The question is exclusively for czh-ga for the first twelve hours
(until
19.00 UTC/GMT) in recognition of the excellent work he did for us last
time.
(1) What is the number of centres which perform mammography in the UK
and in Europe? In the USA, there are 9,200 mammography centres
(defined as a location where women go for mammography screening--this
would be hospitals and dedicated mammography clinics).
If you get the figure for the UK this is worth the base $20. You
qualify for a $10 bonus each for the following European countries:
Germany, France, Italy, Spain.
(2) If you can find any free reports on the Internet describing the
predicted take-up curves for mammography CAD (computer aided
detection) in the US, the UK, and for the rest of Europe between now
and 2008, this would be worth an additional $50.
(3) We would also like to find out what users of film digitisers think
about their products. Search newsgroups for chatter on this. The
main makers of film digitizers are Vidar, Howtek, Canon, Array, and
Kodak/Lumisys. The first 3 are CCD based devices and the latter two
are laser devices. Some people believe laser devices are superior for
certain applications. I don't want stuff off the vendors' websites; I
want user opinions which are unbiased (or perhaps a government-funded
report). This is worth a tip of $50.
Many thanks for your work.
(I have created a new account on GA for technical reasons--GA is not
accepting logins on my old account) AdwareAlert.com: #1 Conversions: ***2008 Vista Certified!!::
We Convert 2x As Good As Any Other Adware/spyware Product! See The Difference. Easy Ppc Sales! Now With MSN/Goog/Yhoo Tracking!
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Hello again Victor,
Thank you for asking for me by name. Your questions look like an
interesting extension of the earlier research. I’m starting to work on
them now and should be back to you before the end of the day. I’m in
California.
All the best.
czh
That's great. Auntminnie.com is I'm told a fantastic site on the
business of radiography with lots of forums where you can get user
comments on film scanners.
Hello Victor,
I'm finding a lot of information to answer your questions. I will
complete the project later tonight.
czh
Hello again Victor,
This was an interesting research project and after some digging I was
able to find you a variety of resources on almost all of your topics.
I’ve followed your format for the question and divided up my results
accordingly.
I was able to find the number of mammography centers for the UK but
not for the other European countries. In searching for these, I found
some general information about European screening practices that might
be of interest.
I was able to find several articles that give you short bits from
expensive market research reports as well as some surprisingly long
and complete reports on aspects of the digital mammography market.
I’ve also included the abstracts for the expensive market research
reports that would be of interest because the abstract and table of
contents are sometimes remarkably informative.
The film digitizing section was the toughest to complete because there
was surprisingly little competitive information available other than
company press releases. I browsed through the news groups and looked
for other informal comparative information and I had to conclude that
these products generate very little of the “chatter” you hoped to
find. Instead, I’ve included some journal and news reports that offer
evaluations of these technologies.
I hope the research will help with your project.
All the best.
czh
======================
1) MAMMOGRAPHY CENTERS
======================
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) What is the number of centres which perform mammography in the UK
and in Europe? In the USA, there are 9,200 mammography centres
(defined as a location where women go for mammography screening--this
would be hospitals and dedicated mammography clinics).
If you get the figure for the UK this is worth the base $20. You
qualify for a $10 bonus each for the following European countries:
Germany, France, Italy, Spain.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
UK SCREENING CENTERS
--------------------
http://www.gridtoday.com/02/1104/100640.html
November 04, 2002: VOL. 1 NO. 21
Creating a National Digital Mammography Archive for the UK
Initially, the Grid will link a large federated database of mammograms
shared by St. Georges Hospital and Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust
Hospitals in London, the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, and the
Breast Screening Centers in Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland. The
project potentially could be expanded to all 92 screening centers
throughout the UK, creating the UK's first national digital
mammography archive.
***** This article indicates there are 92 mammography screening
centers in the UK.
http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/#whatis
The NHS Breast Screening Programme
There are over 90 breast screening units across the UK, each currently
inviting an average population of around 45,000 women. Women are
invited to a specialised screening unit, which can either be mobile,
hospital based, or permanently based in another convenient location
such as a shopping centre.
http://sci.newsfactor.com/perl/story/19701.html
IBM and UK Enlist Grid Computing in Cancer Fight
Initially, the grid will link a federated database of mammograms
shared by a few hospitals, with the goal of expanding to all 92
screening centers throughout the United Kingdom, "creating the UK's
first national digital mammography archive," Andrews explained. While
it may be in the United Kingdom today, tomorrow the world may share
the grid if efforts succeed to link it with screening programs being
developed in France, Germany and Japan, and at the University of
Pennsylvania in the United States.
http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,55736,00.html
Tackling Breast Cancer on a Grid
02:00 AM Oct. 14, 2002 PT
A centuries-old university is using the latest technology to combat
breast cancer.
