TomTec Introduces Its New Diagnostic Tool for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy at Cardiostim 2006.UNTERSCHLEISSHEIM, Germany -- Echo meets electrophysiology. TomTec Imaging Systems - well known for its expertise in 3D/4D Echocardiography Echocardiography Definition Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart's valves and - is introducing its new diagnostic tool for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT (1) (C RunTime) See runtime library. (2) (Cathode Ray Tube) A vacuum tube used as a display screen in a computer monitor or TV. The viewing end of the tube is coated with phosphors, which emit light when struck by electrons. ). The 4D LV-Analysis(C) software is a tool for comprehensive left ventricular analysis and bases on three dimensional echocardiographic datasets. The software can quantify LV dyssynchrony enabling a better patient selection and pacemaker optimization in heart failure patients. CRT is a proven method for treating patients suffering from chronic heart failure (CHF CHF In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Swiss Franc. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. ). While around 70 to 80% of CHF patients benefit from CRT (responders), 20 to 30% do not show any improvements (non-responders). The existing clinical criteria are not sufficient to make a dependable distinction. Recent clinical studies have shown that patients with left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (uncoordinated myocardial myocardial /myo·car·di·al/ (-kahr´de-al) pertaining to the muscular tissue of the heart. myocardial pertaining to the muscular tissue of the heart (the myocardium). contraction) respond to CRT. 4D LV-Analysis(C) is a new diagnostic tool to address these problems and to help clinicians to quantify left ventricular dyssynchrony and identify responders reliably. TomTec and leading cardiologists developed a new index, the Systolic Systolic The phase of blood circulation in which the heart's pumping chambers (ventricles) are actively pumping blood. The ventricles are squeezing (contracting) forcefully, and the pressure against the walls of the arteries is at its highest. Dyssynchrony Index (SDI (1) (Serial Digital Interface) A physical interface widely used for transmitting digital video in various formats. For electrical transmission, it uses a high grade of coaxial cable and a single BNC connector with Teflon insulation. ), to assess and quantify mechanical dyssynchrony. In August 2005, the first published peer-reviewed clinical validation study has shown that the SDI not only quantifies left ventricular dyssynchrony but also identifies patients who will benefit from CRT. Newly established dyssynchrony (SDI) cut-off values now allow better patient selection as well as the identification of patients who are currently not considered for CRT but may also benefit. Since dyssynchrony is a complex three-dimensional phenomenon, TomTec's 4D LV-Analysis(C) software assesses and quantifies it using three-dimensional techniques, based on 3DE data sets. 4D LV-Analysis(C) features advanced automatic contour finding algorithms for an easy, fast, accurate and highly reproducible functional analysis of the left ventricle, even for patients that are difficult to image. This ensures doctors can diagnose mechanical dyssynchrony as part of their routine clinical procedure for all CHF patients. 4D LV-Analysis(C) also offers innovative analysis options like 3D Parametric Imaging (3DPI). This simplifies assessing dyssynchrony and allows the exact localization Customizing software and documentation for a particular country. It includes the translation of menus and messages into the native spoken language as well as changes in the user interface to accommodate different alphabets and culture. See internationalization and l10n. of areas with delayed myocardial contraction. Rolf Baumann, TomTec's Product Marketing Manager adds, "Quantifying dyssynchrony with 4D LV-Analysis(C) software is the first clinically validated method to separate responders from non-responders preoperatively based on 3DE data sets. This will not only lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with CHF but should also reduce the costs by identifying the non-responders before pacemaker implantation (CRT)" About TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH TomTec's headquarter head·quar·ter v. head·quar·tered, head·quar·ter·ing, head·quar·ters Usage Problem v.tr. To provide with headquarters: is located in Munich, Germany. The company maintains close working relationships with many leading universities and ultrasound manufacturers. With a large installed base of more than 3000 systems, TomTec holds a leadership position in 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound. Its product line encompasses a wide range of 2D and 3D/4D technology for acquisition, analysis and reconstruction of ultrasound data. The product line is applicable to the fields of adult and paediatric Adj. 1. paediatric - of or relating to the medical care of children; "pediatric dentist" pediatric cardiology as well as obstetrics and gynaecology Obstetrics and Gynaecology (often abbreviated to OB/GYN or O&G) are the two surgical specialties dealing with the female reproductive organs, and as such are often combined to form a single medical speciality and postgraduate training program. , radiology, and vascular diagnostics. Note to editors: The clinical validation study is available in Circulation (August 2005) |
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