CHICAGO, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Siemens Healthcare (http://www.siemens.com/healthcare) redefines Magnetic Resonance (MR) in Oncology with Tim™ (Total imaging matrix) technology at the 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place (Booth #922, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D) in Chicago. Siemens offers comprehensive and state-of-the art solutions for Oncology.
MR plays a central role in Oncology for tumor characterization, staging, pre-surgical planning, therapy monitoring, and follow-up. syngo® TimCT Oncology joins Siemens' comprehensive Oncology Solutions and offers continuous table movement for extended Field of View (FoV) imaging and comprehensive staging for increased workflow. For example, a pelvic exam can be completed in as little as 20 minutes. syngo TimCT Oncology reduces the need for rescheduling multiple exams on other modalities by offering one complete exam on one system.
source: Siemens
11.30.2008
11.28.2008
Nationwide Study Confirms PET as the Most Powerful Imaging Tool in Cancer Management
Reston, Va.—With the most recent release of data from the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR), researchers may have reached the moment of critical mass by confirming the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) in the monitoring of tumor activity across a wide range of cancers.
"During the first year of the study, we verified that PET finds more areas of active cancer than other imaging tools and leads, in some cases, to earlier initiation of subsequent treatment," said Bruce E. Hillner, M.D., professor of medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., and lead author of the article. "We noted that PET has a clinically significant impact on cancer management, resulting in a change in treatment in more than one out of three cases—or 36 percent of the time."
In the article, published in the December issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, researchers reported results by cancer type for the first two years of data collected from nearly 41,000 PET studies conducted at more than 1,300 cancer centers nationwide. Analysis was restricted to the use of PET for staging, restaging or detection of suspected recurrences in patients with pathologically proven cancers.
source: SNM
"During the first year of the study, we verified that PET finds more areas of active cancer than other imaging tools and leads, in some cases, to earlier initiation of subsequent treatment," said Bruce E. Hillner, M.D., professor of medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., and lead author of the article. "We noted that PET has a clinically significant impact on cancer management, resulting in a change in treatment in more than one out of three cases—or 36 percent of the time."
In the article, published in the December issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, researchers reported results by cancer type for the first two years of data collected from nearly 41,000 PET studies conducted at more than 1,300 cancer centers nationwide. Analysis was restricted to the use of PET for staging, restaging or detection of suspected recurrences in patients with pathologically proven cancers.
source: SNM
11.26.2008
New CT scanner from Siemens Healthcare sets the bar higher
Malvern, Pa., November 24, 2008 - With the SOMATOM® Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare (www.siemens.com/healthcare) is introducing a CT scanner that will set new standards regarding speed and dose reduction. The system requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before. The SOMATOM Definition Flash is a new dual-source CT from Siemens, featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient's body. The fastest scanning speed in CT (i.e., 43 cm/s) and a temporal resolution of 75 ms, enable for example complete scans of the entire chest region in just 0.6 seconds. Thus, patients are no longer required to hold their breath during the exam the way they had in the past. At the same time, the SOMATOM Definition Flash operates at an extremely reduced radiation dose. For example, a spiral heart scan can be performed with less than 1 millisievert (mSv), whereas the average effective dose required for this purpose usually ranges from 8 mSv to 40 mSv.
Siemens will present its new SOMATOM Definition Flash CT scanner at the 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place (Booth #922, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D).
source: Siemens Medical
Siemens will present its new SOMATOM Definition Flash CT scanner at the 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) from November 30 to December 5 at McCormick Place (Booth #922, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D).
source: Siemens Medical
11.25.2008
CT Scans Are Overused In The Follow-Up Of EVAR: Many Can Be Omitted Or Replaced By Duplex Saving Dollars And Decreasing Radiation Exposure
Long term surveillance with computed tomography (CT) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) increases both cost and risk. The purpose of a study presented by Michael S. Makaroun, M.D., Professor of Surgery and Chief, Division of Vascular Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, was to evaluate an alternative follow-up modality with color flow duplex ultrasound scanning (CDU) as the sole method of imaging.
