Medical Device Link.

Originally Published MX January/February 2005

BUSINESS NEWS

At the end of November, more than 650 imaging-sector manufacturers made their pilgrimage to Chicago to exhibit at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA; Oakbrook, IL).

The LogiqBook XP by GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) is a full-featured portable ultrasound system that incorporates clinical connectivity and information technology capabilities to permit remote consultation and help physicians make quicker clinical decisions.

The RSNA exhibition is the traditional launchpad for products in every imaging technology, including x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET). In addition, the show has become a major demonstration center for medical information exchange and storage systems, clinical connectivity, and systems interoperability for the digital distribution of images across the medical enterprise. RSNA 2004 featured more than 2000 scientific and clinical presentations and over 1000 educational and technical exhibits.

Manufacturers had a lot to show at last year's RSNA meeting. Following is a small sampling of the products and equipment demonstrated by RSNA exhibitors.

Eastman Kodak Co. (Rochester, NY) announced the latest release of its DirectView integrated healthcare product suite. To improve clinical productivity, efficiency, and information accuracy, the suite incorporates both radiology information (RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). The system also provides enhanced support for specialty applications, including mammography and orthopedics, 3-D interpretation tools, and other workflow-management solutions.

The open-bore Magnetom Espree MRI system by Siemens Medical Solutions USA (Malvern, PA) offers more room than traditional MRI systems. (click to enlarge)

Fischer Imaging (Denver) showed its SenoScan digital mammography system, which the company describes as "the first and only mammography system to offer 25-µm native diagnostic resolution—the highest image resolution available."

Conveying clinical data directly to the physician's pocket is the achievement of the Pocket ID by Fuji Medical Systems USA (Stamford, CT). The device combines the company's customizable Flex UI digital x-ray software application with the convenience of a personal digital assistant. With the Pocket ID, patient data can be accessed quickly and verified at the patient's bedside, enabling caregivers to increase efficiency while reducing the potential for medical errors.

GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK) introduced the next generation of its Light Speed VCT CT scanner, which is capable of capturing the image of any organ in one second. It can scan the entire body in fewer than 10 seconds and capture images of the heart and coronary arteries in fewer than five heartbeats. Also on display was GE's LogiqBook XP, a full-featured portable ultrasound system that enables clinicians to scan patients virtually anywhere—even in trauma and surgical settings.

Temporal resolution so fast that it can cover the entire heart in one breath-hold is a key feature of the Aquilion CT product line by Toshiba America Medical Systems (Tustin, CA).

Philips Medical Systems USA (North Andover, MA) featured its Gemini Brilliance CT 16 Power, an open PET/CT scanner described as offering high performance and throughput while addressing clinician requirements and ensuring patient comfort. Philips also presented its open-design Panorama 1.0T, which the company described as "the world's first and only open high-field MRI with active shielding."

Siemens Medical Solutions USA (Malvern, PA) demonstrated the Magnetom Espree, an open-bore 1.5 tesla MRI system that offers more room than traditional MRI systems, providing relief for obese, claustrophobic, elderly, and pediatric patients. Also featured was Siemens's Magnetom Trio, the first system capable of 3-tesla whole-body magnetic resonance imaging. The system is described as suitable for clinical or research MRIs of all organs and body regions and is compatible with other MRI equipment and hospital information systems.

Toshiba America Medical Systems (Tustin, CA) introduced its Infinix VC-i 3-D vascular imaging system and Vitrea workstation, which employs dual PC processors and a digital network communication platform. The system delivers high-quality 3-D images that can depict very minute anatomical details. The company also displayed its Aquilion CT product line, capable of scanning the entire heart in a single breath-hold. The system's high spatial resolution visualizes small coronary arteries and interior stents, while its low-contrast resolution can detect soft plaque.

To find out about the more than 600 other exhibitors at RSNA 2004, visit the organization's Web site at www.rsna.org.

Copyright ©2005 MX