Barco : 5 display hurdles in mammography - and the solution

Hurdle 1 - Suboptimal reading conditions

The field of breast imaging is often described as a challenging and disconnected environment, especially since radiologists are required to view more and different types of imaging modalities. Different sets of images have their own specific display specifications, compelling radiologists to use multiple workstations - and potentially across multiple reading rooms - to view images to make a final diagnosis. This has an impact on radiologists' efficiency and productivity.

Multimodality imaging requires multiple workstations and reading rooms.

Hurdle 2 - The lack of color

Radiologists are also reviewing images from supporting modalities - such as PET, US, MR or NucMed - that require monitors with color display. Breast US and breast MR, for example, are taken to further refine the diagnosis. Being able to view Color Doppler US, breast MR and standard mammography images simultaneously on one display supports radiologists in accurate decision-making and improving health outcomes.

An ultrasound of the breast is often utilized to help characterize mammographic abnormalities and to assess blood flow with Color Doppler.

Hurdle 3 - Limited screen space

Breast imaging radiologists are often limited in the real estate available on the monitors, which restricts their view of full complete images. Today, radiologists need to pan, zoom, and rearrange images in order to get the best image for analysis. It's no wonder that having access to life-size images can impact diagnostic interpretation.  

In the past, radiologists were able to request images from supporting modalities and rearrange the images on a view box in a way that they could be compared simultaneously.

Hurdle 4 - The rise in digital Breast Tomosynthesis

The rise of digital Breast Tomosynthesis is taking a toll on radiologists as the program requires scrolling through 50-100 slices of breast tissue for each of the four views of a normal screening mammogram. Even though studies have shown Breast Tomosynthesis increases cancer detection and reduces unnecessary callbacks, these results do not come without impacting radiologists' workflow.

Breast Tomosynthesis exams create a 3-dimensional picture of the breast by reconstructing multiple projection images taken over a limited arc angle.

Hurdle 5 - Lack of workflow tools

Tasked with reading dozens of studies per day, radiologists are in desperate need for tools that automate routine tasks and help ensure a more productive, time-efficient way of working. Additionally, radiologists are prone to sitting in a dark environment to view images, affecting their reading comfort. Tools that support better viewing ergonomics (e.g. adjustable ambient lighting) are no unnecessary luxury!

Barco's SpotView technology focuses the light on an area of interest.

Don't fear, Coronis Uniti is here!

There are many obstacles in breast imaging, but fortunately Barco's Coronis Uniti® display system allows radiologists to take the leap into a bigger, brighter and more colorful world. The Coronis Uniti has a large 33' diameter screen and 12MP resolution - a 12% increase in pixels over the dual 5MP displays that have been accepted as the norm for digital mammography. Coronis Uniti allows users to visualize images in grayscale as well as in color, easing the review of images from supporting modalities.

Incorporation of RapidFrame technology enables radiologists to scroll or cine through large sets of Tomosynthesis slices without lag or blurring of the image. Coronis Uniti display systems provide an additional 20% screen real estate, which allows radiologists to reap the benefits of assessing images without being hindered by a lack of real estate. Demonstrating another technology leap, Coronis Uniti has Intuitive Workflow tools/features built into the display system and is designed to optimize radiologists' reading experience and working comfort.