Leucadia, CA, October 30, 2008 --(PR.com)-- Mednovus, Inc., has teamed with Siemens Medical Solutions’ Accessory Division for the distribution of the Mednovus SAFESCAN® hand-held Target Scanner™ and pass-through MRI Sentinel® ferromagnetic detection systems.
Siemens, one of the world leaders in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology, is now featuring the Mednovus MRI ferromagnetic screening products in their catalogue of MRI accessories.
The Mednovus products, designed to help identify materials that can be drawn toward an MRI’s magnet with life-threatening force, are a critical part of pre-screening patients, visitors, and staff before they approach the MRI system.
Ferromagnetic detection systems, such as the Mednovus products, have been recommended by accrediting bodies, such as the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Joint Commission, patient safety groups and industry experts in MRI safety.
source: Press Release
10.30.2008
10.29.2008
West VA University Study Calls for New Method of Stroke Diagnosis
MORGANTOWN, W. Va., Oct 29, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A study conducted by a team of stroke experts from the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center demonstrates that CT (computed tomography) perfusion imaging may dramatically improve stroke diagnosis. The study showed CT perfusion had 100 percent accuracy for detecting the large, devastating type of stroke. If adopted, this advancement in stroke detection will mean dramatically faster diagnosis time -- less than half the time of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening -- and will enable physicians to provide more accurate and targeted care, thereby avoiding potentially life-threatening complications that can occur when "clot buster" (thrombolytic) drug therapy is used inappropriately.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Each year, 780,000 Americans will fall victim to stroke and, sadly, more than 150,000 lives will be lost. The cost associated with stroke care is estimated to be $65 million and growing.
source: MarketWatch
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Each year, 780,000 Americans will fall victim to stroke and, sadly, more than 150,000 lives will be lost. The cost associated with stroke care is estimated to be $65 million and growing.
source: MarketWatch
10.25.2008
FDA advisory panel today with Bayer, GE Healthcare on imaging biomarkers in Alzheimer’s will affect disease modification drug trials
Bayer, GE Healthcare and Avid Radiopharmaceuticals will meet with the FDA advisory panel today to discuss the development of new imaging markers for use in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Advisory Committee Meeting is aimed at providing specific recommendations based on clinical utility towards the design of Phase III diagnostic imaging studies in AD.
Two defining features of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, or tau. The plaques contain a protein called amyloid-beta, while the tangles are made of a protein called tau. The current, widely accepted amyloid hypothesis traces Alzheimer’s to plaque deposits, whereas the tau hypothesis links the disease to protein abnormalities.
There are some key concerns before approval of these imaging agents, several key opinion leaders said, including the validation of the binding properties of these new imaging agents to beta-amyloid, a key structural hallmark of this neurological disorder.
source: Financial Times
Two defining features of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, or tau. The plaques contain a protein called amyloid-beta, while the tangles are made of a protein called tau. The current, widely accepted amyloid hypothesis traces Alzheimer’s to plaque deposits, whereas the tau hypothesis links the disease to protein abnormalities.
There are some key concerns before approval of these imaging agents, several key opinion leaders said, including the validation of the binding properties of these new imaging agents to beta-amyloid, a key structural hallmark of this neurological disorder.
source: Financial Times
10.21.2008
New MRI Technique May Identify Cervical Cancer Early
OAK BROOK, Ill. — Using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a special vaginal coil, a technique to measure the movement of water within tissue, researchers may be able to identify cervical cancer in its early stages, according to a new study being published in the November issue of Radiology.
The new technique offers better imaging of smaller tumors and may also improve surgical options when fertility-sparing procedures are being considered.
"Small lesions are often difficult to image, but imaging their full extent is important in surgical planning," said study author Nandita deSouza, F.R.C.R., professor and co-director of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group at The Institute of Cancer Research in London, U.K. "By adding this technique to image the diffusion, or movement, of water within tissue, we can improve the accuracy of detecting small tumors."
source: RSNA
The new technique offers better imaging of smaller tumors and may also improve surgical options when fertility-sparing procedures are being considered.
"Small lesions are often difficult to image, but imaging their full extent is important in surgical planning," said study author Nandita deSouza, F.R.C.R., professor and co-director of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group at The Institute of Cancer Research in London, U.K. "By adding this technique to image the diffusion, or movement, of water within tissue, we can improve the accuracy of detecting small tumors."
source: RSNA
10.14.2008
Innovation and Integration Unite. Siemens Molecular CT Takes the Lead in the Evolution of Diagnostic Imaging
MUNICH, Germany, Oct 13, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Biograph mCT integrates HDA-PET technology with premium CT for faster scans, better diagnostic confidence and greater patient comfort
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Continuing its leadership in molecular imaging innovation, Siemens Healthcare ( www.siemens.com/healthcare) introduces Biograph mCT at the European Association of Nuclear Medicine conference in Munich, Germany. Biograph mCT is the only integrated imaging device to offer routine, whole-body PET scanning in just five minutes, and enables both molecular imaging and radiology to take advantage of its large bore capacity, ultra high-definition technology, combining HDA-PET and time-of-flight, and advanced CT capabilities with up to 128 slices, a first in integrated imaging.
