PACS Workstation Provides Native 3D Functionality

For one of the cases, the workstation enabled the reading radiologist to process a cardiac computed tomography (CT) study with 2,760 images over a 4-megabit/second line in less than six minutes, due to a new streaming technology and advanced cardiac features.

The Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA) PACS Workstation flawlessly completed all clinical imaging exams within the allotted timeframe at the "Workstation Face-Off,” which was part of Stanford University's (Stanford, CA, USA) 9th annual International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT held in July 2007, in San Francisco, CA, USA.

The "Workstation Face-Off” challenged providers of advanced 3D image processing technologies to process and interpret four complex CT imaging studies. Carestream Health was the first in the industry to begin integrating disparate processing and image analysis tools onto its PACS workstations. Performing advanced 3D processing at PACS workstations can enhance a facility's workflow since radiologists do not need to go to dedicated 3D workstations to read these imaging studies. In addition, the CarestreamPACS architecture enables 3D and other advanced features to be used on any workstation inside or outside the facility, because of software-based licensing that does not tie use of desired features to specific workstations.

"The Carestream PACS platform allows me to efficiently read radiology exams for four hospitals and imaging centers that are geographically dispersed across the Los Angeles area since I can perform all needed functions, including 3D processing, at any on-site workstation or at my home,” said Jennifer A. Hill, M.D., CEO, Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates and Medical Director of Imaging Services, Antelope Valley Healthcare District Hospitals and Clinics (Los Angeles, CA, USA).

The workstation provides native 2D and 3D capabilities including MIP (maximum intensity projection), MinIP (minimum intensity projection), MPR (multiplanar reconstruction), volume rendering, tissue definition, and vessel tracking functionality from a single virtual desktop. Specialized cardiac functions include: cardiac review and analysis; cardiac cage removal in 3D imaging; and cardiac calcium scoring.

The PACS platform also features other optional integrated applications such as image fusion and orthopedic surgical templating; and offers mammography-specific tools and reporting features. Carestream Health also markets a multi-modality breast imaging workstation with 5-megapixel monitors for reading of all digital mammography modalities as well as general radiography studies.

Carestream Health is a leading provider of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare information technology (IT) systems; molecular imaging systems for the life science research and drug discovery/development market segments; and x-ray film and digital x-ray products for the non-destructive testing market.


Related Links:
Carestream Health