5MP Video Graphics Card

Image Systems Corporation, Minnetonka, Minn, introduces the Image-5MP, a dual head 10 bit, digital, 5 megapixel, grayscale video graphics card. The Image-5MP has the features needed to properly display medical images including: 10-bit grayscale, calibration and DICOM-compatible gamma correction, portrait acceleration via hardware, grayscale palette support, portrait or landscape selectable orientation, small form factor PCI bus with dual outputs, on-board test patterns, and cool, fan-less design. The Image-5MP board was designed specifically for medical imaging. (952) 935-1171; www.imagesystemscorp.com.

3D/4D Imaging Visualization

HInnovation Inc, Wauwatosa, Wis, introduces iConnection, a 3D/4D visualization system that allows physicians to use existing ordinary Internet-connected PCs to access the same 2D review and 3D/4D imaging visualization functionalities typically available only on dedicated workstations. The iConnection system allows its users to review and analyze patients’ diagnostic images and consult and collaborate over the Web when the need arises and in an ubiquitous distributed clinical environment. (414) 453-7880; www.hinnovation.com.

Scalable Archive

Siemens Medical Solutions, Malvern, Pa, announces the introduction of the SIENET” VA42 MagicStore system for diagnostic image storage. The MagicStore is a DICOM 3.0-compliant, scalable enterprise storage solution using standard network infrastructure that allows health care providers the flexibility to add storage capacity on a just-in-time basis in any size environment. With the system, image data can be stored directly from any Siemens or non-Siemens DICOM 3.0 compliant device. MagicStore is expected to be available in the fall of 2003, and is based on open standards and deployed on industry standard database technology and off-the-shelf hardware. (877) 998-9930; www.siemensmedical.com.

Pulse Sequence Technology

GE Medical Systems, Waukesha, Wis, offers PROPELLER, which incorporates a new pulse sequence technology based on fast spin echo that acquires data in radial blades that rotate. In addition to evaluating stroke patients, PROPELLER can be used for pediatric patients or anyone who cannot remain motionless during an examination. With PROPELLER, physicians can clearly see specific areas of the brain that were previously compromised either by a patient’s movement or by the presence of dental work, craniotomies, or other abnormalities that could impact the magnetic field. (800) 558-5120; www.gemedical.com.

PET Workstation Software Upgrade

Hitachi Medical Systems America Inc, Twinsburg, Ohio, has announced software upgrades for the AVIA” Advanced Visualization and Image Analysis PET Workstation. These upgrades provide the foundation for future 3D oncologic software applications. The upgrade includes: non-rigid/deformable fusion to quickly and accurately align multi-modal images to compensate for general patient motion or position changes, correct for respiratory and digestive motion, and enhance before/after comparisons of response to treatment. In addition, the upgrades feature enhanced display for improved visualization and customized templates, teleradiology sharing functionality, enhanced flexibility with print and review templates, automatic archiving security, and on-the-fly DICOM tag mapping. (800) 800-3106; www.hitachimed.com.

Virtual Colonoscopy

Viatronix Inc, Long Island, NY, introduces the release of version 1.3 of its Virtual Colonoscopy Software. The new version of the V3D Virtual Colonoscopy module provides numerous software enhancements and a supine and prone registration feature, allowing the user to correlate between both views. This lets the user switch at any time between the supine and prone scan, enabling a faster verification of findings and identification of parts that might be collapsed or hidden by residual stool and fluid in one of the two scans, optimizing workflow and reporting. (866) 887-4636; www.viatronix.com.