Notes from i-CAT Users Meeting, April 29, 2007

Liz Qualtier from Imaging Sciences International gave a brief overview of the upcoming release of the newest version of i-CAT Vision that will include 3DVR! This significant upgrade will have a reports function as well as the nerve canal detection tool. The detection software actually detects the size, shape and route of the nerve by utilizing artificial intelligence and special algorithms.

The ability to delete patient names from within i-CAT Vision will be performed by right clicking on the specific name. Note: the case can not be open to do this.

You will have the option to create a CD with DICOM data and i-CAT Vision or to create a working folder with DICOM and vision. If you want to add pdf reports or avi files to the CD, it can now be included.

The basic 3DVR volume will display in the implant window and tmj window.

Three new slicing tools in the MPR screen- well, two new and one somewhat new:

1) Right click on a,c,s (axial, coronal, sagittal) window to pull up explore menu- its a thin slice tool that can be used to rotate 360 around any point- slice thickness is determined by scan resolution, or instead of rotation around object of interest, you can move through the tooth or object, buccal-lingual or mesial-distal, similar to a single slice periapical. This tool can be used to help with root fractures or for endo.

2) Irregular Tool- this is a free hand slicing tool. Use the mouse to draw any cuts at any angle on any of the three MPR windows. Very cool tool.

3) Line Tool- like the name implies, this is just a straight line slicing tool.


A newly designed chin cup and head positioning support will be soon be available that will further reduce patient movement. The price for this upgrade has yet to be determined.

If you have the i-pan option on your i-CAT, there will be a significant upgrade that will require the 14 bit sensor upgrade. ISI is also working on a 16 bit software upgrade that will require the 14 bit hardware sensor. Contact www.imagingsciences.com for more details.

**********************************************************

Craig Dial from ddi started his presentation about the history of cone beam technology and how it has rapidly evolved into the current huge field of manufacturers.

The second part of Craig’s lecture was about the ddi educational center in Sacramento. This facility was specifically designed for advanced training for dental professionals including: dentists, surgeons, support staff and imaging techs. ddi offers a plethora of classes that include 2D and 3D digital photography, digital panoramic and cephalometric training, PowerPoint, CBCT, radiographic interpretation and customized courses. All classes are hand-on and limited in size to maximize the learning curve. California continuing education credits are issued.

The most applicable class offered for i-CAT users is the CBCT course. It starts with a two day advanced “out of the box” class that explains patient positioning, addresses common issues and questions, reviews the software, create reports (pan, TMJ, cross sectional) and templates, exporting DICOM, saving and printing. Various ddi staff also discuss signal to noise ratio and how to improve the images. Choosing the best image protocols to meet the imaging goals is also explained. Insurance codes (correct codes, billing and fees) and marketing ides are also presented. The next class is the one day Expert class that reveals cone beam technology, bit depth, volume averaging, flat panel versus CCD characteristics, and 3rd party software. The last class is the radiographic interpretation given by Dr. David Hatcher. Even though this class is designed for the doctor, the cone beam imaging technician will learn a lot of pertinent information. For more details, http://www.ddicentral.com/


******************************************************

Chester Wang from Dolphin Imaging & Management was our next speaker. After reviewing the history of Dolphin, Chester explained that Dolphin is in 90 percent of accredited orthodontic programs and 50% of Oral maxillofacial surgery schools. Dolphin has also been working with the American Board of Orthodontists to develop digital board case presentations.

Chester reviewed the premium version of Dolphin Imaging 10.5, including the ability to easily customize fields. The new mandibular nerve marking tool is very intuitive and even displays in 3D!

Creating avi movie files is simple in Dolphin Imaging and results in a fast yet professional presentation. The movie files can be saved in the premium version of Dolphin Imaging 10.5 and eventually will be transferable in Anywhere Dolphin. Dolphin allows the easy importation of DICOM files from medical CT, cone beam and even MRI!

