Radiology Archive

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Innova EPVision Unifies Tomography Data for Comprehensive Visualization

GE Healthcare is releasing a new radiological software package that brings together data from various modalities, like CT, MRI, and X-ray, into one volumetric visualization. The system also improves data coming off tomographs by managing blurring caused by organ movement during the original scans.

Built upon Innova's exceptional 3D imaging platform, Innova EPVision provides image overlay and delivers gated image stabilization, reducing image artifact that can occur with patient movement, cardiac motion or breathing. During procedures, the gated image stabilization enables accurate visualization for better localization and guidance of ablation catheters and other devices during interventional procedures such a complex EP procedures.
GE's Innova EPVision provides uncompromised registration performance of the 3D overlay on the 2D fluoroscopy with ECG gating and motion compensation. The application is enhanced by image stabilization features such as ECG gated display and motion tracking. These tools help reduce image motion that occurs with patient movement or breathing. Innova EPVision is available on GE's Innova 2100^IQ cardiovascular X-ray system along with the complete family of single-plane Innova systems from GE Healthcare.

Press release: GE Healthcare Provides Electrophysiologist Innova® EPVision To Navigate With Confidence During Complex Procedures ...

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Monday, March 15, 2010

Cook's NavAlign IVC Filter Placement System Gets Femoral Access Option

At the annual scientific meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology in Tampa Bay, Florida this week, Cook Medical is launching a version of its NavAlign inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement system. Already on the market since the fall of 2009, the NavAlign system is now available with femoral access option to complement the jugular access model.

From the press release:

NavAlign, available for Cook Celect® and Günther Tulip® filters, incorporates a hemostasis valve to minimize blood loss. With an accompanying multipurpose dilator, radiopaque sizing marker bands and flushing sideports designed to decrease fluoroscopy time and contrast medium amounts, the NavAlign system is ideal for physicians using image guidance to place IVC filters to help protect patients from DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition that can kill one out of three individuals if left untreated.

Press release: Cook Medical Expands Next-Generation NavAlign™ System for IVC Filter Placement with Femoral Access Option ...

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Friday, March 12, 2010

Handheld Laser Scanner Identifies Nature of Breast Masses

In a recent article in journal Radiology, researchers from UC Irvine and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign describe a method of using a laser to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors within breast tissue. The handheld scanner device in the study is based on frequency domain photon migration and watches the scattering and absorption of laser light as it moves through tissue. The technology, already proving itself effective in clinical trials, may bring a radiation-free modality to your breast cancer oncologist's office.

From a UC Irvine press release:

Unlike mammograms, the scanner provides detailed metabolic information by measuring hemoglobin, fat and water content, as well as tumor oxygen consumption and tissue density. In the study, researchers found that potentially dangerous malignant tumors and benign tumors have different metabolic fingerprints.
Separately, the UCI laser breast scanner is proving beneficial in evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapy by supplying detailed data on changes in breast tumor metabolism during treatments. This information, which can be accessed quickly at bedside, lets oncologists tailor chemotherapy based on how a patient responds.

Press release: Beyond mammography: Handheld laser scanner improves detection and treatment of breast cancer ...

Abstract in Radiology: Characterization of Metabolic Differences between Benign and Malignant Tumors: High-Spectral-Resolution Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy

(hat tip: The Engineer)

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SJM's New Engage and Engage TR Catheter Introducers

St. Jude Medical has announced receipt of FDA and European regulatory approvals for the Engage and Engage TR line of introducers for cardiac catheterization procedures. The firm believes the new products' design will facilitate safer arterial access and subsequent closure following the procedure.

St. Jude Medical designed the Engage Family of Introducers with features intended to minimize trauma to the artery and set the stage for closure using Angio-Seal(TM) or other closure devices.
The Engage Family of Introducers was designed to create a smooth and reliable means of accessing vasculature for a wide variety of patients and procedures. The Engage Introducer is used for femoral access, in which physicians access the patient's heart through the femoral vein or artery located near the groin; this portfolio includes 22 model configurations of varying sizes to accommodate a wide variety of procedures. The Engage TR Introducer portfolio includes 18 model configurations and expands the company's product offering to include introducers used to facilitate transradial (TR) procedures, in which physicians access the patient's heart through the radial artery in the arm.

