CHICAGO, Nov 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For decades GE Healthcare has invested in leading, state of the art technology for significantly lowering dose in computed tomography (CT) procedures. At the 96TH annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, GE Healthcare is showcasing some of its latest CT innovations that provide dose-reducing options to customers to help ensure better diagnoses.
GE Healthcare's exclusive ASiR (adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction) low dose reconstruction technology, available on the GE Discovery(TM) CT750 HD and LightSpeed VCT, can reduce dose by up to 40-50% while maintaining image quality and can be implemented as a cost-effective upgrade for existing GE LightSpeed VCT customers. The technology can be used on both helical and axial scans to reduce dose and maintain image quality for patients of all ages.
ASiR, in concert with GE's SnapShot Pulse technology, further helps physicians to reduce dose cardiac imaging by more than 83%. ASiR is now routinely used with over 600 scanners worldwide, benefiting more than 15,000 patients per day on well over three million exams to date.
"I am astounded at how sharp the ASiR images are and how low the noise level is. This is very important, considering the significant dose savings that can be achieved with it,” noted Richard Kane MD, Director of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Radiology, Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL.
source: GE Healthcare
11.29.2010
Siemens FAST CARE Sets New Standards for Dose Reduction and Efficiency of Patient Care
Malvern, Pa., November 23, 2010 – FAST CARE from Siemens Healthcare is the new technology platform for computed tomography (CT) scanners, which helps hospital staffs to perform CT examinations faster and more efficiently than before, as well as keeping the dose as low as possible. The FAST CARE applications simplify workflows during scanning and in the preparation of image reconstructions. Patients benefit from lower radiation doses and shorter examination times as the system automates many operating procedures, suggests parameter settings for image quality and dose reduction and standardizes processes, which makes results readily reproducible. These enhancements help CT operators and service providers improve their productivity and improve consistency of image quality and dose level.
FAST CARE will be available on the SOMATOM® Definition AS scanners in March 2011 and on the SOMATOM Definition Flash scanners in May 2011. CT scanners from the SOMATOM Definition product family that are already on the market can be upgraded to the new platform. The FAST CARE platform will be available on all Definition AS configurations from entry level 20-slice to a premium 128-slice AS+. Most importantly, the 64-slice SOMATOM Definition AS with FAST CARE will be field-upgradeable to AS+ FAST CARE, making it the only upgradeable 64-slice scanner on the market.
source: Siemens
FAST CARE will be available on the SOMATOM® Definition AS scanners in March 2011 and on the SOMATOM Definition Flash scanners in May 2011. CT scanners from the SOMATOM Definition product family that are already on the market can be upgraded to the new platform. The FAST CARE platform will be available on all Definition AS configurations from entry level 20-slice to a premium 128-slice AS+. Most importantly, the 64-slice SOMATOM Definition AS with FAST CARE will be field-upgradeable to AS+ FAST CARE, making it the only upgradeable 64-slice scanner on the market.
source: Siemens
11.26.2010
Segasist Technologies receives funding from The Health Technology Exchange (HTX) towards support of clinical validation of its Prostate MRI software
TORONTO, Nov. 26 /PRNewswire/ - Segasist Technologies, a Canadian software company developing contouring productivity tools for medical imaging, has today announced the receipt of funding from The Health Technology Exchange (HTX) towards support of clinical validation of its software, to be conducted at the Lawson Health Research Institute and London Health Sciences Centre (London, Ontario). Experts from Sunnybrook Research Institute and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre will also participate in the validation process by providing input in the form of gold standard contours.
Segasist PMR-R is a software tool developed for the purpose of processing Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of the prostate. Version 1.0, released on May 17, 2010, was created to assist researchers presently developing a role for MRI in diagnosis, tracking and treatment of prostate cancer. Version 1.1 released on August 24, 2010, following extensive internal validation, continues to assist prostate MRI researchers with a variety of improvements to the previous version. Segasist Technologies will be releasing version 2.0 of the software at RSNA 2010.
