Philips acquires Traxtal

Philips acquires Traxtal

Philips Healthcare expanded its in-house capabilities in image-guided intervention with the acquisition of Canada-based Traxtal. A partnership between the two companies produced an interface linking Traxtal's PercuNav workstation and a Philips ultrasound scanner that combines real-time sonography and 3D reconstructions of MR and CT data. The hybrid, featured at the last two RSNA meetings, provides GPS-like direction for interventional radiology, promising reductions in x-ray contrast, radiation dose, and time to complete procedures. An example provided by Philips is the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors, during which Traxtal's system helps guide and monitor the positioning of the ablation needle to the center of the lesion.

Siemens reaches CT milestone

Siemens Healthcare has installed its 300th Somatom Definition AS (Adaptive Scanner). The product, which was commercially released weeks before RSNA 2007, adapts scan parameters and x-ray dose to suit individual patients. The milestone was reached at 25-bed Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton, IL.

GE launches new ultrasound units

Two new ultrasound systems for women's health, Voluson E6 and Logiq P3, debuted in the GE Healthcare booth May 4 to 6 during the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists meeting in Chicago. Voluson E6 automates scanning of the fetal heart, improves quality assurance, and boosts workflow, according to the company. Value-oriented Logiq P3 offers technologies migrated from higher performance systems, including CrossXBeam, which combines real-time data from multiple ultrasound beams to improve image quality.

Radiology group raises $10M

Venture funding has added $10 million to the coffers of Foundation Radiology Group, a provider of diagnostic imaging professional services. The company, founded in late 2006, is targeting hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care centers, and long-term acute care institutions with a service model that addresses both onsite interpretations and teleradiology readings. The company's board-certified radiologists are available 24/7/365 to provide subspecialty readings in musculoskeletal radiology, neuroradiology, mammography, cardiac CT, interventional radiology, pediatric radiology, brain perfusion, vascular ultrasound, ob/gyn ultrasound, and general radiology.