visit here.