Oxford University's eDiamond grid computing project will pool and
distribute information on breast cancer treatment, enable early
screening and diagnosis, and provide medical professionals with tools
and information to treat the disease.
http://www.ediamond.ox.ac.uk/
What is eDiaMoND?
eDiaMoND is a collaborative project funded through an EPSRC grant and
IBM's SUR grant. It is strictly a research project which has the
ambitious aim of proving the benefits of grid technology to eHealth,
in this case for Breast Imaging in the UK.
------------------------------------------
GERMANY, ITALY, SPAIN -- SCREENING CENTERS
------------------------------------------
I could not find any statistics on the number of German, Italian,
Spanish screening centers. Please see some articles about general
trends in European mammography and breast screening below.
---------------------------
FRANCE -- SCREENING CENTERS
---------------------------
I could not find any statistics on the number of French screening
centers. Please see some articles about general trends in European
mammography and breast screening below.
http://www.agfa.com/healthcare/us/know/article.php?articleguid=E18986D958BAB86A7139295A5753FBC7
French Mammography Screening Center Sees Major Benefits in Agfa's
Women's Care Solution Embrace
Recently, the French government decided to address the imminent
shortage of screening facilities and the apparent inequality of
mammography quality screening in the country. "There are some 2,500
mammography radiologists in France, compared to, for example, some 300
in the UK," says Dr. Alain Isnard, a leading mammography expert. "This
means a huge diversity in equipment and a large spectrum of quality
and service."
The government decided to launch a nationwide campaign for screening.
In this context, it will designate seven radiology centers around the
country as reference facilities for the introduction of digital
mammography.
---------------------------
EUROPE -- SCREENING CENTERS
---------------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=wom&Pag=dis&ItemId=56385
Innovative programs cut through mammography's crisis
10/17/02
Europe's hub-and-spoke model
What has come to be known as the "Swedish model" is taking hold in the
European Union and throughout most of Canada, and shows promise for
the U.S. In Sweden, women have their screening tests at conveniently
located sites or mobile units where the images are obtained by skilled
technologists. Films are sent to a central site where they are
interpreted by radiologists who are dedicated to reading mammograms.
If the patient needs additional evaluation, she goes to a central
diagnostic center.
Europeans are also leading the way in using full-field digital
mammography (FFDM) and CAD.
A European study, called the Soft-Copy Reading Environment (SCREEN)
project, was recently completed. Its main objective was to develop a
soft-copy reading system that would meet the demands of high-volume
screening, such as is practiced in European screening mammography
programs and in the larger breast care centers in the U.S.
Ninety-five percent of the 70 screening units in the Netherlands are
mobile. Interpretation is done in about 25 reading centers. In Europe
overall, mobile units make up around 60% of the installed base.
-----------------------
http://www.europarl.eu.int/workshop/breast_cancer/docs/program_en.pdf
Public Workshop on the Need for EU Guidelines for Multi-disciplinary
Breast-care Centers, February 17, 2003
http://www.ebreastctr.de/en/download/Results_EBCN.pdf
European Breast Cancer Network
Certification of Breast Centers
http://www.cancerworld.org/default.asp
CancerEurope
http://www.cancerworld.org/progetti/cancerworld/Europadonna/pagine/home/homeframeeudonna.html
EUROPA DONNA represents the concerns and interests of European women
to local and national authorities and governments, drawing attention
to the need for improvement in or introduction of essential programmes
and services in the fight against breast cancer. The coalition
consists of a network of 29 national European breast cancer advocacy
groups; each group or forum pursues its national breast cancer issues,
in concert with the EUROPA DONNA mission.
http://www.upmccancercenters.com/news/reuters/reuters.cfm?article=1294
Breast cancer diagnosed late in Europe: report
LONDON (Reuters Health) - Women who get breast cancer in Europe are
four times more likely to be diagnosed when the tumour has spread and
less likely to survive the disease than women in the United States,
according to a report released Monday.
Market consultants Datamonitor said there was a widening gap between
the percentage of patients with late-stage breast cancer in Europe's
top five countries--Germany, Britain, France, Spain and
Italy--compared with the US, where health screening policy is more
aggressive.
***** The article provides some statistics on European breast cancer
screening.
----------------------
http://www.mercy-unity.com/ahs/mercyunity.nsf/page/mammographyscreening
Mammography
The recent controversy in the media and medical literature regarding
the benefits of mammography has confused patients and physicians
alike. It has created a great reluctance on the part of the patient to
undergo mammographic screening and created concern among their
physicians as to whether mammograms are worthwhile and beneficial.
***** Short article reviews European breast cancer screening
statistics.
=====================================
2) MAMMOGRAPHY CAD MARKET PROJECTIONS
=====================================
------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) If you can find any free reports on the Internet describing the
predicted take-up curves for mammography CAD (computer aided
detection) in the US, the UK, and for the rest of Europe between now
and 2008, this would be worth an additional $50.
