PACS: Picture Archive and Communication System

Picture Archive and Communication System

In medical imaging, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are computers, commonly servers, dedicated to the storage, retrieval, distribution and presentation of images. The medical images are stored in an independent format. The most common format for image storage is DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS; this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve or transport film jackets. A PACS consists of four major components: the imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, a secured network for the transmission of patient information, workstations for interpreting and reviewing images, and long and short term archives for the storage and retrieval of images and reports. Combined with available and emerging Web technology, PACS has the ability to deliver timely and efficient access to images, interpretations and related data. PACS breaks down the physical and time barriers associated with traditional film-based image retrieval, distribution and display.

PACS Filmless Radiology System

PACs is a computer system used to capture, store, distribute, and display images.  Additionally, a new Radiology Information System was integrated that manages patient information.  The system allows enhanced scheduling, patient tracking, and report generating.  The combined systems enable images and data to be delivered to medical providers anywhere they have access to a high speed broadband internet connection.

How will the system benefit the hospital, physicians, and community?

• It will improve patient care by allowing participating physicians and health care providers access to the patient's current and prior imaging studies and associated clinical information as soon as the patient's exam is completed.
• The process for exam report turnaround is improved, helping physicians to treat their patients expeditiously.
• Since the system allows the use of computer imaging, the cost of the use of film, chemicals, and processor equipment is minimized.
• The system has improved workflow for the Radiology staff and enhanced productivity.

A True Enterprise Imaging Solution

• Scalable web-based platform consolidates reading, reviewing, 3D processing, archiving and distribution
• Single point of access for clinicians and referring physicians
• Archiving and viewing for DICOM and non-DICOM images and clinical information, ensuring high data security and business continuity
• Enterprise data repository with clinical information lifecycle management for high data availability at the lowest total cost of ownership

Power Viewer:  A Revolution in Reading 

PowerViewer accelerates routine reading by providing automatic registration and volumetric matching of 3D studies, created at different times, by different modalities directly within the viewer without opening additional applications.

• Automatic volume registration of two or more CT and MRI studies allows matching of any number of volumetric datasets, ultimately eliminating the need for manual links 
• Relate tool provides a cross reference at the pixel level to synchronize all views of all studies to match the click point
• 2D, oblique, slab MIP (minimum and maximum) display within the viewer, enabling comparison of different studies in the exact same orientation
• Automatic link and reference lines support comparison of 2D and oblique views of current and prior studies
• All standard-viewer processing tools are available in the PowerViewer

One Personal Desktop for All Applications 

• Unified virtual desktop enabling anytime, anywhere access to all relevant patient info and tools
• One GUI for all reading including all advanced clinical applications, interpretation tools, and 3D post processing
• Streaming capabilities for viewing over low bandwidth lines
• Two new applications -- volume matching, PET/CT fusion – along with 3D,  MPR, MIP, volume rendering, vessel analysis, cardiac analysis, coronary segmentation, calcium scoring
• Eliminate the need for specialized modality and 3D workstations; no need to learn multiple user interfaces
• Ability to save a 3D view as a bookmark to easily share between technologist and radiologist or radiologist to surgeon
• Integration with clinical applications for mammography, OrthoView, virtual colonoscopy, others
• Real-time volume matching and automatic registration for CT, MR and PET/CT exams
• Dramatically improve radiologists’ productivity in complex CT/MRI/PET/mammo studies, oncology cases
• Enhance reading and diagnostic confidence and improve report turnaround time with automatic registration and comparison of prior and new studies