Alliance Formed for Virtual Colonoscopy Technology Development

Medical imaging developer Barco (Kortrijk, Belgium) has announced a strategic alliance with NeuIsys Imaging Solutions (Greensboro, NC, USA), which will address the gastrointestinal market for virtual colonoscopy using Barco's advanced visualization software, Voxar 3D (three-dimensional) ColonMetrix, and NeuIsys's in-office computed tomography (CT) systems. NeuIsys is an exclusive distributor of Neusoft Medical Systems.

"We are excited about this opportunity to partner with NeuIsys,” said Robb Gray, OEM channel manager for Advanced Visualization at Barco. "They are a forward-thinking company focused on improving patient care in the gastrointestinal market. The combination of quality scanners by NeuSoft and Barco's Voxar 3D ColonMetrix advanced visualization software will prove to be a valuable combination.”

Data from the American Gastroenterology Association shows that anyone over 50 years of age is at risk for colon cancer, making the agreement of critical importance in the medical diagnostic imaging market. According to the American Cancer Society, virtual colonoscopy is as effective in screening patients for colon cancer as any method currently used, but it is less invasive, and has received outstanding reviews from both doctors and patients alike.

"We are very excited about this partnership,” said Kim Russell, CEO of NeuIsys. "We recognize Barco as the industry leader in virtual colonoscopy software, and this alliance creates a powerful one stop solution for the private physician in the USA. The procedure can be completed in approximately two minutes, and the patient can walk out of the scanner and perform daily functions immediately. This is a very positive departure from the conventional optical colonoscopy procedure, which may take 30 minutes or longer, is invasive, and requires sedation and recovery. The combination of Barco's Voxar 3D ColonMetrix software and our hardware creates a 21st century weapon to help doctors find colon polyps and cancers that would have otherwise gone unrecognized.”

The Barco/NeuIsys alliance uniquely positions both companies to benefit in the virtual colonoscopy marketplace. In private doctors' offices and medical clinics across the United States, where space and affordable healthcare are at a premium, NeuIsys and Barco together will offer a one-stop solution.

”The key to preventing colon cancer deaths,” according to Dr. Joseph Jenkins, Chief Medical Officer of NeuIsys, "is to get the 60% of Americans over 50 years of age, who currently refuse colon cancer screening because of their fear of sedation or of an invasive procedure with a risk of colon perforation, to undergo the virtual colonoscopy. With NeuIsys's expertise coupled with our new state of the art CT technology and Barco's superior 3D software tool, I think that we can help doctors save lives.”

The agreement is set to commence immediately, and the product will be distributed through Barco's network of regional North American sales representatives and NeuIsys's distinct sales territories with associated service pods. Additional regions are planned for the near future.

NeuIsys develops products and services that help private physicians install new, in-office diagnostic imaging products. Neusoft has a worldwide presence, with over 1000 CT and MRI systems in place.

Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets.


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NeuIsys Imaging Solutions