------------------------------------------------------------------
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/GMA/HealthyWoman/GMA010829Scanning_mammography.html
Second-Scan Mammograms
Breast Cancer Screening Goes Digital
August 29, 2001
But most breast cancer centers do not have the computer-aided
detection devices yet. The majority of the 200 that do are located in
the United States. Though the FDA approved the device in 1998, some
radiologists are unaware of it. And some centers are reluctant to
spend $200,000 to $220,000 on the devices until more studies back its
effectiveness.
http://www.atp.nist.gov/eao/gcr03-844/contents.htm
NIST GCR 03-844
Low-Cost Manufacturing Process Technology for Amorphous Silicon
Detector Panels: Applications in Digital Mammography and Radiography
Executive Summary
In its 1995 General Competition, the Advanced Technology Program (ATP)
funded a joint-venture project involving General Electric Global
Research (formerly General Electric Corporate Research & Development)
and PerkinElmer, Inc. (formerly EG&G Reticon), to develop a low-cost
manufacturing (LCM) process for fabricating amorphous silicon (a-Si)
detector panels for digital mammography and digital radiography
systems. The project was successfully completed in 2000 and
implementation is expected by 2004.
http://www.atp.nist.gov/eao/gcr03-844/chapt5.htm
5. Market Analysis
U.S. medical imaging services are provided through 2,300 large
hospitals and 3,300 free-standing diagnostic imaging centers and
chains (DICs). Free-standing DICs are owned by professional
radiologist groups, partnerships with hospitals, and for-profit
corporations. Thirty-seven percent of the DICs are located in four
states: New York, Florida, Texas, and California. All states have at
least one operational DIC, except Vermont (SMG Marketing Group, 2000).
MAMMOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT MARKET
As of 2000, the installed U.S. base of mammography units (including
conventional film and full-field digital systems) was 15,300.
Worldwide installed base was approximately 30,000 units, with 10,270
units in Europe (Garcia, 2001).
The 2002 global market for mammography equipment sales is projected to
be $339 million. The North American market leads with 51 percent of
total market sales, and this market is expected to grow at a compound
annual rate of more than eight percent during the 2002–2007 period.
Europe has 38 percent of the market, and the European market is
expected to grow at a compound annual rate of more than 10 percent.
GE is the market leader for the high-end digital mammography tier with
the FDAapproved Senographe 2000D unit. Other significant market
participants include: (SEE LIST)
***** This is a long and detailed report that offers a variety of
statistics, tables and references.
-----------------------------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=wom&Pag=dis&ItemId=58036
Shift to full-field digital units will spur mammography market
4/30/03
The mammography markets in North America, Japan, Latin America,
Eastern Europe, and Asia-Pacific reached $241.2 million in 2002, an
annual growth rate of approximately 18.2% over 2001, according to
market research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Growing demand,
along with the higher prices commanded by full-field digital
mammography (FFDM) systems, will drive the market to $528.2 million by
2009, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 10%,
according to the San Jose, CA-based firm.
Despite the hype surrounding FFDM, revenues from analog systems still
outpace digital units. In 2002, new analog mammography screening
equipment generated $142.7 million in sales, compared with $69.6
million from digital screening (flat-panel, slot-scanning, and
computed radiography) systems. Digital spot mammography systems (both
add-on and dedicated prone units) generated $28.9 million in sales
last year.
By 2009, however, FFDM units are expected to contribute 70% of
mammography revenues, compared to only 18% for analog systems. This
conversion will be driven by economic factors such as low
reimbursement rates, and by operational issues such as facility
consolidation and the need to boost throughput, Garc a said.
***** This is a fairly long article with lots of statistics about the
projections made by Frost & Sullivan.
---------------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/print/print.asp?sec=sup&sub=xra&pag=dis&ItemId=58695&printpage=true
Reimbursement gains, competition prime CAD market
7/15/03
The U.S. computer-aided detection (CAD) market more than doubled in
2002, turning in $65.2 million in revenues, according to market
research firm Frost & Sullivan. The San Jose, CA-based firm projects
the market to reach $100.7 million by 2006, with a compounded annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5%.
Frost segmented the CAD market into mammography, chest/lung, and
virtual colonoscopy applications. The mammography CAD segment included
both mammography and MRI CAD applications.
Today's CAD market is dominated by use with mammography studies, which
generated nearly all of the revenues and units sold in 2002, Clayton
said.
"Increases in reimbursement rates are important because that means the
end user can now exploit the economic effects of CAD in addition to
the clinical benefits," Clayton said. "(The economic benefit) provides
the biggest incentive for adoption of CAD because it promotes a better
chance of generating a return on investment. In addition, (the
clinical advantages) provide a secondary benefit for the facility,
because it's more likely to attract patients if CAD is installed."
