AccuSoft Corporation this week is highlighting an upgrade to its ImageGear for .NET product at the 2007 AIIM/On Demand Exposition & Conference April 17-19 in Boston. The release provides programmers with a comprehensive solution to accelerate development of .NET Framework 3.0 solutions and Vista applications using fully managed code. Developers can also add powerful imaging capabilities to existing .NET Framework applications quickly and reliably using this high-performance toolkit. In addition to providing support for .NET Framework 3.0, the new release features support for Direct 3D 10, Microsoft’s latest graphics platform, as well as comprehensive image, file, and digital camera raw format support. A beta version of the product is being shown in the company’s booth. The product is expected to be generally available by June 29, 2007.
AccuSoft now provides native .NET support for digital camera raw formats from 100 of the most widely used digital cameras from manufacturers including Cannon, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony. Furthermore, developers can integrate next-generation DirectX 10 and Direct3D features into their .NET applications. In addition, new methods for image processing (e.g. red eye removal, mosaic, solarize, and others) have also been added to the product’s API (application program interface).
CIVCO Medical Solutions announces the release of a new needle guidance system for use with Aloka’s UST-9133 transducer on the Alpha 10 (Version 6 and above) ultrasound systems. This needle guidance system is designed to increase the productivity of ultrasound-guided procedures including tissue biopsy, fluid aspirations and catheter placement. In addition, the single-use design of the needle guide reduces the risk of cross-contamination and increases patient throughput.
CIVCO’s needle guidance systems utilize a two-part system consisting of a custom reusable biopsy bracket and a disposable snap-on needle guide. Together, these tools offer physicians reduced technique variability, providing a shorter learning curve and reduced procedure time. Multi-angle brackets offer professionals different angles for needle placement. Once the desired angle has been selected, a stainless steel pin locks the angle securely into position. The biopsy depths for this multi-angle bracket are 4.78cm and 14.4cm.
The Ultra-Pro II needle guide now incorporates additional flexibility and features to increase productivity during ultrasound-guided procedures. The needle guide directs instruments according to on-screen software guidelines and features a larger tab for improved quick-release function, allowing easy detachment of the needle from the transducer.
EMC Corporation has released new versions of its e-mail and file system archiving software to further simplify management of crucial electronically stored information (ESI) to meet internal and external governance requirements. EMC EmailXtender 4.8 software gives customers a new, flexible approach to e-mail archiving, enabling administrators to easily monitor archive operational efficiency. The new EMC DiskXtender 6.2 for Windows file system archiving software enables customers to easily search single or multiple file systems, making electronic discovery more accurate, fast and affordable.
Andy Cohen, EMC’s vice president of compliance solutions and associate general counsel, said, “EMC’s latest software enhancements can help organizations become more proactive in the management of their ESI, not only to address IT operational efficiencies like faster backup and tiered storage, but also to drive down costs and risks through faster and simpler retention management, search and the ability to produce information in a more timely, cost-effective manner.”
EmailXtender software’s user-directed archiving functionality provides a new approach to archiving e-mail. Corporate users can categorize emails as business records and therefore determine which messages should be archived.
The new version of DiskXtender for Windows software expands policy-based file system archiving, which migrates inactive data off production storage to archive disk, tape or optical devices. And with a new search module, DiskXtender for Windows software delivers comprehensive file index and search across DiskXtender-managed drives on servers, direct attached storage and storage area networks, allowing managers to easily locate both active and archived files for audit, analysis and legal discovery.
Merge Healthcare released Fusion RIS/PACS MX, an imaging informatics system designed to move beyond the simple interfacing of RIS and PACS applications at imaging centers, hospitals, multi-facility physician practices and specialty clinics. Fusion RIS/PACS MX helps these organizations achieve new efficiencies by blending together the advantages of a RIS and PACS into a single business and clinical application with an optimized radiologist workspace.
Fusion RIS/PACS MX includes a single workflow application which is relevant to the entire spectrum of clinical and business needs for medical imaging. With exam-driven workflow and a single source of access to all patient information, duplicative and/or missing data is greatly reduced. Customizable, intuitive worklists and embedded tools, such as document management, enhance every user's productivity and help imaging businesses reduce report turnaround times.
The system gives single-desktop access to all information required for reading and reporting on an exam via the Patient Master Jacket. Not only are all the advanced tools readily available that are required for today's reading, but Fusion RIS/PACS MX also gives radiologists easy access to RIS-based data. Other features include point-and-click linkage to additional workflow tools, embedded dictation, interrupt sessions and instant messaging.
Sage Software will begin offering a new Intergy by Sage system targeted at community health centers. Based on its flagship Intergy by Sage product line, the new system will include functionality that meets the specific community health needs, including features that will help manage sliding fee schedules, UDS (uniform data system) and behavioral health management.
Intergy by Sage will provide community health centers with the ability to manage funds, control budgets and monitor accountability. The system is integrated with the Intergy EHR by Sage EHR, practice management and electronic data interchange tools. It will also integrate with Sage Software’s financial offerings, including Sage MIP Fund Accounting, the company’s award-winning accounting software for nonprofit financial management.
ScImage plans to soon release a fully customizable reporting and workflow documentation solution for vascular procedures. The reporting solution will be offered as an add-on to the company’s Enterprise PACS, PicomEnterprise. The vascular reporting package is an extension of the company’s current reporting engine, PicomDOC, and uses a completely standards-based approach to report design and customization. PicomDOC incorporates the DICOM structured reporting standard but also uses rich text formatting and smart macros to quickly complete vascular reports for both carotid exams and peripheral procedures. The tool offers automatic creation of an Adobe PDF document upon final signature that is subsequently saved to the electronic patient folder within PicomEnterprise.