mri links and cool other thingsmri links and cool other thingsThis is a Medical blog dealing with Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, Anatomy, Virtual 3d recunstruction of Cat Scan and MRI images, and Many links to medical websites. Articles
Economy causing more MRI accidents?
2012-02-09 16:40:00 Insurers, the organizations that pay for the vast majority of MRI exams in the US, have been incrementally cutting the prices that they’ll pay hospitals and imaging centers for MRI studies. To a degree, this has been in response to ever-growing MRI scan volumes, which have lead to some economies of scale. A few years ago, Medicare / Medicaid switched from taking incremental nibbles off of the reimbursement rate, to lopping off a huge chunk with the budgetary equivalent of a machete, called the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA). Many commercial insurers followed suit. The accumulated reimbursement cuts from the whole cadre of insurers has taken years following the initial enactment of the DRA to reach its full effect, just in time for the bottom to drop out of the broader economy. Now MRI providers are not only getting paid less for each exam, with many patients having to fork-over a 20% copay for the cost of their MRI exam, the number of patients walking in the door has also dropped. A ... More About: Economy
Stuxnet sophisticated virus is linked to Iran nuclear weapons shutdown
2012-01-25 00:53:00 Stuxnet has already been linked to another virus, the Duqu data-stealing trojan, but Kaspersky’s research suggests the cyber weapons program that targeted Iran may be far more sophisticated than previously known. Kaspersky’s director of global research & analysis, Costin Raiu, told Reuters on Wednesday that his team has gathered evidence that shows the same platform that was used to build Stuxnet and Duqu was also used to create at least three other pieces of malware. http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/28 /us-cybersecurity-stuxnet-idUSTRE7BR1EV20 111228 NEW YORK – The US and Europe are trying to stopIran, the world’s third-biggest oil exporter, from selling crude. Iran’s response is to threaten to disrupt .. US aircraft carrier sails through strategic Strait of Hormuz US Navy Face-Off with Iran Speed Boats ACTUAL VIDEO … - YouTube ► 3:42► 3:42 www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNL6DyH_IfAJan 8, 2008 - 4 m... More About: Virus , Nuclear , Weapons
$150 million dollar fraud……..for kickbacks to referring physi
2012-01-10 22:59:00 January 9, 2012 – The U.S. government has filed a $150 million complaint against a Michigan imaging company, charging it with allegedly violating federal Medicare rules requiring physician supervision of diagnostic tests, and with paying kickbacks to physicians for referrals. AuntMinnieMobile is sponsored in part byGE. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan filed the complaint on January 6 against Universal Imaging of Ypsilanti, MI, and its current and former owners, Phillip J. Young and Mark Lauhoff. The complaint charges them with multiple violations of the federal False Claims Act, and alleges that they generated more than 90% of their business by paying kickbacks to physicians. Qui tam whistleblower The case originated in a complaint filed by radiologist Dr. Richard Chesbrough and his wife Kim Chesbrough, who formerly worked at Universal and who filed a qui tam whistleblower suit under the False Claims Act. In 2005, Chesbrough... More About: Fraud , Dollar
Please regulate MR safety practices
2012-01-09 21:22:00 The knowledge base for safety in the MRI suite suffers from a number of profound disparities. The types of risks and potential accidents for persons in the MR suite are well known to clinical and technical MR personnel, but the rates at which these accidents occur on a national basis are obscured by profound under-reporting. And though many experienced MR staffers understand the risks, it is likely that the incidental personnel—such as housekeeping, engineering, transport—who may regularly serve the area know little of the breadth of risks to which they may be exposed (or to which they may be exposing others). 2007, however, has already seen the introduction of new tools and standards, which will help improve safety in the MR suite and also may work to narrow the dangerous gaps in our knowledge and promote enhanced standards of care. Chief among these resources is the new American College of Radiology (ACR) Guidance Document for Safe MR Practices: 2007, which... More About: Safety
RSNA: Rads need to focus on MR safety, risk reduction
2012-01-09 14:43:00 MRI safety has taken a backseat to economics in some hospitals. Here is an article you should read if this is the case where you work. Outlining how to avoid patient harm and subsequent litigation in MR procedures, presenters of a Nov. 27 session during the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) stressed taking patient safety into one’s own hands. Emanuel Kanal, MD, Pittsburgh, and Craig E. Frischman, Esq., Pittsburgh, described a number of “slam dunk” cases for prosecutors READ MORE More About: Safety , Risk , Focus
