X-ray: The new world is flat (panel) - and cassette based too

Maximizing radiology department and imaging center resources, seamless integration, and systems that offer flexible viewing capabilities were just some of the common themes among x-ray vendors at this year's RSNA. You didn't have to go far to find flat-panel detector technology or portable systems designed for the unique constraints of small facilities and easier access to immobile or trauma patients.

Agfa's HealthCare Business Group highlighted its System Monitoring and Management Services, an integrated service that manages and monitors Agfa's applications, hardware, operating systems and databases. Agfa's new CR solution - DX-S - combines two technologies unique to Agfa-DirectriX needle-based detector technology and Scanhead line-to-line CR stimulation and light collection technology.

Alara introduced the CRystalView R200, a CR system for single plate reader applications that offers a high-quality system with daylight operation, integrated read/erase and throughput of approximately 50 plates per hour.

AllPro Imaging showcased its ScanX 14 CR scanner designed in size and price for private orthopedic practice. The ScanX 14 uses phosphor storage plates (PSP) that can be reused thousands of times.

Anexa introduced targeted functionality in its new DR product line with the addition of the SyneRad OMNI XT and the SyneRad OMNI RT. These two additions represent added functionality for emergency and outpatient applications in the case of the SyneRad OMNI XT and a dual-detector option for trauma in the SyneRad OMNI RT.

Array Corp. introduced the Ipanema CR system. With a self-contained, single-plate reader, it can be positioned in most control rooms.  

Canon Medical Systems showcased its full line, including the Canon CXDI-40G that captures 17"x17" images from almost any position or angle. Canon DR Image Viewer software is a fully-scalable solution featuring pan, zoom, and measurement tools. The Canon Mobile Access Station is designed for facilities with limited network capability, but a need for portable DR.

CMT Medical Technologies followed up last year's launch of the SmartRAD and SmartSPOT PrimaX systems with advanced features including graphic user interfaces that integrate the operator acquisition console. They also offer Rhapsody, CMT's contrast-enhancing, tissue-harmonizing image processing software and SmartStitch for extended length imaging.

Fujifilm Medical Systems USA introduced Focused Phosphor, a new technology that increases detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and image clarity. Fuji is now offering three CR systems: Two FCR Carbon models and FCR ClearView-1. FCR Carbon is the smallest, full-featured CR system with two models - Carbon XL and Carbon X - differentiated by throughput. Fuji's new FCR ClearView-1 features the digital x-ray image quality of Fuji's four-cassette, multiplate system, but in single-cassette design.

GE Healthcare introduced the Definium series. The Definium AMX 700 is a DR mobile system, while the Definium 8000 is the new fixed room DR system. The user interface for the new auto-positioning overhead tube suspension (OTS) includes a touch-screen user interface, motorized 5-axis movements, and 90-degree rotating screen.

iCRco Inc. showcased the iCR3600SF that incorporates a flat scan path, an ultra precise scan mechanism, and protective cassettes to produce over 300,000 high-resolution images per plate. iCRco also showcased the iCR7200, a dual bay unit that includes high throughput, and the ability to simultaneously process two plates of any size.

Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. showcased its Xplorer Direct Capture technology, including the Xplorer 2200, a dual-detector solution with a fixed, elevating table, four-way floating top upright bucky, and an independent overhead tube crane. The Xplorer 1800 uses a motorized stand and mobile table in a single detector configuration. The Xplorer 1600 is a wall-mounted multi-axis positioning system featuring motorized movement and variable SID. The Xplorer 1590 is a motorized DR system, and the Xplorer 1500 is an upright imaging system that can replace the upright bucky. The OrthoXP is IDC's newest DR system, requiring just 80 square feet.

InfiMed's latest DR system, the StingRay Excel, builds upon the unique image processing core and flat-panel detector technology of the StingRay DR system but offers a new set of image processing features.

Kodak's Health Group introduced the DirectView DR 7500 System, a modular DR system featuring a unique wall stand capable of three-axis movement. The system also features a fixed, elevating table with four-way float and an integrated operator console.

Kodak showed several works-in-progress. The DirectView DR 3000 System is designed for facilities with limited space and budget. The DirectView CR Portable Long-Length Imaging System enables imaging of long anatomical regions in the supine or upright position.

The company also displayed its DirectView CR 975 system that features "drop-and-go" cassette processing for reduced radiographer queuing.

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging demonstrated its software upgrade for Xpress CR, which allows users to add free floating text to their images. Konica also discussed IQue that automatically recognizes each exam view and applies the processing algorithms appropriate for that image. Also on display were the Regius Model 350 and 370 CR upright reader.  

Lodox Systems North America, LLC showcased its Statscan Critical Imaging System, a digital x-ray system that can conduct a full body scan in 13 seconds.

Philips Medical Systems showcased its new PCR Eleva which combines reliable reader technology and excellent image quality with the new, intuitive user interface - the PCR Eleva workspot.

Philips' DigitalDiagnost DR system offers automatic image stitching and motorized positioning of the multi-purpose single detector. The DigitalDiagnost Compact is centered by the fixed detector column with its flexible, multi-purpose arm. Philips also launched the Practix Convenio, a fully motorized, battery-powered mobile x-ray system.

Quantum Medical Imaging LLC exhibited its new Q-Rad PQ Pivoting Table System, featuring a single digital receptor built into a tilting/rotating wall stand, situated on a horizontal track system.

Quantum also introduced its TechVision Tubesupport Operator Touch screen featuring Digital Image Preview, providing a complete digital image at the operator handgrip within three seconds, and its new QV-8000 Digital Universal C-arm.  

Siemens Medical Solutions featured its Axiom Artis dTA, the first digital ceiling-mounted universal angiography C-arm system with flat-panel detector technology. Also on display was Siemens' Axiom Multix M portable flat-panel detector. ARCADIS Avantic is Siemens' newest C-arm, designed for power and a large field of view. Also on display was the new Axiom Aristos FX DR system with seamless DICOM integration.

Siemens and BrainLAB also showcased NaviVision, a combination of a surgical C-arm and an optical 2D/3D navigation unit into a common platform.

Shimadzu Corp. showcased its mobile DR system, enabled by installation of a thin 14" x 17" flat-panel detector in the MobileArt series. Shimadzu's RADSpeed Safire incorporates a direct-conversion flat panel detector.

Swissray International added Si TFT flat-panel technology to its ddRCombi Trauma and debuted the all-new ddRFormula system, featuring the unique automated positioning system (APS). The newest system, the C-arm type ddRFormula, features numerous technological innovations in a compact design. The ddRCombi Plus consists of a floor-mounted positioning device and a vertically motor-driven, synchronized ceiling suspension system.

Summit Industries introduced its AMRAD DXR Dual Advantage System - a fully integrated digital solution that comes equipped with two patented, CCD (charge-coupled device) direct digital receptors.

Toshiba America Medical Systems unveiled a new unique room configuration for its T.RAD Plus product line-offering traditional radiographic systems and a removable DR panel and adjustable PIVOT table. Toshiba also introduced an integrated DR panel for its Kalare R&F x-ray system, which enables true, all-digital examinations and post processing. Toshiba showcased its dedicated vascular system, the Infinix VC-i with Large Field of View Flat Panel Detector.