Last year about 500 million imaging procedures were performed, according to the American College of Radiology, for an average of about 1.7 scans per American, reported Forbes. Growth in medical scans has outpaced that of other medical services, rising 9% per capita between 1999 and 2002, compared with 3.3% for other services, according to government reports. Booz Allen Hamilton estimates that in 2002, U.S. patients spent $75 billion on diagnostic imaging, which could grow to $110 billion by 2007. Forbes reports that many of these scans are being performed unnecessarily, which ultimately results in higher healthcare costs. The average annual premium for a family health insurance policy jumped 13.9% in 2003 to $9,026 according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In a 1994 study, the U.S. General Accounting Office found that doctors who owned imaging equipment ordered 54% more MRIs, 27% more CAT scans and 22% more ultrasounds, compared with those who referred those procedures to outside doctors. Another mason for the rise in imaging services can be attributed to the technology being more widely available and more effective, and the fact that it’s generally covered by insurance, said Forbes. Medicare officials also contend that doctors are doing more imaging in order to avoid malpractice liabilities. In addition, more patients are asking doctors for imaging services.

Technology Marketing Group, Inc., (TMG), Des Plaines, Ill., in an effort to reach smaller companies and provide more affordable marketing information, has unbundled its medical imaging databases to provide select data in the form of sales leads and targeted mailing lists. Previously, the information was available only to subscribers of the complete TMG census databases, the cost of which was frequently out of reach of small companies and specialty suppliers. Both the sales leads and mailing lists are based on TMG’s census surveys of major imaging modalities. The surveys were collected by telephone contact with a technologist or administrator in charge of targeted imaging facilities, and are updated every 18-24 months. The company says most data is less than a year old. Sales lead data, based on a company’s buying intent for equipment or consumables, can be purchased as a list or as a complete information profile. Leads can be selected to meet specific criteria such as procedure volume, procedure mix, brand and age of equipment installed and other factors. The list format provides a contact list that meets the criteria selected. Profile formats provide detailed information on every site that meets the selected criteria, including site demographics, procedure volume, installed equipment and buying plans and consumables purchases. Mitch Goldburgh, general manager of TMG, said his company’s sales leads are current, complete and targeted to markets of greatest interest to vendors. He called the leads an economical alternative to mass mailings to the 20,000-plus diagnostic radiologists around the country, trying to find the 400-500 that are the most likely prospect base for the coming year. “With TMG’s select data program, a vendor can pre-select the most likely prospects and focus attention on them, with the option of drilling into TMG’s data as far as needed to profile each individual prospect,” said Goldburgh. For small companies with less sales coverage and fewer resources, he said, it can be as important to know whom not to call as to whom to call. Charges for sales leads and mailing list vary depending on format and criteria requested. For data less than six months old, only complete profiles are available at a cost of $50/profile selected, based on customer-defined criteria and database capabilities. TMG census data includes information from both hospital and non-hospital sites performing medical imaging. Data is licensed to user for their unlimited use and provided in digital format.

VisageRT(TM) offers accelerated visualization and reconstruction of medical image data. Volume-rendering components include multi-planar reformatting and thick slab rendering, maximum intensity projection, shaded volume rendering, and perspective viewing. Multi-resolution representation for large data ensures smooth interaction with 3D images. Image reconstruction components support Fourier techniques, Pi methods, algebraic reconstruction, and expectation maximization.

Volume Rendering and Image Reconstruction Solutions Improve Time to Market and Increase 3D Imaging Quality for Life Sciences

CHELMSFORD, Mass., Nov. 11 - Mercury Computer Systems (NASDAQ:MRCY) announced the VisageRT(TM) family of software components for accelerated, embedded visualization and reconstruction of medical image data. Designed for seamless integration into existing system frameworks of life sciences OEM customers, VisageRT software leverages the power of mainstream processors and accelerators to deliver increased performance and enhanced image quality, and is an integral offering in Mercury’s portfolio of advanced 3D imaging and visualization solutions.

“With the VisageRT offering, we enable our customers to keep pace with the tremendous amount of data that is created by today’s diagnostic and interventional imaging devices such as CT, MR, digital X-ray, SPECT, PET, and ultrasound,” said Marcelo G. Lima, vice president of Life Sciences, Imaging and Visualization Solutions, Mercury Computer Systems. “By building upon off- the-shelf software and hardware components, time to market and engineering cost for our customers are drastically reduced. Furthermore, VisageRT-based solutions scale from software-only to multiple GPU- or FPGA-based solutions, to provide the optimal balance of value and performance.”

XB Series modular, scalable workstations and servers leverage multiple processors and acceleration boards as well as multi-accelerator applications for medical imaging, geosciences, and visualization/simulation. Products also offer variety of PCI Express(TM) and PCI-X option slots within 4U space. XBi system uses Intel[R] Xeon(TM) processors, supports MS Windows[R] environment and Linux[R] operating system, and runs ExamineRT(TM) application software.

