1. What is Temporal Comparison?

Riverain’s Temporal Comparison is a software application that functions as an accessory to the hospitals existing PACS system. The technology is intended to assist the radiologist in identifying changes in the lungs between two chest radiographs by producing a difference image.

This technology generates a secondary image based on current and prior chest x-ray images of the same patient, resulting in improved detection of lung nodules.¹

 2. How does Temporal Comparison work?

With the use of Riverain’s pattern recognition and machine learning algorithms, Riverain’s Temporal Comparison software is designed to normalize each image to make it consistent with a standard format. The lung field is then identified for comparison. The current and prior image are then aligned and processed by subtracting the current image from the prior image. The difference image is then reformatted to the original image output and included as an additional image in the patient’s folder.

3. What do you mean when you say “Pattern Recognition”?

Pattern recognition is a discipline of the information sciences. It combines engineering, mathematics, statistics and computer science disciplines along with computer science to analyze patterns. Patterns constitute regularities – predictable behavior – within data. In the context of Temporal Comparison, machine learning and pattern recognition methods are used to estimate the bone suppressed image and aid in establishing points and regions of correspondence between the prior and current chest x-ray in preparation for aligning (registering) the two image prior to formation of the residual image via pixel level subtraction.

4. What is the clinical benefit?

A study conducted for the DeltaView 510(k) FDA Clearance concluded that with the assistance of Riverain’s Temporal Comparison software, when comparing images for significant change, radiologists were able to significantly improve their ability to detect areas of change. ¹

5. Is Temporal Comparison on a dedicated review station?

No, through the configuration and installation of Riverain’s Temporal Comparison, the application can be set up on any station designated by the site.

 6. Will it work with my PACS? Will it work with all PACS?

Riverain’s Temporal Comparison receives images according to DICOM 3.0 protocol, processes the PA and AP chest images, and outputs an image through the same DICOM 3.0 network connection. The results are then sent to the existing PACS workstation for radiologist review. The difference image is automatically included in the patient folder, easily accessed with the click of a mouse.

 7. Where is Temporal Comparison available for sale?

Riverain’s Temporal Comparison is available for sale in the US, Canada, and Europe.

 8. Does Temporal Comparison require other modules?

Temporal Comparison requires the customer to have purchased Riverain's bone suppression software SoftView.  Temporal Comparison is an add on to the SoftView package.

¹ Riverain Medical DeltaView 510(k) FDA Reader Study Results 2011