Digital solution for analog optical medical devices

5 December 2005

The Horizon Optical Imaging solution from McKesson is designed to enable digital automation of diagnostic imaging technologies. It enables clinicians to take an analogue optical device, such as an endoscope, and turn it into a fully DICOM-enabled digital device to capture still and cine images. Image storage, archiving and viewing is supported by McKesson's Horizon Medical Imaging PACS, making the images readily available across the enterprise for comparison, consultation, teaching, conferencing and patient education.

The initial release of the Horizon Optical Imaging solution provides endoscopic images and information generated by otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat).

University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Wis., has deployed 14 Horizon Optical Imaging Image Capture Stations and four Horizon Rad Station workstations in its otolaryngology clinic, which sees 10,000 exams performed each year.

"Integrating visible light and radiology images using our PACS enables our organization to enhance patient satisfaction, improve the quality of care and reduce costs associated with follow-up visits," said Gary Wendt, MD, MBA, Associate Professor of Radiology, Vice-Chair of Informatics, University of Wisconsin Medical Center. "For example, by viewing endoscopic images alongside radiology images, the physician may be able to immediately determine that a tumour is not malignant. In such a case, the patient is saved needless worry between exam and follow-up care, and we also avoid a biopsy."

The Horizon Optical Imaging solution closely follows the successful introduction of McKesson's cardiovascular image and information management solution in August 2005.

"McKesson's strategy is to expand its electronic health record solution by image-enabling diagnostic specialties across the healthcare enterprise," said Sunny Sanyal, Group President, McKesson Clinical Solutions. "Healthcare organizations use images in many different medical specialties, including cardiology, endoscopy, ophthalmology and pathology. By incorporating images and the clinical information they provide, we can help customers improve the safety and quality of patient care by enabling access to complete electronic health records."

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