2009 October

William A. Zoghbi, MD, former president of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), says that vascular disease represents a new frontier for the ASE and its members. As vascular disease takes center stage in medicine, we are seeing a new appreciation for vascular ultrasound as a cost-effective diagnostic modality for the early detection of atherosclerosis, he states (Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, April 2009, Vol. 22:4, p. A33).

Digital angiography systems allow for faster acquisition, sharper image quality and less x-ray exposure to the patient and staff. It is good news all around.

In the wake of an explosion of oncology-related imaging, many hospitals have now set up separate radiation oncology information systems that not only store images but also keep track of dosage, planning and treatment data.

Depending on practice requirements, a smaller DICOM CD/DVD recording system may deliver the most efficient workflow

The summer of 2009 has, at long last, come to a close. However, the fiery rhetoric of partisan interests in the on-going debate over healthcare reform shows no sign of cooling down. The current drama over the provision of healthcare is not a new or original topic in the political discourse of the United States.