HistoScanning Technology Developed for Imaging of the Prostate

HistoScanning is a proprietary tissue differentiation, visualization, and measurement technology designed to assist specialists in identifying changes to solid organ tissues. The technology works in conjunction with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) procedures and extracts new information from prostate ultrasound data. It adds an important new dimension to the practice of prostate examination as well as prostate biopsy indication and acquisition.

B-K Medical (Herlev, Denmark), a subsidiary of Analogic Corp. (Waterloo, Belgium) and Advanced Medical Diagnostics, S.A. (Waterloo, Belgium), a company that develops computer-aided systems that improve the diagnostic interpretation of ultrasound scans, recently signed a collaboration agreement under which they will deploy the innovative HistoScanning tissue characterization technology for the prostate.

By entering into this collaboration, B-K Medical aims to retain and expand market leadership by continuing to support and be at the forefront of the latest technologic advances in prostate ultrasound. Michael Brock, B-K Medical's president, said, "We take our position as the innovators in prostate ultrasound imaging seriously. We believe that being the market leader reflects our commitment to identifying and developing the latest technological advances for the good of our customers and their patients. HistoScanning has the potential to be the major diagnostic modality of the future, increasing the efficiency and diagnostic value of prostate ultrasound.”

For Advanced Medical Diagnostics, the agreement facilitates introduction of its technology to major global markets. Dror Nir, chief executive officer of Advanced Medical Diagnostics and inventor of the HistoScanning technology, pointed out, "We want to make sure that HistoScanning will realize its potential. It means working together with companies who share our vision of noninvasive tissue characterization and are committed to investing in moving medicine forward. B-K is long recognized for its commitment to and leadership in urological ultrasound, and it shares our view on how HistoScanning addresses the major clinical challenges in prostate patient management.”

The October 2008 issue of the British Journal of Urology published a study conducted on men whose prostate biopsies tested positive and whose prostates were later surgically removed. This study showed that in the study population, HistoScanning correctly identified the largest tumors, accurately measured their diameters, and correctly attributed the presence of multiple foci, the laterality of the disease, and the involvement of the prostate capsule.

Under the guidance of an international panel of clinical specialists, Advanced Medical Diagnostics is supporting several multi-center studies in reference centers across Europe to provide additional clinical evidence to validate the role of HistoScanning in routine clinical practice.

The first joint presentation of HistoScanning will be at the upcoming 23rd annual EAU (European Association of Urology) Congress in Milan, Italy, March 26-29, 2008. HistoScanning for the prostate is expected to be commercially introduced in Europe later in 2008.

B-K Medical specializes in the development and production of diagnostic ultrasound equipment. The company develops ultrasound scanners specially designed for surgery and for the investigation of urologic disorders. The product line also includes scanners for other applications, such as gynecologic examinations, fetal scanning, and radiology.


Related Links:
B-K Medical
Advanced Medical Diagnostics
HistoScanning