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Angio/RF introductions, upgrades extend clinical range

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Vendors have been intent on taking angiography and radiofrequency equipment into areas beyond their traditional borders. At the 2005 RSNA meeting, they showed off equipment that in some instances achieves CT-like image quality or provides enhanced interventional capabilities, featuring flat-panel detectors with large fields-of-view that increase the versatility of systems.

GE Healthcare

GE's Innova CT renders 3D models of bone and soft tissue for review during interventions. The enhancement, compatible with GE's flat-panel Innova 4100 and Innova 3100 cardiovascular interventional imaging systems, brings 3D interventional images typically acquired during CT scans into the x-ray interventional lab, according to the company.

The technology makes 3D anatomic imaging more available for patient use during image-guided interventional procedures. Within a single session, users can get CT-like tissue visualization on the Innova flat-panel interventional x-ray systems, as well as 2D fluoroscopy, making it unnecessary to move patients. In addition, it reconstructs CT-like 3D volumes from rotational fluoroscopy acquisitions for more effective guidance within the interventional suite. The introduction will help eliminate the competition for access to a hospital's diagnostic CT system that has confronted interventional radiologists and surgeons.

InfiMed

InfiMed's Platinum One series of premium in-room digital acquisition systems provides advanced imaging capabilities for complex interventional procedures, accommodating cardiac cine and fluoroscopic imaging while offering fast acquisition times and boasting advanced image processing features. The series now includes PlatinumOne Cardiac, PlatinumOne ComboLab, and PlatinumOne EP.

  • PlatinumOne Cardiac offers more clinically advanced features, such as Left Ventricular Analysis and Quantitative Coronary Analysis, which allow results to be saved as photo files for easier archiving and review, customizable preferences that allow clinicians to select their own settings for cine/spot/fluoro acquisition and review, and thumbnail displays on the main screen.

  • PlatinumOne ComboLab offers a real-time angiography feature set for interventional vascular procedures as well as full cardiac functionality.

  • PlatinumOne EP provides advanced imaging features and low-dose pulsed fluoroscopic acquisition required for electrophysiology procedures.

Philips Medical Systems

Philips' Allura Xper FD20 advanced angiography system with a flat-panel detector can perform a range of vascular diagnostic and interventional procedures. It couples low-dose settings with advanced image quality for accurate 3D reconstructions. High image quality is enabled through Philips' 2048 x 2048-pixel distortion-reducing imaging chain. The integrated 3D concept enables real-time reconstructions, helping interventional radiologists create instant 3D reconstruction of complex vasculature with a single rotational scan. Several new features were highlighted at the RSNA meeting.

  • XperCT provides high-speed CT-like soft-tissue imaging capabilities in the interventional suite without having to move the patient.

  • 3D Roadmapping ensures that the 3D image is registered with the system and overlaid with live 2D fluoroscopy, providing a dynamic road map, aiding real-time catheter navigation, and monitoring coil delivery.

  • The Allura 3D-RA interventional tool enables an interventional radiologist to have instant access to 3D reconstructions at tableside.

Siemens Medical Solutions

The company's Arcadis Avantic C-arm system is well suited for advanced imaging requirements in trauma, spine surgery, general surgery, urology, orthopedic surgery, and gastroenterology, but it is also usable for angiography. The FDA-cleared mobile system is equipped with an image intensifier operational in several modes including digital radiography, fluoroscopy, pulsed fluoroscopy, subtraction, and road mapping. Its digital imaging chain generates and manages all image data at a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels from acquisition to documentation. Two 18-inch flat monitors display images and results in digital cine mode. Film sequences are acquired and stored at speeds of up to 30 frames per second. Based on the common Arcadis platform, the Avantic was designed for the upper-end vascular user, according to the company.

New features that distinguish it from other mobile C-arm products include 20 kW of power, up to 250 mA output, and a 13-inch image intensifier, which results in a large field-of-view. The design reduces weight and allows smaller footprint requirements, making it especially useful in the operating room.

Toshiba America Medical Systems

Toshiba's Infinix VC-I, its latest angiography platform for vascular exams and interventional procedures, is equipped with a 12 x 16-inch flat-panel detector capable of imaging patients of all sizes.

The flat-panel technology streamlines workflow through an all-digital system for clear imaging and efficient vascular exams. The system provides distortion-free imaging with uniform brightness plus advanced technologies, including a powerful digital acquisition, processing, and storage system, providing immediate access to images and cost-effective archiving.

Also available on the system is Zoom fluoro and 3-D angio capabilities. The double-tracked C-arm can perform lateral movement perpendicular to the table, as well as longitudinal movement, ensuring smooth operation during procedures.

Other system features include dose management functions, which ensure high-quality images at the lowest dose, easy-to-use tableside controls, and flexible tabletop design. It has a triple-focused, liquid metal-bearing x-ray tube with a high heat capacity to obviate the wait for tube cooling during long exams. The detector also is available as an easy field-upgradable component to existing Infinix VC-i systems.

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