Agfa’s TalkStation is a work-in-progress that offers improved security and client maintenance capabilities.

Agfa Healthcare (Ridgefield Park, NJ) is debuting IMPAX RIS-PACS-Speech at RSNA. The solution is available as a standalone application or as an integrated package. The IMPAX Web1000 EPR Suite provides voice, email, CD, access point portal solutions, and image-enabling EPR systems.

In addition, Agfa is showcasing TalkStation 3.0, a work-in-progress to be released in early 2004. New enhancements include Dragon v7 for improved recognition accuracy, improved security features, new workflow options, and improved client maintenance capabilities. Other works-in-progress include initia CR (see page 74), initia RIS, and initia archive for imaging centers and community-based hospitals.

Agfa also plans to demonstrate its DRYSTAR 5300 dry imager as well. The tabletop solution is optimized for decentralized imaging and features 32 PPI resolution, built-in DICOM 3.0 PMS, built-in service diagnostics, and support for both 11 x 14-inch and 14 x 17-inch media sizes.   

Algotec Inc (Duluth, Ga) introduces a series of upgrades to its ImagiNet family of PACS solutions. New features include a teaching file application integrated into PACS and RIS, eliminating the expense and complex integration of a standalone program. The application supports personal teaching folders in configurable categories and ACR codes while dynamic presentation allows personal customization of files. Other upgrades include workflow-integrated volume rendering built into the MediPrime diagnostic reading station display protocols and customizable conference worklists. Algotec also showcases MediPrime’s advanced 3D applications, such as multiplanar reformatting (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) and vascular analysis.

Other Algotec introductions at RSNA include support for a range of expanded hardware architectures to allow storage on any file system-based archive, in addition to existing NAS and SAN storage; enhancements to Smart-Remote, a suite of remote monitoring, configuration, and administration tools that allow live monitoring of all the ImagiNet components; and an enhanced, unified look and feel across all ImagiNet viewers with emphasis on delivering the appropriate toolsets to different types of users.

Cerner Corp (Kansas City, Mo) debuts ProVision Web at this year’s RSNA. The ProVision delivers images and information within the context of the EMR as well as enables image and report availability at the point of care. The scalable solution delivers universal image access and minimizes communication costs. Its security features mirror those of Cerner Millennium and support user authentication and access tracking.

The Horizon PACS multimedia film imager from Codonics allows for three different media cassette types to be loaded in the system simultaneously.

Codonics Inc (Middleburg, Ohio) introduces the Horizon PACS multimedia film imager. Its capabilities include 11 x 14-inch film as well as A and A4 color film. Horizon allows three types of media cassettes to be loaded into the imager at the same time, allowing for simultaneous printing of film, color, and paper images. Image output is on 14 x 17-inch, 11 x 14-inch, and 8 x 10-inch film in blue and clear base. Horizon prints diagnostic film, color film, and color and grayscale images. The imager requires 2 feet of desk space and weighs 80 pounds. With its multimedia types and sizes, Horizon can serve as a PACS print solution.

Data-Ray’s ADCal 11 is a new flat panel offering 7,000-plus shades of gray in static mode.

Data-Ray Corp (Westminster, Colo) debuts ADCal 11, a 3 Mega-Pixel LCD flat panel with more than 7,000 shades of gray and self-calibration. This monochrome LCD can automatically detect 7,141 (12.8 bit) gray shades for static image mode and 1,786 (10.8 bit) for cine mode. The automatic self-calibration sets the luminance and configures to panel to the DICOM 3.14 Standard. ADCal 11 provides automatic total quality assurance and CPI solutions in the IHE environment.

Solve the information overload problem caused by quick multislice CT scanners with DeJarnette’s dyseCT solution.

DeJarnette Research Systems (Towson, Md) releases its new dyseCT solution. Designed to solve the problem of information overload produced by today’s high-speed, multislice CT scanners, dyseCT identifies multiple procedure studies and modifies the DICOM modality worklist using a group procedure to replace the multiple procedures; analyzes the images, associating them with a specific anatomical region automatically and without manual intervention; and separates the images in a multiple procedure study and, in turn, associates those images with the appropriate orders. dyseCT acts as a DICOM linear VOI LUT gateway for all CT procedures. The company also is launching a software-only PACS solution called PACSware.

