Client-Server System Provides Integration and Access to Real-Time CT Data

Newly developed technology provides client-server systems for computed tomography (CT) applications and provides real-time access to CT data at a doctor's office or home, and even on the road through a network connection. Medical professionals can connect to the server in a matter of seconds and work with a patient's CT scans anytime and anywhere, improving productivity and diagnosis capabilities.

The syngo WebSpace, developed by Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany), was recently presented Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) 2008 annual conference and exhibition in Orlando, FL, USA, in February 2008.

"We've used WebSpace for about a year-and-a-half now. On an average day, we use it to review 60 to 100 cases, ranging from cardiac CT, to pancreatic tumor staging, to skeletal trauma,” said Elliot K. Fishman, M.D., director of diagnostic imaging and body CT at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD, USA). "WebSpace enables us to make better and more timely diagnoses because of the availability of volume data. It gives us the ability and convenience to view cases quickly from any available PACS or CT workstation or laptop.”

One of the latest enhancements to syngo WebSpace features Advanced Vessel Analysis, which includes refined vessel segmentation algorithm, centerline editing capability, guided workflow (less steps), automated measurement tools (true/false lumen, stent planning) and improved reporting tools.

Another addition to syngo WebSpace is a two-dimensional (2D) viewing card, located within InSpace 4D that supports all Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images, CT, magnetic resonance (MR), angio, fluoro and radiographic systems, secondary capture, and multiple 2D tools, which can be used when a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) is not available.

Another enhancement is preset window key functions--keyboard function keys for predefined window/level presets. Moreover, total cost of ownership for the syngo WebSpace has also been improved.

As a value-add to small practices, as well as rural and urban community hospitals, syngo WebSpace now facilitates from three to 20 concurrent sessions, depending on the server configuration, from any number of users throughout the hospital network and via secure access from remote locations. Medical facilities can access multiple servers to further expand the possible number of concurrent sessions. This offers a very cost-effective solution for fast image distribution and high availability, routine clinical post-processing. Once syngo WebSpace is connected to the central server, a PACS workplace or personal computer (PC) can be turned into a processing workplace.

Dr. William F. Muhr, Jr., director of body imaging at South Jersey Radiology Associates PA, in New Jersey (USA), reported that by allowing the full data set to be sent to WebSpace, and thicker reconstructions to PACS on exams, such as CTA (CT angiography) and CT urograms, his organization saves on image management and data storage, while giving its radiologists access to the full data sets, as needed. "By allowing radiologists to interact with data sets from their PACS, versus not having to go to a physically distinct workstation, we have induced more radiologists to interact with the CT data in a true 3D environment. This allows for better image interpretation, while maintaining productivity,” he said.

The server integrates into any existing information technology (IT) environment (PACS). The syngo WebSpace also provides a scalable platform for future growth and new applications (concurrent licensees and storage capacity).


Related Links:
Siemens Healthcare