Merge Healthcare

Nov 7, 2006

In the advanced visualization section of its booth, this Milwaukee firm will highlight two new software applications, one an established commercial product and the other a work-in-progress.

MergeOrtho is an orthopedic surgical planning application that combines image manipulation and automation in an architecture designed for integration and customization, according to the company. The software supports surgical planning, templating, archiving, and distribution, including clinical applications such as joint arthroplasty, trauma, and deformity correction.

MergeOrtho is vendor-neutral and can be integrated into various PACS networks, according to the company. The software also uses Merge's ImageSnap technology, which automatically analyzes and generates commonly used measurements for total hip replacement procedures, and also selects optimal sizing and positioning of hip implants. Other features include image stitching and automated report generation.

The second application, MergePET/CT, will be shown as a work-in-progress for improving the soft-copy reading process for PET/CT studies by combining advanced reading capabilities with enhancements for PET/CT reporting.

Features include progressive reformatting, which improves time-to-first-image and allows physicians to begin reporting while studies continue to load; support for dual monitors with panoramic layouts; advanced image registration for linking images together; and support for 3D maximum intensity projection (MIP), minimum intensity projection (mIP), and 3D as "hot-spot scout." MergePET/CT does not yet have U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance.

By Brian Casey
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
November 8, 2006