Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A. Inc. announced on Thursday that it received FDA clearance for its latest PACS solution, Synapse 5.

Johann Fernando, chief operating officer at FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., told HCB News that Synapse 5 is built for fast and interactive access to the right data at the right time. “Server-based image rendering and a zero download viewer with browser and operating system flexibility results in significant IT benefits,” he said, adding that breast tomosynthesis and MPR/fusion images can be accessed without switching workstations.

Fujifilm's PACS customers will be able to upgrade their current systems to Synapse 5, and the solution does not require the user to download anything since it doesn't run through a web browser. Therefore, the workload that Synapse 5 puts on a facility’s bandwidth is marginal compared to some traditional PACS systems, which can bog down connection speeds with the amount of data that is transferred.
Synapse 5 is the company's latest offering among its portfolio of VNA, 3-D, RIS, cardiovascular and mobile products. Since it takes a much different approach than other PACS systems, it could be disruptive to the marketplace.

Like Synapse 4.0 in 2011, the Synapse 5 solution was first launched at the annual RSNA meeting in November. It will also be showcased at HIMSS at the end of this month.

Synapse 5 is expected to become commercially available in the U.S. in the second half of 2016.

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