Though uncommon, some risks reported by physicians during interventional and diagnostic procedures include bleeding, vessel trauma, vasospasm (a condition that causes the vessel to constrict), or formation of blood clots within the introducer. The Engage Family of Introducers incorporates new features that were designed to offer physicians more control and minimize these risks both during access and throughout the procedure.

Press release: New Introducer Product Line from St. Jude Medical Offers Reliable Access and Facilitates Arterial Closure ...

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Thursday, March 11, 2010

BostonSci's Express LD Stent Now for Clearing Iliac Arteries

The FDA has issued approval for Boston Scientific's Express LD Iliac Premounted Stent System, granting it an indication for the treatment of peripheral artery disease in iliac arteries. It is the same balloon expandable stent that has FDA indication for palliation of malignant neoplasms in the biliary tree, and already has the European CE Mark of approval for PAD in iliac procedures.

From the product page:

The Tandem Architecture™ design is comprised of both Micro™ and Macro™ Elements, which contribute to:
* Flexibility
* Conformability
* Radial Strength
* Radiopacity

Precision

* Customized balloon lengths for each stent size. Designed for minimal foreshortening and accurate placement.

1. Balloon Inflation Lumen 2. Ergonomic Catheter Hub 3. Strain Relief 4. Catheter Shaft 5. Radiopaque Marker Bands 6. Catheter Tip 7. Stent Length 8. Distal Shaft Coated with Hydro Pass® Hydrophilic Coating for Approximately 36cm 9. Total Usable Length 10. 0.035" (0.89mm) Guidewire Lumen

Press release: FDA Approves Boston Scientific's Express® LD Iliac Stent System ...

Product page: Express® LD Iliac Premounted Stent System...

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Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Continuous Left Atrial Pressure Monitoring Helps With Management, Outcomes in CHF Patients

St. Jude Medical is touting results of a recently published study that analyzed the clinical benefits of frequent and regular left atrial pressure (LAP) monitoring in patients with heart failure. In the study, patients wore a special device, called HeartPOD, that monitored their LAP and routed the data wirelessly to their cardiologist. The physician, in turn, was able to adjust the prescription drug dosage taken by the patient on a daily basis. The results show that this leads to better overall outcomes for patients and a greater understanding of the condition for the physicians involved.

The above picture was given to us by St. Jude Medical. And we think it has a clue as to the future of this technology. Imagine this kind of monitoring shows more and more positive outcomes in the future clinical studies, and it wins all needed regulatory approvals. One day we might be seeing these pressure monitoring sensors embedded into the electrodes of AICDs and pacemakers. Wouldn't that be neat?

Results from this study demonstrated that regular monitoring of LAP in combination with a dynamically adjusted prescription plan can be used to drive appropriate adjustment of HF treatments, and as a result, improved LAP control and reduction of HF events that may result in hospitalization or death.
Following implantation of an LAP sensor, all subjects in the study were free of major adverse cardiac and neurological events at six weeks, meeting the trial's primary endpoint. Over a median follow-up of 25 months, LAP control was achieved for at least six consecutive months in 76 percent of patients, with a 67 percent reduction in the frequency of elevated LAP readings (over 25 mmHg). Throughout this same period, there was a significant 84 percent average decrease in HF events including HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality once LAP-guided therapy was initiated. Over the course of treatment, patients also had significant improvements in HF symptoms and quality of life.

The report outlined results of the first 40 patients enrolled in the trial; 20 patients enrolled in three Australian or New Zealand sites and 20 patients enrolled in four U.S. sites.

The early results of the HOMEOSTASIS trial led to the establishment of the LAPTOP-HF (Left Atrial Pressure Monitoring to Optimize Heart Failure Therapy) Study, a larger pivotal, randomized, controlled, prospective, multi-center clinical investigation. The LAPTOP-HF study will be conducted under a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) and is expected to begin in the first half of 2010.

Abstract in Circulation: Physician-Directed Patient Self-Management of Left Atrial Pressure in Advanced Chronic Heart Failure

Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces Publication of Feasibility Results for Trial of Novel Heart Failure Management System ...

Medgadget 2005 flashback: HeartPOD...

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COR Analyzer for Automatic Identification of Coronary Stenoses

Rcadia Medical Imaging out of Haifa, Israel won European approval for the COR Analyzer software for identifying coronary artery stenosis from coronary CT angiography (cCTA) data. The app runs on standard PCs and will automatically process CT angiogram studies sent to it over the hospital network. The application then replies whether it identified a stenotic legion, pointing out to radiologists or cardiologists the area of concern.

