Surgical product maker Zimmer has acquired Synvasive Technology, best known for its Stablecut surgical-saw blades and eLibra system used in knee replacement surgery.

The global PACS market, valued at $2.8 billion in 2010, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent to reach $5.4 billion by 2017, according to a MarketResearch.com report titled Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Global Opportunity Assessment, Competitive Landscape and Market Forecasts to 2017.

Positron has acquired all of the assets and business operations and retained all employees of Manhattan Isotope Technology (MIT). In exchange, MIT will receive cash advances, assumption of certain indebtedness and earn-out consideration of $3.5 million, based on 20 percent of the net income from sales relating to radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical operations of MIT.

Sectra, the healthcare IT system developer based in Linkping, Sweden, has reached a multi-year agreement to bring its RIS/PACS suite to Nashville General Hospital at Meharry in Nashville, Tenn.

The widespread adoption of PACS has led to a number of improvements in patient careincreased productivity, elimination of film, increased image accessibilitybut along with those benefits, PACS adoption has put a wedge in communication between radiologists and referring physicians, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Greensboro Radiology, a medical imaging provider based in Greensboro, N.C., is merging with High Point Radiological Services to create one of the largest private radiology practices in the nation.

The Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model developed by Dale L. Goodhue, PhD, is a valid tool to predict the utilization and perceived net benefits of a PACS upgrade, according to a case study published in the December issue of the Journal of Digital Imaging. The researchers, including Luigi Lepanto, MD, of the University of Montreal, and colleagues also found that utilization alone was not predictive of net benefits.

MedData, a medical billing services provider headquartered in Brecksville, Ohio, has acquired MedDirect, a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based patient services provider that sells revenue cycle management and personalized patient communications products to healthcare organizations.