Womens Imaging, IT and Therapy Surge

The world of women’s imaging is showing real growth in 2007, with the most significant movement in full-field digital mammography—a whopping 85 percent increase in systems installed since last year, according the FDA’s Mammography Quality Standards Act statistics. In response to market needs and growth, vendors are fine-tuning mammo CAD, dedicated breast MRI and 3D and 4D ultrasound systems—as well as PACS to manage all those images, and imagers when  hardcopy is needed. On the horizon, too, is digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) —with the first FDA approvals expected sometime in 2008.

Advanced Imaging Technologies (Booth 2179) is introducing image-guided biopsy capabilities as a key component of its real-time, through-wave breast ultrasound device, ARIA BIS. Also being featured is a new workstation designed to deliver multiple image displays, including whole breast bilateral and inter-modality and over-time comparison views, as well as superior contrast and spatial resolution of dense tissue.

Agfa HealthCare (Booth 4106) is launching the Drystar AXYS, a dual-film size, direct digital imager, offering a multi-application hardcopy solution, mammo-quality images with 508 dpi image resolution, short access time and imaging with two film sizes on-line. The Impax Mammography Suite is designed to facilitate diagnostic breast imaging reading in a digital environment. It supports the display of mammography CAD through the integration with iCAD’s Second Look Digital and R2 ImageChecker CAD image markers.

American Mammographics (Booth 1711) is exhibiting its MammoSpot platforms and spot compression paddles for diagnostic mammography and the new S.O.F.T. Paddle for Screening Mammography. S.O.F.T. Paddle is used as an alternative to the standard or conventional flat-compression paddle in screening mammography for superior compression of the mid and anterior breast and less discomfort for the patient.

Aurora Imaging Technology (Booth 6754) is introducing AuroraBiopsy, automated MR-guided biopsy technology. Biopsy is possible with a click on the lesion displayed on the monitor, followed by a click on the marker for the integrated stereotactic guidance system to direct the needle precisely where it needs to be, Aurora says. AuroraBiopsy provides the ability to target multiple lesions in the same breast or both breasts in a single procedure.
 

	Beekley: N-Spots nipple marker

Beekley Corporation (Booth 8433) is introducing its new line of N-Spots for marking nipples in mammography. “Perfect for Digital” N-Spots feature distinct 2.3mm non-metallic pellets that immediately, unmistakably and consistently document the nipple’s location on the screen without causing artifact. N-Spots are available in three nipple marker styles: round disc, extended tab with an adhesive-free center; and Soft ‘n Stretchy pinch-free material with an adhesive-free center.

Brit Systems (Booth 3503) is showcasing new enhancements to the Brit Vision multi-modality breast imaging workstation. The company is demonstrating a bundled mammography solution that integrates MRS’ mammography reporting software into the company’s flagship workstation. This advancement is the direct result of customer feedback and is expected to help streamline clinical workflow, the company says.

Carestream Health (Booth 2513) is exhibiting CAD for Chest and Digital Mammography at RSNA 2007. In addition to CAD for film-based mammography, Carestream is demonstrating CAD software for its CR-based mammography platforms, as well as CAD software for other vendors’ full-field digital mammography systems. The CAD for CR and FFDM solutions are available outside of the United States. The company also is displaying chest CAD and bone mineral density testing on its Kodak Directview DR 3000 platform that is only currently available in China.

	Fujifilm: FCRm multiple-reader for mammography

Fujifilm Medical Systems USA (Booth 1129) is showcasing its CR-based full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system, Fuji Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm). The FCRm multiple-reader presents mammography providers with various equipment configuration combinations; the centrally located Clearview-CS multi-plate reader serves several rooms, while the Clearview-1m, single-plate reader, can be installed in the exam room.

Gamma Medica-Ideas (Booth 5439) is introducing its dual-head LumaGEM system for applications such as molecular breast imaging (MBI). The LumaGEM system features solid-state digital detection utilizing eV Products cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) to provide superior resolution compared with the conventional scintillation camera technology traditionally used in gamma cameras, the company says. It also allows minimal dead space at the edges of the image, permitting the closest access to the chest wall.

