New indications, protocols add to advanced viz capabilities
 
Advanced visualization applications continue to gain traction across the spectrum of diagnostic imaging modalities and procedures, demonstrating the technology’s possibilities to expand clinical capabilities for healthcare professionals.

For example, the pairing of advanced visualization tools with 64-slice coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has allowed researchers to discover a higher than previously reported incidence of stent fracture.

South Korean researchers demonstrated that CCTA is more sensitive than conventional coronary angiography for the detection of coronary stent fracture. In addition, they found that among drug-eluted stents, there is a higher prevalence of fracture than has been previously reported.

From Eric Clapton to the Pointer Sisters, musicians have extolled the virtues of a slow hand; interestingly, it turns out that a slow push may be the best touch for contrast delivery to achieve superior imaging results in a peripheral artery MR angiography exam.

A multinational team from China and the United States found that careful timing of the contrast bolus may alleviate venous contamination and increase arterial visibility in the calf while signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios at higher levels are maintained.

Advanced visualization also took center stage at last week’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2008 scientific assembly. Vendors demonstrated a host of new and improved applications, while clinicians offered insights into the practical applications of these groundbreaking technologies. Please check in throughout the month as we wrap up our coverage in our RSNA review.

In other news, if you or your group is interested in finding out more about the capabilities of advanced visualization technology head over to our Healthcare TechGuide and check out the variety of systems offered there.

Lastly, if you have a comment or report to share about the utilization of advanced visualization technology in your practice, please contact me at the address below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jonathan Batchelor, Web Editor
jbatchelor@trimedmedia.com

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