The introduction of integrated and multimodality CAD packages will be
a leading indicator of market growth and viability towards the end of
the forecast period (through 2006), Clayton said.
In other key trends influencing market development, independent
imaging clinics have tended to embrace CAD at a much faster pace than
other healthcare facilities. Frost directly attributes this trend to
the improved economics of CAD.
An emerging trend -- the introduction of integrated systems for
mammography and other modalities -- is expected to have a greater
impact in the next year to 18 months as those systems are rolled out,
he said.
***** This article gives you a good overview of the expected
developments in mammography CAD.
------------------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=wom&Pag=dis&ItemId=56679
11/14/02 -- Breast-detection market to grow 17% in 2002
The second largest segment, conventional mammography, will produce
$107.5 million in product sales, with pharmacogenetic and prognostic
testing to reach almost $96 million, according to the Tustin, CA-based
firm. In its report, U.S. Markets for Breast Disease Detection and
Diagnostic Technologies, 2001-2011, Medtech said that breast disease
will increase as the over-40 U.S. population spikes by 10 million
people from 2002 to 2006.
-------------------
http://www.medtechinsight.com/ReportA400.html
U.S. Markets for Breast Disease Detection and Diagnostic Technologies,
2001-2011
Report #A400, October 2002
List Price: $4,250
This report discusses the companies and technologies working to shape
these breast cancer diagnostic segments over the next 10 years and
analyzes the current and 10-year forecast in U.S. markets for the
majority of these technologies, from 2001 to 2011. In addition,
profiles of 25 key players in this market are provided.
3.3.3 Computer-Aided Detection
3.3.3.1 Overview of Technology
3.3.3.2 Competitors
3.3.3.2.1 Competitive Analysis
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/9710/Mammo.html
MAMMOGRAPHY
http://wwwdb.europarl.eu.int/oeil/oeil_ViewDNL.ProcedureView?lang=2&procid=6793
Breast cancer in the European Union
05/06/2003 - EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT OPINION OR RESOLUTION
The committee said that the breast cancer mortality rate must be
reduced by
25% by 2008, and called on the Member States to offer, to all women
aged from
50 to at least 69, a mammography every two years based on European
guidelines.
At present only eight of the fifteen Member States have a nation-wide
screening programme. These programmes should be required to meet
certain
quality standards: each mammogram must be read independently by two
radiologists; the image quality and radiation doses of the equipment
must be
monitored regularly. Every women who is a victim of breast cancer
should be
entitled to treatment by a multidisciplinary team. The EU Member
States should
set up networks of certified multidisciplinary breast centres, where
each team
would be made up of experienced surgeons, radiologists, oncologists,
pathologists, nurses and radiographers who specialise in breast
disease.
-----------------
http://www.the-infoshop.com/study/go10994_mammography_equipment.html
MAMMOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT
Published by : Global Industry Analysts, Inc
Pub Time: 2003/05, Price US $ 3950
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Most comprehensive report covering worldwide markets
Data-intensive research - An imperative for the serious player!
Designed to empower the quality conscious executive
Presented in crisp easy-to-use tables, charts, and text formats
56 Companies profiled - Covering Key & Niche Players worldwide
177 Exhibits - Market Data, Tables, Shares, Analyses, Trends, etc.
682 Pages of original research content encompassing all facets
2,700+ employee hours of research and analyses
Research assisted and subscribed by many key players worldwide!
***** The very extensive table of contents will provide insights into
the market and key players
-------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=bai&Pag=dis&ItemId=58923
Frost sees growth in European equipment-services market
8/7/03
Although 90% of the European medical imaging equipment services market
is dominated by GE Medical Systems, Philips Medical Systems, and
Siemens Medical Solutions, the study points to a number of small local
players, often confined to a particular region, that offer services
for particular imaging modalities and are able to compete on price and
the location of their service engineers in the field.
-------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=wom&Pag=dis&ItemId=58291
Effective breast CAD still harbors a few workflow caveats
6/3/03
Even in mammography, CAD won’t turn a poorly performing radiologist
into a breast cancer specialist. And the technology may not be
cost-effective for every breast center.
That said, CAD is having a dramatic clinical impact on breast cancer
screening.
For breast centers weighing a CAD acquisition, clinical efficacy
certainly plays the largest role. But close behind are economic
issues, such as capital costs, procedure volume, and workflow impact.
"From a cost-effective point of view, the benefits of CAD can only be
realized in the digital environment," said Dr. R. James Brenner,
medical director of breast imaging at Eisenberg Keefer Breast Center
in Santa Monica, CA. "It’s just too laborious. I can’t justify using
CAD, regardless of how you feel about the results, in a nondigital
environment."
"When evaluating a CAD acquisition, look at the impact of capital
cost, maintenance, and any additional labor that may be involved in
processing the CAD image," Kolb said.
"Once these costs have been paid, the balance of the reimbursement
effectively becomes profit."
