RSNA: Fujifilm stresses mobility in multiple forms

Fujifilm Medical Systems debuted a host of mobile platforms at the 96th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), held Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 in Chicago. New systems include FCR Go 2, FDR D-Evo Wireless and Synapse Mobility. The company also highlighted expanded clinical and reporting capabilities of Synapse Cardiovascular.

FCR Go 2 mobile CR system incorporates a higher output x-ray generator to accommodate imaging of dense areas such as the abdomen and spine, Fujifilm said. The new system features a 15-inch image display and upgraded functionality at the onboard workstation. Additionally, the FCR Go 2 provides a smaller, lighter weight chassis design, coupled with an improved driving system.

The new, wireless version of the FDR D-EVO is a 14-inch x 17-inch flat panel detector to help sites convert any analog room to digital with a direct fit into existing table or upright systems. The wireless system features Irradiation Side Sampling (ISS) technology to improve detective quantum efficiency (DQE).

Synapse Mobility enables access to Fujifilm’s suite of Synapse products from handheld mobile devices, as well as Macintosh- or Windows-based PCs. Radiologists and referring physicians can access images and information stored in Synapse PACS, Synapse RIS and Synapse Cardiovascular. Synapse Mobility can display high quality, interactive 3D images on iPads, iPhones and Android smart phones. User feedback is being incorporated into the product as development is completed, and commercial availability is expected in the first quarter of 2011, Fuji said.

Fuji also introduced Synapse 3D, which is integrated into Synapse Cardiovascular and launched Intelligent Structured Reporting (ISR), enabling the creation of echocardiography reports, which is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2011.

Synapse 3D provides tools including CT coronary angiography, CT and MR cardiac function analysis, calcium scoring and cardiac fusion, allowing fusion of CT, SPECT, CT Function or MR Function. The new release also integrates with GE Healthcare EchoPACS workstation, Fuji said. While working within Fujifilm’s CVIS application and reviewing a Vivid exam, cardiologists and sonographers will be able to launch the EchoPAC plug-in from an image, explained Fujifilm.

Fujifilm showed Version 6.0 for Synapse RIS and Synapse TeleRIS applications. Included with version 6.0 is support for Microsoft’s latest .NET Framework 4.0 platform and new capabilities such as web-form controls, dynamic updating worklists, a configurable home page, configurable radiology reports and a multi-day scheduler. An integrated component of the Synapse RIS products, and also available as an adjunct tool for Synapse  PACS users, Synapse Communications now includes updates to its instant messaging and critical results notification capabilities.

Finally, the company shared that clinical trials for 3Dimensional Digital Mammography have started in Japan and clinical evaluations are set to begin at breast screening facilities across the U.S., beginning with Emory University in Atlanta.

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.