"Siemens is pleased to offer a powerful new platform in integrated imaging today," said Michael Reitermann, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. "For institutions looking for cutting-edge technology, the greatest level of patient care and maximum return on investment, Biograph mCT offers the complete solution: PET with unlimited CT capabilities, CT with 'molecular resolution,' and all of a customer's molecular imaging and radiology needs in one system."
source: Marketwatch
.
Continuing its leadership in molecular imaging innovation, Siemens Healthcare ( www.siemens.com/healthcare) introduces Biograph mCT at the European Association of Nuclear Medicine conference in Munich, Germany. Biograph mCT is the only integrated imaging device to offer routine, whole-body PET scanning in just five minutes, and enables both molecular imaging and radiology to take advantage of its large bore capacity, ultra high-definition technology, combining HDA-PET and time-of-flight, and advanced CT capabilities with up to 128 slices, a first in integrated imaging.
"Siemens is pleased to offer a powerful new platform in integrated imaging today," said Michael Reitermann, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. "For institutions looking for cutting-edge technology, the greatest level of patient care and maximum return on investment, Biograph mCT offers the complete solution: PET with unlimited CT capabilities, CT with 'molecular resolution,' and all of a customer's molecular imaging and radiology needs in one system."
source: Marketwatch
10.10.2008
Luna Innovations Receives Funding for Brain Cancer Diagnostic Agent Using Nanotechnology
(ROANOKE, VA, Oct 7, 2008) Luna Innovations Incorporated (NASDAQ: LUNA) announces an award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve the detection and diagnosis of brain tumors. Under this program, Luna will adapt its exclusive contrast agent technology using carbon nanospheres to produce an improved magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent. This next-generation contrast agent will be designed to enhance tumor imaging and advance the diagnosis and treatment of this disease by directing nanomolecules to seek out specific biological targets, such as a glioblastoma tumor, one specific form of brain cancer.
MRI is critical for the diagnosis and evaluation of many forms of brain and other cancers. "Primary malignant brain tumors cause 13,000 deaths in the United States annually and survival rates following therapeutic intervention are among the lowest compared to other cancers,” stated Robert Lenk, President of Luna’s nanoWorks division. “The work we are doing with NIH allows us the opportunity to build on our existing contrast agent platform of carbon nanomedicines and ultimately improve the detection and diagnosis of these high risk brain tumors."
source: Luna Innovatons
MRI is critical for the diagnosis and evaluation of many forms of brain and other cancers. "Primary malignant brain tumors cause 13,000 deaths in the United States annually and survival rates following therapeutic intervention are among the lowest compared to other cancers,” stated Robert Lenk, President of Luna’s nanoWorks division. “The work we are doing with NIH allows us the opportunity to build on our existing contrast agent platform of carbon nanomedicines and ultimately improve the detection and diagnosis of these high risk brain tumors."
source: Luna Innovatons
10.07.2008
Medicare Panel Doubts Effectiveness of PET Scans for Broader Cancer Detection
by Astrid Fiano, Writer
A U.S. Medicare Advisory panel on Evidence Development and Coverage has determined that the current clinical data for nine conditionally approved cancer indications of Fluoro-D-Glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), are too ambivalent to lift current restrictions and support further Medicare coverage.
The panel convened on August 20, 2008 to focus on the oncologic indications of FDG PET for nine cancers (brain, cervical, small cell lung, ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, prostate, bladder and kidney). The panel reviewed the scientific evidence of the impact of PET as part of a management strategy to improve patient-centered outcomes. The panel also considered data generated in accordance with a prior national coverage determination to cover PET for specified cancers.
source: DOTmed News
A U.S. Medicare Advisory panel on Evidence Development and Coverage has determined that the current clinical data for nine conditionally approved cancer indications of Fluoro-D-Glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), are too ambivalent to lift current restrictions and support further Medicare coverage.
The panel convened on August 20, 2008 to focus on the oncologic indications of FDG PET for nine cancers (brain, cervical, small cell lung, ovarian, pancreatic, testicular, prostate, bladder and kidney). The panel reviewed the scientific evidence of the impact of PET as part of a management strategy to improve patient-centered outcomes. The panel also considered data generated in accordance with a prior national coverage determination to cover PET for specified cancers.
source: DOTmed News
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