Applied Radiology

SonoSite, Inc. (Bothell, WA) recently unveiled its next generation hand-carried ultrasound systems, the all-digital SonoSite 180PLUS and SonoHeart PLUS systems.

Miniaturized ASIC designs allow the 5.4-lb systems to incorporate features previously found only on cart-based ultrasound systems. The new features include Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler that provides assessment of blood flow speed and volume. The new Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI) function provides crisper images with improved tissue differentiation, finer dot size, and a smoother appearance. M-mode provides a high-resolution assessment of the size and function of moving structures, such as heart valves or chambers. ECG capability allows visualization of cardiac electrical activity synchronized with real-time imaging. PC Direct Connectivity enables transfer of stored images directly from the system to a PC.

These small systems can be used in a variety of venues from critical cardiac care centers and small general practices to remote locations and emergency transport vehicles. "As an obstetrician," said Greggory R. DeVore, MD, of the Fetal Diagnostic Center of Pasadena, California, "I rely on ultrasound to help me perform fast, accurate evaluations of fetal position and viability every day. These include evaluations at a number of different locations--labor and delivery, in a patient's hospital room, or even in the home."

Siemens Receives Clearance for Diagnostic Spot Imaging

The FDA recently granted Siemens Medical Systems, Inc., (Iselin, NJ) approval for the Opdima Digital Spot Imaging system for diagnostic spot imaging of the breast. The system, which is used with the Siemens MAMMOMAT 3000 Nova mammography system, can be used to make primary diagnosis of masses or calcifications.

"The Opdima is now the only digital spot imaging system currently cleared for diagnostic use in the visualization of breast cancer," said Joanne Scott-Santos, the women's health manager at Siemens.

"The Opdima plays an important role in the diagnosis of breast cancer at our facility, because of the speed of image acquisition, superb image quality, and user-friendliness of the system," says Dr. Ellen Shaw de Paredes, chief of Breast Imaging for the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Medical College of Virginia Hospital, and a member of the editorial board of this journal.Dr. de Paredes has been using the system since it was introduced in 1998. "This digital spot system provides very detailed images and can illustrate the density of soft tissue as well as the edges of microcalcifications, which are extremely important when assessing breast tissue for early signs of cancer."

The Opdima offers a resolution of up to 20 line pairs per millimeter, as well as a digital spot field of view of 49 * 85 mm. Images can be displayed in near real-time, and, once acquired, can be manipulated on screen to bring out an area of interest, through sharpening, inverting between negative or positive view, adjusting contrast, or magnifying the image.

In other news from Siemens, a prostate cancer patient in St. Cloud, France, has become the first patient clinically treated with the new Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) treatment process. With this process, complex radiation doses can be delivered to tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue and vital organs. This particular patient received a 7-field, 62-segment treatment in less than a 30-minute time slot, including patient set-up time, using a PRIMUS Linear Accelerator by Siemens Medical Solutions (Erlangen, Germany).

The IMRT delivery process includes the PRIMUS linear accelerator, the SIMTEC Delivery System, and the new version of the Virtual Treatment Interface, from the French company, TFM Consultants. It incorporates an automatic sequential delivery process, which provides concentrated doses of radiation, shorter treatment times, and the ability to verify the technique step by step.

eMed Technologies Announces Wide-Area PACS

eMed Technologies (Lexington, MA) recently released version 5.1.1 of their Ideal Image Management (I.M.) system. This new version features eMed Ideal WIDE Access that permits LAN-like performance over low bandwidth wide-area network (WAN) circuits, including the Internet.

Version 5.1.1 offers an On-Demand picture archiving and communications system (PACS) architecture that allows for instant access to all studies from any workstation in the enterprise or from remote locations. Local and remote users are able to access a centralized study list, with immediate access to prior studies and reports.

"When you consider the workflow reality of most busy radiology groups, radiology services must span beyond hospital walls," noted eMed CEO Caren Mason. "Radiology staffing shortages are reaching critical levels. More than ever, radiology groups need smart solutions to better leverage the talent they have."

Molecular Imaging and Applied Genomics Combine Data

GE Medical Systems (Waukesha, WI) and Genometrix Incorporated (The Woodlands, TX) have announced their alliance designed to combine genetic and protein data with diagnostic imaging to enhance early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

GE Medical Systems' noninvasive molecular imaging methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET), combined with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using novel imaging agents, are being developed to detect presymptomatic disease. Concurrently, Genometrix's genetic- and protein-based analysis systems are being developed to aid in defining and identifying patient populations at high risk for specific diseases. The two companies are combining their molecular imaging and applied genomics research to detect and quantify risk levels for diseases such as breast and prostate cancer. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, will pilot the initial multi-disciplinary research using these combined technologies.

"This agreement will combine the strengths of genomics, functional genomics, and molecular imaging to put better information in the hands of healthcare professionals," said Joseph M. Hogan, president and CEO of GE Medical Systems.

"Linking imaging information with genetic and protein data will help cancer professionals diagnose disease earlier, individualize treatment, and confirm the effectiveness of treatment," said Dr. Waun Ki Hong, head of the Division of Cancer Medicine at M.D. Anderson.

Enhanced Needle Visualization for US-Guided Breast Localizations

STS Biopolymers, Inc. (Henrietta, NY) has announced the availability of echogenic ultrasound needles for use in breast localization. The entire ECHO-COAT Ultrasound Needle shaft is visible under ultrasound when positioned at virtually any angle, permitting a more direct path to the lesion.

The coating on the needle shaft entraps bubbles of air in microcavities on the surface of a thin, smooth, biocompatible, adherent polymeric film. This echogenic surface provides increased acoustical scattering and, when applied to the entire length of the needle shaft, can provide a bright ultrasound image of the device at virtually any angle.

GE Medical Systems Acquires EchoTech 3D Imaging Systems

GE Medical Systems (Milwaukee, WI) has acquired Munich-based EchoTech 3D Imaging Systems, a leading developer of ultrasound 3D imaging technology.

As a Center of Excellence for GE's 3D imaging technology, EchoTech will continue to develop and supply 3D technology for all ultrasound manufacturers from its Munich headquarters. "We will continue to maintain and even expand the support we provide to our dealers in order to service the huge installed base of ultrasound systems, no matter which brand they are," said Hartmut Kynig, Manager, Global Sales and Marketing, 3D Technology, and one of the co-founders of EchoTech.

"3D imaging is a fast growing segment in ultrasound; it enables new and unique methods of displaying the anatomy, increasing diagnostic confidence," said Omar Ishrak, vice president and general manager of Global Ultrasound for GE Medical Systems. "The addition of EchoTech's product line to our portfolio will provide us with new capabilities on our LOGIQ and ViVid systems. EchoTech will continue to provide upgrades for all ultrasound users."