• Biosense Webster (Diamond Bar, California) reported availability of its Cartosound Image Integration module with the new Soundstar 3-D catheter that can be used with the Carto XP Navigation System. The Cartosound module integrates real time intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) images from the Siemens AcusonSequoia and Cypress ultrasound systems using the Soundstar 3-D catheter with the Carto XP EP Navigation System. The ultrasound catheter uses an embedded position sensor to display location and beam orientation on the Carto XP system, Biosense said, which enhances visualization of ICE images and ablation catheter location. According to the company, using the Cartosound module with the Soundstar 3-D catheter in conjunction with the Cartomerge Image Integration module combines the anatomic details of a pre-acquired CT or MRI image with real time ICE. Biosense, a Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) company, provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and mapping tools.

• BioServe (Beltsville, Maryland) introduced ControlMatch, a new line of fully annotated control DNA and serum samples designed to help biomedical researchers efficiently validate new biomarkers and early-stage clinical trial drug candidates. Leveraging BioServe’s Global Repository of 600,000 human biological samples, ControlMatch allows researchers to select and match control samples to the specific needs of their own DNA and/or serum-based studies. ControlMatch DNA and serum controls will initially cover Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. ControlMatch normal samples for Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are annotated with body mass index, confirmed normal blood glucose levels, confirmed normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and a family history of health status and ethnicity determined by data collected on three generations. BioServe makes diagnostic tests for personalized, predictive and preventive medicine.

• GE Healthcare (Waukesha, Wisconsin) said it now offers improved dose reduction results for both diagnostic cardiac and neuron perfusion CT exams. GE’s SnapShot Pulse technology for prospectively gated diagnostic cardiac CT exams has been proven to reduce a patient’s radiation exposure by up to 83% and improve image quality, according to GE. The company said its VolumeShuttle technology delivers twice the anatomical coverage (80 millimeters) with up to 24% less radiation exposure compared to a conventional 40 millimeter cine perfusion protocol. Both SnapShot and VolumeShuttle are offered on the GE LightSpeed VCT XT configuration, enabled by a real-time scan control architecture intended to ensure precise control of exposure and table position, the company noted. GE also introduced new editions of its Logiq e compact and a new edition of the Logiq Book XP Enhanced compact. According to the company, Logiq Book XP Enhanced is the third major upgrade of the Logiq Book platform. New features include: new LCD technology with higher resolution, improved off-angle viewing for multiple users, increased brightness and clarity. Faster processing on this new system improves boot-up time by 70%, the company noted.

• Lifeline Biotechnologies (Reno, Nevada) said that its recent meeting with the managing engineer of Nanyang Technical University concerning the finalization of the First Warning System patient data interpretive software was encouraging. Additional cases of patient data were received, downloaded and reviewed by the development team at the university and the upgrading of the first warning system (FWS) can be accelerated. The new advancements could allow the FWS to classify women who have periodic breast examinations to identify normal, suspicious and positive ranges for breast cancer. The preliminary estimate is that an additional 300 patients will need to be tested and the company is determining the period of time required to complete this testing. Preliminary estimates by Lifeline’s management suggest the possibility of completion in 2008.

• Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee) introduced eFilm Workstation version 3.0, an enhanced version of Merge’s desktop diagnostic imaging software. eFilm offers enhancements in both a gold version and a platinum version that are designed to accelerate radiologist productivity. With a range of tools, including window/level presets, synchronized stacking, MPR reference lines, cine function and integrated CD burning — in addition to other capabilities such as volume rendering and MPR creation — eFilm supports the daily workflow of any imaging environment. eFilm also can be used as a back-up viewer during disaster recovery if an existing PACS goes off-line.

• PLC Systems (Franklin, Massachusetts) said it has stopped enrolling new patients in its pilot safety study of the RenalGuard system based on positive safety data already collected in the study and discussions with FDA. PLC will submit a request to transition into a new pivotal trial protocol, expected to demonstrate that RenalGuard is effective in reducing the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in at-risk patients undergoing cardiovascular imaging procedures.