Algotec Introduces Imaginet Lite PACS for Low-Volume Imaging Facilities at SCAR; Innovative Turnkey Solution offers Advanced Function at Affordable Price.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

DULUTH, Ga.--(BW HealthWire)--May 7, 2002

Algotec, Inc., the innovative PACS and radiology image management and processing company, introduced ImagiNet Lite, an innovative, affordable Web-based PACS for low-volume imaging facilities at the SCAR 2002.

The user-friendly turnkey solution is designed to simplify conversion to digital image management for facilities with an imaging volume of up to 75,000 procedures annually. Imaginet Lite was designed for free-standing clinics and small centers and hospitals and retails for an entry price of under $100,000.

"With Imaginet Lite, smaller practices with limited budgets can enjoy all the benefits of a full-featured PACS, from elimination of hard copy film storage to sophisticated workflow tools," said Kobi Margolin, vice president of marketing for Algotec, Inc. Based on the same software as Algotec's standard Imaginet PACS, the system is fully scaleable to grow with an institution as imaging volume increases. It also may easily be upgraded as new generations of PACS software are introduced.

Algotec's open architecture ensures complete integration with other information systems such as patient scheduling and radiology information systems (RIS). Additionally, Imaginet Lite boasts the same full array of advanced features as Algotec's standard product at a truly affordable price.

"Algotec was the first company to obtain FDA clearance for a Web-based PACS in 1996 and continues to be a technology leader," said Margolin. "Web technology is key to Imaginet Lite's advanced features and affordable price point, as we bring years of Web experience to the product."

The centerpiece of Imaginet Lite is MediSurf version 4.0, Algotec's Web-based image access engine. With a full range of advanced reading features, MediSurf 4.0 is the industry's first fully Web-based primary reading platform. It turns any standard computer into a full-featured diagnostic workstation, eliminating the need for costly dedicated workstations. Moreover, primary reading can take place on demand inside or outside the imaging facility at any location equipped with a high-resolution monitor and Internet connection.

Because of the system's open architecture, the PACS can use off-the-shelf computer hardware throughout, keeping equipment costs in check.

Advanced features provided by MediSurf version 4 for primary reading include:

   -  Automatic grouping of cross-sectional images for stack reading.

   -  Advanced linking features for cross-sectional imaging studies,
      including linked scrolling of two or more groups, multiple links
      and automatic group links.

   -  Automatic calculation and display of cross-reference lines for
      images acquired at different orientations.

   -  Edge enhancement filter.

   -  Saving and display of graphic annotations over images.

   -  Support for dual and high-resolution monitors and postscript
      printing.

   -  Advanced workflow management, including the ability to lock a
      study for reading and update the study status.

   -  Enhanced user interface based on JAVA2 technology.

   -  Unique tool sets for specific medical specialties that can be
      personalized to meet the needs of each user.

   -  Streaming of image data to client displays using Algotec's
      patented Wavelet technology ("AutoLook").

   -  On-line consultation tool ("SurfLink").

"These are the same features offered by the most advanced dedicated primary reading stations," said Margolin. "With MediSurf 4.0, a dedicated station is needed for 3-D processing or at the busy radiology department only. The Web product is ideal for smaller facilities and groups that work in distributed, multi-facility environments."

Along with MediSurf, the ImagiNet Lite configuration also includes MediStore, Algotec's multi-tier, multi-media storage solution. MediStore combines RAID and LTO jukebox hardware to provide scalable, state-of-the-art archiving with years' worth of storage for most small facilities. MediStore also supports enterprise storage architectures, such as SAN and NAS, as well as off-site storage on an ASP model.

Imaginet Lite is made up of the same software modules as the standard ImagiNet system. As imaging needs change, additional modules simply may be added on in the futures.

Since its inception, Algotec has been an internationally recognized leader in the field of digital medical image management, processing and distribution. Today, it has the largest number of Web-based image management installations worldwide and continues to set new industry standards. Its ImagiNet family of products also provides enterprise-wide access to imaging studies through intranets and local area networks to meet a full spectrum of customer needs.

With headquarters in Israel and fully owned marketing and sales subsidiaries in the U.S., France and Germany, the company's ImagiNet family of products are installed in more than 800 healthcare institutions worldwide. Algotec's solutions include the ProVision - a 3D multi modality processing workstation, MediPrime - a radiology reading and reporting station, MediSurf - a Web based image and data access and display engine, MediStore - a multi media, multi tier archiving system, MediFlow - image management software, MediLink - a configurable interface to other hospital information systems such as healthcare information systems (HIS), Med-e-Mail - an automatic email reporting system of key images and reports to referring physicians, and CD-Surf - a self playing, soft copy (CD) media to substitute for the films for patients and referring physicians.

Algotec, Inc. may be reached at 770-291-2022. Or visit their website at www.algotec.com