Health Imaging & IT - January 2009 - (Page 23)

RSNA 2008 IN-Depth @ RSNA360.HealthImaging.com RSNA 2008 In Review cystic and solid lesions, especially in small areas such as the thyroid, breast and ovary. Whether performing a routine vascular exam, charting fetal development or determining the status of a torn rotator cuff, the system can handle general and shared-service imaging needs. Biopsy and interventional techniques were highlighted, too, as more physicians prefer the advantage of ultrasound image-guidance with needle-guidance systems. A host of new transducers for deep and shallow images and quantification tools also we on display. Ü Women’s imaging: Breast MRI takes the limelight The specialty of women’s imaging represents arguably one of the most innovative and dynamic segments of radiology. The past decade has seen the introduction of digital mammography, computer-assisted detection (CAD) technology, and the expanding utilization of modalities such as PET, SPECT, ultrasound and MRI. Developers across the exhibit halls introduced new and refined tools, techniques and technologies that promise to maximize the clinical potential for breast imaging and interventions from the panoply of modalities spanning the spectrum of diagnostic imaging. Breast MRI systems saw enhancements, as well as introductions, with pink being the new color on the block for MRI units. Clinical studies are proving the merits of breast MR and heavy booth traffic was reflective of that, with attendees taking a closer look. Elastography to differentiate breast lesions via ultrasound was showcased by a variety of vendors, as were PET- and SPECT-based systems for differentiating cancerous lesions. Digital mammography systems showed greater flexibility, connectivity and workflow enhancements too. future looks to converge images and patient data onto one display. The impressive flat panels may be high on mammographers’ wish list as they pair two essential 5 MP systems but eliminate the bezel between the monitors. High-resolution 6 MP systems that rolled out last year and are now available for sale were on full display in several booths. The systems optimize flexibility, allowing users to configure them as a single, 6-MP or dual 3-MP monitors. Other eye-catching options included an ultra-large, 56-inch, 8-MP display geared to vascular applications that accepts up to 27 inputs. Surgeons found new heavy duty, 80-inch display solutions targeted to their exacting specifications. Vendors plugged the improved resolution of color display, with many predicting that the color vs. grayscale tide will turn this year as it becomes more feasible to replace grayscale displays with high-brightness color systems. Another hot trend was DICOM-compliant clinical review systems. Many clinical departments are turning to off-the-shelf systems for their clinical review display needs; however, vendors aim to edge into the market with an array of competitively priced, DICOM-compliant 2MP systems. Vendors also highlighted an array of features designed to streamline the display maintenance process, minimizing the labor burden of flat-panel maintenance. Labor saving (and headache sparing) tools include integrated ambient light sensors, improved auto calibration tools and streamlined hot swaps. Another display innovation that garnered a collective “wow” included two autostereotactic 3D viewing solutions that eliminate the need for 3D glasses. Ü molecular Imaging fuses diagnosis and treatment The potential and possibilities of this field were well represented at RSNA 2008. The fusion imaging capabilities of modalities such as PET/ CT and SPECT/CT, which provide anatomic clarity to the discipline’s functional focus, continue to open fresh vistas for innovative applications in patient care. A variety of vendors offered a glimpse of solid-state detector technology research in their SPECT and PET offerings, opening the possibility for the fusion of these modalities with MRI systems. Technology and software developments also showcased portable and specialized devices for breast, thyroid, oncology, and cardiac applications, as well as the capabilities to provide higher-resolution imaging. Also of note was the ongoing deployment of service and support for nuclear medicine equipment and supplies, which will extend access to this field of medicine beyond its traditional concentration near academic centers in urban areas. Ü CAD expands around the body, moves into the mainstream Computer-assisted detection (CAD) vendors showed more advanced solutions, many with recently attained FDA and CE Mark approvals, as well as touting the benefits of CAD through various clinical trials. The scope of system offerings now span from mammography, lung, colon and prostate to breast CT, MRI and ultrasound. One company even previewed a work-in-progress lymph-node CAD module. CAD companies are now focused on reducing false-positive nodule identifications, so the systems can serve as true second readers. Assistance in reviewing chest x-rays could help with detection of lung cancer, the most common cancer which must be detected early to be stopped. Many of the companies are integrating their software with advanced 3D/4D applications to gather a true volumetric measurement of potentially malignant nodules. To further assist radiologists with image interpretation, mammography CAD market, especially full-field digital mammography, was of particular focus at this year’s annual meeting of RSNA. As adoption grows, vendors are beginning to unveil their next-generation enhancements. Ü thinking large with new displays Display vendors had something for everyone to see at RSNA. Several showed off 10 megapixel (MP) works in progress as the vision of the HealthImaging.com January 2009 | Health Imaging & IT 23 http://RSNA360.HealthImaging.com http://www.HealthImaging.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Health Imaging & IT - January 2009

Health Imaging & IT - January 2009 Contents The Enterprise News Update DR Breathes New Life into Radiography Radiology in the Spotlight Educational Sessions Keynote Addresses Tech Trends on the Exhibit Floor Imaging Tools Managing Technology People & Technology Reader's Resource

Health Imaging & IT - January 2009

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