Vizio hits PC market
2012-01-08 15:25:00 Vizio is targeting the two of the fastest-growing categories for PC makers: ultra-thin laptops and so-called all- in-ones — desktop machines with built-in monitors. Still, those areas is getting more crowded. Hewlett-Packard will introduce a new all-in-one PC for $1,200 at theConsumer Electronics Show, and other computer makers are unveiling slimmer laptops, a category known as ultrabooks. Hewlett-Packard is betting that the ultrabook category will resemble other parts of the PC market, with consumers and businesses asking for different designs that meet their needs, said Page Murray, a marketing vice president. “I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all laptop out there, like some of our competitors might,” Murray said. Driving down prices isn’t a viable long-term strategy, he said. “There’s always going to be somebody who wants to win a race to the bottom,” Murray said. “But you get what you pay for in many of those situations.” V... More About: Market , Hits
coolstuff from CES
2012-01-08 15:01:00 This spring, Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI) is helping you flaunt your individuality by adding two stylish and unique Android™ 2.3 (Gingerbread) powered smartphones to its growing budget-friendly portfolio. MOTOLUXE is a hip, slim touchscreen device and Motorola DEFY MINI is dustproof and water-resistant, making it the ideal “life proof” phone for active users. And they come in different shapes, sizes and colors – so you can choose a phone that best reflects your personality. No matter what device you choose, Motorola’s MotoSwitch user interface changes the way you manage your life. With MotoSwitch, your smartphone learns who you talk to and which apps you use and keeps all of that information front and center. The Social Graph feature gives you easy and fast access to the people who really matter. It learns who’s most important to you and uses that information to populate the home screen. The more frequently you communicate with someone, the bigger their ...
Portable recording made easy….go mobile
2012-01-08 14:13:00 Blue Microphones Blue Microphones Announces Tiki USB Microphone with Noise Cancelation, Voice Isolation and Intelligent Mute Ultra compact and built for portability, Tiki is the first USB microphone with advanced DSP that mimics the intelligence of human hearing CES 2012, South Hall, Booth 21642 – January 8, 2012) – Blue Microphones, a leading innovator in microphone technology and design, announces Tiki (www.bluemic.com/tiki), the world’s first USB microphone that mimics the intelligence of human hearing by focusing on desired sounds, minimizing background noise and knowing when to mute altogether. Combining proprietary noise-cancelling technology, Voice Isolation and Intelligent Mute, Tiki dramatically improves the intelligibility of communication in any environment. Tiki offers two modes that allow users to switch between Intelligent Speech Mode for communication and Natural Recording Mode for CD-quality recording of vocals, instruments or podcasts. Similar i... More About: Mobile , Portable , Made
DR. K. MSK Cases
2012-01-04 16:34:00 DR. K. MSK cases has some excellent information to share with technologists!! make some time to visit this site. Below is an example: Primary lymphoma of the bone accounts for approximately 3% of malignant bone neoplasms and comprises less than 5% of all extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Diagnosis of primary bone lymphoma includes initial involvement of a single bone (most commonly a long bone)with no evidence of disease elsewhere for at least 6 months after diagnosis.On conventional radiography, primary lymphomas of bone are characterized as “mottled” or “moth-eaten” radiolucencies, corresponding to regions of marrow and cortical replacement by lymphoma cells. Periosteal reaction has been reported in about 60% of cases. It is dark on T1, bright on T2 and enchances. read more http://www.mskcases.com/ More About: Cases
Facebook Messenger official download available — you can grab it here
2011-12-30 21:54:00 Facebook Messenger client for Windows slips out for download (Update: Official download available) By Donald Melanson posted Dec 29th 2011 5:56PM We’ve already had an early peek at Facebook’s yet-to-be-released Messenger client for Windows, and now you can give it a shot yourself courtesy of a leaked copy that’s turned up on the TechIT website. Not much in the way of surprises here, but if you’re the sort that prefers desktop applications to websites or mobile apps, you’ll be glad to know that it provides access to not just Facebook chat, but status updates and notifications from your friends as well. You can find the download at the source link below (Windows 7 is required). Update: Facebook has now made an official download available — you can grab it here, and find additional details on the application here. More About: Download , Facebook
What new Gadget did you get for Christmas?
