Carestream Health, Inc., announced the launch in Europe and Canada of computer-aided detection (CAD) software for its CR-based mammography platforms.

Carestream Health, Inc., announced the launch in Europe and Canada of computer-aided detection (CAD) software for its CR-based mammography platforms. The KODAK Digital Mammography CAD System is initially available for Kodak DirectView CR 850/950/975 Systems.

Following a successful trial in early 2007 at Kantonsspital Graubünden Frauenklinik Fontana in Chur, Switzerland, the Kodak Digital Mammography CAD System was purchased by the institution and has been in full clinical operation since June 2007.

"My experience shows that the Carestream digital mammography CAD product is an enormous step forward in the diagnosis of breast cancer," said Dr Gerold Reutter, leading physician in Radiology, Kantonsspital Graubünden Frauenklinik Fontana Women's Hospital, Chur. "Because of its ability to highlight suspicious areas, Carestream CAD makes diagnosis easier for us and also safer for patients. Furthermore, because it is an established system with the option of regular software updates, we are always able to provide the most up-to-date computer-based diagnostic facility."

Following the success in Chur, further installations have followed at Ospedale del Delta, Lagosanto, Italy and Cabinet de Radiology Coudekerquois, Coudekerque, France with additional installations scheduled for Italy, Germany, Switzerland, France, Austria and Israel before the end of 2007.

Mammography CAD can detect densities (masses), architectural distortion and clusters of micro calcifications on imaging exams so radiologists can closely examine these regions for possible disease during a second review. Computer-aided detection software uses a series of sophisticated algorithms, powerful image processing and pattern recognition technology to identify and rank all suspicious areas in a mammogram. The clinical value of CAD lies in this superior sensitivity to detect more early-stage breast cancers, resulting in an improved outcome for patients.

"With CAD for our CR platform, we are delivering an integrated solution for digital mammography that provides excellent clinical performance to enhance diagnostic capability combined with the convenience of a single-vendor platform," said Ram Balasubramanian, CAD Business Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. "Additionally, to help customers realise the system's full potential, we will provide dedicated technical and service support in both Canada and Europe."

Kodak Carestream CAD can also enhance performance when integrated as part of an overall mammography workflow. The system is DICOM compliant, fully meets the International Standards for Healthcare (IHE) requirements and is compatible with any compliant imaging system and viewing workstation. Captured images can be sent to CAD from multiple modalities and locations with CAD results returned to multiple DICOM destinations for review or archive to the PACS.