ContextVision Unveils First Real-time Volumetric Ultrasound Image Enhancement Tool

GOPiCE US provides clinicians unprecedented imaging technology

NEW YORK, New York, BOSTON, Mass. and STOCKHOLM, Sweden – April 1, 2009 – At the 2009 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Annual Convention today, ContextVision, the software imaging partner for the most recognized medical imaging manufacturers worldwide, introduces GOPiCE® US, the first real-time volumetric filtering software for ultrasound. The image enhancement product filters the three-dimensional ultrasound volumes, removing speckle and other artifacts, while simultaneously extends the clinician’s vision to planes previously hidden.

GOPiCE offers clinicians the ability to see areas never seen before, such as the regions of the fetal brain previously hidden by speckle and noise in two-dimensional and unenhanced three-dimensional ultrasound images. The unprecedented visualization achieved using GOPiCE will ultimately lead to improved diagnostic value. Additionally, GOPiCE minimizes processing time: it leverages the speed of graphics processing units (GPUs), processing up to 24 volumes per second at 128x128x128 pixels or 40 volumes in single planar reconstruction mode.

“Until now, ultrasound technologies have limited our ability to thoroughly assess an image,” said Prof. Anders Selbing. “GOPiCE delivers the capability to see past the noise in an image by providing real-time volumetric filtering. Ultimately, the image enhancement technology allows us to offer patients a greater value.”

“ContextVision strives to consistently deliver the latest in cutting-edge image enhancement technology,” said Jan Erik Hedborg, CEO of ContextVision. “Our new volumetric, or 3D, ultrasound capability captures a level of diagnostic medical information not previously possible with traditional 2D techniques. By filtering the images to remove foreign artifacts, the new software enhances the three-dimensional ultrasound volumes while simultaneously sharpening diagnostically significant structures.”

Like all ContextVision products, GOPiCE® US relies on an adaptive algorithm, GOP®, which mimics the human eye’s method of finding information and analyzing structures. This enables the software to distinguish between true and false information (e.g. noise, artifacts) and accurately identify true structures.
To learn more about GOPiCE or see a product demonstration, stop by booth 211at AIUM. Available today, the software easily integrates into modern software-based ultrasound systems and is available on either a GPU or CPU. Please download a product sheet here.

About ContextVision
ContextVision is the leading independent developer in medical imaging enhancement, analysis and processing technologies, serving leading OEMs and distributors for 25 years. ContextVision´s embedded imaging software is relied upon daily by thousands of users around the globe. ContextVision´s patented GOP algorithm allows unprecedented image quality to be achieved by simultaneously enhancing fine structure while reducing noise and speckle across MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound, CT, and IR. ContextVision is ISO-certified; ISO 13485:2003 and the GOP technology has FDA 510(k) clearance, including ultrasound, MRI, and X-Ray. All algorithm implementations are optimized for quality and speed without introducing any artifacts.

ContextVision´s technology enables the company’s customers to provide superior digital imaging quality to hospitals and clinicians. Such solutions promise more rapid and accurate diagnoses, reduced operator eye fatigue, and ultimately, a greater return-on-investment for medical imaging users.

For more information, please visit www.contextvision.com.
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Contacts:

Perrin McCormick
Hart-Boillot, LLC
Phone: +1 781 893-0053
e-mail:

Peter Koevamees
ContextVision AB
Phone: +46 (8) 750-3557
e-mail: