MORRISVILLE, N.C. and PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Diagnosoft, Inc., an innovator in magnetic resonance (MR) image analysis software that assists in diagnosis, staging and therapeutic monitoring of cardiovascular disease, has unveiled its newest software solution: Diagnosoft(R) SENC. Strain-encoding, or SENC, is a new MRI analysis technique that will help physicians measure regional contraction, or relaxation, of the heart's myocardium. Like Diagnosoft's other two software products, Diagnosoft(R) HARP(TM) and Diagnosoft(R) PLUS, Diagnosoft(R) SENC enables quantification of data to improve diagnosis and guide monitoring and treatment of coronary artery disease.
Developed by Dr. Nael Osman, a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University, SENC is now a proprietary product of Diagnosoft, Inc. According to Dr. Osman, co-founder of Diagnosoft, "Diagnosoft(R) SENC provides an objective way to assess regional variations in muscle contraction due to ischemia, myocardial infarction, or other causes. Moreover, Diagnosoft(R) SENC produces maps of regional function with high spatial resolution at a level of quality sufficient even for the thin wall of the right ventricle. As a result, the technique can reveal small regional anomalies in contractility within the wall."
source: PR Newswire
1.26.2009
GE Healthcare introduces new 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging System at Arab Health 2009
The Discovery MR450 offers some of the most advanced capabilities available on any 1.5T system, including real-time cardiac imaging, single-acquisition, multi-contrast abdominal images with outstanding fat/water separation and ultra high-resolution musculoskeletal exams with high patient throughput.
Jim Davis, Vice President & General Manager for GE Healthcare's global MR business, said: 'The Discovery MR450 combines unique workflow features with the advanced MR acquisition technology in the industry, allowing our customers to more easily conduct challenging exams, improve productivity, and become the leaders in their field. It will be of particular relevance to the Middle East region, where early detection of diseases will make treatments easier and cost-effective.'
Built around the company's proven short-bore, superconducting 1.5T magnet - the Discovery™ MR450 delivers high homogeneity for excellent results even when imaging with a large or off-center field of view (FOV).
source: AME Info
Jim Davis, Vice President & General Manager for GE Healthcare's global MR business, said: 'The Discovery MR450 combines unique workflow features with the advanced MR acquisition technology in the industry, allowing our customers to more easily conduct challenging exams, improve productivity, and become the leaders in their field. It will be of particular relevance to the Middle East region, where early detection of diseases will make treatments easier and cost-effective.'
Built around the company's proven short-bore, superconducting 1.5T magnet - the Discovery™ MR450 delivers high homogeneity for excellent results even when imaging with a large or off-center field of view (FOV).
source: AME Info
1.22.2009
Unique MRI warning system protects patients from injury
THE safety of patients undergoing MRI scanning is being stepped up with the launch of a unique metal detection system developed by two Midlands specialists.
The Ferroguard system, designed by Metrasens and Smallfry, is placed near the entrance to an MRI suite and is used to screen patients for metal compounds, which can cause major problems during scanning.
Metrasens’ chief executive, Dr Simon Goodyear, explained: “The central magnet in an MRI scanner has such a powerful attraction to ferrous metals that it can hurl a porter’s trolley across a room or rip a device from the body of a patient. According to recent studies, incidents like this occur in every 1,000 scans so by immediately alerting clinicians to any trace of ferrous metal entering the MRI scanning suite, the Ferroguard system can have a dramatic effect on improving patient safety.”
source: Healthcare Equipment and Supplies
The Ferroguard system, designed by Metrasens and Smallfry, is placed near the entrance to an MRI suite and is used to screen patients for metal compounds, which can cause major problems during scanning.
Metrasens’ chief executive, Dr Simon Goodyear, explained: “The central magnet in an MRI scanner has such a powerful attraction to ferrous metals that it can hurl a porter’s trolley across a room or rip a device from the body of a patient. According to recent studies, incidents like this occur in every 1,000 scans so by immediately alerting clinicians to any trace of ferrous metal entering the MRI scanning suite, the Ferroguard system can have a dramatic effect on improving patient safety.”
source: Healthcare Equipment and Supplies
1.19.2009
Largest Radiology Group in New York Purchases Two FONAR UPRIGHT Multi-Position MRIs
MELVILLE, NEW YORK, January 19, 200 - FONAR Corporation (NASDAQ-FONR), The Inventor of MR Scanning™, announced today that it has sold two UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI scanners to Doshi Diagnostic Imaging Services, P.C., which is among the country’s largest privately held multi-modality imaging companies as well as the largest radiology group in New York. Doshi Diagnostic is headquartered in Bethpage, Long Island, and operates approximately 40 centers in Florida, New Jersey, Long Island, and New York City.
