The Latest Cardiac and Vascular News
SEOUL, South Korea, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — SwiftMR™, the artificial intelligence (AI) solution for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from AIRS Medical, has been approved for use in Canada. Hospitals, radiology centers, and other diagnostic imaging facilities across the country can…
Powerful generative AI software will enhance diagnostic speed, precision & patient outcomes Powerful generative AI software will enhance diagnostic speed, precision & patient outcomes
MIAMI, July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — AbbaDox, a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic relationship with Merge Healthcare Solutions to deliver an enhanced suite of radiology workflow solutions. Merge ambulatory radiology workflow solutions…
BILLERICA, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Access Vascular, Inc. (AVI), a medical device company dedicated to reducing and eliminating common and costly vascular access complications with its novel MIMIX® catheter material, announced today that it is preparing to submit its HydroGUIDE™ catheter placement technology for U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) clearance. “Combining the innovative […]
Agreement to acquire business adds innovative, real-time image recognition technology and expertise to GE HealthCare’s portfolio of AI-enabled devices AI-based technology from Intelligent Ultrasound aims to provide real-time support for OBGYN scans and improve exam accuracy and efficiency Planned acquisition supports GE HealthCare’s precision care strategy to address inefficiencies and […]
MORTSEL, Belgium, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — At the Annual Meeting of AHRA (the Association for Medical Imaging Management), Agfa Radiology Solutions will demonstrate how its solutions help customers address staffing shortages and tight budgets.
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Agfa’s comprehensive portfolio supports “The Next Generation” in medical imaging by using intelligent and innovative technologies to ensure every X-ray image counts. With accurate and high-quality diagnostic information from the first image taken, retakes are reduced: speeding up workflows and enhancing the experience of radiologist, radiographer and patient.
Agfa Radiology Solutions uses intelligent and innovative technologies to ensure every X-ray image in healthcare counts.
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“We understand the challenges our customers are facing in terms of staffing shortages and decreased budgets. Our productivity features and ‘one image is all it takes’ approach empower each X-ray expert to work more efficiently. Additionally, the DR 100 Essential and VALORY™ are designed to be budget-friendly, but still deliver all the essential functions healthcare facilities need – including our renowned MUSICA® image processing software. They demonstrate our commitment to offering solutions that ensure healthcare facilities never need to compromise on image quality, regardless of their staff and budget constraints,” says Bruce Romaglia, Vice President – North America at Agfa Radiology Solutions.
At Agfa’s booth, visitors can discover solutions and special packages that help bring those advantages to every healthcare organization, whatever their budgets.Intelligent technologies for image processing and workflow assistance:
MUSICA®, which comes standard with all Agfa DR and CR systems, automatically analyses the characteristics of raw images and optimizes the processing parameters, independent of body part or dose deviation. Its high image quality and low-dose features have made MUSICA® the “gold standard” in image processing for radiology departments around the world.
The SmartXR® portfolio adds X-ray intelligence to Agfa’s DR solutions, to provide image acquisition support and lighten the radiographer’s workload. Predictive workflow assistance for dose, alignment, patient positioning, image rotation and more help improve operational performance in image acquisition.
About AgfaAgfa develops, produces and distributes an extensive range of imaging systems and workflow solutions for the printing industry, the healthcare sector, as well as for specific hi-tech industries such as printed electronics & renewable energy solutions.The headquarters are located in Belgium. The largest production and research centers are located in Belgium, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Austria, China and Brazil. Agfa is commercially active worldwide through wholly owned sales organizations in more than 40 countries.For more information on Agfa please visit www.agfa.comFollow us at TwitterAgfa, the Agfa rhombus, MUSICA and SmartXR are trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Belgium or its affiliates. All rights reserved.All information contained herein is intended for guidance purposes only, and characteristics of the products and services described in this publication can be changed at any time without notice. Products and services may not be available for your local area. Please contact your local sales representative for availability information. Agfa diligently strives to provide as accurate information as possible, but shall not be responsible for any typographical error.Only the English version of this press release is legally valid. The versions in other languages only represent a translation of the original English version.SOURCE AGFA US Corp.
