Children’s Hospital Enhances Image Quality While Reducing Dose Up to 50 Percent for Pediatric Patients

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthcare providers worldwide are working diligently to minimize imaging exposures—particularly for pediatric patients. Intermountain Primary Children's Medical Center (Salt Lake City, Utah) has risen to that challenge by reducing dose for its pediatric patients by up to 50 percent—while simultaneously enhancing image quality.

Carestream’s Pediatric Image Optimization and Enhancement Software is deployed on a CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray System that captures high-resolution digital images of pediatric patients in the NICU, ER and throughout the hospital. The software contains techniques for each of seven pediatric categories. The hospital equipped its DRX-Revolution with a CARESTREAM DRX1-C cesium iodide detector that is designed for higher resolution, dose-sensitive applications. Images are available in about five seconds, which helps physicians deliver accurate, responsive care.

“Our physicians and radiologists are extremely pleased with the improvement in visualization of soft tissues and small structures for all children, but the difference is especially pronounced in premature babies and infants,” said Casey Dye, RT, the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Coordinator.

Carestream’s Pediatric Capture Image Optimization & Enhancement Software offers the ability to select the pediatric patient body size from a range of seven categories. This newly categorized selection allows the system to choose default acquisition parameters and image-processing configurations appropriate for the different types of patients as well as the different detector types Carestream offers.

source: Business Wire

FUJIFILM’s Latest DR Portable Is Ready To Go!

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is pleased to announce that FDR Go, the latest evolution of the company’s digital portable portfolio, has just been released for sales in the United States. Compact and extremely maneuverable, FDR Go brings to portable DR the dose efficiency and high-quality imaging that customers expect from Fujifilm technology.

“Portable imaging is one of the fastest-paced and most demanding environments in medical imaging, and a system that can consistently capture high-quality images quickly, reliably and efficiently is an absolute necessity. That’s exactly where Fujifilm shines. We consistently focus on ease of use and achieving maximum image quality at the lowest patient dose,” said Robert Fabrizio, director of marketing and product development, digital X-ray, FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. “FDR Go continues our pursuit to excel in diagnostic confidence and improve patient care. The latest FDR Go is another step on the road to sharing the valuable benefits of Fujifilm innovations with healthcare professionals and patients across the country.”

Fujifilm’s original FCR Go portables, recognized for outstanding images and improved efficiency, uniquely employs the anytime/anywhere benefits of CR cassettes. Evolving to the next level, FDR Go utilizes today’s latest DR advancements, including our exclusive Irradiated Side Sampling (ISS) and Dynamic Visualization (DV) technologies.

source: Fuji Film

Carestream Shows Smaller-Format DRX Detector as Work in Progress at ECR

GENEVA, Switz., February 12 — Carestream is extending its leadership in the wireless digital radiography market by demonstrating a smaller-format 25 cm x 30 cm CARESTREAM DRX 2530C Detector* as a work in progress. The new cesium iodide detector is designed to offer high efficiency for dose sensitive paediatric, orthopaedic and general radiology exams.

“Healthcare providers voiced the need for a smaller detector that would deliver important imaging advantages in paediatric and orthopaedic environments, so our engineering team worked to develop the new DRX 2530C detector,” said Diana L. Nole, President, Digital Medical Solutions, Carestream Health. “We are committed to continuously improve our innovative DRX product family with new software and hardware options that help imaging service providers deliver a higher level of patient care.”

The smaller detector is designed to fit into paediatric incubator trays and offer higher DQE (detective quantum efficiency), which can lead to lower dose requirements than CR cassettes or gadolinium scintillator detectors. The new DRX 2530C detector is intended to be used with CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution or CARESTREAM DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kits for mobile imaging of neonatal or paediatric patients.

source: Carestream

Commitment to Research Earns Carestream 43 U.S. Patents in 2012

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Jan. 31 — Carestream was awarded 43 patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2012 for innovations in radiology imaging, healthcare IT, dental imaging and other areas, capping another strong year for technology development across its businesses.

These new patents include: improvements in digital radiography detectors; advanced image processing techniques for digital radiography, mammography exams and specialty applications; and medical imaging advancements for use in intensive care units, orthopedics and mobile X-ray systems.

The company also earned patents for innovations in its RIS (Radiology Information System) and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System) portfolio, as well as new dental imaging advances in intraoral (within the mouth) optical camera systems and radiography sensors. Rounding out Carestream’s research and development success in 2012 were patents for thermographic printer improvements and new inkjet media formulations for high-quality printing of medical images.

source: Carestream

Siemens Multix Fusion Analog Radiography System Commercially Available in U.S.

