New scanners prompt Fonar's RSNA return

After a six-year absence from the RSNA technical spotlight MRIvendor Fonar is planning to return to radiology's spotlight witha family of new MRI scanners and momentum from its recent courtvictories in patent litigation with GE.

In a jury trial in federal court earlier this year, Fonar ofMelville, NY, won a ruling that GE infringed on two patents grantedto Fonar founder Dr. Raymond Damadian. The two sides continueto wrangle over appeals to the verdict (SCAN 10/25/95).

Fonar hopes to use the jury award, along with cash from a settlementof litigation with Hitachi, to fund a comeback in the MRI industry.At the RSNA meeting, Fonar will display its Quad family, whichincludes the 0.35-tesla Quad 7000 and the 0.6-tesla Quad 12000.

Fonar will emphasize the openness of Quad 7000 and its suitabilityfor obese and claustrophobic patients. The company also plansto highlight Quad 7000's potential in delivering cost-effectiveMR mammography.