***** This article gives a good overview of the economic issues
involved in implementing mammography CAD.
----------------------------
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=imc&Pag=dis&ItemId=59053
Making mammographers better: The last link in the imaging chain
8/29/03
In the following editorial, AuntMinnie founder and practicing
radiologist Dr. Phillip Berman offers some facts and opinions on
addressing the mammography crisis.
***** This is a long article that discusses the issues involved with
mammography standards and the problems of radiologist training,
performance standards and litigation. Be sure to check out the related
articles that include the Letter to the Editor responses to this
article.
----------------
http://www.mindbranch.com/catalog/print_product_page.jsp?code=R1-2151
U.S. and European Digital Radiography Markets
Published by Frost & Sullivan
January 2002
R1-2151
Online Access (Regional License) $3950
Print Copy $4450
High Deployment Costs Hinder New Technology Growth
General radiography utilizes the conventional film-screen method of
passing X-ray photons through the body to create images of internal
structures. However, digital radiography (DR) substitutes an
electronic detector panel and digital display system for the
film-screen cassette. This revolutionary technology reduces patients’
exposure to X-rays and offers the cost-savings associated with digital
formatting. Despite these advantages, high initial start-up costs are
slowing widespread adoption by healthcare facilities.
This Frost & Sullivan study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the
U.S. and European digital radiography markets. By examining industry
challenges and providing strategic recommendations, this research
offers your firm the inside information needed to develop an effective
business plan.
5. Competing Technologies
B. Film Digitizers
1. Introduction
2. End User Trends
3. Market and Technology Trends
---------------------
http://www.medicalimagingmag.com/
Medical Imaging – May 2003
Technology Trends: The Booming Breast Imaging Market
Radiologists maintain that mammography is the gold standard for breast
cancer detection. At the same time, they also say that the technology
can be riddled with holes and does not serve young women or women with
dense breasts very well.
A host of companies have responded to the call and are developing new
early detection and breast imaging technologies. The intent with each
device is similar: plug one or more of the holes associated with
mammography. Some technologies aim for earlier detection of breast
cancer; others are designed to better differentiate benign and
malignant lesions; and some may better identify the extent of breast
cancer, which helps physicians better devise a treatment plan. Many of
the new technologies also are more patient-friendly than mammography.
***** This is a good overview of a variety of technologies and trends
in mammography. It includes a few statistics for market predictions.
---------------------
http://www.cadvisionmt.com/market/cadmark.html
CADVision Medical Technologies
The market for CAD is still in its early stages of growth, with only
600 CAD systems installed in a market of more then 30,000 mammography
centers. Total CAD sales are expected to rapidly expand with the
continued growth of mammography centers and increasing penetration of
the market.
With 35 million screening mammograms completed in the US annually
across 11,000 clinics, the average clinic conducts approximately 3,200
mammography screenings per year. Currently, approximately 70% of these
screenings are covered by health plans providing reimbursement of CAD.
Based on current Medicare reimbursement rates and coverage, the
average US clinic can be fully reimbursed and begin generating profits
on its MammoDetector Pro™ system after 1.5 years. Larger clinics can
be reimbursed for their acquisition of a MammoDetector Pro™ system
within months.
***** Note the estimation of 11,000 mammography centers in the US.
--------------------------
http://www.icadmed.com/uploads/MD_Buyline-Abstract.doc
MD BUYLINE MARKET OUTLOOK
Radiology, Computer Aided Detection Systems May 23, 2003
An opportunity for vendors in this market is to form alliances with
companies that offer digital imaging systems. The use of digital
imaging would make the interface seamless, as there would be no X-ray
film to digitize prior to using the detection system. CAD systems are
revolutionizing the mammography and imaging market and are considered
a standard of care in the majority of healthcare facilities.
Strategic partnerships are being formed between CAD companies and
mammography vendors across the industry. These same types of
alliances are being formalized with PACS vendors to facilitate image
transfer and ease of access in image storage. The future looks bright
for all CAD vendors; the challenge will be to offer their users a
selection of products based on need and priced competitively.
--------------------------
http://www.appliedradiology.com/categories/detail.asp?SubCatID=183&CatID=45
Applied Radiology
Mammography Computer-aided Detection Articles
***** See a long list of articles and resources. You can also search
on other topics. Searching on “mammography CAD” brought up 21 Articles
and 26 News items.
==================================
3) FILM DIGITEZERS – CCD VS. LASER
==================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) We would also like to find out what users of film digitisers think
about their products. Search newsgroups for chatter on this. The
main makers of film digitizers are Vidar, Howtek, Canon, Array, and
Kodak/Lumisys. The first 3 are CCD based devices and the latter two
are laser devices. Some people believe laser devices are superior for
certain applications. I don't want stuff off the vendors' websites; I
want user opinions which are unbiased (or perhaps a government-funded
report). This is worth a tip of $50.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.imagingeconomics.com/library/200306-04.asp
Decisions in Imaging Economics
June 2003,
The Digital Capture Question
Part I: In converting the analog radiology department to an
all-digital site, there are many purchase/implementation
considerations to be made before determining a final choice for
digital radiography devices.
