Carestream showcases new CR, 3D capabilities
Carestream Health demonstrated image analysis and reporting functionality for its newest generation of CR systems, the Kodak DirectView Classic and Elite CR Systems, at the 2008 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) conference in Seattle. The systems are designed for hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, multi-specialty clinics and private practices.
New administrative analysis and reporting is an optional features that enables administrators to oversee and enhance staff and equipment performance, while helping improve patient care, according to the company. This feature, which is also available on previous generations of Kodak CR systems, consolidates important metrics from all networked Kodak CR systems onto an administrator's PC. Administrators can track cassette use, technologist statistics, exam exposures and the frequency and cause of rejected images.
The automated tool can lead to improved patient care through additional training that may reduce patient dose and the need to repeat exams, Carestream said. For example, administrators can provide additional training in cases where doses exceed optimal levels or where specific types of exams are repeated due to improper positioning.
Another optional feature for the CR platforms is the Kodak DirectView Total Quality Tool, which allows objective image tests and quality control (QC) measurements to be performed with the same interface used for examinations. This tool makes required QC testing more convenient and efficient, Carestream said.
The Classic and Elite CR systems can also help healthcare facilities improve productivity and workflow with an automatic image rendering feature that eliminates the need for technologists to identify each exam projection and allows users to create customized settings for image presentation (by exam type/body part).
The CR systems support general radiography, long-length, dental and mammography exams (in countries where these systems are approved for mammography applications), according to the developer.
On the advanced visualization front, Carestream has re-deployed the 3D capabilities of its Kodak Carestream PACS platform into a new turnkey solution for healthcare facilities that have not yet implemented PACS as well as for current PACS users with limited or no 3D capabilities.
The new Carestream Virtual 3D Solution is available as either a stand-alone workstation or as a workgroup configuration that permits multiple user access to server-based software from existing workstations, the firm said.
The Virtual 3D Solution delivers advanced visualization processing and comparative viewing of MR and CT studies. It also provides display protocols that optimize image review and streaming technology that speeds image delivery in low-bandwidth environments, according to the company.
In a non-PACS location, 3D imaging studies are routed to either a virtual 3D server or stand-alone workstation. With a stand-alone configuration, users can view 3D imaging studies and then print selected images, burn the study to a CD or email images to other users or destinations. In a workgroup configuration, remote users would access the virtual 3D application from any workstation and then perform desired viewing and distribution tasks.
Carestream’s advanced image processing tools include: MPR/MIP, MinIP, tissue definition, volume rendering, vessel tracking, automatic bone removal, PET-CT viewing of pre-registered images, cardiac review and analysis tools, cardiac multi-phase display and cardiac cine. The Virtual 3D Solution also supports advanced study comparison capabilities such as automatic linking of current and multiple prior studies, taking into account possible differences in slice thickness as well as automatic application of processing functions as the images are being displayed to the user's screen. The application also provides step-by-step wizards for more complex reconstruction functions and structured vessel and cardiac analysis reports.
The Virtual 3D Solution will be available in the United States in June and can be purchased by customers outside the United States later this summer.
New administrative analysis and reporting is an optional features that enables administrators to oversee and enhance staff and equipment performance, while helping improve patient care, according to the company. This feature, which is also available on previous generations of Kodak CR systems, consolidates important metrics from all networked Kodak CR systems onto an administrator's PC. Administrators can track cassette use, technologist statistics, exam exposures and the frequency and cause of rejected images.
The automated tool can lead to improved patient care through additional training that may reduce patient dose and the need to repeat exams, Carestream said. For example, administrators can provide additional training in cases where doses exceed optimal levels or where specific types of exams are repeated due to improper positioning.
Another optional feature for the CR platforms is the Kodak DirectView Total Quality Tool, which allows objective image tests and quality control (QC) measurements to be performed with the same interface used for examinations. This tool makes required QC testing more convenient and efficient, Carestream said.
The Classic and Elite CR systems can also help healthcare facilities improve productivity and workflow with an automatic image rendering feature that eliminates the need for technologists to identify each exam projection and allows users to create customized settings for image presentation (by exam type/body part).
The CR systems support general radiography, long-length, dental and mammography exams (in countries where these systems are approved for mammography applications), according to the developer.
On the advanced visualization front, Carestream has re-deployed the 3D capabilities of its Kodak Carestream PACS platform into a new turnkey solution for healthcare facilities that have not yet implemented PACS as well as for current PACS users with limited or no 3D capabilities.
The new Carestream Virtual 3D Solution is available as either a stand-alone workstation or as a workgroup configuration that permits multiple user access to server-based software from existing workstations, the firm said.
The Virtual 3D Solution delivers advanced visualization processing and comparative viewing of MR and CT studies. It also provides display protocols that optimize image review and streaming technology that speeds image delivery in low-bandwidth environments, according to the company.
In a non-PACS location, 3D imaging studies are routed to either a virtual 3D server or stand-alone workstation. With a stand-alone configuration, users can view 3D imaging studies and then print selected images, burn the study to a CD or email images to other users or destinations. In a workgroup configuration, remote users would access the virtual 3D application from any workstation and then perform desired viewing and distribution tasks.
Carestream’s advanced image processing tools include: MPR/MIP, MinIP, tissue definition, volume rendering, vessel tracking, automatic bone removal, PET-CT viewing of pre-registered images, cardiac review and analysis tools, cardiac multi-phase display and cardiac cine. The Virtual 3D Solution also supports advanced study comparison capabilities such as automatic linking of current and multiple prior studies, taking into account possible differences in slice thickness as well as automatic application of processing functions as the images are being displayed to the user's screen. The application also provides step-by-step wizards for more complex reconstruction functions and structured vessel and cardiac analysis reports.
The Virtual 3D Solution will be available in the United States in June and can be purchased by customers outside the United States later this summer.