ClearRead Compare TM by Riverain Technologies - first-of-its-kind temporal comparison software that accentuates differences between a patient´s current and prior chest X-ray images to pinpoint lung nodules that may be early stage lung cancer - will make its European Congress of Radiology debut in Vienna, March 2-5.
The sophisticated yet easy-to-use software (previously marketed as DeltaView TM) has two primary features that enhance conventional X-rays and make even subtle changes between multiple X-ray images show up more clearly than they would if a radiologist were to review the images side-by-side, which is the current standard. First, Riverain´s premier bone suppression technology transforms the X-ray into a soft tissue image without the ribs and clavicles that might otherwise obscure tumors. Second, temporal comparison technology takes two traditional chest images of the same patient taken at different times and produces a third subtraction image where brighter or darker areas help the radiologist zero in on changes that could indicate an emerging or enlarging tumor.
"Bones can obscure and reduce the visibility of lung tumors and other conditions on a conventional chest X-ray image," said Steve Worrell, Chief Technology Officer at Riverain. "Riverain´s temporal comparison software produces a difference image of the soft tissue, giving radiologists a clearer and more complete view and helping to call out differences between two X-rays over time from the same patient. There´s no additional radiation dose or procedure for the patient, and no imaging hardware for the institution to buy "´ the software integrates seamlessly with existing PACS systems."
In a study of 422 pairs of chest X-rays, radiologists were able to identify an average 12.4 percent more actionable solitary pulmonary nodules when reviewing the difference image produced by Riverain´s temporal comparison software than when they compared the two X-rays side by side.1
"Computer analysis and artificial intelligence are tools to help radiologists, not replace them, and radiologists should take full advantage of them," said Dr. Cornelia Schaefer-Prokop, a radiologist at Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, Netherlands. "The opportunity is for radiologists not to rely solely on their visual skills but to use computer tools to enhance and improve their capabilities."
Schaefer-Prokop, who is a member of Riverain´s medical advisory board, said that in addition to facilitating nodule detection, temporal comparison technology may be useful for certain patients who undergo frequent follow-up chest imaging to check for even small changes, such as patients with cancer that has spread, asbestos patients with chronic pleural thickening or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Riverain´s temporal comparison software was cleared by the FDA in late December 2011. For a demonstration or additional information, visit Booth #628 on the First Level Gallery at ECR 2012 or www.RiverainTechnologies.com.
1 Riverain Medical DeltaView FDA 510(k) Reader Study Results 2011
Riverain Technologies
Riverain Technologies, formerly Riverain Medical, is a Dayton, Ohio-based medical technology innovator that develops practical solutions to save and improve the quality of people´s lives through the early detection of disease. The company´s technologies are designed to enhance the expert skills of radiologists to improve patient outcomes without additional radiation dose or procedures. For more information please visit: www.RiverainTechnologies.com.
