KUB Technologies’ new XPERT 40 digital specimen radiography system is a mobile, self-contained, shielded cabinet X-ray system available with up to an 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-cm) digital radiography detector for inspection of surgically excised needle core biopsies and tissue specimens.

With its 1.0 mA X-ray source, the XPERT reportedly provides the highest signal to noise ratio and the lowest chances of missing micro-calcifications.

FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA’s digital mammography system, the Fuji Computed Radiography for Mammography (FCRm), works to offer a combination of image quality, versatility and practicality.

The system provides 18-by-24-centimeter and 24-by-30-centimeter fields-of-view, 50-micron pixel sampling and Fuji’s patented dual-side reading technology.

Hitachi Medical Systems America’s OASIS patient-centered open architecture MRI scanner features Hitachi’s proprietary 1.2 Tesla vertical field magnet technology inclusive of high magnet homogeneity and higher order active shim, all in an open architecture magnet design that gives patients an unrestricted viewing angle.

Featuring a high performance gradient system coupled with an 8-channel Radio Frequency (RF) system and Hitachi-designed RF coils, Oasis is designed to provide high performance imaging in a comfortable patient setting.

The Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System by Xoft is designed with a miniaturized X-ray source to apply radiation directly to a tumor bed within the body.

The Axxent Controller does not require radioactive isotopes or heavy shielding, according to the company. The system reportedly reduces treatment time from seven weeks to five days when compared to whole-breast external-beam radiation. Clinicians can be in the room during the procedure.

March 2008

SonoSite’s M-Turbo hand-carried ultrasound system is designed for use in the full range of clinical applications at the point of care, reportedly delivering an exponential increase in raw processing power for improved image clarity across all exam types, including breast imaging.

Accuray Inc. recently introduced the Sequential Optimization feature, an optimization capability that will now be available as a software option for the MultiPlan Treatment Planning System, reportedly allowing users to optimize their treatment objectives based on each unique clinical situation using prioritized clinical objectives, instead of the traditional trial and error setting of various constraints to narrow in on an optimized treatment.

Calypso Medical’s Calypso 4D Localization System reportedly utilizes proprietary electromagnetic technology in conjunction with implanted Beacon transponders in the prostate. The product was designed to provide tumor location information during external beam radiation therapy without adding ionizing radiation.

March 28, 2008 - The 21st century will be a time of personalized care for patients with breast cancer where tools such as biomarkers, multi-gene assays and single-gene assays will help clinicians individualize treatment, according to Peter Ravdin, M.D., Ph.D., presenting at the The National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s (NCCN) 13th Annual Conference.

However, Dr. Ravdin cautioned, further validation is still necessary to confirm some of the predictive capacities of these tests.

March 28, 2008 - Bryam Healthcare Inc. launched its national Byram Latino Diabetes Program, designed to provide high quality cost-effective care to the U.S. Latino population with diabetes.

The program removes language barriers for Spanish-speaking patients by providing all communications in Spanish, on-going diabetes educational support and reimbursement capabilities that are delivered by a dedicated team of Spanish-speaking experts. The program and its components reportedly facilitate access to quality diabetes care and improved patient outcomes.

March 27, 2008 - GE Healthcare said yesterday it completed the acquisition of VersaMed Corp., a provider of portable critical care ventilators for respiratory care products.

GE said VersaMed’s products will expand GE Healthcare’s capabilities in respiratory care management, offering a variety of advanced life support ventilators.

The merger deal has been developed over the past year, said VersaMed CEO Jerry Korten. He said his company is delighted to be joining GE Healthcare.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Subscribe Now