‘Ode’ to the liver
‘Like the original Ode to the Liver, by Pablo Neruda, I too hope not to be betrayed by my liver. At least, not today!’
CT
The future is digital
At ECR healthcare manufacturers not only introduced the latest products, but also the future technologies and trends that will have an impact on the market in the coming years.
Radiologists and patients prefer CO2 insufflation
Many randomised trials have shown that endoscopic colonoscopies as well as virtual colonoscopies via CT scans are equally efficient in detecting colon polyps and tumours. With an endoscopic examination suspicious mucosal findings can be investigated by biopsy and polyps can be removed. However, causes for argument against this method include the incomplete examination, often severe pain and a…
Test for low fingertip temperature detects coronary plaque
Results of five clinical studies evaluating the predictive value of VENDYS, a new FDA-approved cardiovascular test, were presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology in Florida.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy
IMRT is an evolving method of treatment for complex forms of cancer. Although patients benefit from treatment, a precise evaluation of that benefit and overall cost-effectiveness of the method is still an uncertain science. Mark Nicholls reports
Doctors may be fined for over-doing scans
Doctors who frequently recommend inappropriate medical imaging may be financially penalised.
Radiographers share expertise at ECR 2009
Although the majority of the 18,000 participants at ECR 2009 were radiologists, medical writer Rob Skelding reports that a specific session for radiographers was well attended. The event also underlined the value of their interpretive skills
Definiens Lymphexpert launched for European Radiologists
Definiens, the number one Enterprise Image Intelligence company, launched its first computer-aided detection (CAD) application, Definiens LymphExpert at the annual European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, Austria. Now commercially available for European radiologists, the application assists in tracking lymph nodes of interest, facilitating earlier detection of the metastatic spread of…
The London tube and bus bombings
56 people were killed and over 700 injured when bombers staged four simultaneous attacks upon the London Transport system on 7 July 2005.
European Congress of Radiology defies the crisis
The figures prove that even in the face of current economic difficulties, first-class quality still ensures success. 274 scientific presentations and 25 industry-supported Satellite Symposia and Hands-on Workshops bore witness to the most recent developments in science and research.
"Every investment must be reviewed and revised very closely"
André Hoppen, Sales Manager VR Medico, Berlin, Germany, kicked off the finance item at the HMS agenda with his lecture “Do you know the right financing strategy for your hospital?”
Radiation dose-reduction strategies
Depending on the institution, CT examination doses can vary dramatically by a factor of ten, said Professor John Damilakis, PhD, associate professor at the University of Crete, Iraklion, ahead of the session. The difference is related principally to variations in the examination technique, as the protocol or the imaging system itself determines the level of radiation.
Toshiba invits experts to discuss the advantages of state-of-the-art technology
Toshiba's pre-opening ECR event on Wednesday evening attracted around 120 radiological experts who wanted to learn more about the company's technology in daily practice. Toshiba invited several highly-regarded radiologists and cardiologists from Austria and Germany who not only presented the diagnostic possibilities of the firm's products offers, but answered critical questions asked by the…
EAU hot topic: Imaging in urological oncology today
Big discussions are expected at the upcoming European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress in Stockholm* when urologist Dr Jochen Walz (right), of the Urological Department at the Institute Paoli-Calmettes, Marseilles, France, presents the forum: Imaging in Europe: Who, where, what, how many! and M F Coelho, of the European Society of Urological Imaging (ESUI) describes the Clinical utility of…
Article • Radiology
Photon counting: A new way to see the light
Although its standard description is simple: Photo detection at low light levels where single photon absorption events are counted, according to an internationally renowned medical imaging scientist, in terms of X-ray imaging, counting photons may really be the way to see the light.
Saving the feet of diabetics
The hugely increasing numbers of diabetics is a medical and financial burden worldwide. Diabetics can, for example, suffer eye and kidney problems and more - five percent of them develop vascular diseases, leading to lower limb and feet ulcerations, which frequently result in amputations if not treated in time. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can heal ulcers and, because it is…
The EIBIR two years on
'There is no proof that some new procedures are better than the conventional ones or than clinical examination'
Article • Gender equality
Have women's career chances improved in radiology?
The role of women in radiology and the challenges they face were again the focus of a session — Women in Radiology: How to maximise their potential — at this year's ECR, when female and male radiologists discussed their work experiences and combining home and family life with demanding careers. A forum also discussed the family friendly approaches in various countries.
Article • Imaging equipment
The Accutron HP-D contrast media power injector
With 16 years’ experience in developing contrast media power injectors, Medtron AG recently launched the Accutron HP-D, which, the firm reports, is the only totally wireless, high pressure double-head injector dedicated to all vascular diagnostic and interventional procedures.
MANAGEMENT
Lean architecture reflecting quality of care
GE's new Discovery PET/CT 600 scanners go global
GE Healthcare's first Discovery PET/CT 600-series scanners are being installed in a number of leading clinics around the world. "This first set of installations is a big step forward in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease", said Terri Bresenham, newly appointed vice- president and general manager of GE Healthcare's global Molecular Imaging business.
Radiology at University Hospital Freiburg
Basic research and clinical patient care became separate disciplines in the 70s and 80s.
New Faster Cancer Treatment Procedure Completed in One Day
HDR brachytherapy patients require at least six hours between treatment sessions to enable the body to recover. A leading provincial cancer hospital has become the first in the UK - and one of the first in Europe - to deliver two high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy radiotherapy treatments in the same day.
Bad perspectives for medical imaging industry
According the Healthcare Group at Frost & Sullivan the global economic meltdown has ensured reduced uptake rates for most medical imaging modalities across Europe. The medical imaging industry also experienced lower expenditure on research and development in 2008, thereby hindering the launch of new technologies.