Agfa HealthCare to launch next-generation MUSICA image processing software at 2013 RSNA meeting

New technology improvements provide more detail in images and enable confident, comfortable reading

Agfa HealthCare announces today that it is launching the next generation of its gold-standard MUSICA (Multi-Scale Image Contrast Amplification) image processing software with new technology improvements that enhance both image quality and workflow for radiographers and radiologists at the upcoming 2013 RSNA meeting, in Chicago, USA. The new version is expected to be available in March 2014.

Release of next generation MUSICA introduces new features and benefits for radiologists 

In addition to the consistently high image quality across all Agfa HealthCare's digital radiography solutions and the robustness against variations like patient size, tube quality and exposure settings, with the new version window level adjustment is no longer required, for even easier and faster image reading.

Radiologists also get more diagnostic information from their images, with a high level of detail in the mediastinum, sharp trabecular and cortical bone, a balanced presentation of both soft tissue and overlapping bone structures, visualization of subtle details in the abdomen, and a true representation of implants with clear bone interfaces. The next generation of MUSICA uses a new Fractional Multiscale Processing (FMP) to increase detail.

Balanced presentation of all tissue structures

"The improvements we are introducing with our next generation of MUSICA will get the most out of your images at a lower dose, and the balanced presentation of all tissue structures, from bone to soft tissue; results in images that are very comfortable to read," explains Louis Kuitenbrouwer, Vice President Imaging at Agfa HealthCare.

Body-part independent, automatic optimization of image quality and workflow

MUSICA enhances productivity for both radiologists and technologists, offering a streamlined workflow. First launched in the 1990s, the second-generation MUSICA version was the first medical image processing algorithm requiring no interaction with the user to produce optimized output images. No input is required regarding which body part has been imaged, radiographic projection, patient position, the presence of contrast material, or anything else. All parameters needed to produce an optimized output image are derived or calculated by MUSICA from the input image itself. By automatically analyzing the characteristics of each image and optimizing the processing parameters, it saves time and effort.

Taking the best and making it better

Agfa HealthCare wants to ensure optimal image quality, while protecting people in X-ray environments. This philosophy, based on the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle, is an integral part of our of product design. "Our challenge is to take the best and make it even better!" continuous Louis Kuitenbrouwer, "One of our key design goals was to let the users obtain consistently high image quality across all exams and all patients at all hospitals, while applying a minimal radiation dose." After the recent introduction of high DQE (Detective Quantum Efficiency) DX-D Cesium detectors, NX Exposure Index to avoid dose creep and IMPAX REM for an overall dose radiation exposure management, this new version of MUSICA is the next important step in our continuing efforts to further increase image quality while decreasing patient dose.