November 12, 2013 — Agfa HealthCare announced that it is launching the next generation of its MUSICA (Multi-Scale Image Contrast Amplification) image processing software with new technology improvements that enhance both image quality and workflow for radiographers and radiologists at the upcoming Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting (RSNA 2013) in Chicago. The new version is expected to be available in March 2014.
In the new version, tube quality and exposure settings, with the new window level adjustment, are no longer required, allowing for even easier and faster image reading. Radiologists also get more diagnostic information from their images, with a high level of detail in the mediastinum, sharp trabecular and cortical bone, a balanced presentation of both soft tissue and overlapping bone structures, visualization of subtle details in the abdomen and a true representation of implants with clear bone interfaces. MUSICA uses fractional multiscale processing (FMP) to increase detail.
Body-part independent, automatic optimization of image quality and workflow
MUSICA enhances productivity for both radiologists and technologists, offering a streamlined workflow. First launched in the 1990s, the second-generation MUSICA version was the first medical image-processing algorithm requiring no interaction with the user to produce optimized output images. No input is required regarding which body part has been imaged, radiographic projection, patient position, the presence of contrast material or anything else. All parameters needed to produce an optimized output image are derived or calculated by MUSICA from the input image itself. By automatically analyzing the characteristics of each image and optimizing the
Making the MUSICA better
Agfa’s philosophy of ensuring optimal image quality while protecting people in X-ray environments is based on the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. After the recent introduction of high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) DX-D Cesium detectors, NX Exposure Index to avoid dose creep and IMPAX REM for an overall dose radiation exposure management, this new version of MUSICA is the next important step in our continuing efforts to further increase image quality while decreasing patient dose.
For more information: www.agfahealthcare.com
April 01, 2024 
