CHICAGO - Computer-aided detection developer R2 Technology is using this week's RSNA meeting to debut a new concept in CAD that attempts to make the technology universally available for multiple modalities. Called OmniCAD, the new platform has the potential to change the way CAD is routinely used, helping the technology diffuse from specialized breast imaging centers and into routine clinical practice for multiple applications.
At present, R2's ImageChecker product consists of a stand-alone workstation that either processes digitized film-screen mammograms or accepts data directly from a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system. R2's image-processing algorithms analyze the digital data and highlight suspicious areas for further review by radiologists. The company has shipped some 700 ImageChecker systems since it started selling the product in 1998.
ImageChecker (and CAD in general) has won positive reviews for increasing radiologist accuracy and helping catch cancers earlier. But the stand-alone workstation concept has seemed increasingly at odds with a healthcare environment moving toward sophisticated PACS networks for image and information distribution.
OmniCAD matches the network revolution by replacing the stand-alone workstation with a server connected to a PACS. The OmniCAD server will be able to accept images from multiple modalities, and radiologists anywhere on the network will be able to view images that have had CAD algorithms applied to them. OmniCAD is also being designed to allow network connectivity to radiology information systems and archiving of images to a PACS.
OmniCAD also represents an evolution of R2's OEM strategy. The company previously had an exclusive distribution deal with multimodality giant GE Medical Systems of Waukesha, WI. The companies earlier this year agreed to make their relationship a nonexclusive one, and at this week's conference both parties have announced CAD relationships with other partners, while continuing to work together.
R2 has added three new relationships, bringing on board Siemens Medical Solutions of Malvern, PA; Fischer Imaging of Denver; and the Lorad unit of Hologic of Bedford, MA. Together with GE, the company's partners will cover 80% of the mammography market once FDA approval is received for the use of R2's CAD with their systems, according to Kevin Whitley, R2's vice president of mammography operations.
One of the first phases of OmniCAD's rollout will be the market launch of ImageChecker DM, a new version of the ImageChecker platform that can handle both film-based and FFDM images, and images from any of R2's four OEM partners. ImageChecker DM should be available in the first half of 2003.
R2 then plans to launch CAD modules for applications beyond breast imaging, such as CT for lung nodule detection and CT virtual colonoscopy. While R2 has discussed these applications at previous meetings, the company believes that the OmniCAD concept makes CAD more accessible by diffusing it throughout the healthcare enterprise.
In its RSNA booth, R2 highlighted ImageChecker CT, a dedicated application designed for image review and CAD analysis. The software provides both 2-D and 3-D views of CT lung images, with the CAD algorithm applied to both lung nodules and signs of pulmonary embolism, according to Susan Wood, vice president of CT products. R2 this week announced FDA clearance of the product for use as an image review workstation; the rollout of ImageChecker CT's CAD features will have to await the FDA's approval of the company's premarket approval (PMA) application.
Both ImageChecker CT and ImageChecker DM will be available either as stand-alone products or as part of an OmniCAD implementation, according to the company.
By Brian Casey
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
December 2, 2002
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