For detailed information, see previous post regarding Dolphin Meeting in Destin, Florida or contact http://www.dolphinimaging.com/


*****************************************************


Zach Dalmau is VP of nSequence Center for Advanced Dentistry in Reno, Nevada.
The nSequence Implant and Esthetics Laboratory specializes in implant cases. nSequence provides full support, from the diagnostic wax-up and fabrication of the Radiographic Scan Appliance (needed for Simplant, Implant Logic-VIP, iDent and NobelGuide software applications) to the final restorations for implant cases. nSequence is an iDent Master Site and can convert data. They also offer technical support for these implant planning software systems. nSequence is happy to provide technical support to imaging centers regarding the various scanning procedures for these four implant planning systems.

nSequence has a Clinical Integration department to provide support and training on the operation of implant planning software to clinicians, to enable them to integrate this new technology into their practice, through personalized instruction, both on-site and via phone/web conferences.

The nSequence Education Center for Advanced Dentistry is a state-of-the-art, hands-on facility to hold events in which attendees can learn new technology and techniques though hands-on continuing education by world renowned lecturers. The classroom has 20 student PC workstations for software training and workshops. nSequence is hoping to host events for AADMRT and the iCAT user group in the future. These events and services will help build stronger relationships between dental imaging centers and their referring dentists.

We hope that Daniel Llop, CDT and president of n-Sequence will make a presentation at the AADMRT annual meeting in San Antonio later this year.

For more information: http://www.n-sequence.com/

**********************************************************

Khaled Elsaid from 3DDX in Boston, Massachusetts, discussed sterolithography models generated by BMI. They also make the scanning guide with markers. 3ddx is a SimPlant Master site and will make conversions for as little as $100. If you (or your referral) purchase SimPlant Planner software from 3DDX (approximately $3,775), you will received two free conversions! Custom colorized conversions are available for only $150. 3ddx is an internet based company and also offers extremely fast complete radiologic interpretations from Dr. Dania Tamimi that are often done in less than one day!

Khaled started his presentation by discussing how BMI’s Stereolithography models can be used by clinicians for hands-on implant planning without using software. Models are a powerful tool for safe and accurate hands-on surgical planning, reduce OR time, and are used for patient education. The models are also used to fabricate surgical stents based on the plan performed on the model.

3D Diagnostix (3DDX) was founded 3 years ago and is specialized in servicing the Dento-Maxillofacial imaging industry. They have clients all over the globe, including Canada, Brazil, UK, Germany and Spain. Their services are focused on providing high quality Simplant conversions at very affordable prices. Khaled showed a number of examples of their quality custom reconstructions including cases with sinus grafts, residual roots, impacted canines and a residual root surrounding a mandibular nerve.
The two sample radiology reports presented demonstrated how comprehensive their radiology reporting service is. Reports cost only $70 with 24-48 hour delivery, or you could order emergency reports for $100 for guaranteed same day delivery. The reports include; TMJ evaluation, sinus evaluation, ruling out pathology, implant planning and more.

3DDX electronic data transfer is very user friendly and their team could guide you through the process. Such electronic service allows them to return their converted cases within hours. 3DDX provides the complete set of services and tools to complete the loop between the dentist, the center and the patient.

The presentation ended by mentioning www.conebeam.com, the educational website about CBCT managed by 3DDX. The website has all the information dentists and patients need to learn about CBCT. The website also sends a monthly newsletter that features interesting case studies and news related to the industry. The website also features a Blog spot for a general discussion about Dental Radiology.

For more information http://www.3ddx.com/


************************************************

Many thanks to Imaging Sciences International for hosting the i-CAT users meeting and to Liz Qualtier for flying all the way from Chicago to personally represent ISI. The next time you have the opportunity to talk with ISI, make sure to mention your appreciation we all feel for their unparalleled support of the i-CAT cone beam scanner.

We will see ya’all later this year at the AADMRT annual convention and the next i-CAT users meeting in San Antonio!