Tomosynthesis
GE Healthcare announced that their SenoClaire tomosynthesis system received FDA approval. The system was created in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital.

According to the company, SenoClaire utilizes a unique “step-and-shoot” image acquisition method instead of the traditional “sweeping” method that other systems on the market use. It stops at nine different positions to take an image, which prevents motion blur and ultimately improves the image sharpness.

Using SenoClaire, there is no increase in radiation dose from a 2-D mammogram to the 3-D view. This achieved through the combination of three technologies — a high-quality X-ray beam, a reduced scatter radiation feature and a fast and sensitive detector.


CT
Siemens Healthcare announced that its 16-slice CT scanner-SOMATOM Scope-received FDA approval. With a space requirement of 130.2 square feet, Siemens claims that it’s the smallest 16-slice fixed CT system on the market today.

The Scope has Siemens’ Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS) technology built into it, which speeds up the image reconstruction and reduces noise and artifacts at the same time. Its Adaptive Signal Boost technology amplifies low signals when there is high attenuation, and the Fully Assisting Scanner Technology (FAST) and Combined Applications to Reduce Exposure (CARE) applications.

It also includes Siemens’ eCockpit technology, which is a suite of technologies that work by eliminating the wear and tear on the system. The eMode technology optimizes the scan parameters, the eSleep technology puts the system in hibernation mode if it’s idling, and the eStart technology warms up the X-ray tubes so there’s no harsh jump in temperature


Ultrasound
GE Healthcare has announced commercial availability of the Voluson E10 ultrasound system. The scanner’s new HDlive Silhouette and HDlive Flow applications use the ultrasound data in new ways to calculate depth, shape and detail. Add noise-removal, image enhancement, color and light, and the final 3D image is complete. A 3D scan is a still picture of the baby in three dimensions. With 4D, the added dimension being time, the baby can be seen moving around in real time. HDlive technology adds a virtual light source to the image, calculating the location of shadows and even the translucency of the baby’s skin.

However, the image processing powers of the Voluson E10 can be used for more than superficial look at the fetus. The technology can be used to obtain images of the baby’s blood vessels, heart, brain and other organs that show depth and structure in a way that helps provide the tiny details desired.


Electronic brachytherapy controller
iCAD recently debuted the Axxent SPX Controller. The controller features a streamlined design and features new software and an enhanced barcode scanning function that offers significant workflow benefits and improved technology support for HIPAA compliance.




Suture system
Arthrosurface introduces The KISSloc Suture System is sterile packaged with completely disposable instrumentation which minimizes the risk of infection. The small 1.2 mm bone tunnels significantly reduce the stress on the bone caused by larger holes while the low profile plates distribute the load across a larger area. Additionally, Hallux Valgus correction can be achieved with only one KISSloc construct instead of two separate suture bridges, creating an easy to use, cost effective system. Arthrosurface is on track for a commercial release of the KISSloc Suture System in Q4 of this year.


Patient apparel
Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc. has introduced The myComfort line of patient apparel. It utilizes Vestex, an active barrier fabric that is fluid repellant, breathable and in studies done in a hospital environment, shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the fabric.