Caesarea, Israel – July 9, 2024 – Arineta, a leader in advancing cardiovascular imaging solutions through cutting-edge technology, proudly announces the latest installation of its SpotLight™ Duo at Cardiovascular Consultants, Ltd. (CVC) in Arizona. This makes CVC the first and only practice in the southwest region to have the world’s […]
Centerline Biomedical and ORSIF join together to raise awareness of health risks associated with fluoroscopic radiation and solutions available to medical professionals.
CLEVELAND, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Centerline Biomedical, Inc. (“Centerline”), joins ORSIF, the organization for Occupational Radiation Safety in International Fluoroscopy, to raise awareness of technology options to improve safety in the work environment where fluoroscopic x-ray radiation is used in medical procedures. As a corporate partner, Centerline supports ORSIF (www.orsif.org) in a shared mission to champion innovation for safer healthcare. In addition, the developing platform aims to continue bringing together healthcare providers and their organizations, professional medical societies, and industry to provide education on radiation safety.
“We are proud to join ORSIF in its mission to create greater awareness in the medical community regarding the dangers of radiation exposure and to protect those who commit their lives to the wellness of others. To that end, IOPS® (Intra-Operative Positioning System) technology enables improved visualization with 3D navigation in endovascular procedures while minimizing the reliance on damaging radiation,” said Gulam Khan, CEO of Centerline Biomedical. “Employees at Centerline are inspired every day to design the future of image guidance technology that enables faster, more precise transcatheter procedures while reducing the use of radiation.”
Designed to mitigate radiation exposure during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures, Centerline Biomedical IOPS (Intra-Operative Positioning System) is a novel technology gaining increased application in the US. IOPS includes software that creates 3D maps of vascular anatomy, enabling surgeons to visualize the arteries being treated. Using electromagnetic tracking, IOPS sensor-equipped guidewires and catheters can be guided in 3D as endovascular specialists navigate through these high-resolution intuitive visualizations during minimally invasive procedures. The images and tracking are displayed on an independent monitor, minimizing the reliance on damaging X-ray radiation typically used to produce live fluoroscopic images during interventions.
About Centerline BiomedicalFounded in 2015, Centerline Biomedical is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. The company’s commercially available platform, IOPS®, Intra-Operative Positioning System, enables improved visualization and navigation in endovascular procedures. IOPS has 510(k) clearance from the US FDA for use in the descending aorta. The company continues investment in development to enhance the current technology platform and expand image guidance in transcatheter procedure applications.
Visit www.centerlinebiomedical.com for more information.
SOURCE Centerline Biomedical
Strategic decisions enable Bracco to serve better the needs of healthcare providers and patients with its enhanced pipeline offering
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., July 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (BDI), the U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., a leading global company in the diagnostic imaging business, is pleased to provide an update on its barium product portfolio as part of a comprehensive rationalization process.
Bracco Diagnostics Inc. launched an initiative with its barium portfolio to invest in new and expanded product offerings driven by customer and patient demand. In addition, the company is pursuing FDA approval for its fourth product and expects to file for approval later this year. Upon anticipated approval, BDI will offer an enhanced line of FDA-approved barium products for abdominal imaging needs.
“We remain committed to advancing the barium and oral imaging field,” said Cosimo De Pinto, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BDI. “Our ongoing investment in new and expanded product offerings reflects our dedication to supporting healthcare providers in delivering exceptional patient care.”
At the same time, market changes and evolving procedural changes have led BDI to discontinue three of its non-FDA-approved barium products due to a significant decline in product usage. BDI does not anticipate discontinuing any additional barium products.
“We understand the importance of providing high-quality diagnostic imaging solutions to our customers,” continued Cosimo De Pinto. “Our rationalization process was essential to ensure that our resources are allocated effectively to meet the evolving needs of the medical community.”
As part of its commitment to innovation, BDI is excited to unveil its pipeline, providing a glimpse of its upcoming product launches over the next 24 months:
Q3 2024: CitraClear™, a gutsy filling beverage, designed to enhance patient satisfaction during preparation for imaging procedures.
