Lunar adds volume imaging to Artoscan

Competing with Magna-Labin the niche MRI segment is Lunar, which markets the Artoscanmagnet manufactured by Esaote Biomedica of Italy. Artoscan isa 0.2-tesla permanent magnet scanner optimized for extremity imaging.

Lunar, of Madison, WI, will release a new software packageat the RSNA meeting called Version 3.3 B. The package includes3-D imaging sequences and multiformat reconstruction and givesArtoscan the ability to conduct volume imaging, according to BillConn, MRI marketing manager.

Lunar is also introducing a remote diagnostics capability forthe scanner, dubbed Artoscan Remote Assistance System (ARAS).ARAS allows Lunar engineers to maintain, diagnose and providesoftware upgrades for Artoscan via modem.

Artoscan was cleared for marketing by the Food and Drug Administrationlate last year (SCAN 11/3/93). Lunar has sold 60 units worldwideand eight in the U.S., Conn said. The company expects have a U.S.installed base of 10 to 12 units by the end of the year.