Comm system promotes MR interventions

Comm system promotes MR interventions
The loud and distracting noises made during MR scans pose a communications obstacle to interventionalists. A fiber optics-based system that allows interventionalists to converse normally while performing procedures promises to be a solution. The IMROC (Interventional MR Optical Communication) System, developed by Optoacoustics, supports up to eight concurrent dialogs among doctors and technicians, according to the company. It was recently installed at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Imaging association takes shape
Independent diagnostic testing facilities, radiologists and oncologists have a new voice. A national coalition of professionals representing medical imaging vendors and diagnostic clinics have formed the Imaging Radiology Oncology Association. One objective is to increase the public's awareness of the benefits of diagnostic procedures that detect cancer early. Another is to lobby Congress and the public to recognize independent diagnostic testing facilities as a means to reduce the overall cost of healthcare.

Shimadzu joins European trade group
Shimadzu Medical Systems has joined COCIR, a non-profit trade association that represents members of the European radiological, electromedical and healthcare IT Industry. COCIR gathers and analyzes data about medical imaging activities in the European Union and other countries.