Here's the application workflow and features of the COR Analyzer:

Isolate the heart region within a study

Find major anatomical structures

Locate the coronary artery tree and track the arteries

Label coronary artery segments

Segment the blood vessel internals and draw an accurate center line

Detect severe stenotic lesions

Findings can be easily verified and validated using simple visualization tools including standard 2-D projections, schematic 3-D and curved MPR views. The system automatically generates a report which includes a summary of findings and curved MPR snapshots. It can be easily edited by the physician to produce the final report.

The automatically generated curved MPR images with marked detected lesions can be exported to any PACS/Workstation either manually or automatically upon completion of processing. These images will appear as secondary capture series for the corresponding study.

Main features

Detects of significant coronary lesions

Displays 3D coronary tree & curved MPRs

Generates patient findings' reports

Exports to PACS and workstation

Runs on any 64-slice or higher CTA scanner

Product page: COR Analyzer System ...

Press release: Rcadia Medical Imaging's COR Analyzer(R) System Receives CE Mark ...

(hat tip: MassDevice)

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Tuesday, March 2, 2010

fMRI Can Visualize Dopamine Activity Directly in the Brain

Functional MRI has become a standard tool to peer into the physiologic processes happening within the brain. Though revolutionary for what it can achieve, traditional fMRI only displays the dynamics of hemoglobin molecules. (Hemoglobin is diamagnetic when oxygenated but becomes paramagnetic when deoxygenated. Hence fMRI detects regions of the brain where oxygen transfer from blood to tissues takes place.) This is an indirect approach that doesn't provide enough functional resolution and which also results in delayed readings that can mask the nature of underlying neural processes. Now researchers at Caltech and MIT have come up with a way to monitor the activity of dopamine within the brain, greatly expanding the ability of fMRI to help understand how brain functions.

From an MIT press statement:

To build the new sensors, the MIT team worked with chemical engineers at Caltech, using an approach called “directed evolution.” They started with a protein called cytochrome P450, an enzyme found in most organisms that is paramagnetic (meaning it can become weakly magnetic when exposed to a magnetic field). Using a technique called error-prone PCR, which is a faulty version of the way cells naturally replicate their genes, they generated a large collection of different mutated forms of the gene.
Each mutated gene was placed into an E. coli bacterium, which produced the mutated protein. The researchers then tested each protein for its ability to bind dopamine. At the end of each round, they took the best candidate and mutated it again for a new round of improvement. At the end of five rounds, they had two sensors that would bind strongly to dopamine but not to other neurotransmitters.

In studies of rats, the researchers showed that the sensor can effectively detect dopamine in the brain. However, in its current form, the dopamine probe must be injected into the brain, and the imaging is limited to the site of injection.

Bruce Jenkins, director of neurochemical imaging at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MGH, says the new probe is “very cleverly designed,” but points out that an important challenge is yet to come: getting the molecule to cross the layer of cells that separates the brain from circulating blood. “Trying to get a charged protein across the blood-brain barrier is very tricky,” he says.

The MIT team hopes to overcome that obstacle by applying barrier disruption techniques used historically to deliver chemotherapeutic agents to the brain. They will also try to genetically program brain cells to express the sensor, so it doesn’t have to be injected.

Abstract in Nature Biotechnology: Directed evolution of a magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent for noninvasive imaging of dopamine

MIT press release: New technique offers a more detailed view of brain activity ...

Image credit: Wellcome images: MRI scan showing the regions of the brain involved in recognising familiar faces....

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Computer Vision System Identifies Signs of Alzheimer's in MR Scans

Identifying signs of Alzheimer's disease in MR scans of patient brains is a manual process requiring experienced physicians trained for the task. To take some of the guessing out of it, scientists at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed image recognition software that automates the process, and reportedly does it with similar accuracy to that of trained doctors.

With VTT's new method, the volume of the hippocampus can be accurately calculated automatically. Earlier automatic systems for calculating the volume of the hippocampus are not in general clinical use because of deficiencies in speed and reliability.
Using VTT's new method, the assessment of MR images takes 3 minutes. With the fastest currently available automatic MR image assessment methods, the assessment takes 15 to 20 minutes. However, it is not uncommon for assessments to last for several hours.