Currently most practices follow the manufacturer's recommend schedules. Dr. Makaroun stated that the community needs to rethink the schedules, because EVAR is very expensive and a good part of that expense is from CT charges.
source: Medical News Today
Currently most practices follow the manufacturer's recommend schedules. Dr. Makaroun stated that the community needs to rethink the schedules, because EVAR is very expensive and a good part of that expense is from CT charges.
source: Medical News Today
11.19.2008
Patients Develop Superbug MRSA Infections After Undergoing MRI Scanning
HAYWARD, CA, Nov 18, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Dr. Peter Rothschild, one of the world's foremost MRI experts, is alerting the public to the possible risk of Superbug MRSA infections during medical imaging studies, such as MRI.
Numerous patients have developed "Superbug" infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics after their MRI. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common superbugs that patients have contracted after undergoing an MRI scan.
The most famous of these cases is that of 15-year-old honor roll student Nile Moss, who died from an MRSA infection after an outpatient visit to a hospital where he underwent an MRI. After leaving the hospital, Nile developed a high temperature. Three days after being admitted to the hospital, he died.
source: MarketWatch
Numerous patients have developed "Superbug" infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics after their MRI. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most common superbugs that patients have contracted after undergoing an MRI scan.
The most famous of these cases is that of 15-year-old honor roll student Nile Moss, who died from an MRSA infection after an outpatient visit to a hospital where he underwent an MRI. After leaving the hospital, Nile developed a high temperature. Three days after being admitted to the hospital, he died.
source: MarketWatch
11.17.2008
EnRhythm MRI SureScan Pacemaker System Now Commercially Available in Europe
MINNEAPOLIS – Nov. 17, 2008 –Medtronic, Inc., (NYSE: MDT) announced it has received CE (Conformité Européenne) Mark for the first-ever MR-Conditional pacemaker system, the EnRhythm MRI™ SureScan™ pacemaker and CapSureFix MRI™ SureScan™ pacing leads (Model 5086MRI). The new system was designed, tested and approved for use with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under specified scanning conditions, and is now commercially available in select European countries. Patients receiving the EnRhythm MRI SureScan Pacing System will for the first time be able to undergo MRI scans under certain conditions, representing a major milestone in the evolution of implantable cardiac devices.
“MRI is an invaluable medical diagnostic tool for many common diseases and conditions that, until now, patients with implanted pacemakers have been prohibited from receiving,” said Alain Coudray, M.D., Medtronic’s vice president of the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business in Western Europe. “Medtronic recognizes the complex needs of today’s patient and will continue to develop advancements in pacemaker technology and other devices that allow patients to receive optimal medical care.”
source: Medtronic
“MRI is an invaluable medical diagnostic tool for many common diseases and conditions that, until now, patients with implanted pacemakers have been prohibited from receiving,” said Alain Coudray, M.D., Medtronic’s vice president of the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business in Western Europe. “Medtronic recognizes the complex needs of today’s patient and will continue to develop advancements in pacemaker technology and other devices that allow patients to receive optimal medical care.”
source: Medtronic
11.13.2008
Popular Science Names Toshiba's Aquilion ONE "Best of What's New"
TUSTIN, California — November 13, 2008 — Recognizing the innovation behind its dynamic volume CT scanner, Popular Science has named Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.'s Aquilion® ONE 320-detector row CT scanner "Best of What's New" in the Personal Health category of its annual awards. As its top-selling issue annually, "Best of What's New" highlights products that represent a significant leap forward, such as the Aquilion ONE dynamic volume CT scanner.
