Agfa HealthCare launches radiology picture archiving system

IT-enabled clinical imaging firm Agfa HealthCare has announced the launch of its CVIS-radiology picture archiving and communications system (Pacs) at the 18th annual American Society of Echocardiography scientific sessions.

The fully-integrated system has full-feature echocardiography image and reporting facilities and combines the technologies of Agfa and Heartlab, with Agfa having acquired the imaging group in 2005.

Lisa Braunreuther, Agfa’s executive director of cardiovascular solutions (America), described the product as a “powerful combination of patient-centric focus and IT know-how”, claiming it would provide “tangible benefits” for both users and patients.

“Agfa HealthCare’s integrated approach extends information across departments to improve the delivery of patient care,” she added.

And Karen Butler, Pacs administrator at Genesis Medical Center-East Campus, said the archiving system has enabled the department to work more efficiently, reducing waiting time for patients.

In addition, Ms Butler noted that the Pacs has helped patients understand and become involved in their own healthcare.

Meanwhile, Morris Hospital and Heathcare Centres of Morris, Illinois recently installed Agfa’s Pacs under a deal completed earlier in the year.

John Roundtree, the hospital’s Pacs administrator, said the system had brought the institution “greater flexibility”.