MR Technology for Targeted Imaging Studies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given marketing clearance to GE Healthcare to expand its EXCITE™ data pipeline to include an advanced MR imaging technology.

This new technology, for GE Signa® 1.5 T and 3.0 T MR systems, increases speed and power to help clinicians gather more data in shorter periods of time. It also allows a greater range of targeted MR studies, such as of the heart, brain, liver and lower legs.

"These exams, in many cases, will expose patients to lower doses of contrast than are typically required for x-ray or CT studies, " said Dennis Cooke, vice-president of global MR for GE Healthcare.

The new EXCITE release will enable new targeted studies including high-clarity vascular images of the lower legs, extremely high-resolution images of the liver with shorter breath holds and better organ coverage than was previously possible, and RealCARD real-time imaging of the heart with the resolution of MR at the speed of ultrasound, without the need for breath holding or ECG gating.

Carotid Stent System

The FDA has also cleared the first carotid stent system designed to reduce the risk of stroke.

Guidant Corporation's RX ACCULINK™ carotid stent system and RX ACCUNET™ embolic protection system were approved for use in patients who have had symptoms of a stroke or whose carotid artery is at least 80 percent blocked, and who are not good candidates for the surgical alternative.

"Stenting is an established therapy that has been used successfully for years to treat heart and peripheral vascular disease. The approval of a carotid stent represents a minimally invasive breakthrough therapy for patients at risk of stroke who are ineligible or at high risk for traditional surgery," said Beverly Huss, president of endovascular solutions for Guidant.

The FDA is requiring Guidant to conduct post-approval studies to confirm the stent's performance and to assess its long-term safety and effectiveness in preventing strokes.

Molecular Imaging Tool

Siemens has introduced a new work-in-progress tool for molecular medicine. Developed in collaboration with the Center for Molecular Imaging Research (CMIR) at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, the MIPortal* is an information technology platform designed to provide molecular imaging research laboratories with access to archiving and processing of imaging and non-imaging data.

"We expect the research being conducted at CMIR to lead to the discovery of new ways to detect and diagnose disease," said Mohammad Naraghi, senior vice-president of business development at Siemens Medical Solutions. "Because we are integrated into the research process, Siemens will be able to bring new molecular imaging solutions to the market more quickly, allowing physicians to implement these advanced technologies in clinical practice, ultimately benefiting patient care."

*MIPortal is not commercially available in the U.S.

Disposable Endocavity Needle Guide

CIVCO Medical Instruments has introduced a new disposable endocavity needle guide for use with Siemens BE9-4 transducers on the G60 S and G50 ultrasound systems.

The needle guide fastens securely into the locating features of the transducer, directing instruments according to on-screen guidelines. Because the needle guide is disposable, it helps reduce the risks associated with cross-contamination.