Digital Radiography System Enhances Diagnostic Flexibility

The Agfa Healthcare (Mortsel, Belgium) DR 800 is a highly versatile, fully integrated digital imaging solution for radiography (both static and tilting exams), fluoroscopy (including barium swallows and enemas, arthrograms, myelography, and catheter placements), and tomosynthesis exams, using iterative reconstruction algorithms that deliver images with less noise and fewer artifacts. The system has three high-frequency fluoroscopy generator options and advanced cesium iodide (CsI) detector panel technology for high-speed, high-resolution, imaging at low doses.

Smooth operation is achieved with the aid of ZeroForce Technology, which enables manual movement of the tube head in all directions quickly, and with almost zero effort; the tube head also holds a touch screen display. Other feature include a 180 cm source-image distance (SID) and auto positioning presets for chest imaging, an automated, fully motorized wall stand bucky with vertical tracking with the tube, a console for patient-side positioning, a wireless console for remote control, a compressor cone, and an auto-switching anti-scatter grid.

The DR 800 also comes with multi-scale image contrast amplification (MUSICA) high-speed, multi-scale image processing, which can also process moving images. Along with enhanced noise suppression and superb brightness control, Dynamic MUSICA image processing software enhances both image quality and workflow for radiographers and radiologists in skeletal, thorax, abdomen, and weight bearing x-ray exams, as well as fluoroscopy barium studies, arthrograms, cystograms, myelography, and catheter placements.

“The DR 800 has already been supporting imaging departments to meet today's growing demand for versatility, without requiring multiple investments," said Louis Kuitenbrouwer, vice president of the imaging division of Agfa. “With the DR 800, we are using our experience and innovation to create a versatile solution, a ‘jack of all trades’ that can be configured to match the user's specific needs. Playing a key role in assuring optimum patient care, the DR 800 supports radiology within the care continuum.”