While the market for 3-D visualization is still developing, look for companies to showcase software enhancements that take advantage of more powerful computer hardware.
3dMD
Debuting at this year's meeting is 3dMD, which has developed a product called DSP400 that can capture a 3-D image of the surface, shape, and skin tone of a patient. The Atlanta company says that DSP400 can be a valuable tool in applications such as reconstructive surgery, and is a complement to imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound.
Vital Images
This Minneapolis 3-D software developer will focus its RSNA spotlight on cardiovascular and oncology applications for its Vitrea 2 workstation.
In the cardiovascular realm, Vital Images will demonstrate improvements in calcium scoring for cardiac CT applications, according to Jay Miller, senior vice president and general manager. The company will also demonstrate improved analytical tools for using MRI and CT to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The tools support automatic vascular vessel measurement for stent placements, according to Miller.
In oncology, Vital Images will demonstrate better tools for MR and CT tumor evaluation, mostly for head and brain tumor assessment, and improvements in CT colonography. The firm will also be entering the x-ray market for the first time by demonstrating its 3-D tools applied to angiography images, Miller said.
The above techniques will be displayed as works in progress, and will be introduced on Vitrea 2 through two software releases scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2000 and the first quarter of 2001, according to Miller.
Voxar
Scottish 3-D software developer Voxar is planning to release version 3.0 of its Plug 'n View 3D software at RSNA. Voxar touts Plug 'n View as a economical option that enables users to perform sophisticated 3-D reconstructions on personal computers.
Version 3.0 includes improvements to the software's DICOM connectivity, as well as new features for radiologists, specialists, and technologists. Enhanced segmentation features allow easier separation of bone from soft tissue, and improved 3-D surface views make hard-to-see features like hairline fractures more apparent, according to the company.
In addition, new slab-rendering and cine modes are designed to support the large data sets being generated by multislice CT scanners. Other version 3.0 features include curvilinear MPR for vascular imaging studies, and volume measurement for monitoring tumor progression and assisting in the choice of appropriate cancer intervention methods.
By Brian Casey
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
November 16, 2000
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