Modular, Cost-Effective Design Leverages Multiprocessor, Multi-accelerator Applications for Medical Imaging, Geosciences, and Visualization/Simulation Markets

CHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 28 — Mercury Computer Systems (NASDAQ:MRCY) today announced the XB Series, a new family of modular, scalable imaging platforms. The XB Series workstations and servers enable the efficient use of multiple processors and acceleration boards (e.g., graphics processing units or GPUs) for high-performance computation and visualization. Example applications include medical image reconstruction, rendering application servers, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), biotechnology computation, and interactive visualization of very large data.

“The design of the XB Series is specifically tailored towards the exceptional processing and graphics performance requirements of these applications,” said Didier Thibaud, vice president and general manager, Imaging and Visualization Solutions, Mercury Computer Systems. “The XB platform leverages the capabilities of advanced acceleration hardware for high-end imaging and simulation, as well as for general-purpose computing, resulting in cost-effective solutions with remarkable performance.”

Leveraging accelerated 3D rendering to optimize clinical workflow, ExamineRT(TM) provides visualization capabilities and complete digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) integration. Able to run on standalone workstations or scalable application server connected to multiple thin clients, product integrates VisageRT(TM) software components with interactive GUI and is optimized for certified acceleration hardware.

“Our strategy is to provide turnkey, customized solutions,” said Marcelo G. Lima, vice president of Life Sciences, Imaging and Visualization Solutions, Mercury Computer Systems. “Based on the ExamineRT application, a modality console, diagnostic or interventional workstation, or PACS viewer can provide an individualized look and feel for each OEM customer.”

Turnkey Imaging Applications Leverage Accelerated 3D Rendering to Optimize Clinical Workflow

CHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 28 — Mercury Computer Systems (NASDAQ:MRCY) today introduced the ExamineRT(TM) family of OEM-tuned turnkey applications for advanced medical imaging. The ExamineRT software application provides advanced, accelerated visualization capabilities, server and thin- client support, and complete digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) integration, resulting in optimized workflow and increased productivity for OEM applications in diagnostic, interventional, and molecular imaging, as well as for picture archiving and communication systems (PACS).

ExamineRT applications leverage the full potential of Mercury’s comprehensive product portfolio for life sciences by integrating Mercury’s highly optimized VisageRT(TM) software components with an easy-to-use, interactive graphical user interface that fits seamlessly into the clinical workflow. Furthermore, ExamineRT solutions are optimized for certified acceleration hardware, such as Mercury GPeXpress(TM) accelerators and XBi high-density imaging platforms. The software runs on standalone workstations as well as on a scalable application server that can be connected to multiple thin clients, i.e., distributing highest end graphics performance to a large number of standard PCs in a hospital environment.

Three dimensional (3-D) medical diagnostic imaging appears to be one of the major technical advancements of this decade. It is being pursued vigorously by the industry and is technologically feasible. However, cost versus performance issues are currently extremely sensitive, and are holding back commercialization of a number of 3-D technical concepts. The technical approach detailed in this (Guided Therapy Systems Inc.) report will allow commercialization of a thoroughly needed 2-D acquisition system (2-D probes and controller modules), which are uniformly recognized as a critical part of a 3-D ultrasound imaging system. Any commercially viable system has an architecture driven primarily by cost and performance issues. 2-D phased and linear arrays would certainly meet the performance requirements, should the major technological obstacles be surmounted. A large number of research papers are devoted to resolve such issues, however the cost and considerations for such arrays, with thousands of elements to interconnect and drive, have not been resolved to date. This research shows the feasibility of achieving a balance between cost and performance for 2-D probes, by utilizing electronic arrays and integrated control modules, with a mechanically driven compact 2-D imaging probe.

ABSTRACT. Proper use of medical imaging tools requires knowledge of their associated radiation risks, as well as their possible benefits. The authors assessed physicians’ knowledge of the radiation risks associated with bone scintigraphy (bone scan) during an annual meeting of the Israeli Orthopedic Society. The mortality risk of radiation-induced carcinoma from bone scan was identified correctly by less than 5% of respondents. The most frequent answer (38.4%) was the option that was least correct. Senior orthopedists estimated lower risks than did residents. Overall, respondents grossly underestimated the potential radiation risk from bone scan.

