Fluoroscopic Imaging System

GE Medical Systems OEC, Baltimore, introduces the OEC® 9800 Plus, a new 1k x 1k mobile fluoroscopic digital system for interventional and surgical imaging. The system has multiple new image enhancement technologies that extend the resolution quality of the system and enable physicians to see tissue and bone detail with clarity, particularly when imaging metal and dense anatomy. The product features a new tungsten collimator and online preview display that allows physicians to preview the image before the next exposure, thereby lowering the x ray dose to the patient and physician. Also, as the system is digital, doctors are able to electronically transfer images to office workstations or other areas of the hospital for review. (801) 536-4767.

Dry Laser Imagers

Konica Medical Imaging, Wayne, NJ, introduces the DRYPRO 751/752 dry laser imagers, which have received FDA approval and will be available by the end of the summer. These two new models are high-volume, high-performance imagers that offer enhanced network performance, and can print up to 14 bit grayscale for 16,384 different shades of gray. The models can also output 120 films per hour with the first image being processed as quickly as 90 seconds. (973) 633-1500; www.konicamedical.com.

Ultrasound System

Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, Wash, offers the ATL HDI 4000 ultrasound system, a new product that introduces Live 3-D capability and image and data management and communication tools while utilizing Philips' High Definition? Imaging (HDI) Technology. The Live 3-D option on the HDI 4000 allows clinicians to view 3-D imaging in real time, and supports precise automated quantitative volume imaging and measurements from multiple planes using 3-D volume broadband transducers. The system also features a built-in workstation-class image and data management functionality that enhances patient management. This function, built for a single user or network, allows various online functions that streamline job workflow. In addition, this function allows users to grow from a single ultrasound system to a system connected to a PACS, eliminating the need to purchase a separate workstation. (425) 482-8547; www.medical.philips.com.

Software Upgrade

Fuji, Stamford, Conn, announces the release of its Synapse® version 2.2 software. Some of the new features of this Web-based software include image annotating tools, volumetric data navigation for large cross-sectional data sets, a new patient-

centric display, and speech recognition integration. A new advanced cross-sectional navigational system allows users to navigate through axial, coronal, and sagittal stacks of CT or MR slices as one volume. The software operates within Internet Explorer, and is available to any Web user anywhere along the network. (310) 577-7870; www.fujimed.com.

Skin Marker

Beekley Corp, Bristol, Conn, introduces MR-SPOT® skin markers with Radiance ?, the company's liquid component that images brightly on every sequence regardless of magnet strength. MR-SPOTs are designed in two sizes: 1.5 cm for marking extremities, soft tissue masses, or smaller areas of concern; and 3 cm, for marking thoracic spines or larger areas of concern. The latter length also makes skin marker positioning easier, ensuring that it will image on multiple slices. Each marker has medical-grade, pressure-sensitive adhesive that allows for accurate placement without the risk of movement or shifting. The markers are single-use, and are designed with a softness that reduces indentation and distortion, thereby ensuring the area of interest marked is clearly identified. (800) 233-5539; www.beekley.com.

Magnetic Resonance Coil

Medrad Inc, Indianola, Pa, introduces the Cardiovascular Array surface coil, an MR coil that combines a dedicated cardiac coil and dedicated abdominal coil in one device. Extending from the chest to the bifurcation of the aorta in the pelvic region, the coil makes it possible to image vascular disease throughout the entire torso in a single scan. The product is compatible with all phased array versions of the GE Signa ? 1.5 T MR systems, and can be upgraded to be compatible with the eight-receiver scanners of the future. The phased array design provides a clear, expanded image area for enhanced image and diagnosis, with the coils housed in flexible front and back panels that conform to different body sizes and increase ease in patient positioning. (412) 767-2400; www.medrad.com.