Royal Philips and Accenture announced the creation of a proof-of-concept (POC) demonstration that uses a Google Glass head-mounted display for researching ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of performing surgical procedures. The demonstration connects Google Glass to Philips IntelliVue Solutions and proves the concept of seamless transfer of patient vital signs into Google Glass, potentially providing physicians with hands-free access to critical clinical information.

Lexmark International Inc. announced the acquisition of Pacsgear. Lexmark paid a cash purchase price of approximately $54 million.

As a new medical center, Hôpital Riviera's daily radiotherapy patient volume started out small, but now the hospital averages 40 patients per day. The introduction of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) in many more cases has resulted in a substantial reduction in the time slot — from 15-20 minutes down to 10-15 minutes — which has enabled a 50 percent increase in patients treated per day.

To recognize the advances in the field of nuclear and molecular imaging, as well as the professionals who carry out these procedures, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the SNMMI Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS) celebrate Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week, Oct. 6-12, 2013. The theme of this year’s Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week is “Molecular Imaging: The Future … Delivered.”

Image Wisely recently launched its first Image Wisely Radiation Safety Case — a series of free, online and mobile-compatible educational offerings that allow radiologists, imaging technologists and medical physicists to assess their own understanding of important radiation safety concepts such as radiation dose monitoring and optimization. The first case, CT Dose and Size-Specific Dose Estimate (SSDE), offers a total of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, 0.5 MPCEC credit by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs Inc. and 0.5 Category A credit hours of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

A team of pediatric neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center has developed a way to minimize dangerous radiation exposure in children with a condition that requires repeat computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain. The experts say they reduced exposure without sacrificing the diagnostic accuracy of the images or compromising treatment decisions.

Piramal Imaging announced the company has submitted a detailed response to the Council on Medical Service (CMS) regarding the draft decision to limit Medicare coverage of beta-amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in dementia and neurodegenerative disease.[1] Piramal Imaging's response, originally submitted on July 29, 2013, was posted on CMS's website as part of the public comment process, which was open through August 2. As of August 8, CMS's website indicated more than 200 people had posted responses. Piramal Imaging strongly encourages the public to continue to submit evidence to CMS showing why beta-amyloid imaging is a medically necessary diagnostic tool for appropriate Medicare populations by sending information to [email protected].