Sectra includes CAD capabilities from iCAD in its mammography offering
The IT and medical-technology company Sectra has signed a distribution agreement with iCAD, Inc., an industry-leading provider of computer-aided detection (CAD) software products for the early identification of breast cancer. Sectra will sell and support iCAD’s products as part of its digital mammography solution.
iCAD will apply its patented detection algorithms to automatically identify and clearly mark suspicious areas on mammograms from Sectra’s digital mammography system, Sectra MicroDose Mammography. The combination of Sectra’s and iCAD’s products will deliver maximum diagnostic sensitivity and optimal performance to enhance patient care.
“iCAD’s digital CAD product complements our offering within mammography. By offering such highly specialized software applications seamlessly integrated into our products, we help our customers maximize the benefits of digital technology”, says Jesper Söderqvist, Managing Director of Sectra’s product division for mammography.
Computer-Aided Detection – the radiologist’s second pair of eyes
Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) is used by an increasing number of radiologists as "a second pair of eyes" when reading mammograms. Analogous to a spellchecker system on a personal computer, this technology uses detection algorithms to identify areas on the mammogram containing characteristics that warrant a second review by the radiologist.
“We will optimize the performance of our powerful SecondLook detection algorithms for Sectra’s unique photon-counting technology to help increase usage of CAD throughout Europe. Seamless integration of these two products will enable radiologists to provide better clinical results faster - improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical workflow.” says Ken Ferry, President and CEO of iCAD.
Using sophisticated algorithms, iCAD detection software enables earlier cancer detection which improves survival rates and allows less invasive and more effective treatment options. iCAD’s algorithms have been shown to detect up to 72% of actionable missed cancers at an average of 15 months earlier than mammography alone. Optimized for Sectra’s photon-counting technology, iCAD algorithms identify patterns and use sophisticated mathematical analysis based upon artificial intelligence to mark suspicious areas.