3D
Rendering three-dimensional images is one way users can handle image-intense applications, a must in the wake of technological advancements coming from multislice CT scanners and faster MR. Its increasing necessity and popularity made vendors more than eager to showcase the latest and greatest of their 3D offerings at RSNA 2003.Viatronix Inc. at RSNA highlighted its recently FDA-approved V3D-Vascular module designed specifically to ease the burden placed on radiologists and technologists to create clear visualization of complex vascular anatomy. The module allows the user to examine vessels in 2D and 3D, fly-through, view hard and soft plaque and make precise measurements.
Viatronix also hallmarked its V3D-Colon system that renders 2D computed tomography images of the colon into 3D images to screen for polyps and other abnormalities. Researchers revealed in a study presented at the show that virtual colonoscopy is as sensitive as and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy in screening average-risk patients.
Provider of 3D software for PACS, Voxar Ltd., launched new versions of both its Voxar 3D and Colonscreen.
Appropriate for pre-, intra- and post-operative examinations, the latest version of Voxar 3D, 4.2, can visualize and analyze image data from PET scanners to multislice CT and MRI studies. This latest feature allows PET data to be viewed using Voxar's 2D, MPR, MIP and 3D reconstruction tools.
Three-dimensional endoscopic visualization also has been integrated into v. 4.2. The non-invasive method provides a fly-through perspective view of hollow anatomic regions to improve localization and characterization of pathology.
TeraRecon of San Mateo, Calif., featured its enhanced Aquarius line of products at RSNA 2003, including a new, powerful feature to its AquariusNET enterprise 3D server.
A new distributed clustering capability provides management for very large datasets. A single diagnostic review station running the AquariusNET client software can now select a study from a global list of examinations in the enterprise.
The system also has the ability to display up to four examinations from the same or different modalities concurrently, even if they reside on different servers in the network.
Version 3.2 of TeraRecon's Aquarius workstation now includes faster loading, time-saving clinical protocols, "cube view" review for fast 3D interrogation of a volume of interest and analysis tools such as SAT (segmentation analysis and tracking for mass nodule analysis) and VAT (vascular analysis tools for aneurysm sac volume and leaks).
Vital Images Inc. offered a host of products at RSNA 2003, including a look at its general vessel probe option for its Vitrea software. The company describes the technology as an advanced one-click vessel analysis for radiologists examining CT and MR contrasted vessels to non-invasively visualize and quantify the presence and extent of vascular disease. The option is available as of the start of 2004.
The company also has a CT Lung Analysis option with 2D and 3D visualization tools, automatic measurements and lung nodule report generation.
Vital Images also has teamed with McKesson Corp. to offer Vitrea on McKesson's Horizon Medical Imaging management product using DICOM protocols, which wil be directly integrated into the Horizon system over time.
The company's partnership with Mirada Solutions - now part of CTI Molecular Imaging Inc. - will produce a fusion imaging product in 2004.
Imaging3 Inc. showcased its 3D technology at RSNA 2003. Imaging3 Technology 3D images are constructed using high-resolution fluoroscopy and can be used as real-time references for medical procedures.
A medical imaging device built with Imaging3 Technology can perform real-time, 3D medical imaging, emulating a CT scanner and performing standard fluoroscopy.