New research shows the effects of electron beams on implanted vascular access ports composed of plastic, determining how they impair the fluence of radiation around them.



One of the most important recent advances in radiation oncology has been the integration of 4-D treatment planning tools into the clinic. 4-D treatment tools have enabled the radiation oncologist to better plan and account for the tumor motion in a specific patient.


Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is safe, profoundly safe, provided we follow industry best practices. Unfortunately, the rates of reported MRI accidents are nearly five times what they were just five years ago, according to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)[1] — an apparent indication that we, as an industry, aren’t following best practices.



With healthcare professionals thinking about the effects of ionizing radiation on the population at large, there is particular concern about its use for imaging children. That there is reason for concern was underscored by the release of new study results earlier this year, which indicated computed tomography (CT) exams of children in hospital emergency departments increased substantially from 1995 to 2008.  While CT still may be the best imaging choice in certain cases, there is continued emphasis on using other modalities whenever possible. As a result, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being used more and more,


The overarching trend in ultrasound continues to be the development of smaller and more powerful imaging platforms. The provision of hand-carried systems that offer advanced functionality and premium image quality in a small, easy-to-use and affordable package has almost become essential to growth in ultrasound over the last few years.



The number of ultrasound systems in emergency departments will nearly double by 2015, according to a report by ultrasound industry expert and consultant Harvey Klein. One medical professional who has had success using ultrasound in the emergency department is Colleen Campbell, M.D., a professor of emergency medicine and the director of emergency ultrasound at the University of California San Diego.



Thomas Cook, M.D., is the emergency medicine residency program director at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia, S.C., and has been using ultrasound in the practice of emergency medicine since 1996. He also had the recent experience of traveling in China and learning about that country’s use of ultrasound. He shares his expertise and views about ultrasound in the emergency department (ED) in the following Q&A with ITN.


October 5, 2011 — Hologic will display the new Advanced Body Composition assessment feature of its Discovery Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) system at RSNA 2011.

During RSNA 2011, Infinitt will showcase its latest advances in image and information management across the enterprise.

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