2011-12-29 01:18:00 Classic Mobile HD ALT ENGADGET DEUTCHLAND http://www.engadget.com/ Engadget’s latest hardware and software reviews Thrive 7 Captivate Glide More About: Christmas , Gadget
mri-registry-review-download
2011-12-28 20:49:00 Here is a good site By Ray Ballinger http://www.mritutor.org/mritutor/index.ht ml with lots of good information. It also has a downloadable program for MRI review. If you would like more info, do a quick search on my site for MRI review. Good luck. Chris Introduction to MRI for topics of interest.Back to the MRI Tutor Web Site Welcome to the exciting world of MRI! This is a tutorial that will cover the basic aspects of MRI. For a less technical summary of MRI than that presented below, click here. Each highlighted topic can be explored. A windows version of this tutorial is available for download. Use the links and save to disk the zipped file. The MRI and Radiology Teaching File is also available. For review questions on MRI physics, helpful perhaps prior to board or registry examinations, review.hlp is a Windows help file that can be downloaded. Version 1.1 updated on March 26, 1999. Basics of MRI Instrumentation Image Characteristics Artifacts* Pulse sequenc... More About: Registry , Download , Review
The Edge™ ultrasound system
2011-12-23 17:41:00 This ultrasound machine is tough and portable. Titanium outer case! ULTRASOUND MACHINE EDGE The Edge™ ultrasound system’s enhanced image quality aids your diagnostic confidence. A solid aluminum core helps to protect your investment for the long term. And a splash-resistant silicone keyboard makes cleaning and disinfection that much easier. With the Edge™ ultrasound… LEARN MORE ULTRASOUND COMPARISON CHART ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT EDGE The Edge™ ultrasound system’s enhanced image quality aids your diagnostic confidence… LEARN MORE ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT M-TURBO The M-Turbo® ultrasound system offers striking image quality. Because the more you… LEARN MORE ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT MICROMAXX The MicroMaxx® ultrasound system offers impressive image quality with minimal keystrokes,… LEARN MORE ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT S SERIES S Series™ ultrasound machines were the industry’s first mountable ul... More About: System
Canon DR wireless detectors
2011-12-23 17:29:00 Here is a look at the new Canon DR wireless detectors. These will make xray a little easier. New Canon Digital Radiography Detectors Cleared for Use in U.S. by BRIAN KLEIN on Nov 28, 2011 • No Comments Canon has announced that its CXDI-80C and CXDI-501 wireless digital radiography detectors have received 510(k) clearance from the FDA. The CXDI-80C wireless digital radiography (DR) detector, which we have discussed before onMedgadget, is the first compact wireless DR detector offered by Canon. Weighing roughly 5.1 lbs., the system builds on the functionality of the company’s CXDI-70C wireless DR detector but is smaller and lighter. The CXDI-80C features an imaging area of approximately 11 x 14-inches in size and can be used with standard-size Bucky trays. Incorporating a 6.1-megapixel image sensor with a pixel pitch of 125 microns and a cesium iodide scintillator, the system is designed to offer high-quality images while limiting X-ray exposure to the patient. When o... More About: Wireless
Magnetic Catheter Guidance System from Magnetec Gets EU Clearance
2011-12-23 17:16:00 Check out this story from MEDGADGET http://medgadget.com/2011/12/magnetic-cat heter-guidance-system-from-magnetec-gets- eu-clearance.html Magnetic Catheter Guidance System from Magnetec Gets EU Clearance by GENE OSTROVSKY on Dec 19, 2011 • 1:20 pm Magnetecs, an Inglewood, California firm, received the European CE Marking for its Robotic Catheter Guidance Control and Imaging (CGCI) System. The technology involves eight remotely controlled electromagnets that guide the movement of a magnetically-tipped EP catheter, providing precise movement with great dexterity. The display intelligently provides validation of anatomy, EP, and precise visualization of the intended work area as well as real-time display of tool location. Automated mapping of the cardiac chamber of interest removes the repetitive task of manual mapping, thereby shortening the duration of the procedure and increasing the accuracy of the generated map. Since all the imaging, tool location and control...