Leena Doshi, M.D., President of Doshi Diagnostic said, “We are always looking for the latest and best technology in radiology. The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is a perfect compliment to existing closed high field and open low field magnets already in our system. Gravity and position can impact a patient’s anatomy, so as the body changes from lying down to being upright, so will the MRI images. Aside from it being a general all-purpose MRI producing high-quality images, the UPRIGHT® MRI will be useful in any condition where the weight-bearing image is relevant, such as spine, ankle, knee and hip.”
source: Fonar
Leena Doshi, M.D., President of Doshi Diagnostic said, “We are always looking for the latest and best technology in radiology. The FONAR UPRIGHT® Multi-Position™ MRI is a perfect compliment to existing closed high field and open low field magnets already in our system. Gravity and position can impact a patient’s anatomy, so as the body changes from lying down to being upright, so will the MRI images. Aside from it being a general all-purpose MRI producing high-quality images, the UPRIGHT® MRI will be useful in any condition where the weight-bearing image is relevant, such as spine, ankle, knee and hip.”
source: Fonar
1.13.2009
Ziosoft Receives FDA Clearance for CT Brain Perfusion Application
Redwood City, Calif. January 6, 2009 -- Ziosoft®, Inc., a leader in advanced visualization and analysis software for medical imaging, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its CT brain perfusion application.
The brain perfusion application is a powerful analysis tool used with the Ziostation thin-client system. The software is unique in its ability to provide brain perfusion functionality to clinicians as a thin-client application using standard commercial hardware. This software option aids radiologists in stroke assessment by providing a color map of cerebral blood flow and other perfusion-related parameters from CT images of the brain. The brain perfusion application includes image manipulation tools as well as measurement tools such as cerebral blood volume, blood flow and mean transit time. Ziosoft's brain perfusion application provides radiologists with decision support tools to accurately assess the type and extent of cerebral perfusion disturbance whether viewed in a hospital or at a remote location offering physicians flexibility and efficiency in viewing solutions.
source: Ziosoft
The brain perfusion application is a powerful analysis tool used with the Ziostation thin-client system. The software is unique in its ability to provide brain perfusion functionality to clinicians as a thin-client application using standard commercial hardware. This software option aids radiologists in stroke assessment by providing a color map of cerebral blood flow and other perfusion-related parameters from CT images of the brain. The brain perfusion application includes image manipulation tools as well as measurement tools such as cerebral blood volume, blood flow and mean transit time. Ziosoft's brain perfusion application provides radiologists with decision support tools to accurately assess the type and extent of cerebral perfusion disturbance whether viewed in a hospital or at a remote location offering physicians flexibility and efficiency in viewing solutions.
source: Ziosoft
1.11.2009
MEDRAD Sponsors PET Research with University of Zurich
WARRENDALE, Pa., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDRAD, Inc., has signed a research agreement with the University of Zurich to study dynamic PET imaging with the MEDRAD Intego(TM) PET Infusion System. The researchers will utilize MEDRAD's latest technology to more precisely control the radioactive dose delivered during PET imaging procedures.
Specifically, the study will examine patients with tumors in the chest or abdomen and compare standard quantitative techniques, such as standard uptake value (SUV), with more advanced kinetic and compartmental models. One of the primary goals of the research is to explore how controlled delivery technology can enable dynamic imaging by providing additional clinical utility and making these advanced techniques more practical. By enabling the benefit of repeatable infusion of the prescribed FDG dose to all subjects in the study, the Intego System is a key element in the research.
"The research will explore the clinical viability of dynamic imaging with PET," said Dr. Alfred Buck, University of Zurich (Switzerland). The University of Zurich is a leading institution in dynamic PET research, and has licensed its proprietary FDG delivery technology to MEDRAD for use in the Intego PET Infusion System.
source: PR Newswire
Specifically, the study will examine patients with tumors in the chest or abdomen and compare standard quantitative techniques, such as standard uptake value (SUV), with more advanced kinetic and compartmental models. One of the primary goals of the research is to explore how controlled delivery technology can enable dynamic imaging by providing additional clinical utility and making these advanced techniques more practical. By enabling the benefit of repeatable infusion of the prescribed FDG dose to all subjects in the study, the Intego System is a key element in the research.