The new method is part of a system which is currently being developed under the EU PredictAD project to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The system will be completed in 2011. The aim of the project is to develop objective methods which are sufficiently accurate, reliable and fast for clinical use but do not require large investments in equipment.

Abstract in NeuroImage: Fast and robust multi-atlas segmentation of brain magnetic resonance images

Full story: VTT has developed a rapid image analysis method to help diagnose Alzheimer's disease ...

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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

GE's Vscan, World's Smallest Portable Ultrasound, Now Available Worldwide

GE Healthcare is finally releasing the much awaited Vscan pocket sized ultrasound. Many in the industry hope that this device offers a chance for physicians to make a move from stethoscopes to portable imaging devices, bringing advanced visualization to any examination room. The unit weighs one pound and is only 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and 5.3 inches (13.5 cm) long, offering both standard black and white imaging, as well as colored blood flow doppler. GE is touting Vscan's size and capabilities for cardiologists to transthoracically view myocardium, pericardium, and heart valves, and for primary care physicians, as well as OB, ER, and others, to scan the liver, kidney, aorta and peripheral vessels, babies in the womb, and anything else the transducer can penetrate.

Features from the product FAQ:

An online portal provides Vscan users with training tools for the product and basic clinical
applications with sections about imaging technique, anatomy and trouble shooting

Intuitive user interface that can be controlled using the thumb

Intelligent workflow enhancements

Battery charger station and battery life of one hour scanning - good for up to 30 patients based on
average of 2 minutes per scan

Voice annotation

USB docking station

Link to a PC for organization and export of data

Gateway software with services tools and remote diagnostics

Here's our video from a GE event introducing the Vscan:

Press release: GE Healthcare Introduces Vscan™ Pocket-sized Visualization Tool for Point-of-care Imaging

Product page: Vscan ...

Flashbacks: A Closer Look at GE's Vscan Pocket Ultrasound ; More Details About The New GE Vscan Ultrasound System; GE's New Ultra Small Ultrasound May Become as Ubiquitous as Stethoscope

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Friday, February 12, 2010

Neuro PBV IR from Siemens Monitors Intracranial Parenchymal Blood Flows

Siemens has just announced the release of the Neuro PBV IR computed tomography suite that provides a live look of inracranial blood flows for neuroradiologists performing clot lyses, stent placements, ablations, etc.

With syngo Neuro PBV IR (Parenchymal Blood Volume, Interventional Suite), Siemens Healthcare has developed a new application for interventional radiology that allows you to review parenchymal blood flow during minimally invasive interventions in the brain for the first time. This feature assists the neuroradiologist in the treatment of stroke patients by displaying the condition of the cerebral tissue directly in the angio suite.
This not only results in clinical advantages for stroke treatment, but is equally helpful for tumor biopsy and treatment, tissue embolization, and vasospasm therapy (spasms of blood vessels).
Another benefit of the new Siemens software is that it is capable of providing blood volume data for the whole brain, unlike traditional CT acquisition, and allows the clinician to review the information from any orientation, axial, coronal, sagittal etc. Syngo Neuro PBV IR uses cone-beam CT technology (syngo DynaCT) to acquire the information required for such advanced tissue visualization.

All that is required to generate the PBV information is two C-arm rotations around the patient and a steady state contrast injection. The sophisticated processing algorithms of the system use the resulting data to generate a neurological PBV map. The information is available at tableside, in less than 40 seconds, without the need for any further user interaction.

Press release: New functional imaging for interventional neuroradiology: syngo Neuro PBV IR displays cerebral blood flow during interventional procedures...

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

FDA Approves World's Most Powerful Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Defibrillator

Sorin Group (Milan, Italy) has announced U.S. FDA approval and first implant of its next-generation of cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), Paradym CRT Model 8750. According to the company, this is the world's most powerful AICD, with a 37 Joule punch:

Paradym™ offers consistent charge times throughout the life of the device (10s at Beginning Of Life, 13s at Elective Replacement Indicator - ERI), improved longevity, and a 6-month ERI to End of Service (EOS) period, twice as long as any other ICD.
Paradym™ CRT is designed to allow more flexibility in the management of cardiac resynchronization and antitachyarrhythmia therapy in heart failure patients. BTO (Brady-Tachy Overlap) is designed to unlock pacing and detection to ensure delivery of resynchronization therapy at high pacing rates during exercise without any compromise on the management of slow ventricular tachycardias (VTs). BTO gives freedom of programming for physicians.

