Advanced viz expands beyond radiology

Bob Mitchell, Editor, CMIO

Advanced visualization, which had previously been used to streamline the analysis of large sets of data from advanced imaging scanners in radiology departments, has now expanded to other hospital departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology and orthopedics.

According to research on advanced visualization by Toronto-based Millennium Research Group, analyst Michelle Li, MSc, said these new departments were once filled with stand-alone workstations. However, within the past year, many departments have migrated to thin-client or enterprise systems to meet ongoing physician demand.

The value of advanced visualization systems lies in its benefit both to the patient and the physician. Advanced visualization can improve diagnostic accuracy through the ability to clarify uncertainties in the images and reduce the need for further unnecessary tests.

Increased adoption rates and sales growth of advanced visualization systems led to significant market share. From now through 2014, the advanced visualization market is expected to grow at a rate of 7 percent, according to Li. However, despite its popularity, advanced visualization purchases were hit hard due to reduced sales of advanced imaging systems, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanners, which are often bundled with advanced visualization systems.

However, Li predicts that when the economy recovers, revenue growth in advanced visualization will return, with revenues reaching just under $300 million by the end of 2014.

Also, newer cloud technologies and universal viewers are allowing providers to access the software in various locations. For instance, a new cloud-based server allows physicians to access volumetric visualization software via the internet and upload a case from a CD or local disk. The browser-based system makes advanced visualization tools accessible to physicians working in a location without the necessary IT infrastructure. The technology is also available on smartphones and laptops.

Another interesting aspect to visualization is new software that allows collaboration and consistency in quantitative analysis. The software allows researchers to create an interface and save customized equations when performing digital image manipulations. Through creation of segmentation algorithms, researchers can segment automated region of interest calculations, which can be shared with other researchers.

We'd enjoy hearing about how advanced vizualization technologies are being utilized throughout your organization.

Bob Mitchell
Editor
bmitchell@trimedmedia.com