August 3, 2012 — GE Healthcare announced it has already received six orders for its Discovery IGS 730 system since receiving U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in February 2012. Discovery IGS 730 is a revolutionary new laser-guided system that has been designed to capture the advantages of both floor- and ceiling-mounted systems, without the limitations of either.
The Discovery IGS 730 uses the same digital flat-panel detector technology as GE Innova interventional imaging systems. However, instead of being fixed in position, the imaging device is on a mobile gantry that moves along user-defined pathways, guided by laser. At the touch of a button, clinicians can move the system to the table for imaging various anatomies, and then move it aside and park it, allowing room to optimally position physicians, nurses, technologists, anesthesiologists and other personnel for surgery, with unobstructed access to the patient.
St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Penn., the first to place an order, plans to install the system within the coming months. The Discovery IGS 730 is designed to provide high precision imaging with complete patient access, and optimal in-room mobility to accommodate a wide range of procedures, from complex interventional to surgical procedures.
Hal Folander, chairman of the radiology department and section chief of interventional radiology at St. Luke’s University Health Network, participated in early evaluations of the Discovery IGS 730. “After initially viewing the power of this system, it was clear that this is an advancement that is on par with the invention of flat-panel technology for interventional procedures,” said Folander. “At St. Luke’s, we are constantly looking for solutions and systems that help us improve the efficiency of our procedures as well as the experience for our patients. The Discovery IGS System will not only help our providers access patients better during procedures, but will allow us to provide our patients a revolutionary development in imaging and quality care.”
The Discovery IGS 730 is a first-of-its kind solution in imaging, as it is neither floor- nor ceiling-mounted, but enables full patient access without the need to suspend the system above the patient. It has the mobility of a C-arm with the power and image quality of a fixed system. This laser-guided, motorized mobile gantry creates an interventional environment without boundaries. It allows complete access to the patient and unlimited parking capability, while creating sterility for a flexible and secure operating room (OR) environment. The unique gantry comes with a new wide bore design, which allows for steep angles and ease in 3-D acquisition, especially for large patients.
The Discovery IGS 730 is available for sale in the United States.
For more information: www.gehealthcare.com