DIGITAL X-RAY

InfiMed Inc, Liverpool, NY, introduces the PlatinumOne" RF and PlatinumOne" DSA digital x-ray acquisition systems, both featuring the Innovision", the company's new digital CCD camera. Both systems offer digital capabilities for RF, urology, and angiography, and combine DICOM connectivity with advanced image enhancement features. They also feature a universal generator interface that allows installation on any existing, refurbished, or new RF or DSA room. Both systems are also equipped with software that enables physicians to preprogram examination settings based on their specifications, for one-click examination setup and image review. (800) 825-8845; www.infimed.com.

TREATMENT PLANNING SOFTWARE

Varian Medical Systems Inc, Palo Alto, Calif, has received FDA clearance to market Helios"  6.5, a new version of its inverse treatment planning software for SmartBeam"  IMRT. The new Windows-based program runs on the company's Eclipse" platform, designed to expedite and improve the quality of treatment planning. Helios also calculates an optimal way of filling a radiation oncologist's prescription specifying the radiation dose levels for a tumor, and dose constraints for the surrounding healthy tissues. It also automates organ contouring and segmentation, which help doctors use 3D diagnostic images to create prescriptions for radiation treatment. (800) 544-4636; www.varian.com.

DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEM

Siemens Medical Solutions, Iselin, NJ, introduces the AXIOM Aristos FX digital radiography system, a fully automated system designed to help hospitals optimize workflow. The Aristos, which allows for thoracic and extremity scans, as well as emergency, trauma, and pediatric applications, is equipped with organ-specific programs, and automatically sets the exposure and image processing parameters. The technology of the system converts x-rays directly into digital images, allowing for instant image display, postprocessing, and image enhancement. It also contains a high-efficiency, solid state detector that provides reduced radiation doses. The product uses DICOM functionality, and connects to existing HIS, RIS, and PACS networks. (800) 743-6367; www.usa.siemens.com

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY IMAGER

Agfa Healthcare, Greenville, SC, announces the commercial release of the DRYSTAR 4500M, a full-field digital mammography imaging system. The DICOM and IHE-compliant system is high resolution, high throughput at 80 sheets per hour, and has dual online film trays and a dry hardcopy imager. Its small footprint enables close-to-application printing even in space-restricted environments. It also has a high maximum density of 3.6, enabling visualization of subtle gray-level changes, as well as built-in macro densitometry that monitors and maintains film calibration and image quality. (877) 777-2432; www.agfa.com/healthcare.

PATIENT MONITORING SYSTEM

Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, Wash, has received FDA clearance for IntelliVue, its new patient monitoring system. IntelliVue allows physicians to access vital information such as test results and medication orders from the bedside. The product uses portal technology to enable staff to "reach" any area of the hospital to securely access patient information, and is networked to Philips' enhanced IntelliVue Information Center, a surveillance system with integrated clinical support applications. Cardiac events can then be reviewed after they occur; as patients transfer to other areas of the hospital, their essential data continues to be collected, stored, and accessed, even from remote locations. (800) 722-7900; www.medical.philips.com.

PATIENT POSITIONING SYSTEM

Med-Tec Inc, Orange City, Iowa, introduces its Indexed Patient Positioning System (IPPS) couchtops and tabletops, designed to be compatible within the confines of current PET and PET/CT units. The company's IPPS indexed tabletops feature indexing nomenclature consistent with its CT, Sim, and Linac tops. The tabletops are also designed for clear passage through tight PET diameters, and are manufactured from radiotranslucent carbon fiber grid treatment panels. The panels minimize deflection and provide expanded treatment angles, while providing optimal indexed patient positioning. (800) 842-8688; www.medtec.com.