GE Healthcare (Booth 1729) is exhibiting the Senographe Mobile Essential digital mamagraphy system with a large digital detector, advanced ergonomic design and seamless workflow connectivity, according to GE. The newest version of GE’s Seno Advantage Review Workstation, Version 2.1, is designed to maximize the power and performance of the Senographe Essential and the Senographe DS digital mammography systems. The Signa HDx 3.0 Tesla MRI system’s XVRE volume-reconstruction engine provides virtually real-time image generation. GE also is showing a range of breast imaging solutions, including breast MR: Vibrant for bilateral imaging; Brease for breast spectroscopy; and 8-channel Breast Array, with excellent signal-to-noise and better access for intervention and CADstream integration, the company says.

Hologic (Booth 7113), whose merger with Cytyc was approved by Cytyc stockholders in October and who also recently acquired BioLucent, is introducing a number of new products at RSNA, including MammoSite.  MammoSite targeted radiation therapy provides a higher daily dose that can be used for a shorter period of time—five days versus five to seven weeks. MammoSite places the radiation source inside the lumpectomy cavity. Also on display is the Selenia S digital mammography system and SecurViewDX diagnostic workstation and DigitalNow upgrade that digitizes films for soft-copy display. Hologic is showing the MammoPad breast cushion and their breast biopsy tables. Looking to the future, the company will show its investigational breast tomosynthesis system with a selenium-based detector. Also being investigated is Hologic’s fully automated breast density assessment tool, Quantra. The company is previewing the 3-D Discovery bone densitometer that is pending FDA clearance.

MagView (Booth 7610) is premiering its paperless patient history module designed to run on tablet PCs. The MagView’s Patient History module electronically collects breast history information. Once a patient has completed entering her pertinent breast history, the information is automatically entered in the patient’s electronic chart in MagView. Questions are displayed with large fonts that reduce eye strain and phrased in layman terms. Although designed for ease of use on any tablet PC, MagView’s Patient History module also can run at a kiosk or any other Windows OS workstation.

MammoBase (Booth 1604) is introducing the MammoProfile, a kiosk-based product for patients to enter their own history data into MammoBase, radiology information systems or hospital information systems. After entering data via a touch screen, patients can then view informational custom or internet videos about mammography and women’s healthcare. The MammoProfile workstation is linked across the network to the regular MammoBase database or RIS/HIS.

Mammography Reporting System (Booth 2403) is showcasing their new version 6.6 with one-touch negative reporting features on the MRS Mammography Reporting System. Designed to save time, the newest version synchronizes with digital workstations to keep the radiologist on the same patient on all monitors, synching 5K digital workstations and the network running the MRS application.

Medipattern (Booth 5515) is announcing seven new B-CAD products at RSNA, including six versions of B-CAD for breast ultrasound imaging and one version for breast MRI. The new B-CAD reads images in cine loops, automatically detecting and characterizing lesions. The B-CAD 1.2.1 turn-key solution includes a DICOM network-ready PC with a B-CAD viewer and CAD reporting system. Available outside the U.S. is B-CAD 2.2 as a software product  for Medipattern resellers’ workstations or as a plug-in module for the Sectra IDS5 workstation. B-CAD 2.2 electronically analyzes breast masses using all of the American College of Radiology’s BI-RADS feature categories.

Medison America (Booth 2903) is showcasing a new ultrasound system, the Accuvix V10, which enables enhanced diagnostic accuracy and shortened diagnostic time, providing high-quality images through its 17-inch, 1280 x1024 high-resolution, flat-panel display set on an articulating arm. The Accuvix V10 provides Doppler image quality using speckle reduction filter, full spectrum imaging, DynamicMR and features 2D, 3D and 4D imaging technologies. 

	Merge Healthcare: Merge Mammo 7.1

Merge Healthcare (Booth 1122) is exhibiting the latest versions of its standalone clinical applications, which provide tools for specific areas of a clinical practice. Merge Mammo is a multi-modality, vendor-neutral mammography workstation. As a work in progress, the company is showing Merge Mammo 7.1, which includes leading-edge support for 10-bit video cards. In addition, this application contains features such as support for 64-bit and Vista OS, more customization options for viewing and measurement tools, improved viewing protocols and support for 12-bit printing.  
 

