Real-time 3D filtering to enable increased image quality and higher patient throughput in MRI and dose reduction for CT
STOCKHOLM, Sweden – November 10, 2009 – A collaborative study between ContextVision AB, SharpView AB, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV) was announced today. The study will investigate advanced 3D image filtering as a means of increasing patient throughput and improving image quality in MRI and further enabling dose reduction in CT. Researchers will compare state-of-the-art 3D techniques with 2D filters. ContextVision and its partner company SharpView have previously worked with CMIV at Linköping University, Sweden to pioneer advances in image enhancement, adaptive filtration and 3D filtration, leading to lower-dose CT and faster MRI procedures with better image quality.
The new study will build upon existing research collaboration among the organizations, with MGH’s Mannudeep Kalra, MD as principal investigator. The study aims to demonstrate that 3D filtering can allow hospitals and practitioners to increase patient throughput for MRI, enabling one to two additional patient appointments per day. For CT, the study will show that 3D image filtering can enable high-quality images at lower doses, increasing safety for patients and technicians.
“I look forward to further investigating the potential offered by advanced image enhancement algorithms within the extraordinary environment that CMIV offers at Linköping University,” said Dr. Mannudeep Kalra, Instructor in Radiology, Harvard Medical School, MGH. “Using new 3D algorithms from the pioneering companies in this arena presents exciting possibilities in both CT dose reduction and MRI patient throughput.”
“We are proud to grow our international research collaboration with such a world-leading research authority in CT radiation dose as Dr. Mannudeep Kalra,” said Anders Persson, Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization, Linköping University. “The multiple organizations involved, including internationally-established leaders ContextVision and SharpView, raise this study’s profile and continues the tradition of CMIV’s leading-edge visualization research.”
“As one of the founders of ContextVision – which emerged out of Linköping University – I am delighted to advance this important research project between CMIV and MGH,” said Martin Hedlund, CTO for ContextVision. “This combination of talents from the most qualified image enhancement players in the world will yield powerful results.”
“This research collaboration fits with SharpView’s role as a leading supplier of image enhancement algorithms worldwide to hospitals and clinics,” said Magnus Aurell, CEO, SharpView. “We look forward to results.”
About ContextVision
ContextVision is the leading independent developer in medical imaging enhancement, analysis and processing technologies, serving leading OEMs and distributors for over 25 years. ContextVision’s patented GOP algorithm allows unprecedented image quality to be achieved by simultaneously enhancing fine structure while reducing noise and speckle across MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT, and IR. Such solutions promise more rapid and accurate diagnoses, reduced operator eye fatigue, and ultimately, a greater return-on-investment for medical imaging users. For more information, please visit www.contextvision.com.
About SharpView
SharpView AB is a leading supplier of medical image quality optimization. The Company´s CT radiation dose reduction technology offers high diagnostic accuracy, increased patient safety and cost savings to customers within the healthcare sector. As a partner of ContextVision, SharpView benefits from over 25 years of experience as the market leader of image enhancement for radiology and imaging. Founded in March 2007 with headquarters in Sweden, SharpView is listed on the stock market. For more information please visit www.sharpview.com.
About Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital, established in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $550 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine. For more information, please visit www.massgeneral.org.
About The Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization
Part of Linköping University, CMIV is one of the most renowned visualization departments in Northern Europe. CMIV conducts focused front-line research within multidisciplinary projects providing solutions to tomorrow’s clinical issues. The group aims to develop new methods and tools for image analysis and visualization for applications within health care and medical research. For more information, please visit www.cmiv.liu.se.
Contacts:
Perrin McCormick
Hart-Boillot, LLC
Phone: +1 781 893 0053
e-mail:
Peter Kövamees
ContextVision AB
Phone: +46 8 750 3557
e-mail:
Magnus Aurell
SharpView AB
Phone: +46 13 23 50 35
e-mail:
Sue McGreevey
Massachusetts General Hospital
Phone: +1 617 724 2764
e-mail:
Anders Persson
Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization
Phone: +46 13 22 89
e-mail: