Health Imaging & IT - August 2008 - (Page 23)

On the Horizon The breast cancer imaging horizon is bright. Several new technologies under development promise to add to the breast imaging arsenal. Options under development include: › Whole-breast ultrasound. Although American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) 6666 trial tied screening ultrasound to a relatively high callback rate and low positive predictive value, SonoCine believes screening ultrasound will be feasible. The company’s investigational technology separates data acquisition and review. The system interfaces with conventional ultrasound systems, adding computer guidance of the probe and custom review software to allow radiologists to adjust images for speed, size, brightness and contrast. Early data show a favorable callback rate and positive predictive value. On the economic front, it is expected that ultrasound could be more cost-effective than breast MRI for high-risk screening. › Molecular breast imaging (MBI, also known as sestamibi or scintimammography) shows promise as an alternative to breast MRI for high-risk women and those with dense breast tissue. Advantages of MBI include lower cost and more straightforward image review. A recent study from The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., found comparable sensitivity over 90 percent and specificity of 50 percent with MRI and MBI. › Breast tomosynthesis is edging closer to clinical reality. The technology is expected to improve on mammography’s accuracy by acquiring and reconstructing a series of thin slices of breast tissue. Look for the first commercial systems later this year or early in 2009. risk screening and equivocal mammographic results. “It’s analogous to breast MRI with several advantages. It’s easier for the patient and yields fewer false positives,” explains Rachel Brem, MD, director of breast imaging and intervention. The system delivers other advantages, too. Specifically, Dilon produces four to six images for optimal correlation with mammograms, initial investment is a fraction of an MRI scanner and radiologists can read results in 30 seconds. Plus, reimbursement is stable, and the small files can be read on a standard PACS workstation. “This is a wonderful and easily integrated adjunctive technology,” sums Brem. on a roll Breast imaging and IT are expanding, delivering essential improvements to the process. The right combination of tools and processes allows radiologists to bypass time-consuming clerical tasks and focus on their primary role of image interpretation. Improved productivity translates into increased revenue. At the same time, auxiliary imaging technologies continue to carve diagnostic niches, improving diagnosis and treatment. Latest DynaCAD Enhancements Offer Improved Workﬂow and Increased Diagnostic Conﬁdence Biopsy Breast Array Coil Increased Diagnostic Conﬁdence Integrated Interventional Planning Imaging 12501 Research Parkway Orlando, FL 32826 tel 407-275-3220 tel 800-331-3220 fax 407-249-2022 info@invivocorp.com Healthimaging.com august 2008 | Health Imaging & IT 23 http://www.invivocorp.com http://www.invivocorp.com http://www.invivocorp.com http://HealthImaging.com

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Health Imaging & IT - August 2008 Table of Contents On the Web The Enterprise News Update Cover Story: 2008 Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities Interpreting the Spectrum: Breast Imaging & IT Options Abound Optimizing Breast MRI Reading Technology Outlook Managing Technology Reader's Resource People & Technology

Health Imaging & IT - August 2008

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