3D applications boom

Rendering three-dimensional images is one way users can handle image-intense applications, a must in the wake of technological advancements coming from multi-slice CT scanners and 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., a provider of 2D and 3D visualization software, 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 MDCT 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 has also 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 that included a new, powerful feature to its AquariusNET enterprise 3D server.

 The widely implemented system is now equipped with a new distributed clustering capability that 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, whether they reside on a local server, a server in another department or a remotely located server linked by a VPN (virtual private network).

 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).

 Updated features of the company's AquariusNET Client and Server include better user interface unification with the Aquarius workstation, advanced support for multi-modality overlay, such as CT/PET, and new tools for batch output and movie scripting.

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