HealthManagement, Volume 8 - Issue 1, 2008
Siemens
Siemens MR used in
Mummy Bone Structure Scan
Siemens and a team of researchers from the University of Zurich collaborated on a recent MR scan of a historical mummy to answer the question: Can the new software for magnetic resonance (MR) tomographs provide insight into the anatomy and disease characteristics of the human being, even for those parts of the human body which, even more so for a mummy, contain almost no water? Siemens is currently developing specific software for picking up the signal from dry tissue and converting it into sharp images. This software might allow visualisation of even fine bone structures without x-rays in the future.
Up to now, visualisation of body tissue through an MR system was only possible based on the tissue’s different water contents. Hence, it was primarily soft tissue that physicians saw on MR images and not, for example, details of the bone structure, as will be possible with the new software. “Not only orthopaedic surgeons will be pleased, our software will also support neurologists when examining, for example, patients with Alzheimer’s disease with the aid of such MR images, or monitoring the body metabolism,” explained Walter Märzendorfer, the head of Magnetic Resonance at Siemens Medical Solutions.
Boston
Boston Scientific Sells
Two Businesses
Boston Scientific has agreed to sell its fluid management and venous access businesses to a private equity firm for 425 million dollars in cash. The sale of the two units is part of Boston Scientific’s plan to divest certain non-strategic assets. The combined units are expected to operate as an independent company under a new name once the deal is complete, according to the company. Prior to this sale, the company began the process to sell its cardiac and vascular surgery businesses to Getinge Group for 750 million dollars.
Matrox
Matrox Announces New
Distributor
Matrox Imaging has announced the appointment of InviSys SVC Ltda as the official Matrox Imaging distributor in Brazil. InviSys will sell Matrox Imaging’s complete line of hardware and software components for industrial and scientific imaging applications.
“Brazil’s economy stands out in South America, and its expansion means there is great potential for the machine vision market,” explains Sam Lopez, Matrox Imaging Sales Manager Europe and South America. “InviSys has valuable experience in areas such as biometrics, intelligent video analysis, and artificial intelligence – experience that will integrate nicely with Matrox Imaging’s product line.”
IBM
IBM to Acquire Arsenal
Digital Solutions
IBM will acquire Arsenal Digital Solutions, an online data storage services and data protection services company. Arsenal Digital of Cary, N.C., and its 100 employees will become part of IBM Global Technology Services, IBM’s largest business unit headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., US. IBM said that the acquisition will not result in any layoffs.
Arsenal Digital serves approximately 3,400 customers in small and midsize businesses that want data protection and online access in response to regulatory requirements and data growth. Previously, IBM had partnered with Arsenal for several years on specific orders. Other storage competitors, such as EMC, have recently made such acquisitions of online storage providers. IBM’s move adds an online option for customers who tell IBM their data is growing at 40 - 50 % per year.
Carestream Health
Ultrasound Associates
Purchase Carestream Health Outpatient Solution
Carestream Health, Inc., announced that Ultrasound Associates has purchased its KODAK Carestream Outpatient Solution, a new turnkey digital imaging and information management package designed for imaging centres. Ultrasound Associates provides women’s health services including diagnostic and screening mammography exams, high-risk OB/GYN ultrasound, and bone density studies. The sale was initiated by X-Ray Visions, Inc., a partner for Carestream Health. The Carestream Outpatient Solution incorporates a fully integrated KODAK Carestream RIS/PACS with system design and project management services as well as workflow optimisation planning.
Sectra
Sectra Provides
Low-Dose Breast Scans to Belgian Hospital
The St. Trudo regional hospital in Belgium has invested in the digital mammography system, Sectra MicroDose Mammography. This is the first Belgian order for Sectra’s digital mammography system, which provides the lowest dose on the market. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and approximately two million Belgian women undergo mammography examinations each year. With this order, the St .Trudo Hospital will be the first in Belgium to offer women mammography examinations with the lowest radiation dose on the market.
The order also comprises Sectra breast imaging PACS, Sectra’s system for processing and archiving patient data and images. The system will be integrated to the existing hospital image management system and combined with Sectra Micro- Dose Mammography to form a complete digital solution. Elekta
Elekta Supply French
Hospital with IGRT Systems
The University Hospital Centre (CHU) de Poitiers in France has ordered three Elekta Synergy digital linear accelerator systems for intensity modulated and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) to improve radiation therapy treatment capacity. The order will generate close to 7.24 million dollars for Elekta.
GE Healthcare
GE, CenTrak Release
RFID Tracking System
GE Healthcare has released a radio frequency ID (RFID) tracking system in partnership with CenTrak. The companies said their RFID systems will empower facilities to reduce installation costs compared to current RFID systems, enabling them to maximise ROI potential. The system also has the ability to view locations at the room level, the companies said.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm Sponsors
Educational Grants
Fujifilm Medical Systems, US, is funding educational travel grants for two radiology residents to attend the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) annual meeting, held April 13 - 18, 2008.
The grants will help cover registration and courses for the entire ARRS meeting, as well as lodging and travel. The award winners will be notified 25 February, and formally recognised at the Scholars and Awards session during the annual meeting.
Zonare
Cruise Line Launches
Study of Zone Sonography Technology
Zonare Medical Systems has announced its z.one ultrasound system recently set sail on the U.S.S. Amsterdam, a flag ship of Holland America Line, for its 114-day around the world trip. Under the direction of Carter Hill, MD, medical director of Holland America, the z.one system, based on Zone Sonography technology, will be used in support of diagnosing passengers in need of medical attention during the cruise. The outcome of the four-month study could determine the future use of ultrasound imaging on passenger cruises.
Aurora
Aurora Breast MRI
System Now Available at Ohio Imaging Centre
Aurora Imaging Technology Inc. Announced that the Aurora® 1.5T Breast MRI System has been installed for the first time in Ohio at the Toledo Hospital Breast Care Centre as part of a joint venture with Toledo Radiological Associates. The Toledo Hospital is part of the ProMedica Health System. The Aurora System is the only FDA-cleared dedicated breast MRI system specifically designed for the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
