Fuji brings Synapse 3D, new products to RSNA

Nov 27, 2010

Fujifilm Medical Systems USA is unveiling Synapse 3D and a host of new products at this week's RSNA meeting in Chicago.

The Stamford, CT-based vendor recently received 501(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Synapse 3D, a suite of clinical applications integrated directly into both Synapse PACS and Synapse Cardiovascular designed to enable access to advanced diagnostic tools without requiring separate workstations. Both vendor-neutral and multimodality-capable, Synapse 3D features tools such as fusion for PET, MR, CT, and SPECT, as well as multiplanar reconstruction.

Fuji is also introducing version 4.0.5 of its Synapse Cardiovascular software that features expanded clinical and reporting capabilities. With this new version, the company becomes the first vendor to integrate with the new GE Healthcare EchoPAC workstation application, according to Fuji.

EchoPAC is used to review and analyze echocardiographic exams acquired on GE Vivid products. While working within Fuji's cardiovascular information system (CVIS) application and reviewing a Vivid exam, clinicians can launch the EchoPAC plug-in directly from an image, eliminating the need to log in to two separate systems and toggle between workstations. EchoPAC advanced quantification tools are also available within Synapse Cardiovascular, reducing the need to perform the quantification on the ultrasound system. In addition, the images and data that are generated during the ultrasound analysis can be exported directly into the Synapse database and report, reducing the need for manual entry and the risk of error, according to the company.

Fuji is also featuring Intelligent Structured Reporting (ISR), which provides tools to help improve the reading accuracy and report consistency when interpreting echocardiograms. Already available in beta-site locations, ISR is expected to be widely available during the first quarter 2011, Fuji said.

In addition, the company is debuting version 6.0 of its Synapse RIS and Synapse TeleRIS applications. The new version includes support for Microsoft's .NET Framework 4.0 platform, enhancements to the Synapse Communication tool set, and new features specifically designed for radiology groups. It is expected to be available for delivery in the first half of 2011, the company said.

At this year's RSNA meeting, Fuji is introducing the Synapse Mobility application, which enables access to its suite of Synapse products to handheld mobile devices, as well as Macintosh and Windows-based PCs. Using a Web browser, clinicians can access images and information stored in Synapse PACS, RIS, and Cardiovascular, enabling increased access to patient data across the healthcare enterprise.

Fuji will also debut its FCR Go 2 portable digital imaging system with upgraded capabilities. The new system includes a full-size workstation, improved drive performance, and a higher output x-ray generator to address imaging needs of dense anatomy, including abdominal, spinal, and bariatric exams.

The company also announced that the first clinical trials have begun in Japan for its 3D digital mammography system. The breast screening technology combines a workstation with dedicated reading glasses to offer a single, instantly available 3D breast image. In early 2011, the technology is set to start clinical evaluations at breast screening facilities in the U.S., beginning with Emory University in Atlanta, according to Fuji.

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