Dynamic Imaging (Allendale, NJ) is introducing advanced 3D tools, Image SmartLoading, and Advanced SecureServer at RSNA 2003. Advanced 3D toolsets, including multi-planar reformatting (MPR), maximum intensity projection (MIP) and 3D rendering, will be accessible directly from within the IntegradWeb viewing software. New SmartLoading architecture speeds display of 3D and other images in large datasets. The technology provides rapidly increasing levels of image information in areas currently being viewed, while the entire study continues to load in the background. This feature allows reading to begin during image transfer, saving significant time and enabling efficient diagnostic quality reading over any bandwidth. The company’s next generation of SecureServer technology offers new features and a comprehensive toolset to facilitate HIPAA compliance.

Emageon (Birmingham, Ala) plans to display its image management software solution. Emageon’s Internet-enabled viewing system features a comprehensive set of tools, including multiplanar imaging, 3D imaging, and color fusion. The vendor-neutral solution enables integrated delivery networks, hospitals, and large multisite imaging centers to access medical images, workflow and clinical information using enterprise-class standards-based advanced visualization and infrastructure software. Emageon’s solutions feature advanced visualization technology from UltraVisual Medical Systems (Madison, Wis); the two companies merged in May 2003.

EMC2 (Hopkinton, Mass) rolls out its Automated Networked Storage solutions for PACS. The new solutions manage and accelerate the total image lifecycle from actively reviewed short-term live images to long-term archived images. The company’s products provide complete information lifecycle management of digital assets, including storage platform management software, HSM functionality, data migration capabilities, and business continuity solutions. The CLARiiON CX series of networked storage systems provides a cost-competitive storage solution to manage, protect, and share short-term active files. For long-term archiving, the Centera content addressed storage solution offers flexible, secure storage for unchanging digital assets, including medical images and patient records.

GE Medical Systems (GEMS of Waukesha, Wis) is showcasing its Centricity 2 PACS. The redesigned system links radiology and cardiology: It enables sites to consolidate storage and servers for the two departments while allowing for custom workflow in each department. The system’s single Web-based application, Centricity Enterprise Web, is a patient-centered application that brings together images, reports, and waveforms from radiology and cardiology. Centricity 2 also features integrated clinical applications. Basic mammography and basic 3D are currently available on the system, and advanced mammography and 3D are being shown as works-in-progress. GEMS’ IT theme, Centricity Everywhere, is apparent at the company’s booth. Visitors can see Centricity integrated into the workflow of different areas. Examples include a dedicated surgical application embedded in Centricity.

INPHACT Inc (Nashville, Tenn) expands RadWeb, the company’s Web-based information system, with the “enterprise-wide scheduling” and “automated billing” modules. The company also plans to announce a merger with Toronto-based ELECTROMED. The new company, EVOLVED Digital Systems, will deliver image and information management solutions for radiology and cardiology.

Intelerad (Montreal, Canada) showcases InteleViewer, a full-featured JPEG 2000 Web-based diagnostic viewer. It features radiologist worklist for reading management, advanced connectivity with digital dictation and other enterprise productivity tools, customization for user preferences through hanging protocols, and both lossless and lossy compression levels adjustable by modality to speed communications over all bandwidths. Intelerad also is showing new workflow tools and RIS interface extensions that enable order entry and completion, radiologist worklist, digital dictation, and transcription.

The company also plans to demonstrate new Tracer Tools for proactive PACS support and analysis.

Kodak (Rochhester, NY) demonstrates three new Professional Services offerings. Kodak Storage and Archive Services provide an ASP off-site storage service, data migration, and disaster recovery capabilities that enable healthcare providers to comply with HIPAA regulations concerning the protection of patient records. Kodak Healthcare Integration Services link a Kodak PACS and RIS with existing enterprise-wide RAID storage devices as well as HIS/RIS systems, and also provide modality integration between RIS and PACS. Kodak Secure E-mail Service encrypts email messages and their attachments so that patient information and images can be sent securely over the Internet, enabling health care payers and providers to comply with HIPAA regulations.

