FDA green-lights Toshiba advanced viz upgrade

Toshiba America Medical Systems has received FDA approval for a software upgrade to its MR VirtualExplorer workstations, which offer enhanced post-processing functionality and MR flow and velocity measurements for the cardiac package.

The upgraded product, VirtualExplorer Version 3.1, includes 3D image visualization, a DICOM viewer, 2D filming and the Double Oblique and Virtual Endoscope applications. The new package also includes upgrades specific to VirtualExplorer’s Cardiac and Neuro Editions, Tustin, Calif.-based Toshiba said.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.