Mammo image enhancer firm aims for OEMs

RSNA newbie Real-Time Tomography launched at this year's meeting a new image processing and enhancement software library for digital mammography. But the product, dubbed Adara, will not be sold to providers, at least not directly. Real-Time Tomography came to Chicago with hopes of attracting original equipment manufacturers to its library.

The algorithms in Adara promise to improve image quality partly by enhancing tissue contrast and suppressing noise. They have been optimized to allow processing of a standard mammogram in just a few seconds, according to Monique Wilson, director of business development for the company. Wilson is gunning specifically for makers of mammography and PACS workstations with the promise that Adara can easily be integrated into their new and existing systems. Several OEMs are currently testing the Adara software, she said, and may bring the product to market for sale to end users sometime next year.

Founded in March 2006 by Susan Ng and Peter Ringer, Real-Time Tomography specializes in the development of advanced image processing and image reconstruction software for early detection of breast cancer. The algorithms reconstruct both 2D and 3D images.

"What distinguishes Adara from the competition is that it preserves more gray-scale information of the image, which enables better tissue enhancement, noise reduction, and skin-line definition," Wilson said.

Another distinction is the fast processing made possible by the algorithms.

"We understand the need for an efficient clinical workflow," she said. "Our core competency is in fast, state-of-the-art image processing and reconstruction solutions that improve diagnosis, facilitate clinical workflow, and provide greater flexibility to help manufacturers accelerate their products to market at lower cost."