3.29.2009

Transforming medical diagnosis with new scanning technology

A new technology which dramatically improves the sensitivity of Magnetic Resonance techniques including those used in hospital scanners and chemistry laboratories has been developed by scientists at the University of York.

Ultimately, the technique, based on manipulating parahydrogen, the fuel of the space shuttle, is expected to allow doctors to learn far more about a patient’s condition from an MRI scan at lower cost while increasing the range of medical conditions that can be examined.

The research is published today in the latest edition of the journal Science.
"Our method has the potential to help doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses in a wide range of medical conditions"
Professor Gary Green

Researchers have taken parahydrogen and, through a reversible interaction with a specially designed molecular scaffold, transferred its magnetism to a range of molecules. The resulting molecules are much more easily detected than was previously possible. No-one has been able to use parahydrogen in this way before.

Professor Gary Green, from the Department of Psychology and Director of the York Neuroimaging Centre, said: "Our method has the potential to help doctors make faster and more accurate diagnoses in a wide range of medical conditions.

source: University of York

3.28.2009

Siemens Demonstrates Flash Speed, Lowest Dose at ACC 2009

Orlando, Fla., March 26, 2009 – Siemens Healthcare (www.usa.siemens.com/healthcare) demonstrates the fastest speed and lowest dose for cardiac applications with the SOMATOM® Definition Flash dual source computed tomography (CT) scanner at the 58th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) from March 29-31 in Orlando, Fla., at booth #1842. Siemens CT covers the entire spectrum of cardiology, from early detection to acute care through follow-up.

“The SOMATOM Definition Flash requires only a fraction of the radiation dose that systems previously required to scan even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before,” said Kulin Hemani, vice president, CT, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. “Scanning the thorax, including the heart, can be done in only 0.6 seconds, taking the burden of breath-holding off the patient and allowing functional imaging for body regions up to 48 cm.”

source: Siemens Medical

3.18.2009

Increasing Use Of CT On Pregnant Women Tracked By Study

Researchers have found that over a 10-year period radiologic exams on pregnant women have more than doubled, according to a study published in the online edition of Radiology.

"Imaging utilization has not been previously studied in the pregnant population," said Elizabeth Lazarus, M.D., assistant professor of diagnostic imaging at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University and a radiologist at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I. "This population may be vulnerable to the adverse effects of radiation."

Dr. Lazarus and colleagues conducted a retrospective review of nuclear medicine, CT, fluoroscopy and plain-film x-ray imaging examinations performed at Rhode Island Hospital and Women and Infants' Hospital from 1997 through 2006 to determine how often these imaging exams were performed on pregnant women and the estimated radiation dose to the fetus. Data were then compared to the number of infant deliveries per year for that same time period.

source: EurekAlert

3.11.2009

New KODAK 9500 Cone Beam 3D System Redefines CT Design, Ease-of-Use

VIENNA, March 6 — The KODAK 9500 Cone Beam 3D System was introduced by Carestream Health, Inc., for easy-to-use three-dimensional imaging of cranio-maxillofacial anatomy. Built on the proven and reliable KODAK 9000 platform, the KODAK 9500 3D System enables users to quickly produce magnificent 3D images, ranging from dual jaw to full craniofacial images, more affordably and at a lower dose than traditional medical CT systems.

The KODAK 9500 3D System is well suited for radiology facilities providing cranio-maxillofacial imaging services to dental professionals and medical specialists. With high-quality, anatomically-correct 3D images down to 0.2 mm voxel (VOlume piXEL) size, users are able to leverage the incredible image detail of 3D to provide more accurate diagnoses, improved treatment planning and more efficient patient care.

Image output occurs in DICOM formats, supporting flexible output options including customizable report templates, PACS and medical printer connections. The 3D volumes produced by the KODAK 9500 System can be exported to any other DICOM-compatible software.

source: Carestream Health

3.10.2009

Siemens Combines Vision and Value with 16-Slice Biograph TruePoint PET•CT System

State-of-the-art design offers affordable access to high-quality imaging

Hoffman Estates, Ill., March 6, 2009 – Siemens expands is imaging portfolio with the addition of the Biograph® TruePoint 16-slice PET•CT* imager. The Biograph TruePoint PET•CT imaging family is the first portfolio of imaging systems to include High-Definition PET•CT and now expands its offering with 16-slice CT capabilities. The Biograph TruePoint 16-slice PET•CT will be highlighted this week at the European Congress of Radiology, March 6-10, in Vienna, Austria.

”The introduction of this particular system is critical as we continue to search for the balance between innovation and access. The likelihood that universal adoption of PET•CT technology will increase with accessibility is a shared industry vision. As an industry leader, it is our responsibility to make that vision more readily attainable,” said Michael Reitermann, CEO, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. “The Biograph TruePoint 16-slice PET•CT is a means to achieve that end, with high performance technology housed in an economical package.”

source: Siemens Healthcare

3.06.2009

FDA Warns About Risk of Wearing Medicated Patches During MRIs

Certain adhesive patches that deliver medication through the skin have been found to be a risk to patient safety. The patches, if worn while undergoing magnetic resonance imaging scans or MRIs, can cause skin burns, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today.

The patches of concern include both brand name and generic products and patches purchased over the counter without a prescription.

The FDA issued the Public Health Advisory on transdermal drug patches after learning that a warning was missing on some patches that contain aluminum or other metals in their non-adhesive backing. The backing is the portion of the patch not in direct contact with the skin. While not attracted to the magnetic field of the MRI, the metal can conduct electricity, generating heat which can cause burns. Users of the patches reported receiving skin burns at their patch site when wearing the patch during an MRI scan.

source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration

3.01.2009

Neuisys Announces FDA Clearance of NeuViz 16 Multi-Slice CT System

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Neuisys Imaging System Solutions, LLC announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance of the NeuViz 16 Multi-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) System. The NeuViz 16 is developed by Philips Neusoft Medical Systems, a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands and Neusoft Corporation of China.

"The NeuViz 16 is a state-of-the-art CT system that provides superior performance for the price and provides the clinical benefits of routine, sub-millimeter resolution, volume imaging and low-dose protocols," said Kim Russell, Neuisys president and chief executive officer. "The NeuViz 16 packs a tremendous amount of technology into a very economical footprint and is the perfect solution for diagnostic imaging centers and community hospitals that plan to upgrade from older single or multi-slice CT systems to 16-slice CT as well as a wide array of specialist physician groups considering in-office CT including urologists, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, surgeons, and oncologists."

source: PR Newswire