RadWhere Voice Recognition - Report Example

RadWhere Voice Recognition by Nuance One of the greatest bottlenecks in the medical imaging, reporting, and archiving process is the transcription phase, where dictation is painstakingly transcribed to written text. RadWhere Voice Recognition software greatly improves this process by going directly from the spoken word to the type written report, which eliminates the transcription phase. In addition, it interfaces with Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) allowing reports to be archived and accessed with voice commands. There are several benefits to an integrated voice recognition system that RadWhere fulfills. Reports are ready immediately, which reduces turnaround time and greatly increases the ability of the radiologist professional to self-edit reports. In one study, turnaround time was reduced from 20 hours to less than 6 hours. For the ordering doctor and the patient this means a quicker response to time sensitive medical issues. For the hospital and administration there is a cost savings involved over the traditional hand transcription, as it eliminates the need for contracted transcription services. RadWhere can be customized to utilize individual radiologist templates as well as a standard template set. It has an accuracy rate of 99 percent and is compatible with a wide variety of accents and foreign dialects. The ability of the radiologist to self-edit markedly decreases the time from the imaging to the final report, and the archiving and retrieval versatility makes the report available to large scale integrated systems (Industry-wide Focus on Cutting Transcription Costs). CT Scanner 64 Slice with Cardiac software by Toshiba Computed Tomography (CT) Scan is an x-ray technique that uses digital imaging to create and reconstruct cross-sectional pictures of the heart. This system is used by doctors in the identification and treatment of heart disease and abnormalities. Traditionally, viewing inside the heart could be accomplished by cardiac catheterization, a slow and invasive process. CT scanning of the heart allows multiple cross section x-rays to be taken, which are then reconstructed into a 3 dimensional image. One of the obstacles to this process has been that the heart is in continual motion and the resulting image is reduced in resolution and accuracy. The Toshiba CT Scanner 64 Slice with Cardiac software overcomes these obstacles. Higher resolution imaging and enhanced software allows the CT operator to get high quality 3 dimensional images of hearts with rates as fast as 140 beats per minute. Toshiba states that the software "facilitates cardiac CT angiographic reconstruction when the heart is in the best cardiac phase with minimum motion" (Staffordshire General Hospital). Additionally, the Toshiba CT Scanner and software renders true cardiac function analysis, as a beta blocker is not required for its use. It has the ability to deliver sufficient resolution to image coronary arteries and soft plaque structures. Patient care quality is improved as the process is quick, non-invasive, and provides early warnings of problems that may exist within the cardiac system. Doctors benefit from the improved imaging and the ability to see the multi-dimensional rendering, which allows them to more thoroughly examine the heart's activities and the associated problems of plaque buildup (Staffordshire General Hospital). "On Guard": Chest X-ray CAD by Riverain Medical The most critical component driving improved prognosis in lung cancer patients is early detection. Riverain Medical has improved the ability of doctors to diagnose patients for lung cancer with it "On Guard" Chest X-ray Computer Aided Detection (CAD) technology. The system utilizes existing and traditional x-rays to aid the radiologist in locating and identifying early stage actionable nodules that may be early stage lung cancer. In addition, it interfaces with Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) technology to easily integrate into a hospital's existing system. Patients benefit from the "On Guard" system by being reassured of a complete lung evaluation, or being notified of a potential problem at an earlier stage. In addition, it works with existing x-rays, which reduces patient exposure to additional x-ray dosage. The radiologist is able to make a more thorough lung examination by being guided through the most troublesome areas and highlighting potential problems. The "On Guard" system utilizes "state of the art image enhancement, feature extraction and classification techniques, e.g., neural networks, to differentiate normal chest structures from solitary pulmonary nodules" (On Guard Chest X-ray CAD). By using image enhancement technology and pattern recognition algorithms the system draws attention to the areas of the lung that need the radiologist's attention and can detect nodules that might be overlooked with a traditional analysis technique (On Guard Chest X-ray CAD). Digital Mammogram by Hologic Mammography is a vital process that utilizes low dose x-rays to produce an image of the human breast for location of breast cancer. Traditionally, mammograms were accomplished using screen film x-rays, but recent technology has introduced full field digital imaging. This has increased the resolution of the images and allowed for a fuller and more detailed analysis. Hologic has recently introduced a digital mammogram that utilizes tomosynthesis to overcome some of the problems and weaknesses of the traditional x-ray film image. When a radiologist views a breast x-ray, they are viewing a three dimensional object on a two dimensional plane. Problem areas may be obscured or hiding behind other areas. Hologic's digital mammogram system takes a series of low dose slices that are reconstructed into a true 3 dimensional rendition of the human breast, The ordering doctor benefits from Hologic's improved digital imaging by being able to detect and treat cancer at an earlier stage, and improving the prognosis. They are also assured that there are no missed areas or problems that may be hiding or overlooked. They are able to view multiple slices of the breast from any angle, which greatly improves diagnosis. Patients benefit from the reduced number of callbacks and re-imaging when questions typically arise from a traditional 2 dimensional x-ray. Treating breast cancer successfully depends on the early detection of the first signs of the disease. Hologic's digital mammogram with tomosynthesis revolutionizes the science of breast imaging and has improved the prognosis of patients who may potentially suffer from beast cancer (Looking Beyond Today). 