Paradym™ CRT, at 34cc and 11mm thin, also features the PARAD®+ detection algorithm whose superior specificity in discriminating ventricular arrhythmias has been clinically proven. Studies have demonstrated that the absolute risk of experiencing an inappropriate shock has been observed to be only 5%, the lowest percentage recorded thus far.

Press release: SORIN GROUP ANNOUNCES MARKET RELEASE AND FIRST IMPLANT OF NEXTGENERATION CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY DEFIBRILLATOR...

Product page: PARADYMTM CRT 8750 ...

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Toshiba's Viamo Ultrasound Now Available in US

Toshiba won FDA approval to market the Viamo portable ultrasound, a convertible touchscreen device that the company promises provides the same image quality as premium cart systems. The package comes with a wheeled pole that can carry the Viamo and additional transducers for easy exchange.

From the product page:

Sharing its core imaging engine and transducer technology with Aplio XG, Viamo offers high-end image quality also in situations where unlimited portability is required.

Its full range of high-performance imaging functions lets you visualize minute tissue details and vascular structures with precision for a faster, more accurate diagnosis. Advanced imaging functions such as Pulse Subtraction THI come standard with Viamo.

Viamo’s built-in touch screen allows for seamless workflow and an outstandingly comfortable and intuitive operation of the system. Viamo’s monitor can be rotated to enable free positioning of the screen. When fully turned and folded flat, Viamo can be operated in tablet mode solely via its touch screen. Individual key functions on Viamo’s console and touch screen are user programmable to suit your specific diagnostic requirements or personal preferences.

A whole range of workflow automation functions is available on Viamo. One-touch QuickScan for instance helps you achieve better imaging results in less time by automatically optimizing your imaging parameters. And Viamo’s innovative SonoSet™ function alows you to carry out examinations conveniently by simply executing freely programmable protocols step by step.

The battery-powered system is operational within just a few seconds when opened, making it instantaneously available also in critical situations.

Press release: TOSHIBA RECEIVES FDA CLEARANCE FOR VIAMO ULTRASOUND SYSTEM...

Product page: Viamo...

Product brochure...

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3Di Volumetric Visualization Software Gets Clearance in US

Shina Systems of Caesaria, Israel won FDA approval to market the company's medical visualization software. 3Di creates a digital cloud of data from different sources which distributes the images to individual computers throughout a hospital. To optimize access, 3Di splits image processing between the client and server depending on the demands of clinicians.

3Di delivers imaging data, advanced reformatting and viewing tools, as well as powerful image processing on demand via a cloud environment. It eliminates costly dedicated 3D image processing workstations, enterprise servers and inconvenient image pre-formatting by technologists, while providing interactive advanced visualizations anytime and anywhere. With convenient software-as-a-service (SaaS), pay-per-use pricing and using existing hardware and networks, 3Di is available for use with no upfront cost whatsoever.
With its cloud-based architecture, 3Di also serves as a clearinghouse for sharing medical imaging studies among hospitals, physicians and patients. Fully secure to support HIPAA compliance, 3Di allows users to upload studies from any location and share them with authorized users anywhere, essentially creating a global online medical imaging consultation platform. Depending on their expertise, users have access to a spectrum of capabilities – from basic image review to specialized diagnostic tools. The application also provides an image communication engine for electronic and personal health records (EHRs and PHRs).

The 3Di advanced visualization suite includes general multi-modality 3D reformations (MPR, MIP, Volume Rendering and related techniques), cardiac CT analysis, CT calcium scoring (WIP), virtual colonoscopy and PET/CT fusion (WIP). 3Di contributes to more accurate and efficient diagnosis by providing information more efficiently than 2D imaging. 3Di technology also will enable many imaging sites to capture additional revenue from existing image acquisition technology by adding new exam types.
The complete thin-client 3Di suite operates seamlessly from the local PC, as the user accesses imaging data—stored locally or remotely—and processes, manipulates and views images using the vast computing power of the 3Di cloud network. 3Di takes advantage of available bandwidth and local computing power to optimize performance and speed. The user interface and all functionality will integrate seamlessly with a local PACS, while a bi-directional image synchronization feature ensures both the PACS and any 3Di offsite storage are up to date. All 3Di image data is stored on remote archives with multiple redundancy and support for HIPAA compliance.

