It's amazing how many specialized large, mid-sized and smaller companies support the world of medical imaging. From cables to casters, every connection of the big scanning machines is matched with dozens of hardware and software innovations to help clinicians, technicians, and administrators. Notable examples are PACS systems to archive and share images, and teleradiology services, which allow remote reading now that digital images can be transmitted. Other details are also handled by a wide range of products and accessories to test and operate the equipment for radiation protection and shielding, patient positioning and comfort and many other purposes.

Here are some RSNA exhibitor highlights:

-Merge Healthcare (which merged with Cedara Software) received Joint Commission accreditation just yesterday for its new teleradiology software, Merge TeleRead. They're not the only company to facilitate reading of studies off shore, but the unique thing here is their Consult Pre-Read which provides a preliminary report read by two doctors in India who provide detailed findings to the U.S. radiologist. It's a great quality control measure in addition to its administrative benefits. The company is also the maker of the popular eFilm Workstation, widely used downloaded desktop diagnostic imaging software. At the show, Merge debuted version 3.0 as a work in progress. Additional features include spine labeling, enhanced media burning and other capabilities.
-Planar Systems, makers of specialty display technology, introduced the world's first 16 megapixel, 30-inch grayscale medical display, the Planar Dome(R) Z16. It claims unprecedented resolution designed to increase diagnostic confidence. Its precision and clarity offers a large, high-rez display for digital mammography screening.

-Visage Imaging is teaming with Agfa to provided the Visage CS Thin Client/Server for Agfa's IMPAX. This will allow large image data volumes to be stored on a central server and support 3D and 4D viewing from any computer on the system. Large, multi-slice CT studies can be shared in this way on existing PACS systems.

-Candelis introduced a new RIS/PACs suite to go with its ImageGrid DICOM line for general radiology and mammography. Low cost and ease of installation are the key advantages.

-TomoVision developed software, DICOMatic, that will convert older image formats from CT, MR and ultrasound machines into DICOM so they can be migrated to an existing or planned PACS system. The software basically moves old CD or magnetic storage media that scanners output and enables those files to be put on a computer.

More Industry Headlines