Filtration System Optimizes Fluoroscopy X-Ray Beam

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 16 Mar 2021

A novel system reduces unnecessary radiation exposure during fluoroscopically guided procedures by containing the X-ray beam in the relevant region of interest (ROI).

The ControlRad (Atlanta, GA, USA) ControlRad Select is intended for use with the Siemens Healthcare (Erlangen, Germany) Artis zee C-arm fluoroscopic system during diagnostic, surgical, and interventional procedures; it cannot be used independent of the Artis zee system. The ControlRad Select consists of a radiation filtering system semi-permanently fixed to the Siemens Medical Artis zee C-arm, in order to aid in reducing both patient and clinicians' radiation exposure.

Image: The ControlRad Select optimizes the X-ray beam to reduce radiation by 85% (Photo courtesy of ControlRad)

The system claims to reduce radiation dose by 85% outside the clinician-selected ROI, and within the un-collimated field of view (FOV). Components include a touch tablet that provides operational control via a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the clinician to select the ROI; a titanium filter that is partially transparent to X-ray radiation; ControlRad proprietary hardware, software and firmware modules; and a communication interface. The filter is installed on top of the C-arm’s collimator, and does not affect or modify functionality.

“Radiation from C-arm procedures may increase the risk of brain cancer, cataracts, strokes, and atherosclerosis in over 17 million fluoroscopic procedures in the United States very year,” said Chris Fair, president of the Mobile C-arm division at ControlRad. “Regardless of whether it is a spine or orthopedic procedure, pain management or urology case, our technology reduces radiation exposure and protects those who are saving the lives of others.”

“The health risks to the medical staff due to lifetime radiation exposure in cath labs have been well documented, including increased incidence of cataracts, atherosclerosis and even left-brain tumors,” said Simon Dixon, MD, chief of cardiology at Beaumont Hospital (Royal Oak, MI, USA). “We recently completed a clinical trial designed to evaluate how this novel technology might reduce radiation exposure. I have long been passionate about finding innovative ways to improve safety for my colleagues in the lab while they are performing lifesaving procedures for our patients.”

Related Links:
ControlRad
Siemens Healthcare