CT laser system and dedicated breast scanner show promise as adjunctive imaging methods

Technology Update

Compact CR shown at AHRAFDA extends Vasovist review

Hologic completes Suros acquisitionSiemens’ profits double, acquires Diagnostic ProductsBarco enhances visualization with cardiac tools

Diffusion tensor MR imaging, which depicts the displacement of water molecules through tissue, can visualize changes to ischemic brain white matter in infants at least two to three hours before conventional MRI can document changes, according to a study in the July issue of Radiology.

A breast CT scanner dedicated to diagnostic applications could be on the market by the end of this year. The clinical test unit, unveiled today at the University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, has already scanned several patients and will soon begin a 60-patient study to compare its images with those obtained using conventional mammography systems.

SonoSite disappoints, stock dropsVarian stock skyrocketsIntermagnetics shareholders sue to stop mergerEmageon signs multistate healthcare systemPositron affiliate reaches milestone

Sixteen-slice CT angiography can rule out but not conclusively identify heart disease in patients, according to results published in the July 26 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The results establish a baseline for expectations regarding higher performance CTs, as their faster scan times could provide even better results.

NightHawk revenues skyrocketHologic sets $75 million credit linePACSGear allies with FujiFilmDel Global names interim CEOToshiba taps VP of business operations

Hologic earnings continue to boomSchering outlook brightensSupertron raises $3.5 millionPhilips/Intermagnetics deal clears antitrust hurdleFDA clears serial tomotherapy product

Sixteen-slice CT angiography can rule out -- but cannot conclusively identify -- heart disease in patients, according to results to be published in tomorrow’s issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The results establish a baseline for expectations regarding higher performance CTs, as their faster scan times could provide even better results.

Cardiac applications drive nuclear medicineCedara to distribute DICOM converterToshiba names VP of salesGE reorganizes ultrasound unit

Berlex initiated a nationwide recall July 20 to retrieve a single lot of Ultravist after particulate matter associated with crystallization was found in vials of the intravenous x-ray and CT contrast medium.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has developed specifications for an ultrasound scanner tailored for the battlefield: one that searches for internal bleeding, targets the source, and then increases the beam intensity to coagulate the wound. The agency has tapped Philips Medical Systems to build it.

Advanced Research Technologies shuffles execsKodak inks global ordersHologic meets European screening standardOptoacoustic imaging firm attracts $3M

Contrast-enhanced sonography could be just as good as CT to detect solid organ injuries in patients with blunt abdominal trauma, even in the absence of free intraperitoneal fluid. Data from Italian researchers suggest that CE ultrasound could reduce the need for abdominal CT in emergency radiology.

The imaging community pleaded with Congress July 18 to delay cuts in Medicare reimbursement mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2007. Representatives of providers and vendors presented testimony extolling the virtues of imaging and bewailing the legislation that could exact as much as $8 billion from Medicare reimbursements annually.

Philips Medical sales riseMercury signs global PACS partnersSiemens claims top U/S radiology position, cites Klein

Gelatin sponge particles outperform superabsorbent polymer microspheres for the embolization of uterine fibroids, according to a study presented at the 2006 Society of Interventional Radiology meeting in Toronto.

Radiological device vendors reached a record high for midyear clearances by the FDA in June, scoring 34 premarket notifications, raising this year’s tally to 168. The industry has come close to this midyear high only once since DI SCAN began tracking FDA clearances in 2004, when 159 devices were favorably reviewed.