Siemens Healthcare has announced the new version (VA20) of its routine 3D and advanced reading software syngo.via, which was on display at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago.
This new version features expanded mobile applications as well as enhanced functionality and additional applications. As an example, syngo.via now includes new applications for mammography reading and complex examinations in neurology, oncology, and cardiovascular diagnostics.
Siemens also presented an entry-level software package for 3D visualisation of computed tomography (CT) examinations.
The new version of syngo.via now offers optional applications that can be used in reviewing mammograms. As scans can be compared with images from other modalities without switching applications, syngo.via helps streamline workflow. In addition, new applications for syngo.via include, among others, MR Vascular Analysis for quantifying vascular findings. If the radiologist identifies a stenosis, for example, the software can provide quantitative information such as the length or degree of the constriction in the blood vessel.
Another new feature, called Region Growing enables syngo.via users to better visualise anatomical structures from volume datasets, for example from vascular or neurological examinations. This improved view assists both the diagnosis and surgical planning. The new feature, Automatic Spine Labeling, automatically labels the vertebrae in 2D and 3D images from CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), allowing the radiologist to quickly refer to these labels when dictating a diagnosis rather than having to identify the vertebrae manually.
With syngo.via Element, Siemens presented an entry-level solution for 3D routine and advanced reading. This software package is based on the latest syngo.via version and includes applications and functionalities specifically designed for reading CT studies, for example in neurology and oncology. Syngo.via Element is designed to meet the needs of specialized practices and community hospitals. In many cases, a practice may need to rely on some high-quality 3D visualisation software applications, but may not require a full suite of syngo.via applications. Syngo.via Element is available with the Somatom Perspective and Somatom Emotion CT scanners from Siemens.
A new version of the mobile application syngo.via WebViewer was also presented. Users are not only able to view images and reports, but when they find themselves without access to a diagnostic workstation, they can now perform diagnostic reading directly on the iPad. Syngo.via WebViewer provides access to images from MRI, CT and now also images from computed and digital radiography, PET (positron emission tomography), and PET/CT devices. To simplify use in clinical routine, new layouts allow for the display of multiplanar reconstructions on one screen. This makes it easier for users to navigate through the 3D anatomy to get a better overview of the case. Depending on the number of users required to work simultaneously, syngo.via WebViewer can be configured as an integrated solution with syngo.via, which eliminates the need for additional server hardware, helping to save costs.