Calling the scanner, "the fastest CT scanner yet," Popular Science stated the Aquilion ONE "can visualize organs, blocked arteries and tumors in a single heartbeat. That speed means faster diagnoses and 80 percent fewer X-rays than with other CT scanners. The advance is a set of 320 high-resolution X-ray detectors that can image a six-inch (up to 16 cm) swath in one swift rotation."
source: Toshiba Medical Systems
Calling the scanner, "the fastest CT scanner yet," Popular Science stated the Aquilion ONE "can visualize organs, blocked arteries and tumors in a single heartbeat. That speed means faster diagnoses and 80 percent fewer X-rays than with other CT scanners. The advance is a set of 320 high-resolution X-ray detectors that can image a six-inch (up to 16 cm) swath in one swift rotation."
source: Toshiba Medical Systems
11.12.2008
Siemens Announces Study Results of New Imaging Biomarker
Moving personalized medicine from promise to practice, Siemens Healthcare announces the early study findings of a new imaging biomarker for hypoxic tumors. The study, done in collaboration with Dr. Jian Q. (Michael) Yu, and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, was presented today at the World Molecular Imaging Conference in Nice, France. This imaging biomarker is intended for exclusive world wide distribution by PETNET Solutions, a fully owned Siemens subsidiary.
The results of the safety study indicated that HX4, a new imaging biomarker developed at Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research, is safe for use in human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies. The study included initial human data regarding bio-distribution of the new agent, radiation dosimetry levels in normal volunteers and optimal patient imaging parameters with PET. Results of the study indicated that the compound was found to be stable for imaging at 145 minutes post injection, that it would safely clear the body through urinary elimination and that there were very low dose accumulations in major organs.
source: Siemens
The results of the safety study indicated that HX4, a new imaging biomarker developed at Siemens Molecular Imaging Biomarker Research, is safe for use in human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies. The study included initial human data regarding bio-distribution of the new agent, radiation dosimetry levels in normal volunteers and optimal patient imaging parameters with PET. Results of the study indicated that the compound was found to be stable for imaging at 145 minutes post injection, that it would safely clear the body through urinary elimination and that there were very low dose accumulations in major organs.
source: Siemens
11.11.2008
Aurora® Dedicated Breast MRI System Receives rt image Most Valuable Product Award
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aurora Imaging Technology Inc. today announced that the Aurora® 1.5Tesla Dedicated Breast MRI System was selected as the Most Valuable Product (MVP) in the MRI category by rt image magazine. Developed to recognize the products and services that greatly influence today’s radiology profession, the first-ever MVP awards incorporated 48 nominees in 10 categories, acknowledging the winners for their innovation, practicality and usefulness in the field. The 10 rt image MVPs, including the Aurora Breast MRI, are featured in rt image, the only national, weekly radiology magazine.
“rt image is excited to debut the Most Valuable Products in radiology and medical imaging, particularly because the awards are based upon the nomination and responses of radiology professionals in the field,” said Heather Koitzsch, publisher of rt image. “As radiology professionals working in the field every day, our readers are in the perfect position to tell us which products are helping them advance health care. Our goal with the Most Valuable Product Award is to provide credibility and recognition to these tried-and-true products so that other readers can benefit from them.”
The Aurora Breast MRI is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared dedicated breast MRI system specifically designed for the detection, diagnosis and management of breast disease.
source: Business Wire
“rt image is excited to debut the Most Valuable Products in radiology and medical imaging, particularly because the awards are based upon the nomination and responses of radiology professionals in the field,” said Heather Koitzsch, publisher of rt image. “As radiology professionals working in the field every day, our readers are in the perfect position to tell us which products are helping them advance health care. Our goal with the Most Valuable Product Award is to provide credibility and recognition to these tried-and-true products so that other readers can benefit from them.”
The Aurora Breast MRI is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared dedicated breast MRI system specifically designed for the detection, diagnosis and management of breast disease.
source: Business Wire
11.10.2008
Cancer risk from cardiac CT overstated: researchers say
Radiology and cardiovascular researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, S.C., today presented new data that shows the risk of cancer from exposure to radiation during computed tomography for cardiovascular disease has been overstated and that new estimates are several times lower than previously published conclusions. The MUSC researchers presented their findings at the American Heart Association's meeting in New Orleans.