Press release: Shina Systems Receives U.S. FDA 510(k) Clearance for its 3Di Cloud-based Medical Imaging Advanced (3D/4D) Visualization Solution...

Product page: 3Di...

(hat tip: AuntMinnie)

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Toshiba's Large Paneled X-Ray System Infinix VF-i/BP

Toshiba recently released Infinix VF-i/BP, a new vascular X-ray system that features mid-size (12'' x 12'') and large size (12'' x 16'') flat panel detectors, and a new level of ergonomics and speed of usability to make it easier on doctors and technicians to perform complex multiplane studies. According to the company, Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta is the the first customer in the US to purchase the system.

Advanced biplane imaging
With its comprehensive positioning and image review capabilities, the Infinix VF-i/BP accommodates a wide range of procedures. Advanced conventional and 3D imaging technologies provide unprecedented imaging with unique tools to enhance both diagnostic and interventional procedures. These powerful imaging and processing tools enhance clinicians overall treatment planning capabilities.

3D-Angio
Easy setup and execution of mask and arterial phase are used to create bone or device fusion.

Unparalleled patient access meeting the needs of all physicians
The Infinix VF-i/BP is designed to provide superior access to the patient - an important point of distinction in the imaging landscape that now often requires the attention of a wide range of specialists. In hybrid procedures that may require a full complement of specialists including surgeons, neuroradiologists and anesthesiologists, the Infinix VF-i/BP is at its best.

Sequential Navigation
Infinix VF-i/BP is equipped with Sequential Navigation for physicians to quickly "navigate" through an exam (e.g., carotid, renal or runoff). Infinix VF-i/BP executes the preferred angles, projections, and acquisition parameters, all from memory. One touch of a button enables navigation through the routine settings for each exam type. Operators have the freedom to change any parameter throughout the procedure without disrupting Sequential Navigation.

Product page: Infinix VF-i/BP...

Press releases: TOSHIBA INTRODUCES THE INFINIX VF-i/BP VASCULAR X-RAY SYSTEM WITH LARGE AND MID-SIZED FLAT PANEL DETECTORS...; PIEDMONT HOSPITAL INSTALLS FIRST TOSHIBA VASCULAR X-RAY SYSTEM WITH 12" X 12" MID-SIZED FLAT PANEL DETECTOR...

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Impella Heart Pump to Get Intracardiac Pressure Sensor

The next iteration of Abiomed's Impella heart assist pump may be getting an optical pressure sensor built by Opsens of Quebec, Canada. A partnership just announced between the two companies includes plans to integrate Opsens' fiber optic sensors into the Impella to help clinicians monitor intracardiac/intraarterial pressure in real time.

From the press release:

Through this latest enhancement, Opsens' fiber optic sensors will be integrated into the Impella catheter and will allow for further improvements in set-up time, as well as provide a high-quality pressure monitoring capability that can eventually be used to help automate the control and operation of the Impella pump. Unlike current fiber optic sensors used on other cardiac assist devices today such as certain Intra-Aortic Balloons (IABs), Opsens' fiber optic sensor is designed to provide longer-term accuracy and reliability.

Features and benefits of the pressure technology from an Opsens brochure:

High fidelity pressure measurements with no hysteresis, motion artifact, and signal drift

High frequency response preserves signal integrity and prevents damping of signal

Lesser invasive catheterization practices with catheter size reduction

Increase functionality with immunity to MR, RF, MW, EM and electro surgery environments

Easy integration without complicated wire harness leads to manufacturing cost reduction and high production yield

Press release: Abiomed Announces Partnership with Opsens to Utilize Sensor Technology for Impella...

Link: Opsens' cardiovascular blood pressure monitoring technology...

Opsens' fiber optic pressure sensor brochure...

Impella flashbacks: Video of Impella 2.5 Heart Assist Pump Used in Minimally Invasive Procedure; Abiomed Reports New Positive Impella 2.5 Results; Impella 2.5 Heart Pump Performs Well in a Feasibility Trial; Impella 2.5 Heart Pump Given Green Light in US; Impella Percutaneous VAD to be Studied for Acute MI Patients

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Platform for The Arab World

Philips and Smit Mobile Equipment out of Oud-Beijerland, The Netherlands have developed a mobile breast screening truck specifically for deployment throughout the desert sands of the Middle East. The project development team took into consideration both the physical and cultural environment, and so integrated air conditioning and dust management systems as well as increased privacy in the interior architecture of the truck.