Malvern, Pa., March 6, 2012 – Siemens Healthcare has announced that the Multix Fusion analog radiography system is now commercially available in the United States. Supporting the full spectrum of routine radiography at an affordable price, the Multix Fusion features state-of-the-art components such as a height-adjustable, 660-pound capacity examination table. With a high level of reliability and attractive service contracts that help keep its operating costs comparatively low, the Multix Fusion combines innovation and price competitiveness – two components of Siemens Healthcare’s recently announced Agenda 2013 investment program.

"Siemens understands the challenges that healthcare providers are facing and is committed to being a solutions-oriented partner for our customers,” said Gerhard Schmiedel, vice president, X-Ray Products at Siemens Healthcare. “The Multix Fusion provides our industry with leading radiography technology that gives customers outstanding image quality and improved clinical workflow, while being sensitive to the financial challenges that are impacting healthcare facilities across the country."

Multix Fusion's X-ray tube synchronizes itself automatically to the cassette trays, enabling examinations to be performed quickly and simply. A 71-inch-long telescopic column allows the tube to be pulled down directly above the floor even in rooms with high ceilings, so patients do not have to climb onto the table for examinations such as foot images. The ergonomic, height-adjustable table facilitates patient positioning and can hold up to 660 pounds.

source: Siemens Medical

Carestream Health Receives FDA Clearance for New DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Apr 19, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Carestream received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System, and is now accepting orders from U.S. healthcare facilities. European and Canadian healthcare providers are also placing orders since the DRX-Revolution previously received approvals from the medical device regulatory agencies in those regions. This next-generation mobile DR system delivers outstanding image quality, provides easy maneuverability and comes with numerous productivity-enhancing features.

"The DRX-Revolution satisfies specific needs voiced by dozens of radiology professionals who were involved in the product's design process. It features an easy-to-position tube head and a compact design that provides improved visibility and greater safety when moving this portable digital X-ray system," said Diana Nole, President, Digital Medical Solutions, Carestream Health. "Healthcare providers are eager to deploy this fully-featured X-ray room on wheels to help enhance care for seriously ill or injured patients."

The DRX-Revolution enhances image quality for portable exams thanks to its powerful 32kW generator, DRX detector and special software that enables the radiographer to easily align the tube with a grid. Use of a grid can improve image quality and the alignment tool can reduce retakes and make alignment to a grid more efficient for the radiographer.

source:MarketWatch

Non-cancerous brain tumors linked to frequent dental X-rays

People who received frequent dental X-rays in the past, before dosages were lowered, have an increased risk of developing a meningioma, the most common and potentially debilitating type of non-cancerous brain tumor, a new study led by the Yale School of Public Health has found. The study is published online in Cancer, a journal of the American Cancer Society.

Meningioma is listed as a rare disease by the National Institutes of Health. The estimated incidence is up to 8 out of 100,000 people, and it occurs more frequently among women than men. Although it is the most frequently diagnosed type of brain tumor, meningioma is listed as a rare disease by the National Institutes of Health. Tumors develop in a membrane that envelops the brain and the central nervous system known as the meninges. They can grow undetected for years and eventually reach the size of a baseball or larger. While they are not cancerous, they can cause debilitating side effects such as headaches, vision problems, and loss of speech and motor control.

source: Yale News

Riverain Technologies' Temporal Comparison X-ray Software Receives FDA Clearence

DAYTON, Ohio, Jan 11, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Riverain Technologies announced today that it has received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Temporal Comparison software. This software electronically compares current and prior chest X-ray images and can help identify nodules that may be early-stage lung cancer, when there are more treatment options.

The first-of-its-kind technology zeros in on differences between current and prior chest X-rays of the same patient, drawing attention to what may be an emerging or enlarging tumor. The software aligns and registers the two patient images to produce a difference image, which allows radiologists to pinpoint even subtle changes that show up more clearly than on a traditional X-ray. Temporal Comparison also has received approval for marketing in the European Union.

In a study of 422 pairs of chest X-rays, 15 radiologists were able to demonstrate an average 12.4 percent improvement in sensitivity for actionable solitary pulmonary nodules using Riverain's Temporal Comparison software as compared to results based on comparing the X-rays side by side, today's standard.

source: Riverain Technologies

ALLPRO Imaging Launches Program to Eliminate Downtime for Healthcare Digital Radiography Customers

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan 09, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- ALLPRO Imaging, a leading digital imaging manufacturer of solutions for healthcare, industrial, military and security applications, today announced a new program designed to ensure that its customers experience minimal downtime with their ScanX digital radiography systems.

The ScanX S.U.R.E. ("Stay Up and Running Everyday") Program offers existing, out-of-warranty customers a choice of four highly affordable options:

-- Hot Swap Option. Allows the customer to economically replace a non-repairable, out-of-warranty ScanX system with a refurbished version of the existing model.

-- Upgrade Option. Allows the customer to economically replace an existing system with a refurbished version of an upgraded model.

