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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

MRIs May Damage Cochlear Implants

Tests show that certain MRI machines may demagnetize the magnets used in cochlear implants to couple external and implanted components of these hearing devices, according to a report in the December issue of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery.

Cochlear implants may be an option for those with severe hearing loss. It involves a surgical procedure in which a small electronic device is placed under the skin behind the ear and attached to a wire that stimulates the inner ear, allowing the recipient to hear useful sounds.

Cochlear implants also contain internal magnets used to connect an external processor with the surgically implanted components, Dr. Omid Majdani, of the Medical University of Hannover, Germany, and colleagues explain. These magnets can interact with other magnets, such as those found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines. MRIs exert strong magnetic fields that may induce voltages or temperatures that could damage the implant or harm the patient.

source: >Newsmax.com

New large bore MRI technology enhances imaging results, patient comfort

(Media-Newswire.com) - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics recently installed an advanced magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) system that combines a larger and shorter bore ( opening ) for obese, claustrophobic and anxious patients, with the ability to capture high-quality diagnostic images.

The Siemens Medical Solutions MAGNETOM Espree is the world's first high-performance 1.5 Telsa Open Bore MRI. The magnet's patient-friendly design makes it easier for large patients and those with claustrophobia to have an MRI examination that produces the same outstanding image quality as with smaller closed bore MRI systems. Fewer exams will need to be interrupted or repeated.

"This technology increases our efficiency and patient convenience," said Wendy R.K. Smoker, M.D., UI professor of radiology and co-director of MRI. "It also makes innovative medical imaging technology used for detection, diagnosis and treatment planning of cancer, diabetes, heart and vascular disorders, and other diseases available to more patients."

Since two-thirds of American adults are overweight, the health care industry is challenged to accommodate these larger patients with imaging systems that were initially designed for people who weigh much less.

source: Media Newswire

First Imaging Agent Approved for Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) in the U.S.

LEXINGTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2008--EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:EPIX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel therapeutics through the use of its proprietary and highly efficient in silico drug discovery platform, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for marketing its novel blood pool magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) agent, Vasovist(R) (gadofosveset trisodium), to evaluate aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in adults with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease. AIOD occurs when iliac arteries become narrowed or blocked and may prevent the sufficient transport of oxygen and/or blood throughout the body.

Vasovist is the first contrast agent approved for marketing in the United States for use with MRA, a non-invasive modality for imaging blood vessels. In 2007, there were approximately 1.3 million MRA procedures performed in the United States using contrast agents not specifically approved for this procedure. MRA is a less invasive procedure than x-ray angiography, allowing for reduced patient discomfort and recuperation time and unlike x-ray angiography, MRA does not expose patients to ionizing radiation. Vasovist had previously been approved for marketing in 34 countries outside the United States based on data from four multi-center, Phase 3 clinical trials that showed that Vasovist's overall accuracy was similar to that of catheter-based x-ray angiography, as determined by blinded readings.

source: Epix Pharmaceuticals

MRI Brain Scans Accurate in Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Tampa, FL (Dec. 19, 2008) -- MRI scans that detect shrinkage in specific regions of the mid-brain attacked by Alzheimer’s disease accurately diagnose the neurodegenerative disease, even before symptoms interfere with daily function, a study by the Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) in Miami and Tampa found.

The study, reported earlier this month in the journal Neurology, adds to a growing body of evidence indicating MRI brain scans provide valuable diagnostic information about Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings are important in light of many new disease-modifying drugs in trials -- treatments that may prevent mild memory loss from advancing to full-blown dementia if administered early enough.

"We advocate, based on these findings, that the criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease should include MRI scans,” said the study’s lead author Ranjan Duara, MD, medical director of the Wien Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders at Mount Sinai Medical Center who is affiliated with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and University of South Florida College of Medicine. “By incorporating MRIs into the assessment of patients with memory problems, early diagnosis can be standardized and done far more accurately.”

source: University of South Florida Press Release

MRI Pads Exceed Critical Fire Testing Requirements, Assuring Patient Safety

HAYWARD, CA, Dec 18, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Patient Comfort Systems, Inc. announces that its MRI pads have passed and exceeded the stringent CAL TB-133 fire test standard. This independent testing is critical to assure patient safety. No other MRI pad manufacturers have publicly disclosed that their pads have passed this stringent new fire testing code.

Peter Rothschild, MD, CEO of Patient Comfort Systems, explains, "When the polyurethane foam core within the MRI pads burns, it can present more than just the obvious fire danger. These foam pads burn with great intensity releasing toxic gases into the room."