Kodak also highlights the newest version of the Kodak DirectView PACS System 5 platform. The new platform contains several enhancements, including integrated 3D utilities (MIP, tissue definition, and vessel tracking); enterprise-wide reporting enhancements; and a robust teaching file utility. In addition, the company unveils its Radiology Information System 2010 (RIS 2010) in the United States. The integrated platform addresses all aspects of image and information workflow from appointment scheduling to worklist management, patient exam tracking, billing and report generation, and distribution. Also new is the Kodak DirectView Versatile Intelligent Patient Archive (VIParchive), a full digital asset management platform that efficiently manages PACS and cardiology storage needs and provides distributed enterprise-wide management of DICOM and non-DICOM digital assets across multiple storage platforms.

Merge eFilm (Milwaukee, Wis) and its newest acquisition RIS Logic (Solon, Ohio) both can be found at the Merge eFilm booth. The company launches Fusion RIS/PACS, an integrated system featuring workflow driven by RIS Logic. The single platform solution includes an integrated radiologist workspace, an image routing engine to meet the needs of outpatient imaging centers and an automated system to associate exams and studies.

Pegasus Imaging (Tampa, Fla) comes to RSNA with its PICTools image compression technology. Designed for use on the IBM AIX platform, the PICTools software development kits contain low-level C programming libraries for image compression, including JPEG, JPEG 2000, and lossless JPEG. PICTools handles high-resolution images, such as digital X-rays, CT, MR, mammography, PET, ultrasound, and angiography.

The company also debuts its revamped medical imaging component library, MedXpress v2. This ActiveX/COM toolkit offers a new, object model-based API that provides easier access to DICOM functionality with less code; support for DICOM associations (networking); enhanced DICOMDIR support; and improved DICOM message, file, and item manipulation. MedXpress also allows developers to add image capture, viewing, editing, printing, annotation, conversion, and TWAIN scanning to applications.

Philips Medical Systems (Bothell, Wash) underscores its strengthened IT portfolio with a focused approach to help clinicians deal with large and complex CT/MR datasets in clinical routine. The company plans to showcase a new version of its ViewForum technology. ViewForum provides users with intelligent automated and protocoled tools to view complex CT and MR image series at a speed required for clinical routine, using its power to present all required clinical information with one click. The system is available on modality workstations and consoles as well as integrated on the Philips PACS workstations.

Philips also introduces concurrent user methodology on its diagnostic PACS workstations, fully featured with clinical applications, RIS desktop integration, voice recognition, and more, all to provide the flexibility of enterprise-wide and Web-based PACS systems without their inherent disadvantages.

Planar/DOME (Waltham, Mass) highlights its new Adara line, which includes two and three megapixel products designed for general medical imaging and distributed PACS. The company markets the grayscale display system as a standalone product; the software-only solution is marketed as a manual calibration hardware product.

Also new from Planar is CXtra, a software product for use on Planar color desktop display systems. Designed for use in clinical settings and teleradiology, the new software enables grayscale calibration.

With iPACS Technology from RealTimeImage, users have 3D review capability, extended measurement tools, high-resolution display options, and orthopedic digital templates.

RealTimeImage (San Bruno, Calif) introduces several enhancements to its iPACS technology. The company will demonstrate new primary, enterprise, and remote reading capabilities that benefit radiologists and orthopedic surgeons. These features include streaming-based, 3D review capability; improved overlay presentation and editing; extended measurement tools; support for multihead display, high-resolution display, and DICOM printers; and orthopedic digital templates. New enhancements on the back end of iPACS include additional management and administration tools; greater storage management utilizing hierarchical storage management capabilities; and broader DICOM support, including full DICOM JPEG 2000 support.

Rorke Data (Eden Prairie, Minn) offers a new storage services switching platform so that companies can leverage low-cost Serial ATA (SATA) data storage in their current storage environments. The new switch features per-port-processing that guarantees QoS per LUN. This means that mid-size and enterprise-class users can rely on wire speed performance, regardless of their existing storage environment (eg, HP, EMC, IBM, or SUN), and simultaneously leverage Rorke’s low-cost SATA-based RAID storage for second-tier applications, such as Back-Up, Snap-Shot, and Mirror.

