Carestream Health Inc. announced worldwide availability of the latest version of its Kodak Carestream PACS with optional integrated applications such as image fusion and orthopedic surgical templating in addition to native 3D imaging and advanced cardiac features. The platform will begin shipping in the end of June, and prior to that will be demonstrated at SIIM 2007 in Providence, R.I., June 7-10.

The PACS offers streaming capabilities that allows clinicians to review the first images in an exam while the rest of the study is being transmitted. In addition, a new licensing structure allows facilities to purchase optional features according to the number of concurrent users, so these tools are not restricted to specific workstations.

The latest system also offers the following:

• Native real-time 2D and 3D capabilities including MIP (maximum intensity projection), MinIP (minimum intensity projection), MPR (multiplanar reconstruction), volume rendering, tissue definition and vessel tracking functionality from a single virtual desktop;
• Specialized cardiac functions including: cardiac review and analysis; cardiac cage removal in 3D imaging; and cardiac calcium scoring;
• Native single media archive (CD or DVD) that includes shelf management support to benefit small sites that desire a low-cost solution for data backup and archiving;
• Additional native features for the Carestream Mammography Workstation include an image map, automatic chest wall justification, enhanced annotation capabilities and the integration of Confirma Cadstream software for breast MRI exams and Cedara B-CAD software for breast ultrasound exams;
• An enhanced Orthoview 4.0 orthopaedic digital planning solution that includes support for specialized surgical templates for trauma cases; and
• Integrated Siemens Medical Solutions’ FUSION7D software that delivers enhanced visualization of cancerous tumors and lesions.

The newest version of Carestream PACS also offers a licensing structure that sets pricing for features and functionality based on the number of concurrent users. This provides increased flexibility since users can access desired tools on any remote workstation.