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TechScan
Carestream Health's DRX-1
For over 30 years the healthcare industry has been in transition,
moving away from projection X-ray technology to the higher-performing digital
radiography (DR). Despite the improved diagnostic quality and productivity advances
associated with DR, the changeover has been slow and painful, mostly as a result
of high costs and difficulty of revamping existing facilities to accommodate
the new technology.
Existing DR systems, which cost upward of Rs 1 crore for
the technology alone, required additional funding for room renovations to account
for the larger equipment. Portable DR systems were a way around remodeling,
yet they had their own limitations, including significant downtime to handle
battery charges or, alternatively, cabling that got in the way of positioning
and patient care. An interim solution was computed radiography (CR), a much
less expensive technology that could plug directly into existing imaging facilities.
However, although CR was simple to install, there were productivity trade-offs
since it required extra time to read out and erase each image from a CR plate.
Carestream Health, the leader in medical and dental imaging
systems, saw an opportunity for a novel product that could accelerate the stalled
conversion. In June 2009, Carestream Health, Inc., commercialised the industry's
first wireless DR detector that is the size of a standard cassette and can be
used with existing wall stand or table-based Buckys. Carestream Health holds
seven patents for the product which was cleared by the US Federal Drug Administration
(FDA) in 60 days, versus the standard three months or longer.
 The
DRX-1 System incorporates a console and a wireless 14 x 17 inch (35 x 43 cm)
cassette-size digital radiography (DR) detector that provides a rapid, affordable
conversion for users of radiographic film or computed radiography systems. It
requires no modifications to existing analog equipment - which results in very
low installation costs-and a healthcare facility can utilise one detector for
nearly all types of exams where a traditional cassette would be used. The DRX-1
system delivers high-quality preview images in under five seconds, which significantly
improves productivity, even for users of computed radiography (CR) systems.
Moreover, the DRX-1 has the added advantage of very low dosage of radiation
per exposure, as compared to analog X-Ray or CR.
"This innovative wireless detector presents an extremely
attractive option for facilities that want to improve productivity and image
quality in existing film or CR rooms, but do not have the budget for equipment
replacement," said Diana L Nole, President, Digital Medical Solutions,
Carestream Health. "No modifications to existing X-ray systems are needed
and facilities can continue to use the Bucky with CR or film-based cassettes
if desired. In addition, the wireless functionality of the DRX-1 can improve
efficiency by allowing a much more flexible workflow to meet the specialised
needs of each individual facility."
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 the wall stand
Bucky, table Bucky or for tabletop shots and other difficult
views. With a weight of 3.86 kgs, the detector is up to 30 per cent lighter
and up to 50 per cent smaller than other portable detectors. Its compact size
and light weight further enhance convenience and throughput for radiology professionals.
Carestream Health's engineers designed the DR detector and
all components within the cassette to withstand the challenging environment
of a modern x-ray department. The rugged detector, case, and internal components
are designed to produce top quality DR images under real-life x-ray department
conditions. The DRX-1 system-suitable for general radiology, trauma, orthopedics
and virtually all other x-ray exams-incorporates the same innovative software
and image processing capability as Carestream Health's KODAK DirectView CR and
DR systems and, therefore, will deliver image quality and workflow consistent
with these 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 DICOM files to a Printer, PACS or storage device.
The DR detector can be used with standard off-the-shelf grid holders and grids
for tabletop use.
The DRX-1 has seen world-wide success for its convenience,
ease of use and low cost of adoption. Some of end users had this to say:
"My overall impression of the system is absolutely outstanding.
Of course, from a clinician's point of view one of the most important aspects
of any system is the quality of the images it produces. In this respect, we
have no problems-the image quality is very good," said Prof Thomas Vogl,
Director of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at the
University Hospital of Frankfurt, Germany.
"The DRX-1 system offers exceptional image quality and
is very easy to use. It's also very easy to implement. We installed the system
in the morning and our technologists were using it to image patients in the
afternoon," said Mike Sharma, the Director of Diagnostic Imaging, General
Hospital in Guelph, Canada. "The system integrated smoothly with our PACS,
so the patient worklist is available to expedite workflow." He added that
this system's positioning flexibility earns high marks. "Because the DRX-1
System can be easily taken out of the Bucky tray, it facilitates exams where
it is difficult or painful to move the patient. It is an excellent choice to
replace existing film or CR systems."
The DRX-1, described as the 'iPod of healthcare', is slated
to attain success worldwide.
Sujay Suvarna
Business Manager
Digital Radiography, Emerging Markets, Carestream Health (Near East) Ltd
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