Cardiac IT solutions debut

A new cardiac upgrade was unveiled as a work-in-progress for Acuson's KinetDx network at the American College of Cardiology meeting. The upgrade, which includes a cardiac quantification package, DVD archive, a new application program interface, and cardiac catheterization image storage, enhances workflow efficiencies for physicians and echocardiography departments worldwide, according to the company. The new technology will also provide the first tool set to move toward compliance with HIPAA, which tightens confidentiality requirements for patient data. Siemens Medical Solutions, Acuson's parent company, introduced Soarian Cardiology at the ACC meeting. The product line was first announced last fall as an enterprise-wide solution (SCAN 10/31/01). Soarian Cardiology addresses the specific clinical, financial, and operational workflow facing cardiac care.