From a Philips announcement:

Philips and Smit Mobile Equipment partnered closely with breast screening program operators to translate their experience into a solution designed to meet the specific needs of patients and care providers in the Middle East. The design of the Mobile Mammography Screening Unit thus includes dressing facilities, a staff room and an examination room, as well as a self supporting air conditioning system. The vehicle also includes a built-in Philips Ambient Experience lighting system that contributes to a more pleasant patient experience and significantly reduces anxiety levels.
In addition to providing a high level of patient comfort, the vehicle contains state-of-the-art screening equipment such as the Mammo Diagnost DR, Philips’ digital solution for mammography, designed for efficient high-volume screening. It provides excellent image quality and the streamlined intuitive user interface at the console makes working with the system comfortable and efficient for the radiographer and allows for a quick and easy examination for the patient.

The Mobile Mammography Screening Unit takes into consideration the care cycle from the screening of patients to transmission of data to medical centers, reporting and immediate follow-up. This could include making further appointments at hospitals where treatment may be provided.

Full story: Philips and Smit Mobile Equipment present solution for mobile breast cancer screening at Arab Health 2010...

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3D Rotational Coronary X-Ray Angiography On Track for Clinical Use

As medical imaging is rapidly moving toward 3D visualization, angiographies are about to follow suit. A new technique, that uses a rotating X-ray machine, reconstructs images taken from different angles into a volumetric view of the vascular lumen. The initial study using a sole human subject now paves way to see if the technique is actually useful in a more substantial clinical trial.

From the study abstract in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions:

A recently developed method to create 3D images of the coronary arteries uses x-ray projection images acquired during a 180° C-arm rotation and continuous contrast injection followed by ECG-gated iterative reconstruction. This method shows promise for providing high-quality 3D reconstructions of the coronary arteries with no user interaction but requires clinical evaluation.
The reconstruction strategy was evaluated by comparing the reconstructed 3D volumetric images with the 2D angiographic projection images from the same 23 patients to ascertain overall image quality, lesion visibility, and a comparison of 3D quantitative coronary analysis with 2D quantitative coronary analysis. The majority of the resulting 3D volume images were rated as having high image quality (66%) and provided the physician with additional clinical information such as complete visualization of bifurcations and unobtainable views of the coronary tree. True-positive lesion detection rates were high (90 to 100%), whereas false-positive detection rates were low (0 to 8.1%). Finally, 3D quantitative coronary analysis showed significant similarity with 2D quantitative coronary analysis in terms of lumen diameters and provided vessel segment length free from the errors of foreshortening.

Fully automated reconstruction of rotational coronary x-ray angiograms is feasible, produces 3D volumetric images that overcome some of the limitations of standard 2D angiography, and is ready for further implementation and study in the clinical environment.

Abstract in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions: Clinical Feasibility of a Fully Automated 3D Reconstruction of Rotational Coronary X-Ray Angiograms

Aerican Heart Association press statement: New software provides 3-D views of arteries in catheterization lab...

Image credit: Lisbon Center for Images in Science and Art

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Video of Impella 2.5 Heart Assist Pump Used in Minimally Invasive Procedure

Last week, surgeons from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York held a broadcast of a live complicated cath lab procedure involving Abiomed's Impella 2.5 left ventricular assist pump. The patient had a severely decreased left ventricular function and required hemodynamic assistance while rotational atherectomy was conducted and a stent placed.

More info about the case from an Abiomed press release:

The patient was a 58-year-old male with severe calcific multivessel and left main disease with severe LV dysfunction (LVEF of 25%). A normal LVEF typically ranges from 60 - 66 percent. Impella 2.5 was inserted to maintain left ventricular support and provide hemodynamic stability.

Video: Rotational Atherectomy followed by simultaneous kissing stent (SKS) technique for distal left main bifurcation using Impella assist device...

Press release: Impella 2.5 Patient Procedure at Mount Sinai Medical Center Featuring New Product Enhancements...

Product page: Impella 2.5...

Flashbacks: Abiomed Reports New Positive Impella 2.5 Results; Impella 2.5 Heart Pump Performs Well in a Feasibility Trial; Impella 2.5 Heart Pump Given Green Light in US; Impella Percutaneous VAD to be Studied for Acute MI Patients