GE Healthcare played to high-field enthusiasts visiting the RSNA exhibit floor Sunday, unveiling three MR scanners – one at 3T and two at 1.5T.

Philips introduced its new HD11 XE ultrasound system, the HD3 portable ultrasound system, and Vision 2005 upgrades to its iU22 ultrasound system at the RSNA meeting Sunday.

OpView image processing software reconstructs breast images obtained from full-field digital mammography, as well as ultrasound and MRI, to bring clarity to challenging breast scans. The software, unveiled Sunday at the RSNA meeting by Siemens Medical Solutions, will assist interpretation of lesions in dense breasts and microcalcifications, according to the company.

Computer-aided detection is evolving from an interesting technological trapping to a standard of care. Part of that process involves the ongoing iterative advancement expected to be on display at the RSNA meeting.

Once Dr. Andrew Hines-Peralta resolved the problem of how to percutaneously cook large liver tumors, he undertook a more pressing challenge: remodeling his condo.

DICOM rookies, take heart. Researchers in the U.K. have developed a primer that demystifies the imaging standard and helps radiologists make the most of their soft-copy images.

Siemens’ new Axiom Luminos TF is notable not only for the enhancements it brings to a table fluoroscopy system but for the approach the company employed. The design of the system, which will be introduced at the RSNA meeting, incorporates ideas generated by Siemens luminaries who were an integral part of the engineering team.

GE healthcare is a step closer to marketing a multislice SPECT/CT, but don’t expect to see a commercial product at this year’s RSNA meeting.

Hitachi Medical Systems of America became a player in the MR marketplace nearly a decade ago with the popularization of midfield open scanners. Its presence in North America has faded, however, as interest in high-field scanning has grown. At the RSNA meeting, Hitachi will try to emerge from the shadows with the release of a 1.5T short-bore magnet.

Siemens’ unveiling of the Somatom Definition Nov. 17 in New York City promises to radically change CT scanning.

A decision by GE Healthcare to introduce a new line of compact CT scanners, the BrightSpeed, reflects a major trend in the market toward miniaturization. The new scanners will be unveiled at the RSNA meeting.

It’s easy to get lost in the RSNA shuffle, espeically if you’re competing with multimillion-dollar MR and CT systems. Hundreds of exhibitors each year introduce noteworthy products that go virtually unnoticed. Some can even fit in the palm of your hand.

Kodak readies FDA pitch for CR mammographyThe next step in Kodak’s push to expand its market for computed radiography in mammography to the U.S. is under way. The company has begun the submission process to the FDA to approve its CR system for the detection of breast cancer. It plans to submit a series of “modules” for agency review. The first ones will contain manufacturing and nonclinical information regarding the DirectView CR 850, CR 950, and CR 975 systems. Kodak, which is selling CR mammography products outside the U.S., is currently conducting clinical trials of its digital mammography system at sites in the U.S. and Canada.If and when these systems appear in the U.S., they will not be the first such products (DI SCAN 10/10/05). Fuji began marketing CR technology for mammography in 1983 but voluntarily removed those products in the mid-1990s, when the FDA changed its position on digital mammography and required PMA review. Fuji turned in the final module of its premarket approval submission in March. Fuji executives believe approval of their CR mammography product is imminent.

Siemens hopes to redefine CT with the introduction of a scanner that combines two 64-slice imaging chains in a single unit.

Excluding stroke patients for thrombolysis based on an established rating of early ischemic changes on CT may not be obligatory, according to a study in the October issue of Stroke.

McHenry County Orthopaedics in Crystal Lake, IL, adopted PACS in 2002, a year after moving into a new 35,000-square-foot facility. The new site offers state-of-the-art technology, including digital and computed radiography.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved a new CPT code to reimburse hospitals specifically for radiofrequency ablation of kidney tumors. CMS also provided new payment classifications and higher payment rates for existing RFA-related procedures.

Many CT sites around the world still run single-slice scanners, according to GE Healthcare. GE is doing something about it.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has approved a new CPT code to reimburse hospitals specifically for radiofrequency ablation of kidney tumors. CMS also provided new payment classifications and higher payment rates for existing RFA-related procedures.

Ablating the safety margins of tumors following lumpectomy could reduce the need for another resection. The combined treatment approach could also reduce breast disfigurement, according to a study presented at the American College of Surgeons annual meeting in October.