Q4 2024: VARIBAR® (barium sulfate) “Mini” packaging, offering convenient and sustainable packaging options for healthcare facilities.
2025: Introduction of a new flavor in our CT barium line, further enhancing the patient experience during imaging examinations.
BDI invites healthcare providers and industry partners to explore its barium pipeline and looks forward to continuing to collaborate in advancing diagnostic imaging technologies.
INDICATIONS for VARIBAR® (barium sulfate)
VARIBAR® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension, and VARIBAR® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients.
VARIBAR® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension and VARIBAR® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients 6 months of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONSThese products should not be used in patients with known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; known obstruction of the GI tract; high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis; high risk of aspiration such as those with known or suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula or obtundation; known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of the product used.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity ReactionsBarium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors, and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension, bronchospasm and other respiratory impairments, and dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, food allergies, or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.
Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage
The use of VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract. Administration of VARIBAR PRODUCTS may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, or diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction
Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk for developing obstruction or baroliths: severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, taking medications that delay GI motility, constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly. To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration after the barium sulfate procedure. When administering VARIBAR PUDDING, consider the administration of laxatives.
Aspiration Pneumonitis
The use of VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients with trachea-esophageal fistula. Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis. In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure with a small ingested volume of VARIBAR PRODUCTS. Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration of VARIBAR PRODUCTS if aspiration is suspected, and monitor for development of aspiration pneumonitis.
Systemic Embolization
Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the GI tract and enter the circulation as a “barium embolus” leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of a barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.
Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste.
VARIBAR is manufactured by E-Z-EM Canada Inc., for E-Z-EM, Inc., a subsidiary of Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Monroe Twp., NJ 08831.
VARIBAR is a registered trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc.
For additional information about Bracco’s products, and for full prescribing information, please visit http://imaging.bracco.com/us-en.
About Bracco Imaging
Bracco Imaging S.p.A. (“Bracco Imaging”), part of the Bracco Group, is an innovative world leader delivering end-to-end products and solutions through its comprehensive portfolio across diagnostic imaging modalities. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging’s purpose is to improve people’s lives by shaping the future of prevention and precision diagnostic imaging. The Bracco Imaging portfolio includes products and solutions for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers and novel PET imaging agents. Bracco Imaging has approximately 3,600 employees and operates in more than 100 markets globally. Bracco Imaging has a well-skilled and innovative Research and Development (R&D) organization with an efficient process-oriented approach and track record in the diagnostic imaging industry. R&D activities are located in four centers based in Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Bracco Group global revenues were 1.4 billion Euros in 2020. To learn more about Bracco Imaging,
Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Media Relations (USA)Kimberly GerweckSenior Manager, Marketing Communications[email protected]D: +1 609-524-2777
SOURCE Bracco Group
Leveraging Butterfly Network’s platform, UltraSight seeks to enable patients to access cardiac imaging with real-time AI guidance
TEL AVIV, Israel, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, UltraSight, a digital health pioneer transforming cardiac imaging through the power of artificial intelligence, announced it has joined Butterfly Garden, an artificial intelligence (AI) Marketplace launched by Butterfly Network, Inc. (“Butterfly”) (NYSE: BFLY), a digital health company transforming care through the power of portable, semiconductor-based ultrasound technology and intuitive software.
UltraSight and Butterfly have partnered to increase patient access to cardiac care by enabling more healthcare professionals to perform cardiac ultrasound. Subject to regulatory approvals and authorizations, UltraSight aims to integrate and deploy its real-time AI guidance software on Butterfly’s imaging platform and build the software for use with Butterfly’s single-probe, whole-body handheld ultrasound system.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading global cause of death, accounting for an estimated 18 million deaths yearly. Today patients face significant delays in receiving crucial cardiac testing due to a fragmented market full of system bottlenecks, in addition to a national shortage of expert sonographers.