The funding received from HTX will augment grants from other sources to enable a pre-calibrated version of Segasist PMR-R to be validated with the ultimate goal of releasing Segasist PMR-C for clinical use following regulatory approval.
source: Segasist
Segasist PMR-R is a software tool developed for the purpose of processing Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of the prostate. Version 1.0, released on May 17, 2010, was created to assist researchers presently developing a role for MRI in diagnosis, tracking and treatment of prostate cancer. Version 1.1 released on August 24, 2010, following extensive internal validation, continues to assist prostate MRI researchers with a variety of improvements to the previous version. Segasist Technologies will be releasing version 2.0 of the software at RSNA 2010.
The funding received from HTX will augment grants from other sources to enable a pre-calibrated version of Segasist PMR-R to be validated with the ultimate goal of releasing Segasist PMR-C for clinical use following regulatory approval.
source: Segasist
11.21.2010
Siemens Unveils Biograph mMR Whole-Body Integrated MR-PET System Capable of Simultaneous Data Acquisition
MALVERN, Pa., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 96th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), November 28 - December 2 in Chicago, Siemens Healthcare (Booth #822, East Building/Lakeside Center, Hall D) will unveil the Biograph™ mMR*, the world's first integrated whole-body molecular Magnetic Resonance (MR) system with simultaneous data acquisition technology, currently undergoing clinical use testing. This revolutionary system comprises an MR scanner and an integrated Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detection system with an architecture that performs as one. In the new 3-Tesla hybrid system, Siemens developers have succeeded for the first time in simultaneously capturing MR and PET data with a whole-body system. The Biograph mMR system has been installed at the University Hospital "Klinikum rechts der Isar" of the Munich Technical University in Germany.
"Together with our partner Siemens, we are entering a new dimension in diagnostic imaging today," says Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger, director of the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine at the University Hospital. "We've initiated clinical use testing of Biograph mMR in an effort to diagnose diseases at a very early stage to see the progression of disease and to use that information to develop a therapy plan precisely focused on the respective patient. Furthermore, we plan to use the system for cancer follow-up in the long run, by reducing radiation exposure by the use of the system."
With the simultaneous acquisition of MR and PET data, this system is designed to provide new opportunities for imaging. While MR provides exquisite morphological and functional details in human tissue, PET goes further to investigate the human body at the level of cellular activity and metabolism. The innovative system has the potential to be a particularly valuable tool for identifying neurological, oncological and cardiac conditions of disease and in supporting the planning of appropriate therapies. Since MRI does not emit ionizing radiation, Biograph mMR may provide an added benefit with lower-dose imaging.
source: Siemens Medical
"Together with our partner Siemens, we are entering a new dimension in diagnostic imaging today," says Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger, director of the Clinic for Nuclear Medicine at the University Hospital. "We've initiated clinical use testing of Biograph mMR in an effort to diagnose diseases at a very early stage to see the progression of disease and to use that information to develop a therapy plan precisely focused on the respective patient. Furthermore, we plan to use the system for cancer follow-up in the long run, by reducing radiation exposure by the use of the system."
With the simultaneous acquisition of MR and PET data, this system is designed to provide new opportunities for imaging. While MR provides exquisite morphological and functional details in human tissue, PET goes further to investigate the human body at the level of cellular activity and metabolism. The innovative system has the potential to be a particularly valuable tool for identifying neurological, oncological and cardiac conditions of disease and in supporting the planning of appropriate therapies. Since MRI does not emit ionizing radiation, Biograph mMR may provide an added benefit with lower-dose imaging.
source: Siemens Medical
11.18.2010
Personalized Protocol Contrast-Dosing Software Increases Diagnostic Quality CT Pulmonary Angiography Studies
WARRENDALE, Pa., November 16, 2010 – MEDRAD will offer RSNA* attendees hands-on demonstrations of personalized-protocol software that individualizes CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) contrast dosing, and has proven to increase the percentage of diagnostic-quality studies to rule out Pulmonary Embolism (PE) when compared to the institution’s standard protocol1** -- potentially obviating the need to rescan the patient.2 Diagnosis with a high degree of certainty is critical to the safety of patients with suspected PE, yet can be inhibited by imaging complexities associated with these studies. PE, a blockage of the pulmonary artery or one of its branches due to a blood clot or other thrombus, results in as many as 50,000 deaths a year,1 most of which occur in the first few hours.
