New Wireless DR Technology Combines Breakthrough Digital Systems to Improve Productivity

Digital radiography (DR) is one of the most consequential technologic developments in medical imaging over the last 10 years. Because of this innovation, the use of photographic films for X-ray imaging should become obsolete in a few years.

The advantages of digital radiography are many: in making a facility filmless, the referring physician can view the requested image on a desktop personal computer, frequently with the report, just minutes after the examination was performed. Images are no longer bound by location; they can be seen simultaneously by distant clinicians. Moreover, patients can have a copy of their X-rays on a compact disk to take to another clinician or hospital.

The size of a standard cassette, the industry's first wireless DR detector was designed to fit into existing X-ray rooms without having to replace or modify existing equipment. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has given marketing clearance to Carestream Health (Rochester, NY, USA; www.carestreamhealth.com) for the technology.

The Carestream DRX-1 system incorporates a console and a wireless 35 x 43-cm cassette-sized DR detector that provides a rapid, cost-effective conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography (CR) systems. Since the system requires no modifications to existing film-based equipment, installation costs are modest, in addition, healthcare facilities can use one detector for nearly all types of examinations where a traditional cassette would be used. The DRX-1 system provides high-quality preview images in about five seconds, which significantly improves productivity, even for users of CR systems.

Medical Imaging International recently discussed this new technology with Todd R. Minnigh, worldwide director of marketing for Carestream Health's medical imaging products. "Using wireless DR technology provides greater speeds, enhanced images, with more flexibility and freedom,” said Mr. Minnigh. "DRX-1 technology combines the flexibility of a cassette-sized detector for faster workflow.”

Because this DR detector is a wireless cassette, it provides flexible positioning that enhances both efficiency and patient comfort. The detector can be used wherever it is needed: in a wall stand Bucky, a table Bucky, for tabletop shots, and for other difficult views. With a weight of 3.8 kg, the detector is up to 30% lighter and up to 50% smaller than other portable detectors. Its compact size and lightweight additionally enhance convenience and throughput for radiology professionals. The DR detector and all components within the cassette are constructed to withstand the challenging environment of a modern X-ray department. The detector, case, and internal components are designed to generate high-quality DR images under realistic X-ray department conditions.

Moreover, according to Mr. Minnigh, using this technology can result in a 15-20% improvement in workflow. The DRX-1 system incorporates the same software and image processing capability as Carestream Health's Kodak DirectView CR (computed radiography) and DR systems. A console is included with the detector to assist with image capture, preparing preview images, image processing, and full-resolution display. Images can be transmitted as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files to a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) or storage device.

The DR detector can be used with standard off-the-shelf grid holders and grids for tabletop use. Mr. Minnigh remarked, "The customer reaction has been fantastic. With more and more leads for this product, the response has been phenomenal.”

A newer approach
Carestream engineers have developed an even newer approach to this wireless technology. By utilizing a new, fully integrated digital radiography (DR) suite based on this wireless DR detector technology, healthcare providers can now upgrade their radiography room to this suite as needs arise and capital budgets allow.

"The Evolution is well-suited for when a total X-ray room replacement or dual-detector technology is needed,” noted Mr. Minnigh. The Carestream DRX-Evolution combines the cassette-sized, wireless DR detector technology with the functionality of Carestream Health's Kodak Directview DR 7500 system, while providing a modular transition path to a single- or dual-detector X-ray room. When combined with the DRX-1 system, the DRX-Evolution is designed to provide the positioning flexibility of a cassette-sized detector with the rapid workflow of a fully automated DR suite. This combination of sophisticated digital systems helps simplify challenging X-ray views to help maximize productivity and enhance patient care.

By installing a DRX-1 system, healthcare providers can upgrade an existing X-ray room to DR technology without the need to retrofit existing X-ray equipment. The DRX-Evolution then makes it possible to take a gradual approach to a fully featured single- or dual-detector DR suite as needed.

"The DRX-Evolution is a natural progression from the DRX-1,” stated Mr. Minnigh. The system features increased flexibility and productivity as a result of its wall stand (with an extending tilt and swing Bucky) and fixed elevating table. Autopositioning capability moves the equipment to predefined positions with a press of a button, and the system includes the same touch-screen operator interface as other CR and DR systems from Carestream Health.

At the heart of the technology is the DRX-1 system. Whether an organization is upgrading to a DRX-1 system, or whether it is planning to adopt a full DR suite with maximum imaging capabilities, the flexibility of a wireless cassette-sized DR detector is a distinct advantage. The rapid speed of wireless communications means the medical image will appear on the console in seconds, while the detector's lightweight eliminates the problem of radiology technologists struggling to position patients around a fixed DR gantry.

Pending regulatory approvals, Carestream Health expects to begin taking orders for its DRX-Evolution system this summer, with initial shipments anticipated to begin in the fall of 2009.

According to Mr. Minnigh, out of the vast majority of X-ray rooms that exist today, about 2,000 worldwide, only 6% have DR technology of some type, and 93% still utilize traditional film (CR or analogue). Because there is an ongoing demographic shift in the population age, with the baby-boomer set progressing into older ages, he noted that wireless DR technology will be vital in helping to meet the demand for smoother workflow with more people requiring X-rays.

Mr. Minnigh has published articles and presented frequently on radiology workflow and digital X-ray technology. He holds two patents in digital X-ray and informatics, with two more patents currently in process. For the past six years, he has served in various capacities with the Kodak's Health Group, now Carestream Health.

Carestream Health, Inc. is a lead developer of dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare information technology (IT) solutions; molecular imaging systems for life- science research and drug discovery/development market segments; and X-ray film and digital X-ray products for the non-destructive testing market.

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