Carestream Health Announces FDA Approval Of Advanced Software, Screens For Its CR Mammography System

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 9 — Carestream Health announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Premarket Approval (PMA) supplement for enhanced screens and image processing software for its CR mammography system.

Carestream Health’s EHR-M3 screens are its third generation of screens designed specifically for mammography. The system has higher DQE (detective quantum efficiency) with the new screens, which were designed to enhance the quality of the acquired images. The latest approval also covers the application of Carestream Health’s advanced image processing algorithm that was designed to enhance the overall displayed quality of mammography images.

These features were released in other markets around the world earlier this year, and the latest approvals allow these advanced features to be immediately implemented in clinics, breast imaging centers and hospitals in the United States.

source: Carestream Health

Advances in Breast Imaging Improve Patient Care, Aid in Earlier Cancer Detection

OREM, UT, December 16, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The new KLAS "Breast Imaging 2010: A More Complete Picture" report takes an all-inclusive look at breast imaging technologies from a patient perspective, beginning with digital mammography and moving through CAD, MIS and ending with a discussion of newer breast-specific imaging technologies. Providers were noticeably energized about breast-specific imaging units such as the Dilon 6800 Gamma Camera and U-Systems somo-v INSIGHT whole breast ultrasound. However, because reimbursements vary, ROI occasionally takes a hit.

"Providers are looking for more patient-friendly imaging options and the U-Systems ultrasound fits the bill because it's a non-invasive, no-dose exam. Some physicians we spoke with mention that whole breast ultrasound would be a great screening tool, but currently most providers cannot get reimbursed for screening with the ultrasound," said Emily Crane, co-author of the report. "Digital mammography is still more cost effective for providers--and currently the only approved screening tool."

The wider adoption of CAD and MIS systems has also helped to increase ROI for digital mammography. Providers report that both systems increase the efficiency and workflow for breast imaging.

source: 24-7 Press release

Novel Imaging Technique May Reduce Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

SAN ANTONIO — With guidance from a specialized scan, radiation oncologists at Mayo Clinic were able to reduce by 55 percent the number of lymph nodes critical for removing fluid from the arm that received damaging radiation doses.

The researchers report that integrating single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT) with the computerized tomography(CT) scans utilized for breast cancer radiotherapy planning may offer patients substantial protection against lymphedema, an incurable, chronic swelling of tissue that results from damage to lymph nodes sustained during breast cancer radiation. The SPECT-CT scan pinpoints the precise locations of the lymph nodes that are critical for removing fluid from the arm, allowing physicians to block them, as much as possible, from X-ray beams delivered to the chest.

These findings were presented at the 33rd Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

source: Mayo Clinic

Toshiba Enhances Aplio XG with Women’s Imaging Configuration Designed to Improve Breast and High-Risk OB/GYN Imaging

CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2010 – Many healthcare providers use ultrasound as a first-line diagnostic tool in detecting and monitoring women’s health conditions. To help meet the needs of healthcare providers administering women’s imaging, Toshiba has introduced a women’s imaging configuration for the AplioTM XG at this year’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting in Chicago, Nov. 28 – Dec. 3, 2010 (Booth #3435, South Hall). Aplio XG’s women’s imaging configuration is designed to support a range of women’s imaging needs, from everyday breast imaging to high-risk OB/GYN/perinatology, ultrasound-guided biopsies and fetal exams.

“Toshiba developed the Aplio XG women’s imaging configuration to make exams faster, safer and more accurate,” said Tomohiro Hasegawa, director, Ultrasound Business Unit, Toshiba. “This dedicated women’s imaging system can address a range of clinical conditions, making it a multi-functional tool for today’s demanding ultrasound environment.”

The Aplio XG women’s imaging configuration includes Elastography, MicroPureTM, Dynamic Micro Slice matrix transducer and 4D improvements.

source: Toshiba Medical