Flat Panel Detector Technology Enables Faster Exams

A new flat panel detector has been designed for the midrange price sector that can perform both full-digital fluoroscopy and radiography. With its two-in-one functionality, the flat panel detector technology allows more effective use of fluoroscopy equipment in routine medical care.

At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) held in March 7–11, 2013, in Vienna (Austria), Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) presented the new system that enables faster examinations and patient throughput compared to the midrange image intensifiers that have been available up to now. Expanding the range of cost-effective systems is part of Agenda 2013, Siemens Healthcare’s initiative.

Working with current mid-range image intensifiers is a time-consuming process. Taking an X-ray means inserting, removing, and replacing cassettes. Because these cassettes have to be processed, patients have to wait longer for results. Luminos Fusion with flat panel detector technology is different, with a 43 x 43-cm image surface that provides full digital, distortion-free X-ray and fluoroscopic images within seconds. With accelerated treatment, patient throughput can be increased. The higher-quality images generated by the flat panel detector provides radiologists with optimal diagnostic data and provide images double the size of that of those achieved with typical image intensifiers. The flat panel detector also takes up less space than image intensifiers and makes it easier for medical personnel to position the patient.

“Luminos Fusion brings Siemens’s flat panel detector technology to the mid-range price segment,” noted André Hartung, CEO of X-ray products at Siemens Healthcare. “This means that even more customers and patients can benefit from faster examinations and higher diagnostic image quality.”

The flat panel detector in Luminos Fusion has up to now only been available in a higher-range price segment. Combined with a more cost-effective system, the fully digital two-in-one technology is now available to an expanded customer base. This integration of fluoroscopy and radiography equipment helps increase system utilization and avoids wasted time. Because fluoroscopy patients typically need to fast before an examination employing contrast agents, for example, appointments are typically scheduled in the morning. A two-in-one system such as Luminos Fusion is available in the afternoon for X-ray imaging, so the equipment can be utilized at greater capacity.

Luminos Fusion is equipped with SmartTouch technology for greater safety in the exam room. To decrease the chance of unwanted movements, the joysticks require skin contact of the operator’s hand, so the system cannot be moved accidentally and injure patients or medical personnel. Luminos Fusion also features the Careposition functionality, which enables radiation-free positioning of the examination area to protect against unnecessary radiation. Graphics on the screen show the user the position of where a new image will be taken in relation to the last image captured.

Agenda 2013, launched in November 2011, Agenda 2013 is an initiative of the Siemens Healthcare Sector to additionally strengthen its innovative power and competitiveness. Specific measures, which will be implemented by the end of 2013, have been defined in four fields of action: innovation, competitiveness, regional footprint, and people development.

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