CCD camera could reduce C-arm size

Nical will show a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera intendedfor use on mobile C-arm image intensifiers at the RSNA meetingthis week. The Italian supplier of image intensifiers, camerasand monitors for medical imaging introduced the technology atthe European Congress of Radiology exhibition in Vienna in September.

Although CCD cameras are not new, Nical has developed a methodof filtering image noise that will enable the technology to replacestandard pick-up-tube cameras for use in medical fluoroscopy andfluorography, said Gerald B. Silverman, international sales director.

"CCD cameras have been around for many years, but theyhave not been applied to radiology because of the noise generated,"Silverman said.

Nical will sell the camera primarily to OEM customers in Europeand the U.S., although it will eventually be made available todealers as well.

A major advantage of the CCD camera is reduced space requirements.The solid-state technology is also easier to maintain. Nical hopesvendors will consider use of CCD cameras in developing a new generationof compact C-arms, he said. Until the industry adopts the technology,however, product demand will be limited.

BRIEFLY NOTED:

• Hologic and Oldelft called a cease-fire last month ina technology infringement dispute related to their equalizationradiography systems. The two firms agreed to dismiss litigationand await a decision by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.As part of the cooling-off agreement, users who buy Oldelft'sAmber or Hologic's CER 20/20 systems over the next two years willbe free from claims of infringement by either company.