FDA clears Algotec's MediSurf

Algotec of Raanana, Israel, has received Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance for its MediSurf software, a product for distributing medical images and clinical data over the Internet and intranets. Shipments have already begun via a worldwide OEM relationship with Elscint.

MediSurf users employ a standard World Wide Web browser and applets based on the Java programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. The browser is used to access the MediSurf DICOM 3.0-compliant server, which is linked to both clinical image and data sources. There is no need for installation of additional hardware or software at end-user sites, according to the company.

Algotec debuted MediSurf at last year's Radiological Society of North America meeting (SCAN Special Report 12/96). In addition to three beta sites in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, MediSurf has been installed at nine other institutions. Two MediSurf packages have been installed in the U.S.

Initially, Algotec will market MediSurf in the U.S. through OEMs. In a few months, however, the firm will sell MediSurf via regional distributors as well as through direct sales in some cases, said Kobi Margolin, Algotec marketing manager. Because the company expects OEMs to contribute most of MediSurf's sales, Algotec is actively looking for OEM relationships in addition to the Elscint agreement, Margolin said.