In previously published studies, different researchers concluded the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during CT for cardiovascular disease was approximately 1 in 114, but the new study suggests the risk is 1 in 1000.
U. Joseph Schoepf, MD, and colleagues from MUSC, claim previous studies assessing lifetime risks of cancer from radiation in cardiac CT are based on unreliable models of patients who undergo CT for cardiovascular disease.
source: Physorg.com
In previously published studies, different researchers concluded the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during CT for cardiovascular disease was approximately 1 in 114, but the new study suggests the risk is 1 in 1000.
U. Joseph Schoepf, MD, and colleagues from MUSC, claim previous studies assessing lifetime risks of cancer from radiation in cardiac CT are based on unreliable models of patients who undergo CT for cardiovascular disease.
source: Physorg.com
11.07.2008
Toshiba CT Ranks Number One by MD Buyline for Sixth Year
TUSTIN, Calif., Nov 05, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As a testament to its customer service approach and competitive product portfolio, MD Buyline customers have ranked Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. number one in the very competitive CT category, marking the sixth consecutive year that Toshiba has achieved this top ranking. Toshiba's Aquilion(R) CT product line received a 9.0 rating, up from 8.7 last quarter.
"We've taken many steps to better serve the needs of our customers," explained Cathy Wolfe, director, Marketing Services, Toshiba. "Our objective is to collect customer feedback, understand that feedback and make changes to our process by focusing on our customers' needs across all products with the intention of strengthening our customer relationships."
In addition to customer service, another reason Toshiba's Aquilion CT line is consistently ranked number one by its customers is the proprietary and industry leading Quantum Advantage detector technology, offering 0.5 mm isotropic detector row thickness for all Aquilion CT products. Using the same detector size for all Aquilion CT systems ensures high-quality, consistent images regardless of the number of detector rows.
source: Toshiba Medical
"We've taken many steps to better serve the needs of our customers," explained Cathy Wolfe, director, Marketing Services, Toshiba. "Our objective is to collect customer feedback, understand that feedback and make changes to our process by focusing on our customers' needs across all products with the intention of strengthening our customer relationships."
In addition to customer service, another reason Toshiba's Aquilion CT line is consistently ranked number one by its customers is the proprietary and industry leading Quantum Advantage detector technology, offering 0.5 mm isotropic detector row thickness for all Aquilion CT products. Using the same detector size for all Aquilion CT systems ensures high-quality, consistent images regardless of the number of detector rows.
source: Toshiba Medical
11.06.2008
MRI Can Eliminate Unnecessary Surgery for Children with Suspected Musculoskeletal Infections
Pre-treatment MRI can eliminate unnecessary diagnostic or surgical procedures for children with suspected musculoskeletal infections (septic arthritis and osteomyelitis) according to a study performed at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, TN.
A study was performed on 130 children with suspected musculoskeletal infections; 34 patients in the study group had an MRI after diagnostic or therapeutic intervention and 96 patients in the control group had an MRI prior to any procedure. Results showed that about 60% of patients had neither septic arthritis nor osteomyelitis suggesting that “the majority of the children in the study group had a diagnostic or surgical procedure which could have been avoided with early MRI evaluation,” said J. Herman Kan, MD, lead author of the study.
source: ARRS
A study was performed on 130 children with suspected musculoskeletal infections; 34 patients in the study group had an MRI after diagnostic or therapeutic intervention and 96 patients in the control group had an MRI prior to any procedure. Results showed that about 60% of patients had neither septic arthritis nor osteomyelitis suggesting that “the majority of the children in the study group had a diagnostic or surgical procedure which could have been avoided with early MRI evaluation,” said J. Herman Kan, MD, lead author of the study.
source: ARRS
11.04.2008
MRI Can Eliminate Unnecessary Surgery for Children with Suspected Musculosketal Infections
Newswise — Pre-treatment MRI can eliminate unnecessary diagnostic or surgical procedures for children with suspected musculoskeletal infections (septic arthritis and osteomyelitis) according to a study performed at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville, TN.
