(HealthTech Wire / Interview) - Helen Titus, Worldwide Marketing Manager for Digital Capture Systems, Carestream Health, explains to HealthTech Wire the advantages of digital radiology (DR) and how Carestream’s range of DR products provides healthcare professionals with a complete choice of interoperable, affordable and leading-edge X-ray imaging systems.
Which countries lead the way in terms of DR adoption?
In terms of the pace of adoption, the US, Canada, Western Europe and China are leading the way and we are now facing the first replacement of DR systems that started very early with digitisation. As DR costs fall, emerging markets such as Latin America or some Asian countries will follow suit.
Today there are a number of companies entering the detector sector, which will inevitably lead to competitive pricing. Technical improvements will also make systems more robust and affordable and already manufacturers are considering backplane structures other than glass for digital detectors.
What are the main advantages of DR technology?
The main advantages are in dose, productivity and image quality. DR technology either delivers better image quality at the same dose as computed radiography or similar image quality to CR at lower dose. DR also allows for fast availability of preview images, so that the radiographer can be certain, within seconds, whether good image quality or the correct position is achieved. This capability is particularly beneficial in intensive care units as it simplifies processes when every second counts in diagnosis.
How committed is Carestream to DR and will R&D for digital radiography continue to be a priority?
Carestream continues its strong commitment to developing innovative new radiology products. DR is a key area of focus for our R&D engineers. We are fully engaged in developing next-generation detectors, software algorithms, advanced applications and hardware. Improving workflow, productivity and image quality in radiology will continue to be a high priority.
Carestream has just launched the DRX-Revolution mobile X-ray system. Why is the company so excited about this product and where do you see its future?
There are numerous challenges with bedside imaging today both in terms of the workflow and image quality. The equipment and overall process has been the same for years. We felt there were opportunities to improve both productivity and image quality for what are typically the sickest patients in a facility.
Through extensive “voice of customer” interviews, we designed a digital mobile X-ray system from the ground up that is truly revolutionary. The DRX-Revolution addresses the challenges of bedside imaging like no other solution on the market. We are confident that hospitals will see benefits in their intensive care facilities, emergency rooms, operating theatres and anywhere portable imaging is performed. Radiology administrators and radiographers who have seen product demonstrations have sent us emails to commend the product and thank us for developing a new mobile imaging system that will enable them to make dramatic improvements in care for critically ill patients.
The market for DR systems is expanding. What are the opportunities for continued growth in DR and which segments of the market will Carestream focus on?
The market for DR systems is expanding worldwide due to the technology’s compelling advantages in productivity, X-ray dose and image quality. The ability to capture high-resolution digital images quickly, and preview them in seconds, is extremely important for patient care. That’s why DR systems are being deployed in ER, ICU, OR and general radiography environments.
Carestream’s DRX-1 system allows facilities to affordably transition existing analogue rooms to DR, while our DRX-mobile retrofit kits convert existing mobile imaging systems to the speed and convenience offered by DR detectors. Not only are these systems affordable, they require less than a day for implementation and training. We also offer a fully featured DRX-Evolution suite that delivers the ultimate in productivity and positioning flexibility. Carestream is committed to providing the right DR solutions for facilities of all types, from very large hospitals to small outpatient centres and clinics.
What differentiates Carestream’s DR solutions from those of its competitors?
In addition to the advantages offered by our cassette-size, wireless detector, we also offer what we call the X-Factor — the ability to move DRX detectors to any member of the DRX product family. For example, a detector used in a mobile unit for early morning rounds at a hospital can be moved to a general radiology room for the rest of the day. DRX detectors can also be moved from day use in radiology exam rooms to mobile units that serve the emergency department at night. And when a facility is ready to upgrade to a full DR suite, the DRX detector can be deployed in the new room. This ability to move detectors where they are needed allows our DRX family to deliver a higher return on investment for capital purchases.
The DRX family also delivers advanced software, including our innovative Tube and Line Visualisation feature that provides instant verification for physicians who are placing tubes and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines in seriously ill or injured patients. This enhances care for ER and ICU patients. Carestream also designed its graphical user interface to be identical across all of our CR and DR products, which greatly decreases training time and improves workflow.
Carestream acquired Quantum Medical Imaging during 2010. How will these products fit within the Carestream portfolio?
Carestream acquired Quantum to help fill a gap in our portfolio of products for use by smaller facilities and clinics. Quantum products allow us to offer solutions for sites that want analogue X-ray equipment and value-priced DR equipment. The two product families are complementary and this expanded portfolio means that we can offer any healthcare provider the right product for their needs —regardless of space, workflow and budget.
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