NDS Surgical Imaging (Booth 6554) is introducing its AXIS V display for mammography. Designed specifically for use in digital mammography and PACS workstations, the AXIS V product features excellent ambient light adaptability and high-quality diagnostic images, the company says.

PenRad (Booth 3200) is releasing its latest mammography information system software, Version 8.0. DICOM productivity items include the option to provide worklists, structured reports, and PenFetch to pre-fetch and route prior images from PACS. New features include Confirma MRI CAD Integration, Quick Read report paraphrasing, PenRead to capture key tracking items from HL7 results, email of results to patients and/or referring physicians and the ability to scan documents. New procedure types including scintimammography, cryoablation, brachytherapy and sentinel node, along with additional administrative reports.

Philips Medical Systems (Booth 4129) is providing a look at their work-in-progress MammoDiagnost DR, a digital solution for mammography designed for high-volume screening. The solution, with an expected 2007 FDA clearance, features Philips Eleva workflow at the console and integrates seamlessly into existing PACS via DICOM. It features an amorphous selenium detector with 85µm pixel size; a large field of view: 24x30 cm; and automatic exposure control and compression optimization.

	Planmed: Nuance Excel Full Field Digital Mammography system

Planmed (Booth 8324) is introducing a new, full-field digital mammography (FFDM) unit—the Planmed Nuance Excel—with a unique combination of high-performance, 24x30 cm amorphous selenium–based direct digital detector and special x-ray filtration. The new technology offers optimal digital mammography image quality with significantly reduced radiation dose. The Nuance Excel comes with Planmed’s acclaimed MaxView and Side Access breast and patient positioning systems for improved mammography imaging workflow. The company also is presenting its Nuance DigiGuide, a digital stereotactic biopsy system, and a motorized, height-adjustable Nuance Acquire Station (NAS) for FFDM.

	Sectra: Breast Imaging PACS and Sectra MicroDose

Sectra (Booth 6513) is exhibiting their photon-counting, full-field digital mammography system, the Sectra MicroDose Mammography. The system has not yet received FDA approval, but is being marketing outside the U.S. In addition to maximizing image quality, increasing throughput at the lowest radiation dose on the market, Sectra MicroDose Mammography features the latest developments within photon-counting technology, the company says. Photon-counting offers better images, lower dose and fundamental advantages in several advanced applications, such as contrast mammography, dual-energy and tomosynthesis.

Siemens Medical Solutions (Booth 7713) is introducing enhancements to its Mammomat Novation DR full-field digital mammography system based on amorphous selenium detector technology. The system features a paddle design, has a 24-by-29-cm detector; and is packaged with syngo. Also on display are the syngo MammoReport softcopy reading and reporting workstation and syngo MammoCAD for FFDM that is available for sale outside the U.S. In its P-Class, Siemens is demonstrating how the pocket ultrasound system, Acuson P10, can be used to complement diagnostic care and triage, as well as in cardiology, emergency care and obstetrics.

Toshiba America Medical Systems (Booth 7130) is introducing its 4D volume imaging applications for ultrasound at RSNA 2007. The new 4D applications help physicians to better perform transvaginal/OB, small parts and abdominal imaging procedures, resulting in less variation in the acquired images, the ability to analyze data after a patient is discharged and improved productivity. The 4D transducers on display include: Microconvex; Endocavity; and Linear. 

Zonare Medical Systems (Booth 5305) is showcasing its new z.one ultra system, the company’s next-generation convertible ultrasound platform. Based on Zone Sonography technology, the z.one ultra system features advanced software and hardware and transducer technology. With the touch of a button, clinicians can convert the z.one system from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system. The z.one system’s Zone Sonography software-based architecture allows its performance to be upgraded. System upgrades can be downloaded via the internet, allowing for fast, convenient advances in clinical capabilities and clinicians to cost-effectively maintain the system, according to Zonare.