New Machine Design May Reduce Cost of Breast MRI Scans

MELVILLE, NY--Fonar Corporation has received a patent for newtechnology in the design of MRI machines for breast exams. Byusing a high throughput scanner, the company said, the machineshould be able to achieve the patient volumes necessary to makeMRI more affordable, possibly with scans as low as $80 to $150versus the current $700 to $1,200.

The four-bed design will allow up to 10 or more women per hourto be scanned for breast cancer (see figure) using Fonar's openQUAD 7000 and 12000 scanners. A patient is on-deck at all times,so there is no down time.

Kodak's EC-L Film System Provides High Contrast for Beam Positioning

PHILADELPHIA--Eastman Kodak Company has a new cassette-screen-filmsystem to help radiation oncologists evaluate the position ofthe radiation beam during radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

According to the company, the EC-L film system, which consistsof Kodak EC-L film, oncology cassettes, and fast cassettes, providesimages with significantly higher contrast than current systems,allowing clearer definition of bony structures and more anatomicaldetail.

The EC-L oncology cassettes and EC-L fast cassettes sandwich thenew high-contrast film between a copper front screen and frontand back fluorescent intensifying screens.

Security Features Make ConvaTec's New Continence System EspeciallySuitable for Active Men

PRINCETON, NJ--ConvaTec, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, has introducedthe ConQuest Male Continence System, designed for the incontinentman who cannot or chooses not to use an indwelling catheter, atraditional external catheter, or absorbents.

According to the company, its security features make ConQuestespecially suited for men who are active, while its design givesit advantages for the man with a retracted penile anatomy.

A specially designed pressure pad attaches securely to a condomcatheter by means of a coupling flange. The pad, with its convexshape, exerts a constant gentle pressure against the pubic skinto keep the penis inside the condom catheter. A backflow barrieraround the pressure pad opening seals around the base of the penis,further protecting against leakage.

The jockey-style supporter brief has an inside cloth panel tohelp keep the pressure pad and catheter in place. A built-in venton the leg bag releases air during use to keep it from inflating.The system includes enough tubing to permit wear on the thighor calf.