Imaging Agent for Diagnosis of Equivocal Appendicitis

Mallinckrodt and Palatin Technologies have received Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approval to market and distribute NeutroSpec^TM imaging agent, an in vivo radiopharmaceutical that labels white blood cells and myeloid precursors. The FDA approval specifically indicates NeutroSpec for scintigraphic imaging of patients with equivocal signs of appendicitis who are five years of age or older.

NeutroSpec is a radiodiagnostic agent consisting of a murine IgM monoclonal antibody formulated to be labeled with Technetium-99m.

The companies report that during Phase III trials, 98 percent of positive appendicitis cases were diagnosed within one hour after injection of NeutroSpec.

Moveable, Digital C-arm System

Siemens Medical Solutions has received FDA marketing clearance for the new AXIOM Artis U, a moveable, digital C-arm imaging system. The system offers four times more generator power than any mobile C-arm system on the market and is intended to support a wide variety of examinations.

The AXIOM Artis U combines a fixed generator, a high capacity x-ray tube and the flexibility of a movable C-arm in a compact area. It also includes the ability to reduce radiation exposure for both the physician and the patient, and addresses the challenges encountered with large (obese) patients.

"As the complexity of cases and the variation in patient types continues to increase, so does the need for an imaging system that is flexible, easily configured yet capable of providing the highest standard image quality," said Manfred Fink, vice-president of the Angiography and X-ray Division at Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.

New Ultrasound Accessories

CIVCO Medical Instruments has introduced accessories compatible with the new Philips iU22 ultrasound system. The accessories include several needle guidance systems (Ultra-Pro II^TM, Multi-Pro 2000^TM and Infiniti^TM) and a full line of transducer covers.

The advanced iU22 ultrasound system is equipped with a wide range of high-performance features including real-time 4D imaging, voice activated control and annotation, and automated image optimization technologies.

New System Helps to Reduce Medical Errors, Increase Productivity

GE Healthcare has introduced OEC® 9800 MD, a digital mobile imaging system with a fully motorized C-arm and 12-inch image intensifier for larger field of view.

OEC 9800 MD offers flexibility without compromising accuracy. The system features:

• Proven 1k x 1k image resolution for exceptional detail
• Fully motorized C-arm movements
• Tableside user interface
• Collision protection system
• Heat management and output
• DICOM 3.0 compatible

"For years we have focused on inventing technologies that reach new levels of image quality and user interface to support the growing number of minimally invasive procedures performed each year," said Laura King, global vice president and general manager of interventional, cardiology and surgery at GE Healthcare. "Having control of the C-arm changes the game."