Final NICE diagnostic guidance on the EOS 2D/3D X-ray imaging system calls for the system’s health benefits to be further investigated in clinical research settings.

The new system (pictured) from US company EOS Imaging uses low-dose radiation imaging to produce 2D X-ray images and 3D reconstructions for bones.

Its innovative slot-scan technology, scanning a line at a time rather than taking the entire image at once, enables it to produce upright and weight-bearing whole-body images.

By showing relationships between the spine, hip, pelvis and knees, the EOS system could particularly benefit the monitoring and treatment of patients with spinal deformities or alignment problems.

The system’s reduced dose also offers potential safety advantages in the repeated imaging of patients with spinal deformities, especially children.

The new guidance encourages the use of the 2D/3D imaging system in specialist research settings to collect evidence about clinical benefits associated with weight-bearing whole-body imaging and 3D reconstruction.

Professor Carole Longson, Director of the NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre, said: “The EOS 2D/3D imaging system was identified by the Diagnostics Advisory Committee as an important emerging technology. There is evidence showing comparable or better images and radiation dose reduction associated with using the EOS system to image patients with spinal deformities.”

However, she said, there is currently no evidence that compares the diagnostic accuracy of the EOS system with that of conventional radiological examinations. “NICE will follow up the Diagnostics Advisory Committee’s research recommendations on the EOS 2D/3D system and will assess the feasibility of this research with a view to facilitating the development of further relevant evidence.”

Full data sets evaluating the system’s benefits will trace the outcome of its use from planning through to complex surgeries such as hip replacements.

Marie Meynadier, CEO of EOS Imaging, said: “The EOS 2D/3D imaging system is subject to an extensive programme of research associating radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons. We will provide data to NICE as they are established to determine when a cost-effectiveness review based on this evidence would be appropriate.”

The new external assessment centres recently announced by NICE will help to develop and facilitate research products to assist suppliers when NICE medical technology or diagnostics guidance recommends it.

Mobisante has launched its MobiUS SP1 in the US, the world’s first smartphone-based ultrasound imaging system.

The device joins other portable point-of-care diagnostics that have recently entered the mobile health sector, including GE’s handheld visualisation tool Vscan and Siemens' Acuson P10.

The £4,700 MobiUS SP1 is designed for use in foetal, cardiac, pelvic, paediatric, musculoskeletal, peripheral vessel and abdominal imaging, providing the potential for enhanced patient care in any location, even remote areas.

The mobile health technology uses both cellular and WiFi networks, and consists of a Windows Mobile 6.5-based Toshiba TG01 smartphone, an ultrasound probe and computer software.

The manufacturer claims that the system could also be more suitable for use in low-income regions than traditional ultrasound equipment due to its lower operating costs and the increased convenience it would provide for patients.

Mobisante actually received FDA clearance for the device in February 2011, but it took eight months to implement necessary FDA-mandated controls.

The company is exploring the option of making a version of the product for healthcare-specific tablet computers as well.

A new, hi-tech retinal imaging system that could help millions of diabetes patients from going blind has been launched in Europe.

EasyScan, developed by eye diagnostics specialist, i-Optics, is easy-to-use and more portable than systems currently used in retinal imaging.

The device aims to diagnose and treat diabetes patients quicker to prevent blindness earlier.

As pupil dilation is not required for diagnosis, the device reduces patients’ waiting times by at least 30 minutes. Patients can also drive immediately after examination.

Jereon Cammeraat, CEO at iOptics, said: “With aging populations and growing obesity, countries everywhere face a rapid increase in diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other retinal diseases.”

He said that the current technology featuring fundus cameras are “large, exclusive, and expensive, as well as being slow and difficult to use”.

EasyScan’s non-invasive technology consumes little energy and can connect to a PC or laptop via a USB port. Using Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope (SLO) technology, the device can identify clinical features in the retina in the earliest stages, provide better contrast than traditional fundus cameras, and can better penetrate media opacities such as cataract and corneal opacities.

i-Optics is a worldwide eye imaging developer, aiming to develop affordable, quick retinal diagnosis solutions.

Medical imaging specialist EIZO has launched a widescreen LCD colour monitor with a light-emitting diode backlight for operating rooms.

The new RadiForce LX600W (pictured) is designed for use in interventional radiology, cardiology and surgery suites.

With a 60-inch screen and unlimited, flexible image display, the new monitor is ideal for current theatres where the integration of different imaging systems and surgical disciplines requires versatile solutions.

Notable features of the RadiForce LX600W include:

• Images up to 8 megapixels, with a contrast ratio of 4000:1 and uniform brightness across the entire screen.
• An LED backlight that offers optimum working conditions.
• Real-time image display to provide a safe and stable working environment for the surgeon.
• An improved cooling concept, helping to minimise air turbulence from fans.

A model with a protective glass screen, which simplifies cleaning and disinfection, is available.

Rob Musson, Business Director, Avnet Technology Solutions – EIZO Division, commented: “EIZO’s new RadiForce LX600W is the perfect choice of large display in any modern hospital. Its large 60-inch widescreen viewing area offers great flexibility in displaying different modality images across the one same screen without distracting frames between individual pictures.

“The monitor’s new LED backlight and much-improved cooling concept make it ideal for long-term stable and reliable use in the operating room.”

Production of the RadiForce LX600W is planned for the first quarter 2012. The product will be showcased for the first time at Medica 2011.

Based in Japan, with distributors in more than 50 countries, EIZO Nanao Corporation is a leading global manufacturer of high-end visual display products with LCD monitor systems.