The CAL TB-133 standards were developed to provide realistic, practical testing to determine the risk of an uncontrolled fire resulting from bedding and table pad materials. These standards are strongly supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, IAFF, and serve as the basis for uniform legislation and regulation regarding the combustible requirements of pads used in health care facilities including MRI centers.

source: MarketWatch

Alliance Imaging Announces Acquisition of Shared P.E.T. Imaging, LLC

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 2008--Alliance Imaging, Inc. (NYSE:AIQ), a leading national provider of outpatient diagnostic imaging services and radiation therapy services, announced today that it has acquired Shared P.E.T. Imaging, LLC (SPI), a mobile and fixed-site provider of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), based in Canton, Ohio.

Paul S. Viviano, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "As Alliance continues to execute on our disciplined acquisition plan, I am very pleased to announce the addition of SPI and its fine team of patient care professionals to our team. Alliance believes that the expansion of PET/CT's critical role in cancer detection and related treatment planning will result in continued overall growth in patient procedures. As part of our plan to expand Alliance's strategic position as a national leader in PET/CT services, we are pleased to be able to move forward and combine our respective organizations in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast United States.

source: Alliance Imaging

SensL enters PET/MRI brain imaging market

(Cork, Ireland, and San Jose, CA; 20 November, 2008) – SensL, an international low light sensing solutions provider, has announced sales of Silicon Photomultiplier technology to enable construction of two PET/MRI brain imaging systems. The sales are announced with two major international institutions: Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, in Seoul, Korea and the Department of Radiology/Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford University in California, USA.

Both Samsung Medical Centre and Stanford University will integrate SensL's SPMArray (Position Sensitive / Multi-Anode Silicon Photomultiplier Array) into their PET/MRI systems. The SPMArray is the first commercially available, solid-state, large array detector based on silicon photomultiplier technology.

‘We are extremely excited about our entrance into this emerging market with such internationally recognized groups as Samsung Medical Center and Stanford University. PET/MRI is an emerging multi-modality technique with potential to improve the characterization of certain cancers as well as neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and enable advanced treatment monitoring.

source: SensL

If MRI shows signs of MS, will the disease develop?

ST. PAUL, Minn. – With more and more people having brain MRIs for various reasons, doctors are finding people whose scans show signs of multiple sclerosis (MS) even though they have no symptoms of the disease. A new study published in the December 10, 2008, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that a third of these people developed MS within an average of about five years.

The study involved 44 people who had brain scans for various reasons, such as migraine headaches or head trauma, that showed abnormalities similar to those that occur in MS. The researchers confirmed that the abnormalities were the same as in MS and ruled out other possible causes. Then the researchers monitored the participants to determine whether they developed the disease.

Within an average of 5.4 years, 30 percent of the participants had developed MS symptoms. The brain scans of an additional 29 percent of the people showed further abnormalities, but they continued to have no symptoms of the disease.

"More research is needed to fully understand the risk of developing MS for people with these brain abnormalities, but it appears that this condition may be a precursor to MS," said study author Darin T. Okuda, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco, the UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center and a member of the American Academy of Neurology.

source: EurekAlert

GE Healthcare Introduces Groundbreaking Medical Imaging Technologies for Improved Patient Care

NEW YORK, Dec 09, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New Products Shipping Today to Healthcare Facilities Around the World:

-- Low-dose Discovery(TM) CT750 HD is the World's First High-Definition CT
-- Fast Discovery(TM) MR750 Improves Patient Experience
-- LOGIQ(R) E9 Enables Better Diagnosis and Treatment through Innovative Fusion Technology

GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric Company (GE: General Electric Company , today announced the commercial availability of three imaging solutions for faster, gentler imaging, which will enable better patient care: the low-dose Discovery(TM) CT750 HD, the fast Discovery(TM) MR750, and the innovative fusion technology of the LOGIQ(R) E9. Doctors from leading hospitals joined patients whose lives have been affected by these technologies at a showcase today in New York City.

"GE has developed technologies that improve the entire patient experience, from early and more accurate diagnosis to better treatment and management of diseases," said John Rice, vice chair of GE and president and CEO of GE Technology Infrastructure. "The Discovery CT750 HD, Discovery MR750 and LOGIQ E9 are setting new technological standards in the early detection and diagnosis of many prevalent health issues. We are excited to bring these breakthrough innovations to help patients around the world."

source : GE Press Release

National Institutes of Health Installs Toshiba's Aquilion ONE Dynamic Volume CT System

TUSTIN, California — December 8, 2008 — Meeting the needs of today's healthcare demands for improving patient care and safety while lowering costs, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH) has installed the most advanced, lowest radiation CT system available — Toshiba's Aquilion® ONE, the world's first dynamic volume CT system.

As the nation's leading medical research agency, NIH plans to use Toshiba's Aquilion ONE dynamic volume CT system for research to improve patient outcomes with a study focusing on low-dose cardiac exams. Additional future studies using the Aquilion ONE could include examining coronary artery disease and myocardial perfusion.

