Carestream Health has released Smart Noise Cancellation (SNC), a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology that significantly improves image quality – producing images that are clearer than with standard processing. SNC has received FDA 510(k) Clearance and is available as an optional feature with Carestream’s ImageView Software powered by Eclipse – the intelligent image-processing engine behind the company’s innovative imaging software – on DRX-Evolution and DRX-Evolution Plus systems.

“Carestream is a leader in using AI for noise cancellation with X-ray images. Our team of imaging scientists has been able to separate image noise from sharpness and contrast using AI-based algorithms that result in remarkable image quality,” said Jill Hamman, Worldwide Marketing Manager, Global X-ray Solutions at Carestream. “This technology provides improved anatomical clarity, preservation of fine detail and better contrast-to-noise ratio for images acquired at a broad range of exposures, which can help improve diagnostic confidence and alleviate physician fatigue. It also enables radiology professionals to better optimize radiation dose.” Optimizing radiation dose is especially important with neonatal and paediatric diagnostic imaging, where imaging at the lowest possible dose is crucial for young patients.

Challenge of separating noise from image

Separating noise from an image has been a challenge for medical imaging scientists. Traditional noise reduction introduces blurring, which degrades image sharpness and might remove important anatomical information. Conversely, the more an image is sharpened, the more noise may be enhanced. Noise is often an undesirable by-product of image capture and can obscure critical anatomical data. Carestream’s SNC is able to isolate noise to produce images that are significantly clearer than with standard processing.

As the preferred level of noise on X-ray images is subjective – for example, some radiologists expect to see a certain degree of noise in images, which assures them that the patient was not overexposed – Carestream  enables imaging professionals to adjust the amount of noise cancellation and exposure to meet their desired image quality.

Objective testing demonstrated that SNC processing enables a 2x–4x noise reduction in flat image areas, preserves high frequency sharpness and improves contrast detail. Additionally, a blind Clinical Reader Study using board-certified radiologists found that 89.5% of all study ratings showed a slight to strong preference for SNC-processed images. Sixty-four percent of the diagnostic quality ratings improved – based on the RadLex rating scale – and 56% of these ratings improved from “limited” or “diagnostic” to “exemplary”.

When combined with SmartGrid software, Smart Noise Cancellation software promises benefits in gridless imaging where the removal of scatter typically leads to an increase in noise appearance.

medK, a German company specialising in interventional products, has launched a needle-free solution for vascular access. The needle-free connection offers secure and fast access to fluid lines eliminating the risk of needle sticks. The extension line can also be connected with a glass syringe. With the multi-way versions there is no need to use a stopcock or a manifold.

medK Needle free Extension Lines are compatible with disinfection with IPA wipes (Isopropanol). This and the smooth valve surface allows easy disinfection and reduces the risk of infections. The leak free disconnection protects against blood contaminations for health workers. Once disconnected it provides reliable closure and can stay up to seven days or two hundred activations with the patient. The fully visible flow path allows visual checking of the fluid.

The needle-free extension lines are also available with a combined check valve that safeguards against back tracking. The needle-free extension lines are compatible with Isopropanol, Chlorohexidine, blood and lipids. The device is suitable for use in MRI procedures and is latex and animal product free.

medK extension lines are available as single, dual and triple access with needle free or combined check valve.

• For further details, visit: med-k.com

 

 

MiniCollect® PIXIE is a safety lancet for the heel designed to enhance safety during capillary blood collection from the heel of the youngest patients. With a shallow penetration depth, PIXIE nevertheless gently ensures maximum blood flow. This product is ideal for premature and new-born babies. Three different PIXIE safety lancets are available for heel incision, each adapted to a different stage of infant development. The depth of penetration and the length of incision differ depending on the selected device. Thanks to optimal ergonomics and the fully enclosed blade, MiniCollect PIXIE can enhance safety during capillary blood collection.

Precise incision thanks to tapered lancet slot and dual colour

 When MiniCollect PIXIE is positioned on the heel, the dual colour design, together with the arrows on both sides, allow a precise identification of the puncture site.

• Ergonomic design and non-slip texture
• Non-detachable safety tab
• One-handed activation
• Trigger positioned on side prevents tissue compression

 

MiniCollect Capillary Blood Collection System

 MiniCollect offers a gentle way to collect small blood samples for analyses.

The system is perfectly suited for young children, geriatric patients as well as patients with fragile veins. MiniCollect is also recommended in situations where venous blood collection proves particularly difficult or contraindicated.

For delicate vein conditions, patients who often have blood samples taken, or people with severe burns, capillary blood collection with the MiniCollect system offers a great alternative to venous blood collection.

The MiniCollect tube includes an integrated scoop, allowing droplets of blood to be collected easily and hygienically. To ensure that the puncture wound can be kept as small as possible while achieving the targeted sample volume there are different lancets with a wide range of puncture depths and blade sizes / needle gauges available.

• For more information, visit: Greiner Bio-One capillary blood collection

 

Yosi Health, a provider of digital patient scheduling, registration, payment, and communication cloud-based software solutions, has been selected by Henry Schein Medical Systems.

Henry Schein Medical Systems, a subsidiary of Henry Schein and developer of MicroMD, will integrate Yosi’s patient intake solution, Yosi Intake, with their practice management and electronic medical record software.

Contactless waiting room

Yosi Intake can create a contactless waiting room by enabling patients to register at home, helping to improve the patient experience and reduce administrative costs for the practice. The solution can help eliminate wait times and enhance the patient experience for small to large clinical practices.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare practices to dramatically rethink the way they interact with patients,” said Hari Prasad, CEO of Yosi Health. “Yosi Health allows these practices to streamline the patient intake process, which gives patients the assurance and confidence they need to keep current with their regularly scheduled office visits.”

MicroMD

Serving more than 10,000 physicians in primary care, as well as all major medical and surgical specialties, MicroMD offers practices a portfolio of integrated medical software solutions, including electronic claims management, accounts receivable management, patient registration and scheduling, and reporting. In addition, the portfolio includes an intuitive electronic medical record system with streamlined encounter capture and multiple charting methods.

“Yosi Health provides an exceptional, end-to-end patient experience that shoulders most of the administrative and document management load for client facilities,” explained Kristen Heffernan, General Manager at MicroMD. “Together with Yosi Health, we are helping providers reimagine healthcare, leveraging integrated technology that changes the way practices keep their patients and staff safe and modernizes the care delivery experience.”

• To find out more about MicroMD’s virtual waiting room, powered by Yosi Health, visit: https://www.micromd.com/marketplace/clinical/yosihealth/

Siemens Healthineers’ Atellica VTLi Patient-Side Immunoassay Analyser2 has obtained CE mark and is expected to be available later this spring. The Atellica VTLi analyser provides high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) test results to clinicians in eight minutes using a patient’s fingerstick blood sample. With this industry first technology, Siemens Healthineers is helping to improve the […]