IONIZING RADIATION from occupational exposures is subject to strict international regulations. The regulations, derived from a linear model, (1) set annual occupational exposure limits at 20 mSv (2 rem). (2) Annual ionizing radiation exposure limits for the general public are set at 1 mSv (0.1 rem). Assuming the dose is delivered incrementally, 1 mSv carries a 4/100,000 chance of producing a fatal cancer. A person exposed annually to 1 mSv for 60 yr has a 60 times greater risk for cancer (or 24/10,000). (3)

Regulations limiting exposure to ionizing radiation do not apply to patients undergoing medical evaluation or treatment. The responsibility for deciding whether a patient should undergo radiotherapy is delegated to the physician, who has to compare the benefit of the procedure with the expected risk involved. This judgment requires the physician to have a clear knowledge of the ionizing radiation risks associated with specific imaging techniques. (4)

Physicians usually conceptualize the radiation dose associated with a specific medical imaging test by comparing the test to a standard: the chest radiograph (x-ray). For example, computerized tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine has a radiation dose equivalent to 250 chest x-rays (5 mSv), (5) and bone scintigraphy (bone scan) has a dose equivalent to 200 chest x-rays (4.2 mSv). (6) The authors hypothesized that orthopedists may not be aware of the radiation hazards associated with the imaging tests they commonly use in their practices. To assess their level of knowledge about one of these tests, we administered a short questionnaire on the risks of bone scan at an annual meeting of the Israeli Orthopedic Society.

Able to be attached to current IP networks, Express Platform for Medical Imaging provides SMBs with preconfigured, integrated hardware and software bundle that helps store, retrieve, and protect sensitive, patient-related data. Compact design, which integrates RAID 5 data protection, also comes preloaded with software for data backup protection. It facilitates deployment, supports various open standards, and provides for scalable storage growth.

At a glance

IBM Express Platform for Medical Imaging:

Is a preconfigured, integrated, and tested hardware and software bundle for entry-level small and medium businesses

Is designed to help store, retrieve, and secure sensitive medical imaging data for retrieval by Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS) applications

Provides an affordable offering that can be attached to current IP networks and provides the flexibility of scalable storage growth

Provides advanced RAID 5 data protection

Offers preloaded software for data backup protection

Provides flexible prepackaged configurations to address a wide range of storage needs

Offers a Solutions Starting Point that includes a Windows Wizard for IBM Tivoli Storage Manager and complementary assets to accelerate the time to value

Overview

IBM Express Platform for Medical Imaging, an integrated storage solution, is designed to provide an easy to implement and use storage platform for small-sized and medium-sized customers installing medical imaging applications. Designed to be easy to install and operate, the solution leverages IBM technology with a pretested platform that is specifically architected to meet the demanding storage requirements of medical imaging customers. IBM Express Platform for Medical Imaging can help small hospitals, digital imaging centers, and clinics store, retrieve, and protect sensitive patient-related medical imaging data. The system’s compact design can help with fast and easy deployment, and supports a number of open standards.

IBM Express Platform for Medical Imaging integrates IBM technology, including IBM xSeries[R] and BladeCenter[R] servers, IBM System Storage SCSI storage disk drives and subsystems, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) technologies, LTO Tape, and Tivoli[R] software as a preconfigured, ready-to-install, IP or SAN-attachable solution.

Featuring FPGA-based image processing engine that performs real-time digital image processing in 3 dynamic stages, PC-based Model XRI-1200 is designed for applications where images contain motion artifacts and exhibit low contrast, high-noise characteristics, such as x-ray imaging. Supporting 10, 12, and 14-bit images, XRI-1200 is available in LVDS and Camera Link versions, and features image archive framework that supports industry standard file formats.

MONTREAL, QUEBEC (Sept. 12, 2005) DALSA Coreco (a division of DALSA Corporation -TSX: DSA), a leading developer of high-performance machine vision components and services, today announced the XRI-1200. The XRI-1200 is a PC-based digital image processing board specifically designed for demanding X-Ray imaging applications where images often contain motion artifacts and exhibit low contrast, high-noise characteristics. The XRI-1200 performs adaptive image processing to reduce noise in both still and dynamic images significantly improving image quality and contrast.

The XRI-1200 features an FPGA-based image processing engine that performs real-time digital image processing in three dynamic stages, improving measurement and diagnostic accuracy. The IPE employs adaptive frame averaging to reduce noise while compensating for sensor non-uniformity and lens distortions.

Software Support

The XRI Software Development Toolkit (SDK) is a Microsoft Windows compatible C++ library for image acquisition and digital image processor control. It includes easy-to-use tools, utilities and installation scripts to allow rapid application development, diagnosis and deployment. Intuitive and flexible, the XRI-SDK imaging libraries permit users to control all aspects of the image acquisition process and image storage function on both the local and host computers. The software features a powerful event notification technology to increase the application response time.

medibuy.com Inc., an e-commerce solution for the healthcare supply chain, announced that Agfa, a company m the medical imaging market, will offer its products through medibuy’s on-line marketplace.

Agfa supplies more than 40 percent of the diagnostic and medical imaging products to healthcare organizations in the US. It is the largest supplier of film products to HCA hospitals and Premier member organizations, both of whom will be able to access their contract pricing using medibuy. Upon completion of pending acquisitions, medibuy will be the exclusive e-commerce provider to HCA hospitals and the exclusive e-commerce provider promoted to Premier member organizations. Agfa will offer all types of diagnostic and medical imaging film through medibuy’s site, including dental, x-ray cinematography, and mammographic film.