ScImage (Los Altos, Calif) displays its enterprise-wide PACS product, PICOMEnterprise, which can support a multiple-department, multihospital environment or a single imaging center. It offers visualization tools for both radiology and cardiology as well as expanded scalability. PICOMEnterprise allows radiology and cardiology to share a single architecture to acquire, store, and distribute digital images. This shared resource infrastructure can be integrated with many existing hospital or radiology information systems to create a complete digital workflow solution tailored to the customer’s needs. New advanced visualization software can be integrated with standard radiology viewing application to provide on-demand 3D reconstructions, Interactive MPR, and Dual Sliding MIPs for more than 5,000 images. The updated cardiology viewing application includes tools for Quad View for review of Stress Echo cases and can integrate with a sophisticated Quantitative Coronary Analysis package. The cardiology imaging suite features an option for digital subtraction angiography. Both standard viewing applications can be integrated with customizable reporting tools, voice recognition, and dictation tools.

Siemens’ Leonardo 3D post-processing workstation features the integration of NOVIUS Radiology, SIENET PACS, and Soarian Clinical Access.

Siemens Medical Solutions (Malvern, Pa) demonstrates how NOVIUS Radiology, SIENET PACS, and Soarian Clinical Access (the clinical repository accessible from Siemens syngo-enabled imaging workstations) integrate with the Siemens Leonardo 3D post-processing workstation. Visitors to Siemens’ booth can see how technologists and physicians can reconstruct images and access complete patient information. The SIENET Integrated Radiology Suite, which combines a PACS and Siemens NOVIUS RIS, enables data captured from medical devices to be integrated into information systems—without the need for additional electronic devices, or “brokers,” to communicate between the two systems. Clinicians get real-time access to patient information, including test results with CT scans or X-ray images. Siemens also intends to demonstrate its ability to combine information technology, PACS, and medical technology to significantly improve clinical workflow. Visitors to the “Siemens Workflow Street” can see how Soarian, the SIENETIntegrated Radiology Suite, and a variety of modalities can provide comprehensive services in a hospital setting.

Swearingen Software (Houston, Texas) highlights its v3 release of RMS for Windows. The new release provides biometric security, utilizing fingerprints to restrict user access to patient and system data. “UAreU” technology, under license from DigitalPersona, employs a small fingerprint scanner to match users’ fingerprints to a database of fingerprint images, each linked to a unique user ID.

TeraRecon Inc (San Mateo, Calif) showcases updated clinical application and tools for its AquariusNET client-server system and workstation. Updated clinical applications and tools for AquariusNET include CT/PET overlay with manual registration for CT and PET examinations, multiphase support for time-dependent 3D MRA or CTA examinations, a movie export tool for fast AVI creation from 2D or 3D images, automated templates that load cases directly to the clinically appropriate 3D view settings, and a quick volume viewing tool that quickly delivers an interactive review of a target area of interest. Updated clinical applications for the Aquarius 3D workstation include Segmentation-Analysis-Tracking for soft tissue masses or solitary pulmonary nodules; Time-Density Analysis software for perfusion studies; Time-Volume-Analysis software for cardiac functional evaluation; and Vascular Analysis Tool for analyzing thrombus, calcifications, and endoleaks.

The company also is highlighting Personal Digital Light Box (PDLB), a large-format radiology display that uses super high-resolution flat panels with integrated software to display 2D, 3D, MIP, and MPR images from multiple modalities and multiple examinations simultaneously. PDLB is designed to replace conventional film light boxes in film reading rooms, physicians’ offices and surgical settings.

At RSNA, GE Medical Systems Information Technologies (GEMS-IT of Waukesha, Wis) and TeraRecon plan to demonstrate the integration of GEMS-IT’s Centricity PACS and TeraRecon’s AquariusNET server, with AquariusNET automatically providing a 3D tool to accompany 2D review on Centricity.

Vidar Systems Corp (Herndon, Va) introduces the next generation in film digitizer technology—the Advantage product platform. The platform features a number of patent-pending technological advances to provide customers with increased “up-time,” result in improved productivity and revenues, deliver superior image quality, exceptional consistency and repeatability, and enhanced speed. Each digitizer in the line holds “Advantages” specific to the needs of solutions providers and end users in particular specialty areas. For example, the CAD PRO Advantage features a new category of film feeder designed for the highest reliability, productivity, and ease of use; it overcomes the limitations of traditional batch feeders by reducing the typical four-step loading process to just one step. The Advantage product line also offers significantly enhanced speed to further improve productivity.