RSNA: Philips introduces Integral Breast Workspace with new diagnostic capabilities
Philips Healthcare unveiled several women’s health solutions at RSNA including Integral Breast Workspace and new capabilities for its mammography, ultrasound and MRI imaging systems at the 2009 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference in Chicago last week.

Integral Breast Workspace comprises a set of solutions that provides radiologists the ability to review multi-modality breast images at one workspace. The system fits with new guidelines suggesting a multi-modality approach to breast cancer screening, diagnosis and management and addresses the need for integrated image and information management.

Radiologists are drowning in data, according to Pat Venters, vice president of women’s health at Philips.

“Integration will save us a lot of time.  And, at the same time it connects to better care for the patients by more accurately relating findings from the different modalities," said Gillian Newstead, MD, director of Clinical Breast Imaging at the University of Chicago.

Digital mammography and information management solutions
The Integral Breast Workspace includes MammoDiagnost VU, Multi-modality Breast Applications and DynaCAD Enterprise Solution for data analysis on a single workspace. The Integral Breast Workspace is also a multi-vendor workstation that addresses the need for integrated image and information management. It integrates complete BI-RADS reporting for mammography, ultrasound and MRI, and also provides single-click comparisons with automated multi-modality presentation of patient history.

The system is expected to ship in February 2010.

MammoDiagnost DR digital mammography solution is designed for high-volume screening. Features include Unique image processing software, the Eleva user interface and seamless integration into existing PACS. MammoDiagnost DR is not for sale in the U.S.

MammoDiagnost VU, a diagnostic viewing workstation for mammography, is designed to handle the high volumes of data occurring in mammography. The workstation supports the entire imaging process and allows customization according to individual preferences.

Philips also highlighted SecondLook Digital from iCAD; Philips’ new computer-aided solution supports physicians in identifying and marking suspicious areas. The software performs with both Philips’ DR and CR mammography solutions. SecondLook Digital is not for sale in the U.S.

Enhancing breast imaging with ultrasound
Philips also showcased iU22 ultrasound, which features breast imaging capabilities including elastography. Elastography on the iU22 system with L12-5 transducer and breast tissue specific imaging preset enables clinicians to differentiate relative stiffness of tissue through sonographic examination. Elastography, in addition to features such as volume imaging, tissue aberration correction and smart exam, make the iU22 well-suited for breast imaging. FDA approval for the iU22 is expected by the middle of 2010.

MRI workflow solutions and patient-adaptive technology
Philips also shared Elite Breast, a clinical solution for Philips 1.5T and 3T MRI systems. From patient preparation, through examination to reporting and intervention, the technology is designed to make breast MRI easier, according to the company. The solution includes breast imaging techniques such as eThrive, the MammoTrak dockable patient support, diagnostic and biopsy coils and the DynaCAD enterprise breast software for analysis and biopsy planning from the MR console.

Elite Breast solution is available with Philips Achieva 3T TX, a patient-adaptive MRI system, which incorporates MultiTransmit technology, a third generation 3T technology.

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