NVIDIA’s Clara Looks to Shift How (and where) Imaging Computing is Done
NVIDIA recently announced plans to build a medical imaging supercomputer, dubbed Clara, featuring a complete software stack for medical image analysis that can be deployed in datacenters or the cloud. Pointing to the daunting task of updating all 3 million imaging devices in the field, NVIDIA emphasized Clara’s role as a virtualized data center, able to “update every system that’s out there.” Reports from an NVIDIA Clara image reconstruction demonstration last week were very complimentary and “outsourced” processing systems such as Clara could alter the future role of on-premise imaging hardware.

Philips and IIT Launch Integrated Tele-Ultrasound Solution
Royal Philips and Innovative Imaging Technologies (IIT) introduced the first integrated tele-ultrasound solution, combining Philips’ Lumify portable ultrasound system and IIT’s Reacts collaborative platform. The new solution leverages compatible smart devices to allow integrated tele-ultrasounds, combining two-way audio-visual calls with live ultrasound streaming.

NorthStar Non-Radioactive Uranium Isotope Tech on Its Way
NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes hit the press this week, touting its long-awaited isotope separation technology’s potential to relieve isotope shortages. Last month, Northstar received FDA clearance for its RadioGenix isotope separation system, which generates sterile sodium pertechnetate Tc-99m from Mo-99, and does not use radioactive uranium. Northstar’s next steps include partnering with US radiopharmacies and working with users and specialized distributors to bring the new product to market, already signing partnerships with Triad Isotopes and GE Healthcare.

FDA Approves Advancements to Hologic’s 3Dimensions Mammography System
Hologic’s Clarity HD 3D and Intelligent 2D technology received FDA PMA approval and are now available on the company’s 3Dimensions breast tomosynthesis system. Clarity HD 3D is highlighted for providing “the industry’s fastest, highest resolution 3D” and is designed to reveal subtle lesions and fine calcifications for early identification. Hologic’s Intelligent 2D imaging technology works with Clarity HD technology for improved image quality at a lower dose.

FDA Clears Siemens MAMMOMAT Revelation Mammography System
Siemens’ MAMMOMAT Revelation mammography platform received FDA clearance, bringing the addition of the premium system’s new InSpect integrated specimen imaging tool and new “one-click” HD breast biopsy solution. InSpect allows real-time review of biopsy samples at the workstation, improving biopsy workflow, shortening compression time, and reducing patient discomfort. HD breast tomosynthesis offers what Siemens claims is the widest image acquisition angle available (50 degrees) and the industry’s highest depth resolution for better separation of overlapping breast tissue.

The Wire

• The FDA reportedly has a “strong interest” in changing its Quality System Regulation requirements for medical device manufacturers to utilize ISO’s updated quality management standard (13485:2016), because FDA requirements and the ISO standard are so similar.

• Medical imaging startup, Imaging3, signed medical device regulatory strategy firm, Experien Group, to help the company gain FDA clearance for its Dominion SmartScan, which produces 3D x-rays “more quickly and accurately” with less radiation than other methods.

• Olympus introduced its EasySuite 4k integrated operating room solution, which offers native 4K support and integrates the capture, routing, and viewing of OR images.

• Charlotte-area health system, Atrium Health (formerly Carolinas Healthcare System), faces a civil lawsuit from Southeast Anesthesiology (owned by Mednax), which lost a 40-year-long contract with the hospital due to claims that Atrium stole trade secrets and confidential information through a consultant.

• Meanwhile, nationwide healthcare partner organization, Mednax, acquired Tennessee-based radiology practice Cool Springs Interventional, which will be managed by local Mednax affiliate, Radiology Alliance.

• Newton-Wellesley Hospital (outside Boston) acquired two Carestream DRX-Evolution Plus room-based digital radiology systems for its main radiology department and new offsite specialty practice center, joining a range of pre-existing Carestream systems at the hospital.

• JACR research indicates that data entry software can reduce errors in ultrasound and dual-energy x-ray (DEXA) radiology reports, saving up to $1 million in radiologist and sonographer wages over five years.

• A JACR report reveals that Medicare patients saw a 9.5% increase in skeletal x-ray utilization from 2003 to 2015, with x-rays performed by radiologists increasing 5.5% and x-rays by non-radiologists increasing 11%, highlighted by a 441% increase among non-physicians (primarily nurse practitioners and physician assistants).

• Harvard Business Review and the University of Maryland outlined how Augmented Reality could make surgery safer and reduce hospital costs by making patient information visible and consolidating redundant imaging screens.

• Canon Medical Systems partnered with Kumamoto University and the University of Bordeaux to collaboratively research applying deep learning reconstruction in MR imaging, which eliminates image noise and allows ultra-high-resolution images to be acquired faster than conventional imaging methods.

The Resource Wire

• Agfa whitepaper on augmented intelligence and intelligent workflows
• Caresteam video interview details Clinical Collaboration Platform success story
• Canon and Toshiba publish “New Horizons in Ultrasound” report
• Fujifilm video outlines its women’s health solutions
• GE video overview on Centricity Universal Viewer
• IBM Watson post highlights client success at The Iowa Clinic
• Konica Minolta publishes latest Kontours issue
• Olympus webinar on bringing endoscopic ultrasound to community hospitals
• Olympus video on the benefits of using CO2 in endoscopy
• Philips article highlights pediatric radiology innovations
• Philips video highlights its radiology solutions at ECR 2018
• Philips article on managing cybersecurity risks in healthcare
• Siemens video on digitalizing healthcare in radiology
• Siemens and the HBR’s perspective on transforming care delivery
• Siemens and the HBR paper on “The Power of Digitalizing Healthcare”
• Siemens video on expanding precision medicine with BioMatrix technology