Properly designed digital detectors provide high spatial resolution
simultaneous to delivering high detective quantum efficiency. A
comparison of detector systems reveals advantages and disadvantages
based on applicability to a given imaging task, ease of use,
integration and interfacing into a PACS, overall system cost,
portability, image handling, preventive maintenance, recurring costs,
level of quality control (QC) commitment, and practicality.
***** This is a long and detailed article describing all the options
for converting film to digital media.
http://www.imagingeconomics.com/library/200307-03.asp
The Digital Capture Question: A Comparison of Digital Detectors
Part II: In determining a final choice for digital radiography
devices, understand the benefits and capabilities of digital detector
options, be aware of improvements in technology, and keep track of
system cost assessment
----------------------------------
http://www.ndt.net/article/v05n05/zscherp/zscherp.htm
Film digitisation systems for DIR : Standards, Requirements, Archiving
and Printing
U. Zscherpel, BAM Berlin
Summary
An overview is given about the applicability of existing film
digitisation systems to non-destructive testing (NDT). The range
covered are video cameras, CCD line scanners and laser scanners. Based
on the physical properties of the X-ray film the parameters are
defined, which have to be fulfilled by the digitisation system. As
most important parameters has been chosen : dynamic range and the
contrast sensitivity within, geometrical resolution and the presence
of artefacts. These parameters determine the potential application
field (not usable for NDT, digital analysis or digital archiving of
NDT films).
In the second part the actual state of standardisation is discussed. A
special test film has been developed and will be standardised world
wide for the parameter evaluation of a digitisation system. Examples
are given for two major applications of film digitisation : electronic
archiving of films in connection with data bases and the printing of
flaw catalogues. The reference catalogue ISO 5817 (assessment of weld
imperfections, interpretation of arc-welded butt joints in steel) and
the DGZfP catalogue D5 (Reference radiographs of castings) are
produced by a digital film imager.
It can be foreseen, that improvements in this technology will
considerable widen the application range during the next years.
***** This is an excellent article on the comparison of CCD and laser
digitization system. It includes tables of products used and evaluated
and the statistical results.
------------------------
http://www-radiology.uchicago.edu/krl/index.htm
Kurt Rossmann Laboratories for Radiologic Image Research
The broad aim of the research conducted at the Kurt Rossmann
Laboratories for Radiologic Image Research is to improve the
diagnostic accuracy of radiologic imaging techniques and to minimize
the patient exposure incurred during radiographic examinations.
http://www-radiology.uchicago.edu/krl/mammo.htm
Mammography
***** This is a long, technical presentation on the challenges of
digital mammography.
http://www-radiology.uchicago.edu/krl/imgquali.htm
Effect of Digital Imaging Systems on Image Quality and Diagnostic
Accuracy
----------------------
http://www.ercim.org/publication/Ercim_News/enw29/zarandy.html
ERCIM News No.29 - April 1997
Mammogram and Echocardiogram Analysis by Using Cellular Neural Network
Technology
Both mammogram and echocardiogram analysis require high performance
image processing. In most cases an on-line analysis would demand
computational power normally associated by super-computers, which is
certainly not affordable in an ordinary clinical environment. Cellular
Neural/ nonlinear Network (CNN) technology can answer to this
challenge. CNN is a new, extremely high speed (Tera equivalent digital
operations per second on a single chip), analog, programmable
processor array. Due to its two-dimensional regular grid arrangement,
the CNN can be efficiently implemented on silicon and it is well
suited for image processing.
***** This is a short article that describes some of the problems of
digitizing mammograms.
---------------------
http://reviews.bmn.com/medline/jbrowse/record?uid=MDLN.22100032&rendertype=full
Interpretation accuracy of a CCD film digitizer.
Gitlin JN, Scott WW, Bell K, Narayan A
J Digit Imaging 2002 15 Suppl 1:57-63
BROWSE : J Digit Imaging • Volume 15 Suppl 1
VIEW : MEDLINE, full MEDLINE, related records
Abstract
There are no significant differences between the interpretations of
radiographic images resulting from digitizing films using a recently
developed CCD unit and the readings of the original films as measured
by accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and ROC analysis. Digital
imaging is rapidly becoming the basis of radiology practice resulting
in the gradual elimination of conventional film examinations. Related
to this trend is the ability of radiologists to provide reliable
interpretations of imaging examinations using film digitization and
soft copy display. An acceptable system must provide high-quality
digital images to achieve the levels of diagnostic accuracy that are
comparable to the interpretation of film. This study is an effort to
contribute to the acceptance of digital imaging by testing the
hypothesis.-
During the transition from conventional film practice to digital
radiology there is a need to convert previous films to a digital
format for comparison with new digital examinations and to facilitate
expert reading and consultation on film procedures performed at
distant sites. Diagnostic quality and cost effectiveness are key
factors in the acceptability of film digitizers to meet these
requirements. The preliminary results of this study are encouraging in
that another option may be available to radiologists and
administrators responsible for choosing equipment for the changing
pratice of medical imaging.