A study was performed on 130 children with suspected musculoskeletal infections; 34 patients in the study group had an MRI after diagnostic or therapeutic intervention and 96 patients in the control group had an MRI prior to any procedure. Results showed that about 60% of patients had neither septic arthritis nor osteomyelitis suggesting that “the majority of the children in the study group had a diagnostic or surgical procedure which could have been avoided with early MRI evaluation,” said J. Herman Kan, MD, lead author of the study.
Dr. Kan noted that MRI is not routinely performed prior to treatment because of concerns regarding time and treatment delay and patient sedation.
source: Newswise
A study was performed on 130 children with suspected musculoskeletal infections; 34 patients in the study group had an MRI after diagnostic or therapeutic intervention and 96 patients in the control group had an MRI prior to any procedure. Results showed that about 60% of patients had neither septic arthritis nor osteomyelitis suggesting that “the majority of the children in the study group had a diagnostic or surgical procedure which could have been avoided with early MRI evaluation,” said J. Herman Kan, MD, lead author of the study.
Dr. Kan noted that MRI is not routinely performed prior to treatment because of concerns regarding time and treatment delay and patient sedation.
source: Newswise
11.03.2008
Cone-Beam CT: Just as Useful as MDCT Before and After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Cone-beam CT which is believed to deliver less radiation than MDCT is just as useful when evaluating patients before and after percutaneous vertebroplasty according to a study performed at the Department of Clinical Radiology, Kyushu University, Fukoka, Japan. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive cement augmentation technique to relieve pain in the back that is non-responsive to conservative treatment.
The study included 22 patients who had osteoporotic compression fractures and underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment. During the study cone-beam CT and MDCT were performed on all patients before and after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Before vertebroplasty, all 75 cortical defects seen on MDCT were also observed on cone-beam CT with 100% sensitivity and specificity. After vertebroplasty, MDCT found cement leakages in 17 disk spaces, 15 paravertebral soft tissues and 12 veins; cone-beam CT identified all cement leakages.
source: ARRS
The study included 22 patients who had osteoporotic compression fractures and underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment. During the study cone-beam CT and MDCT were performed on all patients before and after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Before vertebroplasty, all 75 cortical defects seen on MDCT were also observed on cone-beam CT with 100% sensitivity and specificity. After vertebroplasty, MDCT found cement leakages in 17 disk spaces, 15 paravertebral soft tissues and 12 veins; cone-beam CT identified all cement leakages.
source: ARRS
Mayo Clinic's New Imaging Technology Accurately Identifies a Broad Spectrum of Liver Disease
ROCHESTER, Minn. — A new study shows that an imaging technology developed by Mayo Clinic researchers can identify liver fibrosis with high accuracy and help eliminate the need for liver biopsies. Liver fibrosis is a common condition that can lead to incurable cirrhosis if not treated in time.
The technology, called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), produces color-coded images known as elastograms that indicate how internal organs, muscles and tissues would feel to the touch. Red is the stiffest; purple, the softest. Other imaging techniques do not provide this information.
"Knowing the liver's elasticity or stiffness is invaluable in diagnosing liver disease," says Jayant Talwalkar, M.D., M.P.H., a Mayo Clinic hepatologist and co-investigator on the study. "A healthy liver is very soft, while a liver with early disease begins to stiffen. A liver with cirrhosis, advanced liver disease, can be rock hard."
source: Mayo Clinic
The technology, called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), produces color-coded images known as elastograms that indicate how internal organs, muscles and tissues would feel to the touch. Red is the stiffest; purple, the softest. Other imaging techniques do not provide this information.
"Knowing the liver's elasticity or stiffness is invaluable in diagnosing liver disease," says Jayant Talwalkar, M.D., M.P.H., a Mayo Clinic hepatologist and co-investigator on the study. "A healthy liver is very soft, while a liver with early disease begins to stiffen. A liver with cirrhosis, advanced liver disease, can be rock hard."
source: Mayo Clinic
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