At the Radiological Society of North America's 99th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 in Chicago, a main focus was Imaging 3.0.
Imaging 3.0 is an initiative led by the American College of Radiology that emphasizes radiologists' role in helping healthcare organizations transition to value-based reimbursements and new healthcare delivery models. A vital part of Imaging 3.0 is the technology that helps radiologists do more with less, improving the quality of patient care with fewer unnecessary tests, less radiation, more efficient workflows and a better patient experience.
Many of the new products on display at RSNA aim to enhance the value provided by radiologists and imaging departments and push the healthcare industry toward a full embrace of Imaging 3.0.
Nuance
More than 50 percent of radiology reports in the U.S. are created on a Nuance platform, says Rodney Hawkins, general manager of diagnostic solutions at Nuance. "We have the solutions to facilitate the move to 3.0," he says, including the newly enhanced PowerScribe 360 reporting platform.
The new PowerScribe includes enhanced speech recognition capabilities that allow for faster and more accurate report creation. Additionally, the new platform includes the automated integration of DICOM Structured Report data, which both accelerates delivery of the report and keeps as much data as possible in a structured, actionable format.
The platform also employs analytic capabilities that alert the radiologist to possible errors, such as inconsistent gender pronouns, help ensure all information necessary for billing is in the report and identify and flag potentially critical findings. All these improvements are focused on preventing errors and confirming findings as early as possible, allowing the entire care delivery process to run more smoothly and more efficiently. "It's all about catching things on the front end," says Mr. Hawkins.
Viztek
Viztek debuted is new fully web-based, device-agnostic picture archiving and communication system platform at RSNA. The PACS system is designed to improve workflow by bundling reports, capturing billing opportunities and providing helpful documentation, such as a list of technicians in the room at the time of imaging in case quarantine or other issues arise later.
Vitzek also introduced several hardware solutions, including the FIT-DR, a dual-detector digital X-ray system featuring both a fixed and a wireless panel to adapt to various imaging needs. The system features a remote-controlled arm and preprogrammed settings to help increase efficiency and accuracy in the imaging lab. Vitzek's wireless panels can also be retrofit to an existing imaging lab, providing a more cost-effective option for hospitals and health systems facing budgetary constraints, says Bruce Ashby, DR product manager at Viztek.
Fujifilm
Fujifilm introduced the Aspire Cristalle, a new digital mammography system that combines high-resolution imaging with the ability to conduct breast tomosynthesis studies, increasing patient comfort while helping to diagnose breast cancer earlier. The system also allows for a 40 degree image sweep as compared to the 15 degree sweep offered by most imaging solutions, allowing more to be seen per image and reducing the amount of radiation experienced by the patient. Food and Drug Administration approval for this product is expected next spring.
SonoSite, a subsidiary of Fujifilm, was recently awarded FDA clearance for the X-Porte, a high-resolution and highly portable ultrasound kiosk. SonoSite got its start in 1998 developing lightweight, portable and durable imaging solutions for use by the U.S. military in battlefield situations. The new system retains the same qualities at a price point to put in on the front lines of patient care. "It's for nontraditional users, in trauma departments, or anywhere they need it at the point of care," says Diane Smith-Utegg, director of strategic accounts.
Siemens
The SOMATOM Force, introduced by Siemens at RSNA, is designed to perform CT imaging with lower doses of radiation and contrast imaging, ideal for pediatric patients or patients with renal insufficiency. The machine can also acquire an image at a rate of 737 millimeters (29 inches) per second, meaning the patient does not have to hold his or her breath during the scan. "That, and it just looks awesome," says Murat Gungor, vice president of CT and radiation oncology for Siemens North America.
Siemens' ACUSON S line of ultrasound systems, including the new HELX Evolution, has been improved to offer 50 percent greater pixel density and 20 percent greater image visibility. The system also has several user-friendly innovations: rubber grips and lightweight handheld extensions make the equipment easy to use, and the system can be controlled remotely with an app for the iPhone or iPod, says Glenn Davis, vice president of global marketing at Siemens.
Siemens also introduced a new version of its PACS software, syngo.plaza, designed to improving user workflow. The syngo suite of applications is the software platform for all of Siemens' imaging equipment and is completely server-based. The user interface displays all available apps for different imaging procedures, allowing a user to switch between specialties and subspecialties. This release includes a couple new apps, including one focused on cardiac imaging that helps a clinician decide which stent to use.
Agfa HealthCare
Agfa HealthCare released a new version of its MUSICA image processing software, which will be on the market in March 2014. Window level adjustment is no longer needed in the new version, and more balanced levels of bone and tissue presentation in the image allows for quicker image reading by radiologists. "It's going to improve workflow and get the report on the patient's chart faster," says George Curley, senior product manager of digital solutions at Agfa.
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