"The research will explore the clinical viability of dynamic imaging with PET," said Dr. Alfred Buck, University of Zurich (Switzerland). The University of Zurich is a leading institution in dynamic PET research, and has licensed its proprietary FDG delivery technology to MEDRAD for use in the Intego PET Infusion System.
source: PR Newswire
1.09.2009
3T MRI: Highly Effective at Detecting Wrist Ligament Tears, Possibly Eliminating Need for Invasive Arthroscopy
MRI of the wrist at 3T is an effective way to detect wrist ligament tears and in some cases can avoid unnecessary surgery, according to a study performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging in Merritt Island, Florida.
The study included 49 patients who had both 3T MR and arthroscopy; 51 tears were found on arthroscopy. 41 of the 51 tears were also found using 3T MRI. “The resolution with 3T MRI is good. We are able to see the small ligaments a lot better and determine whether or not they are torn,” said Thomas Magee, MD, lead author of the study.
“3T MRI is beneficial to both the patient and the physician. If there is a problem, it provides a road map for the physician to use during surgery and eliminates any type of surgery for those who have normal findings,” said Dr. Magee. “We are able to see bone bruises, cysts and other things that may be pain generators instead of ligament tears,” he said.
source: ARRS
The study included 49 patients who had both 3T MR and arthroscopy; 51 tears were found on arthroscopy. 41 of the 51 tears were also found using 3T MRI. “The resolution with 3T MRI is good. We are able to see the small ligaments a lot better and determine whether or not they are torn,” said Thomas Magee, MD, lead author of the study.
“3T MRI is beneficial to both the patient and the physician. If there is a problem, it provides a road map for the physician to use during surgery and eliminates any type of surgery for those who have normal findings,” said Dr. Magee. “We are able to see bone bruises, cysts and other things that may be pain generators instead of ligament tears,” he said.
source: ARRS
1.06.2009
MR Arthrography is More Accurate than MR in Diagnosing Shoulder Tears
MR arthrography of the shoulder allows physicians to better identify tears and provides patients with an accurate diagnosis to determine whether or not surgery is needed, according to a study performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging in Merritt Island, Florida.
The study included 150 patients who underwent both 3T MRI and MR arthrography examinations of the shoulder. “We did the study to see if MR, which is noninvasive, works as well as MR arthrography, an invasive procedure that some patients are fearful of having since contrast has to be injected into the shoulder,” said Thomas Magee, MD, lead author of the study. The study found that MR arthrography was more accurate for making a diagnosis. Sensitivity on conventional MRI for anterior labral tears was 83%; for posterior labral tears was 84%; for SLAP tears was 83%; for supraspinatus tendon tears was 92%; and for partial-thickness articular surface tears was 68%. Sensitivity on MR arthrography on the other hand was significantly higher. Sensitivity for anterior labral tears was 98%; for posterior labral tears was 95%; for SLAP tears was 98%; for supraspinatus tendon tears was 100%; and for partial-thickness articular surface tears was 97%. “With MR arthrography we were able to see things with a high degree of accuracy in the shoulder,” said Dr. Magee.
source: ARRS
The study included 150 patients who underwent both 3T MRI and MR arthrography examinations of the shoulder. “We did the study to see if MR, which is noninvasive, works as well as MR arthrography, an invasive procedure that some patients are fearful of having since contrast has to be injected into the shoulder,” said Thomas Magee, MD, lead author of the study. The study found that MR arthrography was more accurate for making a diagnosis. Sensitivity on conventional MRI for anterior labral tears was 83%; for posterior labral tears was 84%; for SLAP tears was 83%; for supraspinatus tendon tears was 92%; and for partial-thickness articular surface tears was 68%. Sensitivity on MR arthrography on the other hand was significantly higher. Sensitivity for anterior labral tears was 98%; for posterior labral tears was 95%; for SLAP tears was 98%; for supraspinatus tendon tears was 100%; and for partial-thickness articular surface tears was 97%. “With MR arthrography we were able to see things with a high degree of accuracy in the shoulder,” said Dr. Magee.
source: ARRS
1.05.2009
Frost & Sullivan Awards Toshiba America Medical Systems for Innovation in Cardiovascular Imaging Products and Services
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Mountain View, CA, United States, 01/05/2009 - Based on its recent analysis of the cardiovascular imaging market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Toshiba America Medical Systems with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Healthcare Innovation.
