Philips Introduces AlluraClarity X-Ray System in Ghent Hospital
By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 28 Aug 2012
Ghent University Hospital (Belgium) announced the launch of its new coronary angioplasty room, fitted with the Philips (Best, The Nederland) AlluraClarity - an interventional X-ray with advanced ClarityIQ technology, offering image quality equivalent to the Allura Xper generation, at a fraction of the dose. Posted on 28 Aug 2012
Findings from a landmark clinical trial demonstrate that, during coronary angiographies, equivalent image quality can be achieved using a 50% reduction in radiation dose compared to a traditional imaging system. In other types of clinical applications, such as DSA angiography, studies have shown dose reduction of up to 83%.

Image: The Philips AlluraClarity X-ray System (Photo courtesy of Philips).
Traditionally, the use of lower doses of radiation during interventional X-ray procedures resulted in a deterioration of the image quality, which could adversely affect the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment by the clinician. Philips’ ClarityIQ technology can reduce the doses to which a patient is exposed without sacrificing image quality, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their diagnosis and treatment.
The introduction of the AlluraClarity system at the Ghent University Hospital is even more pertinent having recently opened its new Princess Elisabeth children’s hospital. Prof. Taeymans, departmental head at Ghent University Hospital: "Each year, there are more than 120 young patients who have to undergo tests in our department, for whom the opportunity to reduce the dose of radiation used in an X-ray, is even more important.”
In addition to the clear advantages the AlluraClarity system offers patients, the medical personnel operating the system will also benefit. In fact, thanks to the “DoseAware” capsule that the care staff can attach to their working clothes, the effects of the ClarityIQ technology can be measured in real time. This system supplies immediate time-stamped feedback in the examination room so that medical personnel can immediately see what doses of radiation they are being exposed to.
"In the past, it was difficult to combine excellent image quality with a low X-ray dose and we often had to reach a compromise,” emphasizes Bart Deblaere, Specialist iXR with Philips Healthcare. “Philips AlluraClarity contains a powerful imaging technology which provides superb image quality at a fraction of the dose, once again highlighting Philips’ commitment in favor of innovation and patient security."
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