-- Trade-In Option. Allows the customer to trade-in an existing system for a brand new version of an upgraded model.

-- Service Option. Provides maintenance services for a reasonable flat-rate on-site service call fee and a low hourly service charge (excluding parts).

ScanX computed radiography systems utilize phosphor storage plate (PSP) digital technology to reliably and cost-effectively deliver high-resolution images with minimal image development time.

source: Allpro Imaging

Carestream Health’s Digital Imaging Team Receives Israeli National Quality and Excellence Award

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 20 — Carestream Health has received the National Quality and Excellence Award from the Israeli government for its outstanding achievements and continuous improvement in the area of computed radiography (CR).

This award—honoring the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin—is the most prestigious award of its kind in Israel, and recognizes Israeli organizations for excellence and a commitment to quality. The competitive application process and evaluation is sponsored by the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Industry & Trade, the National Institute of Standards and the Israeli Society for Quality.

The Israeli National Quality and Excellence Award is based on U.S. Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award established by the U.S. Congress and is awarded annually by the President of the Unites States. Carestream applied for the Israeli award at the beginning of 2011 and went through a long evaluation process by an independent board of examiners in seven critical areas.

source: Carestream Health

Carestream Health's Digital Imaging Team Receives Israeli National Quality and Excellence Award

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Carestream Health has received the National Quality and Excellence Award from the Israeli government for its outstanding achievements and continuous improvement in the area of computed radiography (CR).

This award--honoring the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin--is the most prestigious award of its kind in Israel, and recognizes Israeli organizations for excellence and a commitment to quality. The competitive application process and evaluation is sponsored by the Prime Minister's Office and managed by the Ministry of Industry & Trade, the National Institute of Standards and the Israeli Society for Quality.

The Israeli National Quality and Excellence Award is based on U.S. Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award established by the U.S. Congress and is awarded annually by the President of the Unites States. Carestream applied for the Israeli award at the beginning of 2011 and went through a long evaluation process by an independent board of examiners in seven critical areas.

source: Carestream

Study Shows Improved Detection of Lung Cancer Nodules with Riverain Medical’s CAD Chest X-ray Technology

Dayton, Ohio — February 16, 2011 — Riverain Medical, an industry leader and innovator in computer-aided detection (CAD) and advanced visualization technologies, today announced a poster presentation, “A Superior Chest X-Ray Computer-Aided Detection (CXR CADe) Application: A Reader Study,” has been published on the European Society of Radiology’s website. Investigators compared two versions of Riverain Medical’s computer-aided detection (CAD) technology, OnGuard™ 5.1 and OnGuard 1.0. The study found radiologists using OnGuard 5.1 were able to detect smaller lung nodules, including those that were primary lung cancer.

“By using OnGuard 5.1 in tandem with a standard chest X-ray, our radiologists are now able to detect smaller lung nodules that would have previously gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Matthew Freedman, principal investigator of the study and Associate Professor of oncology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

source: Riverain Medical

GE Healthcare Introduces New Wireless Digital Detector Option for X-ray Customers at Arab Health

Dubai, UAE; January 25, 2011: GE Healthcare, the healthcare business of General Electric Company (GE), announced the launch of its next generation wireless, digital X-ray detector at Arab Health 2011, the world’s second largest healthcare exhibition being held until January 27 at the Dubai International Convention Center.

GE’s FlashPad is a reliable, long-term investment for future Radiography and Fluoroscopy systems, compatible with a variety of GE X-ray products today and is the only wireless digital detector capable of supporting advanced applications.

Designed for digital use based on customer input, FlashPad is a flexible, wireless detector that features two handles that make it easier to position and maneuver. It is equipped with GE’s most advanced X-ray detector technology, and its unique design provides up to eight percent more coverage for key applications and maintains high image quality at low dose levels.

This wireless DR option was engineered to provide high image quality at low dose levels and is capable of being utilized in all routine radiography exams, and specialized areas including, pediatric work, intensive care and trauma, and wherever conventional screen-film systems may be used.

source: GE Medical

Image Gently Helps Physicians Lower Radiation Dose in Fluoroscopic Procedures on Children

Washington — The Image Gently campaign has developed easily accessible online teaching materials and checklists to help providers use the lowest dose necessary to perform fluoroscopic procedures on children. Physicians, medical physicists, and radiologic technologists are encouraged to visit the Image Gently Web site (www.imagegently.org) to review these important materials and factor the information into their clinical decision making.

The Image Gently campaign is conducted by the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging, founded by the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR), the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), and now encompasses more than 50 medical organizations serving more than 500,000 health care providers world-wide.

There is no doubt that fluoroscopic procedures help improve and save lives. However, children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, and cumulative radiation exposure to their smaller, developing bodies could, over time, have adverse effects.

complete article: BlogThis!