Mr. Antonio Garcia, Industry Manager For Patient Monitoring and Medical Imaging of Frost & Sullivan said, “Frost & Sullivan presents the 2006 North American Medical Imaging Industry Innovation and Advancement of the Year Award to FONAR for their unwavering leadership as a pioneer in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ever since the company’s introduction of the first commercial MR scanner in 1980. Spurred during the 1970s by founder Dr. Raymond Damadian’s significant research discoveries in the area of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for cancer detection, his origination of the idea of scanning the human body by NMR, and his patent of the first MR scanner. FONAR went on to become the innovative force behind all three magnet types in use today, namely superconducting, permanent and resistive magnets. FONAR has also established itself as the only manufacturer that offers an Upright (Multi-Position) MR scanner that allows for the imaging of patients in seated, standing, flexion and extension positions, which permits dynamics visualization of the fully weight-loaded spine in contrast to the present day pictures of the non weight-loaded spine obtained in conventional static single-position recumbent-only MRIs.”
“For nearly 30 years, FONAR has led the medical imaging industry in promoting the clinical utility of MR and the multitude of applications that can be performed with this technology. In recognition of the company’s longstanding role as a pioneering innovator of MR technology, Frost & Sullivan is proud to bestow upon FONAR the 2006 North American Medical Imaging Industry Innovation & Advancement of the Year Award,” exclaimed Mr. Garcia.
Dr. Subha Basu, Ph.D, Industry Analyst, Medical Imaging for Frost & Sullivan said, “In the $1.4 billion U.S. MR scanner industry, FONAR has differentiated itself by offering the only Upright MR scanner. The patient is imaged seated or standing, instead of lying supine. This configuration not only eases patient anxiety by placing adult and adolescent patients in a more comfortable position, but the accuracy of spinal cord images are also enhanced, since physicians can image the spine in weight-bearing positions that more accurately reflect herniated and/or displaced spinal column states. Diagnostic precision is particularly important for the spine, as nearly half of all MR images are performed on the neck or spine, where the curvature of the spinal column further adds to the complexity of acquiring natural, functional images of the spine under load-bearing conditions. With nearly 120 worldwide installations, the Upright™ Multi-Position™ MR scanner has gained increasing adoption rates across multiple clinical sub-specialties, including radiology, orthopedics, pediatrics and neurosurgery.”
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit http://www.awards.frost.com.