MEDRAD’s P3T® PA (Pulmonary Angiography) software enables increased diagnostic quality studies by fitting into the established CTPA workflow and making consistent administration of personalized dosing practical. The only contrast-dosing solution of its kind, the clinically validated P3T algorithm tailors each patient’s contrast protocol based on technologists’ touch-screen responses to unique clinical concerns, study requirements, and the scanning equipment used.
“Achieving a diagnostic CT image for Pulmonary Embolism, without limitations, helps the hospital and emergency department in a number of important ways -- with efficiency, patient care, and cost savings,” says Joan Lacomis M.D., Clinical Professor Radiology, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
source: Medrad
MEDRAD’s P3T® PA (Pulmonary Angiography) software enables increased diagnostic quality studies by fitting into the established CTPA workflow and making consistent administration of personalized dosing practical. The only contrast-dosing solution of its kind, the clinically validated P3T algorithm tailors each patient’s contrast protocol based on technologists’ touch-screen responses to unique clinical concerns, study requirements, and the scanning equipment used.
“Achieving a diagnostic CT image for Pulmonary Embolism, without limitations, helps the hospital and emergency department in a number of important ways -- with efficiency, patient care, and cost savings,” says Joan Lacomis M.D., Clinical Professor Radiology, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
source: Medrad
11.17.2010
Toshiba Introduces 32 Element Coils for its Vantage Titan MR System
New Coils Deliver Superior Imaging During Advanced Applications
TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 9, 2010 – To enhance image quality and improve the speed of MR exams, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. introduces its all-new 32 element cardiac and head coils (works-in-progress) for its Vantage TitanTM product line. Available on both the Vantage Titan 1.5T MR and the 510k pending Vantage Titan 3T MR, the 32 element coils improve spatial and temporal resolution for advanced cardiac and neuro imaging.
Particularly suited for cardiac imaging, the 32 element cardiac coil allows higher signal-to-noise ratio and improves image quality to enable more accurate cardiac diagnoses. The new coil also significantly reduces exam time by allowing higher SPEEDER factors, which can increase imaging department throughput as well as limit the time patients spend in the system. In addition to faster exams, patients also benefit during cardiac procedures because the breath hold times required are shorter. These benefits improve image quality and patient compliance, and reduce the anxiety often associated with MR imaging.
For patients who undergo neuro MR exams, Toshiba’s 32 element head coil not only can improve image quality and decrease exam time, but it also helps physicians acquire the best possible information for diagnosis and treatment. The 32 element coil allows for faster SPEEDER factors and high resolution imaging.
The new 32 element cardiac and head coils build upon the industry leading Vantage Atlas® integrated coil system, which eliminates the need to reposition patients during exams by integrating the coils into the table, creating a faster and more comfortable exam.
source: Toshiba Medical
TUSTIN, Calif., Nov. 9, 2010 – To enhance image quality and improve the speed of MR exams, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. introduces its all-new 32 element cardiac and head coils (works-in-progress) for its Vantage TitanTM product line. Available on both the Vantage Titan 1.5T MR and the 510k pending Vantage Titan 3T MR, the 32 element coils improve spatial and temporal resolution for advanced cardiac and neuro imaging.
Particularly suited for cardiac imaging, the 32 element cardiac coil allows higher signal-to-noise ratio and improves image quality to enable more accurate cardiac diagnoses. The new coil also significantly reduces exam time by allowing higher SPEEDER factors, which can increase imaging department throughput as well as limit the time patients spend in the system. In addition to faster exams, patients also benefit during cardiac procedures because the breath hold times required are shorter. These benefits improve image quality and patient compliance, and reduce the anxiety often associated with MR imaging.
For patients who undergo neuro MR exams, Toshiba’s 32 element head coil not only can improve image quality and decrease exam time, but it also helps physicians acquire the best possible information for diagnosis and treatment. The 32 element coil allows for faster SPEEDER factors and high resolution imaging.
The new 32 element cardiac and head coils build upon the industry leading Vantage Atlas® integrated coil system, which eliminates the need to reposition patients during exams by integrating the coils into the table, creating a faster and more comfortable exam.
source: Toshiba Medical
11.09.2010
Toshiba Presents Low-Dose Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Toshiba Medical Systems recently presented "Low-Dose Myocardial Perfusion Imaging" and an update on the CORE320 Multicenter Trial at the recent European Society of Cardiology Congress held in Stockholm
Myocardial Perfusion
It is now possible to perform a comprehensive cardiac functional and morphological analysis in just one, low-dose examination using Toshiba’s Aquilion ONE. This technology can reduce the need to perform multiple examinations using different modalities, a true economic advantage and valuable contribution in cardiac healthcare.