Beyond lowering radiation dose, the Aquilion ONE's ability to image the entire organ and show real-time motion helps reduce diagnosis time from hours or days to minutes for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions. It also enables physicians to treat patients faster and more accurately than before, which will ultimately help lower healthcare costs.

source: Toshiba Medical

Toshiba Education Center Offers new Dynamic Volume CT and Breast MR Courses

CHICAGO — December 4, 2008 — Continuing to expand its educational offerings, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. has created two new courses that will be taught at the Toshiba Education Center in Irvine, Calif. One course will provide an overview of dynamic volume CT using Toshiba's Aquilion® ONE while the other will focus on breast imaging using Toshiba's Vantage™ MR technology. Toshiba will be showcasing the Aquilion ONE CT system and the Vantage MR systems at this year's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 30 – Dec. 5, 2008 (Booth #3429, South Hall).

"Toshiba continues to advance not only its technology, but also its educational offerings," said Sharon Yoon, director, Education and Sales Support, Toshiba. "Without quality, hands-on training, many clinicians will not be able to fully utilize these technological advances, which can directly impact the care provided to patients."

While using Toshiba's 320-detector row dynamic volume CT, physicians and technologists will be presented with the differences between traditional helical scanning and dynamic volume technology and its benefits regarding workflow, clinical pathways and patient comfort.

sourc: Toshiba Medical

Imaging in Living Color with Siemens Molecular CT

CHICAGO, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- First introduced at the European Society of Nuclear Medicine meeting in October, Siemens Biograph mCT hits the ground running, experiencing high demand in a time when the current economical situation demands maximum utilization of existing and new imaging equipment. Biograph mCT reaches the United States as a pioneer, not only in hybrid imaging, but as an integrated imaging and workflow concept. Siemens brings Biograph mCT to RSNA as the world's first integrated imaging device to offer routine, whole-body PET scanning in just five minutes with ultraHD-PET technology, Adaptive Spiral CT and patient friendly features, such as a large bore and small tunnel, which adds up to a smart imaging solution considering today's shrinking imaging budgets. The resulting utilities from this combination of advanced PET and CT technologies in one compact system will drive change in the way institutions think about integrated diagnostics.

"Since the introduction of molecular CT, we've seen a tremendous response from customers all around the world. Biograph mCT has already begun to change perceptions in the marketplace about integrated imaging devices that provide a better return on investment," said Michael Reitermann, chief executive officer, Molecular Imaging, Siemens Healthcare. "As the forerunner in integrated imaging solutions, Siemens is leading this change in perception and combining two modalities to provide incredible clinical value. We created Biograph mCT to serve the needs of both radiology and molecular imaging -- all while offering institutions cutting-edge technology, the greatest level of patient care and maximum return on investment."

source: Siemens

CT Colonography Offers One-Stop Screening for Cancer and Osteoporosis

CHICAGO — New research reveals that computed tomography (CT) colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy, has the potential to screen for two diseases at once—colorectal cancer and osteoporosis, both of which commonly affect adults over age 50. Results of the study will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"With CT colonography, in addition to screening for colorectal cancer, we were able to identify patients with osteoporosis," said lead author Rizwan Aslam, M.B.Ch.B., assistant clinical professor of radiology at the University of California San Francisco.

CT colonography, an imaging study performed to detect pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestine, begins with an abdominal CT scan, which creates cross-sectional images of all structures in the abdomen including the spine. Computer software then arranges the CT images to create an interior or "fly-through" view of the colon.

source: RSNA

Coronary CTA is a Non-Invasive, Low Cost Alternative for Evaluating “Intermediate Risk” Patients, Even with Calcified Plaques

Coronary CTA offers a low cost, non-invasive alternative to conventional angiography for evaluating patients who are suspected of having coronary artery disease; true even if the patients have calcified coronary artery plaques, according to a study performed at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA.

The study included 31 patients who had one or more calcified coronary artery plaques that were discovered during coronary CTA. Calcified plaques in the arteries were graded as small, moderate or large. Initially the accuracy rate of determining the degree of stenosis caused by the larger calcified plaques was 67%. The study is ongoing and “now with further experience, the accuracy rate of determining the degree of stenosis with larger plaques is 72%,” said David C. Levin, MD, lead author of the study.

source: ARRS

MRI Shows New Types of Injuries in Young Gymnasts

CHICAGO — Adolescent gymnasts are developing a wide variety of arm, wrist and hand injuries that are beyond the scope of previously described gymnastic-related trauma, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

"The broad constellation of recent injuries is unusual and might point to something new going on in gymnastics training that is affecting young athletes in different ways," said the study's lead author, Jerry Dwek, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of radiology at the University of California, San Diego and a partner of San Diego Imaging at Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center.

Previous studies have reported on numerous injuries to the growing portion of adolescent gymnasts' bones. However, this study uncovered some injuries to the bones in the wrists and knuckles that have not been previously described. In addition, the researchers noted that these gymnasts had necrosis, or "early death," of the bones of their knuckles.

source: RSNA News Release

Siemens Unveils MR Oncology Applications and Dedicated Breast Scanner at RSNA 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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