Workflow Upgrades

TeraRecon, San Mateo, Calif, introduces workflow enhancements for its Aquarius Workstation version 3.5. This new version offers protocol-based workflow tools that simplify the interpretation process by automatically presenting the 3D volume based on the study type selected by the user. For cardiovascular CT, the enhanced software offers new soft plaque analysis, automatic vessel segmentation and extraction, measurement, interpretation, and reporting tools. For CT colonography, the entire colon is segmented upon loading with flight paths automatically generated, providing the ability to switch from 2D synchronized views to 3D fly-through mode. (650) 372-1100; www.terarecon.com.

7-Channel Breast Coil

Toshiba America Medical Systems Inc, Tustin, Calif, offers the Breast SPEEDER coil, a 7-channel coil that allows for interventional breast procedures using the entire Vantage MRI system product line. The design allows for lateral and medial MR-guided interventions through open lateral sides. The company claims the new coil can accommodate breasts up to 30% larger than coils currently on the market. (800) 421-1968; www.medical.toshiba.com.

Reduce Bandwidth Usage

RamSoft, Toronto, offers PowerCache for radiology networks. Ideal for locations using more than one workstation to view images, PowerCache helps reduce expensive network bandwidth usage. With RamSoft's patent pending technology, image datasets are downloaded only once, even if significant changes are made after acquisition. By replacing T1 lines at each facility with lower-cost DSL or cable, PowerCache can help a facility reduce network costs. (888) 343-9146; www.ramsoft.biz.

Portable Workflow Management

Canon, Irvine, Calif, offers the Mobile Access Station (MAS). The system manages patient and study information, and streamlines workflow at every phase: order issuance, patient worklist creation, examination, image QA, data transfer, and storage. The MAS system provides a high-resolution, 19-inch touch screen display; single-touch window leveling; 1GB of RAM; an Intel Pentium 3 processor with hyperthreading; and ease of use with flexible patient data capture and acquisition, rapid message conversion, secure patient data, and automatic updating. (800) 970-7227; www.usa.canon.com.

Integrated Workstation

Vital Images Inc, Minneapolis, and R2 Technologies, Sunnyvale, Calif, introduce the next-generation Vitrea® solution, featuring the integration of R2's ImageChecker® CT Lung CAD software. Vitrea creates 2D, 3D, and 4D images from CT and MR image data. The fully integrated CT Lung CAD solution includes automatic detection of pulmonary nodules, AutoPoint™—automatic temporal comparison of pulmonary nodules, pulmonary artery PE™ detection software, and a consolidated reporting feature scalable to the unique requirements of a clinical enterprise. (866) 243-2533; www.r2tech.com; www.vitalimages.com.

Film Digitizer Supports FFDM

PACSGEAR Inc, Pleasanton, Calif, offers version 2.0 of its PacsSCAN FILMTM digitizing solution. This version supports the DICOM digital mammography standard that enables hanging protocols for reading digital mammography studies, reducing radiologist read times by 30 seconds, the company claims. PacsSCAN allows documents or films to be scanned and matched with patient images within any PACS. (925) 416-9600; www.pacsgear.com.