Contrast agents we use.
2011-12-22 20:40:00 We are currently using all three of the contrast agents I just posted information about. Gadovist, Ablavar, and Eovist. Each one of these agents used for very specific reasons. Eovist is a wonderful liver agent. It has unique properties which make this contrast very special. Ablavar Is great for use as a blood pool agent, for MRA’s. The detail is phenomenal. Gadovist is one of the safest contrasts to use. It has a very stable molecular structure in the body. please look at my last three posts for more information on these three contrasts. Try them out at your hospital. I have tried many and these are at the top! http://www.ablavar.com/home.html http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datashee t/g/Gadovistinj.pdf http://bayerimaging.com/products/eovist/c ase-studies_image-bank.php http://bayerimaging.com/products/eovist/ Here are some other contrasts: Multihance http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/arch ives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=7617 Magnevi... More About: Agents , Contrast
Ablavar information
2011-12-22 20:10:00 ABLAVAR®: unique chemistry at work ABLAVAR® is a unique contrast agent specifically designed to overcome the limitations of MRA imaging with extracellular contrast agents.3 The ABLAVAR® difference is its reversible binding to the blood protein albumin.This binding allows ABLAVAR® to remain in the circulation (the “blood pool”) for up to 1 hour.1,3 As a result, high-resolution, finely detailed MRA images can be obtained in order to visualize the extent and severity of vascular pathology — all with a single, low-dose injection.1,3,4 ABLAVAR® (gadofosveset trisodium) is the first and only FDA-approved gadolinium-based contrast agent designed specifically for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). ABLAVAR®-enhanced MRA is an innovative approach to evaluating aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) in adults with known or suspected peripheral vascular disease1,2 A single dose of ABLAVAR® contains the lowest dose of gadolinium of all contrast agents used in MRA* http://... More About: Information
Eovist information
2011-12-22 20:08:00 EOVIST® (gadoxetate disodium) Injection is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver to detect and characterize lesions in adults with known or suspected focal liver disease. http://bayerimaging.com/products/eovist/c ase-studies_image-bank.php More About: Information
Gadovist data sheet
2011-12-22 20:07:00 Gadovist injection is a 1.0 mmol/mL solution of 10-(2,3-Dihydroxy-1- hydroxymethylpropyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyc lododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid, Gd-Complex, with a molecular weight of 604.7 and has the following structural formula: CAS Registry No. 138071-82-6 http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datashee t/g/Gadovistinj.pdf More About: Data , Sheet
New MRI Contrast Agent for Cancer Detection
2011-12-22 15:34:00 A tumor, indicated by the white arrow, is darkened by a glycol chitosan contrast agent. New research from University of Pennsylvania engineers shows a way to coat an iron-based contrast agent so that it only interacts with the acidic environment of tumors, making it safer, cheaper and more effective than existing alternatives. The research was conducted by associate professor Andrew Tsourkas and graduate student Samuel H. Crayton of the department of bioengineering in Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. It was published in the journal ACS Nano. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn202 863x?prevSearch=Tsourkas&searchHistor yKey= By using glycol chitosan — a sugar-based polymer that reacts to acids — the engineers allowed the nanocarriers to remain neutral when near healthy tissue, but to become ionized in low pH. The change in charge that occurs in the vicinity of acidic tumors causes the nanocarriers to be attracted to and retained at those sites.... More About: Agent , Cancer , Contrast , Detection
MERRY CHRISTMAS
2011-12-18 17:33:00 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM COOLMRISTUFF.COM More About: Christmas
OHSU researchers detect brain injury in preterm infants using high-field 12