3T MRI by Siemens Siemens, a 160 year old technology company, has continued to be a leader in the field of medical imaging with the introduction of the 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system. The Tesla is a unit of magnetic flux density and the 3 Tesla unit is more powerful than the previous 1.5 Tesla models. MRI is a technique of imaging the human body by monitoring magnetic variations while being exposed to a carefully controlled magnetic field. Siemens proclaims that their new and more powerful unit is able to make higher resolution images in a shorter time, which improves patient throughput. It is used to diagnose a wide variety of internal ailments, abnormalities, and organ functions. According to Bronson, "a knee study can be completed in 2 minutes, and a three-dimensional image of the abdomen with submillimeter resolution can be captured in 15 seconds". In addition, cardiac imaging, diffuse lung disease, and brain tumors are more effectively analyzed with the 3 Tesla system as compared to earlier versions. The ordering doctor can be assured of the highest quality images available, as the faster scanning rate of the 3T system reduces image degradation due to patient movement. Hospitals and clinics can realize a cost savings by significantly reducing scan times for real time cardiac imaging and the scanning of coronary arteries. Oncology departments can benefit from the ability of the 3T system to "detect multifocal tumors and to define the response to chemotherapy" (Bronson). This reduces the additional risk involved with traditionally invasive procedures. The patient benefits from earlier detection, a higher quality of care, and lowered risk from the 3T MIR system by Siemens (Bronson). Stereotactic Biopsy When a suspicious growth is found in an x-ray or other medical imaging, the doctor will often order a biopsy to remove a portion of the tissue for further examination. Biopsies are traditionally performed by a surgical technique to locate and remove some of the suspicious tissue, or by inserting a hollow needle to extract the specific tissue and fluid. The stereotactic biopsy is a method to three dimensionally image the area while the surgeon locates and removes the tissue. This greatly improves the accuracy of the biopsy instrument placement and reduces the time to perform an accurate biopsy. The stereotactic biopsy is often associated with mammography and is most often ordered to locate and examine potential breast cancer. Typically, the procedure will use an imaging device very similar to those used in mammography. After the radiologist has located the specific area, they will use the image to guide one of two different extraction tools; either a core needle or a vacuum assisted device. The high precision digital mammography device will then guide the radiologist as they accurately locate the mass. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist for examination and diagnosis. For the patient, stereotactic biopsy is less invasive than other surgical methods, is fast, and leaves little or no scarring. In addition, the doctor can "evaluate calcium deposits or tiny masses that are not visible on ultrasound" (Stereotactic (Mammographically Guided) Breast Biopsy). Hospitals and clinics also realize an economic benefit, as the procedure is as accurate as a surgical biopsy at about one third the cost. Stereotactic biopsy is often preferable by patients, doctors, and administrators (Stereotactic (Mammographically Guided) Breast Biopsy). BSGI by Dilon Technology To reduce the number of unnecessary biopsy surgeries, and improve the accuracy of breast tissue health analysis, the Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) system by Dilon Technologies is available. After receiving a mammogram, women may require additional tests to evaluate a suspicious mass uncovered during the x-ray. This has traditionally been accomplished with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or surgical biopsies. The Dilon BSGI system is an improvement upon the MRI by being comparable in sensitivity, but having a greater ability to "detect that disease is actually not present" (Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Can Reduce). This lowers patient risk by reducing the number of required surgical procedures, and improves the accuracy of the diagnosis for the doctor. The Dilon system is capable of producing high-resolution images of "lesions independent of tissue density and discover very early stage cancers" (Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Offers Greater Sensitivity). This ability to provide very early detection greatly improves patient prognosis when they are diagnosed with breast cancer. About 10 percent of the women diagnosed with breast cancer each year have invasive lobular carcinoma, and the BSGI system is an improvement over mammography, ultrasound, and MRI in detecting it. Previous to the BSGI system, the MRI has been limited in its ability to detect this specific form of breast cancer. This gives doctors an additional tool that they can confidently utilize for these specific cases (Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Offers Greater Sensitivity). Bibliography "Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Can Reduce the Number of Unnecessary Breast Biopsies When Compared to MRI." Bio Portfolio. 2009. Bio Portfolio Ltd. 28 Mar. 2009 . "Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) Offers Greater Sensitivity Over Mammography, Ultrasound and MRI." Entrepreneur. 2009. Entrepreneur Media. 28 Mar. 2009 . Bronson, Judith G. "3T MRI: Better Coverage, More Confidence." Imaging Economics. 2009. Ascend Media. 28 Mar. 2009 . "Industry-wide Focus on Cutting Transcription Costs and Providing Better Patient Care Lead to Increased Adoption of Speech Recognition for Radiology Reporting." Enhanced Online News. 23 Mar. 2009. 28 Mar. 2009 . "Looking Beyond Today, Exploring New Technologies for Early Detection." Hologic Clarity of Vision. 2007. Hologic. 28 Mar. 2009 . "On Guard Chest X-ray CAD." Riverain Medical. 2009. Riverain Medical. 28 Mar. 2009 . "Staffordshire General Hospital Expands Into Cardiac CT With Toshiba's Acquilion 64 Slice Scanner." Toshiba Medical Systems. 13 Jan. 2009. 28 Mar. 2009 . "Stereotactic (Mammographically Guided) Breast Biopsy." Radiology Info. 8 Sep. 2008. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). 28 Mar. 2009 . Read More