Press Releases
TeraRecon and ELK Corporation form
strategic partnership for distribution of AquariusNET
San Mateo, CA--November
7, 2001: TeraRecon
and ELK Corporation today announced the formation of a strategic partnership
for the distribution of TeraRecon's innovative solution for networked
medical imaging, AquariusNET. TeraRecon develops advanced hardware
and software for medical imaging. ELK Corporation is one of the leading
medical system distributors in Japan.
AquariusNET's innovative design allows medical
image datasets up to several GB in size to be stored and processed
on a central server. Processed 2D, 3D, and 4D images are then distributed
to networked thin client PCs, allowing instant access and interactive
review. AquariusNET can take advantage of existing hospital computers
already in place as part of the Hospital Information System, turning
them into fast 3D image review stations when they run the AquariusNET
thin client application. AquariusNET also offers a new distributed
storage and processing approach to PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication
System).
ELK Corporation has provided technical expertise
to the TeraRecon R&D team based in US, developing a part of the AquariusNET
application. ELK is targeting AquariusNET sales of $13M - $17M for
the Japanese fiscal year 2002.
As of November 1st 2001, ELK Corporation
has invested $1M in TeraRecon's series E financing round, a strong
commitment to aggressive AquariusNET market development. Coupled with
this financing strategy, in return for ELK's contribution to the development
of AquariusNET, TeraRecon has granted ELK the sole distribution rights
to AquariusNET for Japan. TeraRecon's Tokyo branch office will work
in support of ELK for AquariusNET marketing in Japan.
TeraRecon will officially launch AquariusNET
to US and Japanese markets in December. The companies expect to install
this new network solution to 100 sites in each country over a 12 month
period.
The Current State of PACS
Patient exams in radiology today typically
culminate in a report consisting of diagnostic information in text
form, combined with numerical data and static images from the imaging
modality. Thanks to the increased prevalence of computers in diagnostic
medicine, more than 99% of medical data is now in the form of 2D,
3D, and 4D images. This ever-increasing volume of image data requires
not only management and distribution, but also powerful processing
systems, so they may be viewed instantly on demand, in an appropriate
2D, 3D or 4D format. With existing PACS solutions, advanced processing
of datasets such that reconstructed images may be stored in databases
or included in reports has not been imaginable as a reasonable part
of the normal diagnostic process. Even with recent advances in electronic
patient record systems, it has never been possible to conceive of
a live image embedded in a report which can be directly manipulated
by the recipient. There was simply no reasonable technology solution
to make this a reality. This type of demand has led to the development
of AquariusNET, which can address all these needs and more, delivering
a new solution to the medical professional.
Aquarius
NET Features
AquariusNET has the potential to revolutionize
today's medical imaging community by changing the management, review
and reporting methodology for medical imaging data.
Hundreds of existing PCs can be used as high performance 2D,
3D, and 4D viewing stations. Furthermore, existing network infrastructure
can be utilized, lengthening its useful life.
Images can be reviewed instantaneously without the transfer
of huge datasets. Various processing tools are made available with
real time interactivity.
AquariusNET provides the first integrated network environment
where both processing and storage are distributed, optimizing performance,
stability & flexibility of the diagnostic system.
The system offers an integrated report and diagnostic record,
so that reports with embedded, active images can be filed with the
patient's record and e-mailed to their intended recipients.
Live collaboration between clinicians becomes possible, whereby
one physician can remotely control the client application of another
located elsewhere on the network.
Thanks to these exciting new innovations,
it becomes possible to envision significant enhancements to diagnostic
practice. Healthcare professionals and patients can both experience
the best medical service at any time, no matter where they are located
within the hospital, since their medical image records will always be
available for streaming to a nearby networked PC from an AquariusNET
server. The system also represents an attractive, cost effective solution
for hospital administration. Implementation of this new methodology
for medical image management can at once improve the quality of service,
and reduce costs by leveraging the existing network and general computer
infrastructure.
About TeraRecon, Inc.
TeraRecon, Inc. is a technology-driven provider of advanced 3D imaging
systems for medical and other visualization applications, with solutions
based on its unique and patented image processing technologies. The
company has developed a leading portfolio of products that advance
the performance, quality, functionality, and integration of image
processing and 3D visualization systems. Founded in 1997, TeraRecon
has developed a unique family of powerful processors that are used
in its real-time diagnostic workstations, enterprise-wide 3D imaging
servers using thin-client PCs, color Doppler ultrasound systems, mini
gamma cameras, high performance reconstruction engines, and real-time
volume rendering hardware engines. TeraRecon is a fast growing, privately
held company with headquarters in San Mateo, CA, and branch offices
in Concord, MA; Tokyo, Japan; Osaka, Japan; and Trondheim, Norway.
Contact:
TeraRecon, Inc.
Robert Taylor, Ph.D.
COO & Executive VP
650.372.1100
taylor@terarecon.com
www.terarecon.com
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