----------------------------------
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=883591933.863371279%40dejanews.com
====================================
3) FILM DIGITEZERS – MARKET RESEARCH
====================================
http://www.auntminnie.com/default.asp?Sec=sup&Sub=xra&Pag=dis&ItemId=58851&stm=Comparison+of+Digital+Detectors
CR versus DR -- what are the options?
7/31/03
Digital radiography (DR) sales have been disappointing since the first
systems hit the market, but radiology staffing shortages are driving
faster adoption of PACS as well as DR. Hospitals are adopting
strategies "designed explicitly to substitute technology for missing
workers and extend the productivity of those who remain," according to
Forrester Research’s Top 10 Healthcare Predictions for 2003.
Although hospitals contemplating the switch to digital would like to
see off-the-shelf cost models, vendors say each facility is so unique
that strategies must be designed to fit them individually. But even
with DR’s higher cost, industry experts agree that it could be the
most economical choice under certain conditions.
***** This is a long article that includes some predictions about the
use of CR vs. DR and the costs involved with transitioning from analog
to digital systems.
---------------------------
http://www.marketsearch-dir.com/html/d3676.htm
Marketsearch Database - Vol 27B - June 2003
Report Number : 3676-037
The Market for Film-Based Radiography Equipment and Supplies - Vol. 1
X-ray equipment; Gamma ray equipment; neutron radiography equipment;
radiographic film, paper, chemicals and processors; film digitizers
Countries Covered : USA
Scope : 190pp Price : $1,995 Frequency : Annual
--------------------
11/28/01 -- FDA looks favorably on Second Look
CADx Medical Systems of Quebec announced today the receipt of an FDA
approvable letter for its computer-aided detection (CAD) system for
mammography. Final approval could come within several weeks if
labeling issues are worked out, according to the company.
A nod from the FDA would clear the way for the company to sell its
film-based Second Look CAD system in the U.S. Software packages CADx
is developing for integration with digital mammography systems from
Fischer Imaging and Hologic would not be affected; only the company's
combination film digitizer and image report generator would be allowed
to enter the U.S. market.
The computer does not replace the diagnostician, but rather serves as
a backup. The radiologist looks at the film first. Only then is the
film digitized for computer evaluation.
----------------------------------
===========================================
3) FILM DIGITEZERS – YOUR LIST OF COMPANIES
===========================================
-----
VIDAR
-----
http://www.vidar.com/
http://www.filmdigitizer.com/
Vidar Medical Imaging
------
HOWTEK
------
http://www.howtek.com/front/index.asp
http://www.howtek.com/front/Medicalsolutions/Medindex.asp
The Howtek family of medical imaging products convert films to digital
images and gather every type of digital image to conveniently put them
in your hands. The MultiRAD Film Digitizers convert X-rays and
radiographs into digital images. The ImageFunnel products connect
throughout the DICOM network to gather and readily store your images
and patient information onto MyLivingRecord CDs. Howtek is known
throughout the world for its spectacular image quality, durable design
– and great value.
-----
CANON
-----
http://www.usa.canon.com/html/canonindex.html
http://www.usa.canon.com/html/industrial_medeq/
Canon Medical Systems
-----
ARRAY
-----
http://www.array.co.jp/ar20c/english_version/eng.frameset.html
Array Corporation's predecessor, Abe Sekkei, Inc., was founded on the
premise of designing and developing original electrical devices that
large enterprises
were unable to produce. The company's first product was a
photographic
densitometer. Since these simple beginnings, Array Corporation has
evolved into a complete
source for custom design, engineering and manufacturing for a host of
companies located worldwide.
http://www.arrayusa.com/
Array Corporation is the worldwide leader and source for connectivity
solutions, specializing in laser film digitizers, DICOM gateways,
software and custom design and development for medical and industrial
imaging applications.
http://www.arrayeurope.com/index1.html
Array Corporation Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Array
Corporation provides high quality solutions for state-of-the-art
digital image processing needs, particularly in the fields of medical
imaging and scientific/industrial image processing.
-------------
KODAK LUMISYS
-------------
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/health/
Kodak Health Imaging
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/health/productsByUse/medicalRadiography/index.jhtml
Medical Radiography
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/health/productsByType/medFilmSys/eqp/filmDigitiz/filmDigitiz_Product.jhtml
Film Digitizers
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/pressReleases/pr20001109-03.shtml
Kodak Expands Digital Portfolio with Acquisition of Lumisys, Inc.
