The field is beginning to clear for computer-assisted detection (CAD). Last year, only R2 Technology was certified to market the technology in the U.S. This year, Deus Technologies¹
The field is beginning to clear for computer-assisted detection (CAD). Last year, only R2 Technology was certified to market the technology in the U.S. This year, Deus Technologies¹ system got the green light for lung cancer detection, CADx received an FDA approvable letter for its mammography system, and R2 gained FDA certification for breast cancer diagnosis, as well as a thumbs-up on its system for direct use on files captured digitally.
Vendors were enthusiastic about Medicare¹s decision to initiate CAD reimbursement at $17.74, beginning in January 2002. With that payment level and new and faster technology coming in at lower price points, the use of CAD could start to spread quickly. Centers without many experienced mammographers should feel the impact of the technology the most.
CADx Medical Systems
The company is dedicated to developing CAD systems and has agreements with both Fischer Imaging and Hologic for the use of its CAD technology. Its first product, Second Look, is designed for mammography screening.
Deus Technologies
A developer of CAD software and systems, the company has created RapidScreen RS-2000. The technology integrates proprietary digital image processing algorithms, neural networks, and fuzzy logic to detect early-stage lung cancer from chest radiographs.
Fujifilm Medical Systems USA
Aside from radiological film, the company¹s strengths are in CR and PACS: CAD is more a means than an end.
Intelligent Systems Software (ISSI)
The company focus is on mammography. Its first product is MammoReader 2001, a CAD system designed to assist in the early detection of breast cancer.
Mirada Solutions
Image analysis systems being developed by the company include image fusion packages for CT, PET/SPECT, and MR scanners; training and diagnostic tools to help clinicians interpret x-ray mammograms; and systems for analyzing and quantifying echocardiograms.
R2 Technology
The company¹s ImageChecker identifies areas on mammograms that may be cancerous. Early development is focused on mammography, although R&D is under way to explore other applications, including the analysis of chest x-rays and lung CTs.
Scanis
The company¹s Mammex TR automatically analyzes mammograms and highlights features of interest. The system is being sold in Europe but not in the U.S., pending FDA clearance.
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