Upgraded Version of Visualization Software Suite
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Version 6.1 of Voxar 3D from Barco, Duluth, Ga, now features an array of optional clinical applications. This advanced visualization and analysis software is designed to accelerate the image manipulation process. One of V6.1’s new applications is CardiaMetrix, providing structural and functional analysis of cardiac CT images. The application incorporates a multitude of automated tasks, designed to increase the speed of reading and analysis: automatic heart and aortic route extraction, automatic contour detection, and the ability to automatically segment the coronary tree. Another new feature is Voxar 3D Enterprise, which takes advantage of client-server technology and high-performance graphics cards to accelerate load speed to 1,000 or more images in 10 seconds. Enterprise can be fully integrated into PACS to provide instant access to Voxar 3D’s visualization capabilities. (678) 475-8000; www.barco.com.
Enhancements to Dosimetry Package for Radiation Oncology CR
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Kodak Health Imaging, Rochester, NY, recently announced the availability of enhancements to a dosimetry package for its computed radiography (CR) system for radiation oncology. The new dosimetry option for the 2000RT CR Plus system includes a tool that equips physicians to check dose uniformity in a focused area of the quality assurance image. “The system offers many advantages,” said Greg Gibbs, a medical physicist at Colorado Associates in Medical Physics, Colorado Springs, which tested the dosimetry package. “It produces a high-resolution image in seconds, and it eliminates the need for film processing and the artifacts that can occur. The digital image file is also much easier to store, and it can be transmitted directly to our analysis software.” (800) 328-2910; www.kodak.com/go/medical.
MIP/MPR Software, Off-Site Archiving, and Film-Printing Software
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From FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Stamford, Conn, come three new developments: Obliquus 3D software, off-site medical archiving, and an upgrade to the DryPix 5000. First, Obliquus 3D software (shown here), recently cleared by the FDA, provides diagnostic maximum intensity projection (MIP) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), integrated directly into Fuji’s Synapse PACS. The system can be used from any network where Synapse is available, even remotely, as it works with compressed studies. Next, the company’s new off-site medical archiving service, also based on Synapse technology, provides safe, secure off-site storage of radiology data with 24/7 access. It uses spinning disk technology to provide faster access to data for system restoration in the event of a crash, and the entire system can be backed up for easy access. Current Synapse customers can come on board with a small system configuration change. Finally, an upgrade to the DryPix 5000’s software increases throughput to match the power of the DryPix 7000 system while remaining on 110-volt power. It offers throughput of up to 240 films per hour, with access to the first film in just 65 seconds, as well as 50-µm resolution and 3.6 maximum density capabilities. (800) 431-1850; www.fujimed.com.
Cell Broadband Engine Processor-Based System
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Mercury Computer Systems Inc, Chelmsford, Mass, recently announced its latest cell broadband engine processor-based product, the Cell Accelerator Board (CAB). The CAB is the first product featuring cell technology designed for commercially available PC workstations. The CAB is designed to offer 180 gigaflops of performance in a PCI Express ATX form factor, and it will enable real-time processing of massive data sets, thereby replacing dozens of server blades with a single card. It enables enhanced performance for rendering, ray tracing, and video and image processing. Pricing starts at $7,999 for a single board, with discounts available for higher volumes. (866) 627-6951; www.mc.com.
Model-Based Segmentation Software
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Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Mass, recently announced the release of its Model-Based Segmentation (MBS) software for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) workflow acceleration. An upgrade to the Pinnacle3 Radiation Therapy Planning System, the MBS software reduces the time it takes to contour tumors and anatomical structures. The software also includes an anatomical library of 3D patient organ structure models, allowing users to drag and drop the models onto patient image data, from which point the software automatically will adapt to each patient’s anatomy. “IGRT workflow is enhanced by allowing clinicians to quickly contour the tumors and organs at risk in three dimensions, then propagate the organs to alternate 4D datasets to help physicians determine the extent of tumor movement within the patient,” said David Robinson, a certified medical dosimetrist and project manager with Philips Medical. (978) 687-1501; www.medical.philips.com/us/
Updated Version of 64-Slice CT Software
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Toshiba America Medical Systems, Tustin, Calif, has released version 3.0 of the software for its 64- and 32-slice Aquilion CT systems. The new software features options to enhance the reconstruction kit, and it enables DICOM data transfer at up to 50 images per second. The software also features PhaseExact for automated, optimal phase selection for cardiac CT; Advanced QDS to improve low contrast resolution; DICOM Viewer, which automatically transfers data to a CD along with images; Presentation of Grouped Procedures with Hard Split to identify and separate multiple examination orders; and CAN Level 1 to synchronize the injector and CT system. (800) 421-1968; www.medical.toshiba.com
