By John Wallace
The annual RSNA Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting is a grand event each and every year. The 105th meeting held December 1-6, 2019 at the McCormick Place in Chicago was no different.
It is impossible to see and do everything that is offered. However, thanks to exhibit tours and exclusive interviews the Imaging Community Exchange (ICE) magazine is able to share some of the exciting news from RSNA.
Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. President and CEO David Widmann spoke with ICE magazine about the companies new innovations in data analytics, digital radiography, enterprise image and data management, ultrasound solutions and alternate care markets at RSNA 2019.
“What we are really showing this year is how you convert imaging, genetics and clinical research into precision medicine,” Widmann said.
He said the goal is to use technology to gather data to deliver insights for better clinical insights.
X-ray that moves took center stage as Widmann said it “advances DDR.”
Konica Minolta Healthcare unveiled the compact and efficient KDR AU Advanced U-Arm with the unprecedented image acquisition capability of Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR), the next evolution in X-ray imaging that is pending FDA 510(k) clearance. DDR, or X-ray that Moves, provides a cine loop of rapidly acquired, diagnostic-quality images depicting full views of articulatory mobility. When applied in musculoskeletal (MSK) applications, clinicians can assess changes in relationship of bones, ligaments and other anatomical structures through full range of motion to evaluate shoulders, knees, wrists and spine. In addition to producing dynamic sequences, the KDR AU also provides standard medical images for all anatomies. Today, clinicians rely on observing external motion and static X-rays to assess spine and joint stability; DDR has the potential to revolutionize how patients are diagnosed and transform the care pathway. Emory Healthcare is the first health care institution in the world to install the KDR AU with DDR for orthopedic imaging.
Bruce Ashby demonstrated DDR during a tour of the Konica Minolta exhibit.
“We can do this for all joints,” he explained.
“Dose is way, way down compared to X-ray – at least half if not more reduced,” he added.
He said it is going to help with triple aim or the new quad aim to address speed, patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction and cost savings.
“More time with the patient and less time with total exam,” Ashby explained. “The whole exam is six seconds and that is with AP, lateral and oblique.”
Ultrasound for diagnostic and interventional precision was another topic Widmann discussed.
Further advancing musculoskeletal imaging, the Konica Minolta UGPro Solution unites the latest ultrasound technology and minimally invasive procedural innovations and biologics, with hands-on education, to improve clinical workflow and patient satisfaction at the bedside. The SONIMAGE HS1 Compact Ultrasound System and the SONIMAGE MX1 Portable Ultrasound System are designed with superior image quality and enhanced functionality for diagnostic and interventional precision. Optimized for musculoskeletal imaging, the HS1 System and the MX1 System feature Simple Needle Visualization (SNV), an advanced algorithm that improves needle visibility especially in steep angle approaches to aid the clinician in guiding needle placement for interventional procedures.
Rede PACS2 is a new PACS from Konica Minolta Healthcare designed for specialty practices, including orthopedic, urgent care and family practice. Built on the Exa Platform, Rede PACS is a web-based, zero-footprint solution that provides the features and tools needed to optimize and streamline imaging workflow with simplified tiered pricing based on annual study volume. The Rede PACS zero footprint viewer offers full diagnostic toolsets and viewing capabilities from any computer. Rede PACS will be coming soon.