2011-12-18 17:19:00 Will 1.5 T become the new Low field MRI? These new Ultra High field systems continue to amaze me. I saw this 12T system a few years ago being installed and really was amazed at how far we have come. The 7T scanner is actually more impressive because it is closer to being a production model. I can see it on the shelves in the next couple years. There will be a demand. I wouldn’t too be surprised to see it combined with a PET scanner. WOW!! that is where we are headed folks………Biograph 7T High-field MRI reveals previously undetectable injuries in developing brain Brain scans using the high-field (12-Tesla) MRI on the right are more effective at finding brain injuries, but they are not widely available for clinical use. High-field MRI at 12 Tesla (12T) is markedly more sensitive in detecting early white-matter injury — broad dark black area (arrow) — than is lower field MRI at 3 Tesla (3T) (credit: ... More About: Injury , Infants
GE reports The first X-rays to molecular medicine
2011-12-16 00:30:00 This is a great article with some real history from GE. There are some Photographs below and more on there website. Be sure to follow up with Coolmristuff.com in a couple months when I speak with Mr. Michael Harsh about the future of GE’s medical division. Here at Coolmristuff.com we want to see what new technological advances GE is making in the medical field today. How will MRI, CT, & PET make differences in the way routine diagnostic exams are done? What will be next? Will there ever be one scanner that does everything? hmm?………stay tuned. http://www.gereports.com/fro m-the-first-x-rays-to-molecular-medicine/ Albert Einstein once noted that “imagination is more important than knowledge.” Yesterday on Capitol Hill, Michael Harsh, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at GE Healthcare, quoted Einstein’s maxim in remarks at a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging forum on the future of healthcare called “Aging in Am... More About: Medicine
Same-day MRI scans boost radiology productivity
2011-11-19 17:01:00 Researchers at University Hospital Giessen and Marburg in Germany took productivity and quality improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma that have succeeded in manufacturing and other service industries, and applied them to radiology departments. The changes increased the percentage of patients who received MRI scans within 24 hours from 53% to more than 90%, and monthly patient throughput rose by 38%. As a result, revenue and savings increased by approximately 247,000 euros ($345,800 U.S.) in the first year of implementation (JACR, September 2011, Vol. 8:9, pp. 649-656). Lead study author Li Zhang, PhD, in the department of diagnostic radiology, worked with colleagues to collect data from the 1,200-bed academic hospital, which has two 1.5-tesla MRI scanners (Magnetom Sonata and Magnetom Espree, Siemens Healthcare). The facility operated its two MRI systems for 19 hours, Monday through Thursday, and for 12 hours on Friday. There were no on-call h... More About: Productivity
Public Workshop – Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety FDA
2011-11-19 16:35:00 The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing a public workshop entitled: “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Safety Public Workshop .” The purpose of the public workshop is to discuss factors affecting the safe use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and approaches to mitigate risks. The overall goal is to discuss strategies to minimize patient and staff risk in the MRI environment. The topics to be discussed are: general MRI safety, ferromagnetic detectors, scanning patients with medical implants, and the impact of innovation on MRI safety concerns. Additional background about Magnetic Resonance Imaging can be found at MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). The purpose of the workshop is to discuss factors affecting the safe use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices and approaches to mitigate risks. Background The number of MRI procedures performed each year continues to rise. At the same time, MRI technology, implanted medical devices and medical device a...