Until now, CT cardiac imaging has been hampered when quantifying cardiac tissue functionality caused by obstructed coronaries and/or infarcts. In order to visualise the entire heart, other scanners need to move the patient, causing undesired, time-delayed, contrast distribution over the heart. The unique 16cm z-axis coverage of the Aquilion ONE, allows scanning of the heart at a single moment in time, resulting in temporal homogeneous contrast distribution.
Myocardial Perfusion is interpreted by comparing rest and stress data. The rest scan is usually performed using a low-dose, prospective CT angiography protocol. Pending body mass index and heart-rate, sub-mSv protocols may be applied. After administration of a pharmacological stress agent, a low-dose stress scan is performed.
source: Toshiba Medical
Myocardial Perfusion
It is now possible to perform a comprehensive cardiac functional and morphological analysis in just one, low-dose examination using Toshiba’s Aquilion ONE. This technology can reduce the need to perform multiple examinations using different modalities, a true economic advantage and valuable contribution in cardiac healthcare.
Until now, CT cardiac imaging has been hampered when quantifying cardiac tissue functionality caused by obstructed coronaries and/or infarcts. In order to visualise the entire heart, other scanners need to move the patient, causing undesired, time-delayed, contrast distribution over the heart. The unique 16cm z-axis coverage of the Aquilion ONE, allows scanning of the heart at a single moment in time, resulting in temporal homogeneous contrast distribution.
Myocardial Perfusion is interpreted by comparing rest and stress data. The rest scan is usually performed using a low-dose, prospective CT angiography protocol. Pending body mass index and heart-rate, sub-mSv protocols may be applied. After administration of a pharmacological stress agent, a low-dose stress scan is performed.
source: Toshiba Medical
11.05.2010
Siemens Celebrates 1,000th Installation of SOMATOM Definition AS CT Scanner at UNC
Malvern, Pa., November 2, 2010 – Siemens Healthcare celebrates a milestone of its SOMATOM® Definition AS CT scanner with the 1,000th system installation at the UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill, N.C. The SOMATOM Definition AS is the world’s first adaptive scanner. The system intelligently adapts to virtually any patient, adapts for complete dose protection, adapts for new dimensions, and adapts to the user’s space. UNC installed the Definition AS+, which is the 128-slice configuration of the scanner.
“We are proud to be the 1,000th installation of this cutting-edge CT scanner, which will help us further advance care for our local community, as well as for the citizens of North Carolina. The selection of the Definition AS+ was driven by our commitment to offer low-dose CT in a comfortable patient environment. For example, the Adaptive Dose Shield application eliminates unnecessary radiation while the 78cm gantry opening offers more room and more comfort for our patents,” said Todd Smiley, director of Radiology, UNC Health Care.
The SOMATOM Definition AS provides tremendous benefit with the Adaptive Dose Shield technology, helping to eliminate unnecessary over-radiation. Siemens’ unique Adaptive Dose Shield addresses the dose reduction issue by dynamically blocking the unnecessary dose before and after the spiral scan, ensuring that the only dose applied to the patient is dose that is clinically relevant.
source: Siemens
“We are proud to be the 1,000th installation of this cutting-edge CT scanner, which will help us further advance care for our local community, as well as for the citizens of North Carolina. The selection of the Definition AS+ was driven by our commitment to offer low-dose CT in a comfortable patient environment. For example, the Adaptive Dose Shield application eliminates unnecessary radiation while the 78cm gantry opening offers more room and more comfort for our patents,” said Todd Smiley, director of Radiology, UNC Health Care.
The SOMATOM Definition AS provides tremendous benefit with the Adaptive Dose Shield technology, helping to eliminate unnecessary over-radiation. Siemens’ unique Adaptive Dose Shield addresses the dose reduction issue by dynamically blocking the unnecessary dose before and after the spiral scan, ensuring that the only dose applied to the patient is dose that is clinically relevant.
source: Siemens
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