• Given Imaging (Yokneam, Israel) reported that two independent studies concluded that PillCam ESO is an accurate, non-invasive alternative to upper endoscopy, the current "gold standard" for evaluating patients and the most commonly performed procedure in detecting esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients. Both prospective studies were published in the January issue of Endoscopy. The first study of 32 cirrhotic patients assessed PillCam ESO's ability to detect esophageal varices when compared to upper endo-scopy in cirrhotic patients and evaluated patients' tolerance and preference for each technique. It was concluded that PillCam ESO detected varices in 23 patients and signs of portal hypertension in 19 patients, matching the upper endo-scopy findings. The patients studied also felt that PillCam ESO was more convenient and less uncomfortable than the standard endoscopy examination. A second study assessed 21 cirrhotic patients to determine the accuracy of PillCam ESO and how well patients tolerate the procedure compared to upper endoscopy for portal hypertension screening. The researchers concluded that there was complete diagnostic agreement on the presence or absence of esophageal varices in 85% patients. The study showed that the sensitivity of PillCam ESO for all large varices that require treatment was 100%. The study also reported that all 20 patients who swallowed the capsule preferred PillCam ESO.

• Planar Systems (Beaverton, Oregon), a provider of flat-panel display systems, reported that it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for Dome E4c, the first 4-megapixel color display medically certified for the viewing of diagnostic images. New features, such as the 16:9 display format, offer significantly more screen space and the ability to show 15 full-size 512 x 512 images on one screen. The Dome E4c supports an open architecture design which allows users to gain access to graphics standards, such as OpenGL and DirectX, providing the capability of 2-D color imaging, image fusion, high-speed 3-D and volumetric rendering for navigation and visualization functionality. The open architecture support also enables faster display performance and seamless integration of future standard enhancements. The Dome E4c is now shipping complete with Dome CXtra software, which monitors, controls and adjusts DICOM calibration of Dome displays to the users' desired luminance across all gray levels. This display also is compatible with Dome Dashboard software, a console application which enables users to centrally manage, control and report on their entire line of Dome medical imaging displays.