Medrad adds cardiac coil

Indianoloa, PA-based Medrad has signed an exclusive two-year agreement to distribute worldwide a cardiovascular MR surface coil developed by W.L. Gore & Associates. The coil combines in a single device a dedicated cardiac coil and a dedicated abdominal coil. Extending from the chest to the bifurcation of the aorta in the pelvic region, the Cardiovascular Array supports the visualization of vascular disease throughout the entire torso in a single scan. The FDA cleared the product, which is compatible with all phased-array versions of the GE Signa 1.5T system and will be available in the U.S. in July. Worldwide distribution will begin next year. Medrad currently distributes another Gore product, the Torso Array surface coil, which was released in November 2000.