UltraSight’s mission is to empower any medical professional, including novice users with no prior sonography experience, to confidently conduct echocardiographic examinations and capture diagnostic quality cardiac ultrasound images at the point of care. Achieving compatibility with the most prominent handheld ultrasound device companies in the market, such as Butterfly, facilitates the company’s goal of increasing access to cardiac care and reducing system bottlenecks for patients.
“Joining the Butterfly Garden marks an important moment in our mission to revolutionize cardiac care,” said Davidi Vortman, CEO of UltraSight. “By integrating our real-time AI guidance software with Butterfly’s cutting-edge ultrasound technology, we are poised to transform the landscape of cardiac imaging. This collaboration will empower healthcare professionals, regardless of their experience level, to perform accurate and timely cardiac ultrasound exams at the point of care. Together, we will break down existing barriers in cardiac care, ensuring that more patients receive the critical diagnostics they need, when and where they need it most.”
“We are thrilled to partner with UltraSight to bring their AI guidance software to Butterfly devices in an effort to mitigate the pressing issue of sonographer shortages, among other workforce challenges, impacting medical communities around the world,” said Darius Shahida, chief strategy officer of Butterfly Network. “UltraSight and Butterfly are jointly dedicated to making healthcare more efficient, effective and accessible through high-quality ultrasound that’s easy-to-use and globally available.”
In August 2023, Butterfly Network launched Butterfly Garden, allowing third-party developers access to its proprietary SDK and APIs to build new AI applications that work in conjunction with Butterfly’s imaging platform, bringing with it access to the largest point-of-care ultrasound customer base. UltraSight, with capabilities to provide more medical professionals with the ability to take high-quality diagnostic images of the heart, has the potential to close the gap between novice and skilled Butterfly ultrasound users, and is an ideal match for the program.
When paired with ultrasound devices, and following the appropriate regulatory clearance for each device, UltraSight’s underlying AI neural network can predict the position of the ultrasound probe relative to the heart based on the ultrasound video stream and guide the user on maneuvering the probe to capture diagnostic quality cardiac images.
UltraSight’s partnership with Butterfly follows a series of recent collaborations with other industry leaders such as Mayo Clinic and EchoNous. For more information about UltraSight, visit www.ultrasight.com. For more information about Butterfly, visit www.butterflynetwork.com.
About UltraSight
UltraSight’s mission is to make diagnostic imaging more accessible by empowering medical professionals to successfully acquire timely and accurate cardiac ultrasound images anywhere. UltraSight’s AI-driven software offers real-time guidance, making cardiac ultrasound accessible and efficient, which may lead to quicker diagnoses and improved patient care. In 2022, UltraSight won the Bristol Myers Squibb Improving Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Challenge as the most “innovative cardiac technology.” Additionally, the company was awarded a patent for its real-time guidance solution for ultrasound devices. UltraSight’s software has FDA 510(k) Clearance, is UKCA and CE Marked, and has Israeli AMAR Clearance to assist medical professionals in performing cardiac ultrasound scans. For more news and information, visit our website or follow UltraSight on LinkedIn and Twitter
About Butterfly Network
Founded by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg in 2011, Butterfly Network is a digital health company with a mission to democratize medical imaging by making high-quality ultrasound affordable, easy-to-use, globally accessible, and intelligently connected, including for the 4.7 billion people around the world lacking access to ultrasound. Butterfly created the world’s first handheld single-probe, whole-body ultrasound system using semiconductor technology, Butterfly iQ. The company has continued to innovate, leveraging the benefits of Moore’s Law, to launch its second-generation Butterfly iQ+ in 2020, and third-generation iQ3 in 2024 – each with increased processing power and performance enhancements. The disruptive technology has been recognized by TIME’s Best Inventions, Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, CNBC Disruptor 50, and MedTech Breakthrough Awards, among other accolades. With its proprietary Ultrasound-on-Chip™ technology, intelligent software, and educational offerings, Butterfly is paving the way to mass adoption of ultrasound for earlier detection and remote management of health conditions around the world. Butterfly devices are commercially available to trained healthcare practitioners in areas including, but not limited to, parts of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America; to learn more about available countries, visit: www.butterflynetwork.com/choose-your-country.
SOURCE UltraSight