IMRIS the future of surgery?
2011-09-07 13:52:00 Of all the innovative young firms that NRC has spun off in recent decades, IMRIS shines the brightest. The shares of this Canadian manufacturer of medical imaging products are now being traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange — a true mark of global success. In 1997, the corporation that later became IMRIS was created to commercialize a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology developed by the NRC Institute for Biodiagnostics in Winnipeg. Former NRC researcher Dr. John Saunders was one of the inventors of the original intraoperative MRI scanner. Following his work at NRC, Dr. Saunders joined IMRIS where today he is Vice-President, MR Systems. IMRIS serves the neurosurgical, cardiovascular and neurovascular markets through a suite of technologies that incorporate magnetic resonance imaging, fluoroscopy and computed tomography. The company’s first product, IMRISneuro — designed specifically for imaging during brain tumour resections — permits a high-magnetic field MR scanner to... More About: Future , The Future , Surgery
Iphone and MRI its here ! as seen on television
2009-05-29 00:34:00 AMAZONsearch for Iphone GOOGLEsearch for iphonesOsiriX, the wonderful open-source Mac image viewer, just announced the availability of aniPhone version.Like a lot of imaging software, OsiriX lets one look at X-rays, ultrasounds, CT and MR images. Besides merely viewing, it also lets one reconstruct 3D images and rotate them around.Unlike most imaging software, OsiriX is written by radiologists who also happen to be clever programmers. Also unlike most imaging software, OsiriX doesn?t require a second mortgage. The full Mac-based version is free, and the iPhone app is $20.Why should a non-physician care about Osirix? Because this little app will let you carry around a library of your own personal medical images. Even in my prior life as an internist, I always urged patients to keep their own copy of their more important images. The OsiriX app finally makes this easy and portable.In the radiology biz, we call prior imaging exams ?old films?, and they can be staggeringly useful ... More About: Television
Philips Panorama High Field Open
2009-05-29 00:25:00 Comfortable, high field open MRIOur Panorama high field Open MRI appeals to both patients and referring physicians alike with it?s wide-open design, high image quality, large field of view and broad coverage of clinical applications. Thanks to it?s unique features, the Panorama HFO provides the potential for you to attract more patients and increase yourreferral area.The Panorama HFO provides a 360-degree panoramic viewing angle and spacious 160 cm-wide patient aperture ensuring a comfortable, relaxing MRI experience foranxious, elderly, obese or claustrophobic patients.While covering all routine applications, it is especially ideal for orthopedic, pediatric and bariatric imaging. The wide-open patient space allows you to explore new clinical applications such as biopsy procedures and kinematic joint studies.High Field Performance comparable to 1.5T in a truly open configurationSolenoid Technology coilsSuperb coverage and comfortHigh SNRFully SENSE compatibleExcellent homogenei... More About: Philips
Hitachi Oasis 1.2 Tesla open MRI
2009-05-29 00:21:00 I have worked on the Aries II this looks like a high field version of that scanner if anyone has Experience with this scanner please post a comment. Good or bad. Thankshttp://www.oasismri.com/OASIS? featured on National Medical ReportOASIS? provides maximum diagnostic performance and uncompromised patient comfort. Combining high-performance MR electronics of the best high-field equipment ? fast gradients and multi-channel RF technology with Hitachi -designed Zenith RF coils ? with Hitachi?s proprietary 1.2T open architecture vertical-field magnet, Oasis is a new generation of MR systems providing diagnostic confidence, patient comfort and investment value.Oasis supports demanding workflow, features Hitachi?s legendary reliability, is easy to learn and use, and provides powerful differentiating features for you MR imaging services. More About: Tesla , Open
join coolmristuff's facebook group
More articles from this author:2009-05-28 03:50:00 Click this lick below to join one of the fastest growing MRI groups on Facebook .http://www.facebook.com/group.ph p?gid=9583543297 More About: Join , Group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
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