The company has launched a variety of cardiovascular imaging devices, including Aplio™ Artida, most recently released in the cardiac ultrasound line. This product has taken echocardiography a step ahead of plain 4D imaging by automating complex measurements (wall motion tracking) made possible by 4D imaging. Equally innovative is the company's five-axis cardiovascular X-Ray system, which has proven to be highly popular despite the maturity of the market. Meanwhile, Toshiba's newest Vantage™ magnetic resonance (MR) system has set new standards in contrast-free MR angiography (MRA).
Toshiba also introduced Aquilion® ONE, a groundbreaking computed tomography (CT) system based on a 320-detector architecture, providing high temporal resolution and offering the industry's widest anatomic area coverage per gantry rotation. It enables robust, dynamic imaging of the entire heart in a single heartbeat and at a much lower radiation dose. This capability enhances image quality by eliminating the need to reconstruct images from several cardiac cycles, and enables advanced perfusion studies.
source: Newswire Today
The company has launched a variety of cardiovascular imaging devices, including Aplio™ Artida, most recently released in the cardiac ultrasound line. This product has taken echocardiography a step ahead of plain 4D imaging by automating complex measurements (wall motion tracking) made possible by 4D imaging. Equally innovative is the company's five-axis cardiovascular X-Ray system, which has proven to be highly popular despite the maturity of the market. Meanwhile, Toshiba's newest Vantage™ magnetic resonance (MR) system has set new standards in contrast-free MR angiography (MRA).
Toshiba also introduced Aquilion® ONE, a groundbreaking computed tomography (CT) system based on a 320-detector architecture, providing high temporal resolution and offering the industry's widest anatomic area coverage per gantry rotation. It enables robust, dynamic imaging of the entire heart in a single heartbeat and at a much lower radiation dose. This capability enhances image quality by eliminating the need to reconstruct images from several cardiac cycles, and enables advanced perfusion studies.
source: Newswire Today
1.02.2009
Molecular Imaging Enables Earlier, Individualized Treatment of Thyroid Cancer
Reston, Va.—In a study to determine the diagnostic value of molecular imaging in nodal staging of patients with thyroid cancer, researchers were able for the first time to accurately distinguish between cancerous cells in regional lymph nodes and normal residual thyroid tissue directly after surgery.
Researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, reported in an article in the January issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine on the results of a study using a hybrid single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) camera to determine and locate the spread of cancer cells to nearby lymph nodes.
According to the researchers, the demonstration or exclusion of cancer spread (metastasis) in regional lymph nodes plays a major role in treating the disease since all patients with lymph node metastases are considered to be at high risk for recurrence.
source: SNM
Researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, reported in an article in the January issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine on the results of a study using a hybrid single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) camera to determine and locate the spread of cancer cells to nearby lymph nodes.
According to the researchers, the demonstration or exclusion of cancer spread (metastasis) in regional lymph nodes plays a major role in treating the disease since all patients with lymph node metastases are considered to be at high risk for recurrence.
source: SNM
1.01.2009
MRI Emerges as Vital Resource in Treatment of Back Pain
Newswise — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a growing technology providing an increasing number of clinical benefits when used in the evaluation of back pain according to an article in the January 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It is predicted that over the next several years, additional technical developments will allow MRI to provide even more useful orthopaedic benefits.
Co-author Victor M. Haughton, MD, department of radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics says, “Because of the many different ways to gather this important information, MRI can be used to identify or display almost every type of spinal tissue or pathology. The imaging sequence can be modified to meet many different clinical needs.” Those include:
• Back pain
• Infection
• Tumor
• Trauma and vascular disease
Researchers continue to find new ways to apply technologies that were previously used exclusively on other areas of the body. MRI which is considered safe, fast and versatile is now being used in several spinal applications such as:
• intervertebral disk and facet joint degeneration
• spinal canal stenosis
• vascular disorders
• trauma
source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Co-author Victor M. Haughton, MD, department of radiology, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics says, “Because of the many different ways to gather this important information, MRI can be used to identify or display almost every type of spinal tissue or pathology. The imaging sequence can be modified to meet many different clinical needs.” Those include:
• Back pain
• Infection
• Tumor
• Trauma and vascular disease
Researchers continue to find new ways to apply technologies that were previously used exclusively on other areas of the body. MRI which is considered safe, fast and versatile is now being used in several spinal applications such as:
• intervertebral disk and facet joint degeneration
• spinal canal stenosis
• vascular disorders
• trauma
source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