AuntMinnie.com to Remain a Subsidiary of Lumisys
ROCHESTER, N.Y., November 9, 2001 -- Eastman Kodak Company and
Lumisys, Inc. today announced that Kodak has entered into an agreement
to acquire Lumisys, Inc. (NASDAQ National Market: LUMI), a leading
provider of desktop computed radiography (CR) systems and x-ray film
digitizers. As part of the agreement, Kodak will also acquire Lumisys'
subsidiary, AuntMinnie.com, a popular radiology portal on the
worldwide web.
http://student.cusu.cam.ac.uk/~hhl22/howard/Kodak.pdf
Institutional Investors Meeting – May 2, 2001
***** This is a 61 page PPT presentation. See Slide 8 for pie chart of
InfoImaging and Health Imaging share. See Slides 26 – 38 for
Commercial Group Discussion.
http://www.filmdigitizer.com/pdf/ccd/ccdtechnologyvslaser.pdf
Vidar CCD Digitizers vs. Kodak LS Series Laser Digitizers
=================================
BREAST CANCER – GENERAL RESOURCES
=================================
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/Aboutus/AboutBreastCancerCare
Breast Cancer Care is the leading provider of breast cancer
information and support across the UK.
http://www.cancerbacup.org.uk/hp/index.htm
Resources for Health Professionals
http://nelh.sequence.co.uk/search.cfm?criteria=MAMMOGRAPHY&expand=1&type=original&rec_count=27&searchtype=0
National electronic Library for Health
You searched on MAMMOGRAPHY
TOTAL RECORDS MATCHED: 38 of 15155
http://www.nelh.nhs.uk/
NHS Information Authority
National electronic Library for Health
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=174100
Q: information of medical institutes which conduct Mammography
screenings in the co
1) Germany.
2) UK.
3) Austria.
4) Italy.
5) Spain.
6) Belgium.
7) Portugal.
8) France.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_3_2X_Related_Web_Sites.asp
American Cancer Society
Related Web Sites
http://search2.openobjects.com/kbroker/doh/kbsearch?qt=mammography&sr=0&nh=10&cs=iso-8859-1&sc=doh&ha=1&mt=1
http://www.wiau.man.ac.uk/services/MIAS/MIAScom.html
The Mammographic Image Analysis Society
The Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) is an organisation of
UK research groups interested in the understanding of mammograms.
There are currently 20 research institutions in the United Kingdom
directly involved with the MIAS. All disciplines are welcome. Our
numbers currently include physicists, radiologists, computer
scientists, psychologists and others.
========================================
RADIOLOGY – RESOURCES AND RELATED TRENDS
========================================
http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/specialedition2002/specialsection01.shtml
EUROPE -- Special Section: Building a better radiologist
This special section of Diagnostic Imaging Europe takes a close look
at the efforts of individuals, societies, and nations to produce this
new species. Taking center stage are the issues of international
standards and a Europe-wide qualifying exam. These would blend the
best criteria of the most rigorous programs, but they represent a huge
hurdle for countries that historically have relied on less formal
training measures.
***** This article addresses the issues of developing standards for
practice in the EU and throughout Europe.
http://www.bmn.com/
BioMedNet – Portal to Life Sciences
***** Journals, databases, news and reviews and much more.
http://www.scirus.com/about/
Scirus is the most comprehensive science-specific search engine on the
Internet. Driven by the latest search engine technology, Scirus
searches over 150 million science-specific Web pages, enabling you to
quickly:
• Pinpoint Scientific, Technical and Medical data on the Web.
• Find the latest reports, peer-reviewed articles and journals.
• Locate university sites and scientists' home pages that other search
engines miss.
http://infomine.ucr.edu/
INFOMINE is a virtual library of Internet resources relevant to
faculty, students, and research staff at the university level. It
contains useful Internet resources such as databases, electronic
journals, electronic books, bulletin boards, mailing lists, online
library card catalogs, articles, directories of researchers, and many
other types of information.
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mammography/
Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA)
Welcome to FDA's Mammography Program within the Center for Devices and
Radiological Health. This website is designed to inform mammography
facility personnel, inspectors, and other interested individuals about
the implementation of the Mammography Quality Standards Act of 1992
(MQSA).
http://www.ingenta.com/isis/general/Jsp/ingenta;jsessionid=8e08bgarkttr3?target=/about_ingenta/index.jsp
Ingenta
Since its launch in May 1998, Ingenta has developed and grown to
become the leading Web infomediary empowering the exchange of academic
and professional content online. Ingenta supplies access to:
6,000+ full-text online publications
27,000+ publications
===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============
mammography providers
mammography providers UK
mammography centers Germany, Spain, Italy, UK
mammography centers europe
imaging centers UK
film digitizers market
mammography CAD market
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