Shimadzu launches advanced mobile DR
A new portable digital radiography system, Shimadzu's MobileDaRT Evolution, has entered the North American marketplace. Designed for use in emergency and trauma departments, the premium system complements the Japanese company's mobile DR product, the MobileDaRT, which was introduced four years ago. The Evolution operates without electric cabling and features a new ergonomic design for quick positioning and maneuverability. Its dual-focus x-ray tube is powered by a 32 kW generator with a 133 kV top end for high-power short exposures. The Evolution can store 3500 images as well as transmit them wirelessly to a PACS.
Philips plans MR contrast with Italian university
The University of Urbino will help Philips Research develop encapsulated magnetic nanoparticles as MR contrast agents. The Italian university will look at ways to integrate the nanoparticles into red blood cells and study their biological interactions in the human body. Philips Research will evaluate the properties of these contrast agents in its MR scanners. The goal of the collaboration, slated to last about two and a half years, is to extend the time nanoparticles remain in the body, thereby improving their utility as part of a blood pool contrast agent. Nanoparticles typically circulate only a few minutes before being cleared from the body. Philips hopes to lengthen this time to hours or days.
Aurora client returns for seconds
Repeat business has Aurora Imaging Technology crowing. The company announced that an early adopter of its Aurora 1.5T dedicated breast MR scanner installed a second system this summer. The customer, Breast Care Specialists of Atlanta, a private practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease, began operating its first Aurora Breast MRI in 2005. The second scanner will help meet a growing demand for breast MR at the center, where four surgeons, three radiologists, and a nurse practitioner see 27,000 patients annually. Aurora's breast MR scanner supports MR-guided biopsy and provides immediate answers to patients presenting with suspicious lesions, according to the company.
iPhone dashboard monitors performance
Imagine Software, a specialist in medical billing technology, has released a dashboard application for the iPhone that allows radiologists and administrators to monitor their practices' performance and revenue stream. The company introduced its Imagineradiology product, which is compatible with any iPhone or iPod touch with operating system version 2.0 or later, on Sept. 14 at the 2008 Radiology Business Management Association Fall Educational Conference in San Antonio. The iPhone dashboard, powered by the company's Imagineradiology practice management system, displays practice performance metrics that can be customized to fit the needs of users.
