The integration of advanced visualization technology into the mainstream of radiology will continue at this year's RSNA meeting in Chicago.
The technology's growth is being driven by a growing need for better ways to visualize large, complex imaging datasets, a need that's being felt not only in radiology but throughout the healthcare enterprise. Aiding the process is the shift toward thin-client computing, in which cheap, off-the-shelf computers distributed at various locations provide access to 3D images rendered from powerful servers working behind the scenes.
Look for integration to be a major theme at this year's meeting. If it isn't already, your favorite 3D tool in the future is likely to be available as an application launched from your PACS software, rather than as part of a dedicated workstation -- giving you one less reason to get up from your reading station (for better or for worse).
The same goes for computer-aided detection (CAD), often seen as a fellow traveler with 3D. If you're looking for a comprehensive review of CAD offerings at this year's meeting, just go to our Road to RSNA 2008: CAD Preview.
But if standalone advanced visualization software is what you want, this is the place to be. Just click on the links below to see what will be on tap at this year's meeting.
