September 14, 2011 – Designed as a true mobile digital radiography (DR) system based on direct customer input and testing, the work-in-progress Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System offers benefits for physicians, radiographers and patients due to its good image quality, easy maneuverability and productivity-enhancing features.
The small footprint DRX-Revolution includes the essential tools radiology professionals need, as well as an easy-to-position tube head and excellent digital image quality that can lead to improved patient care. The DRX-Revolution was designed for compatibility with other Carestream DRX products to maximize capital purchases and help organizations better manage radiology-related costs.
Physicians will quickly appreciate the excellent image quality produced by the DRX-Revolution due to its powerful 32 kW generator, DRX detector and special software that enables the radiographer to easily align the tube with the grid to optimize image quality. This solves the difficulty in aligning the X-ray tube — the main reason that inhibits grid usage overall, which can lead to fewer image retakes and faster diagnosis for patients who are confined to their beds and in need of urgent care.
The DRX-Revolution eliminates many of the frustrating challenges of bedside imaging. Ergonomically designed to meet the specialized needs of busy radiology professionals, this new mobile DR system features a unique, collapsible column that allows unobstructed views for enhanced visibility and safety while moving the system. Its dual-drive system and the ability to make tight, 360-degree turns in small spaces (like those found in the intensive care unit, emergency department and operating room) enable the unit to be quickly and properly positioned to capture an image.
These features lead to faster set up and positioning; minimal intrusion on staff and surrounding equipment; and faster capture of high-quality X-ray images for rapid access by the medical team. “The design of this new mobile DR imaging platform with its collapsible column and improved maneuverability represents important advantages for imaging critical care patients,” said Mike Foley, RT(R), director of radiology services, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Mass.
Carestream’s DRX-Revolution also offers the longest tube head reach available anywhere, making it easier for radiographers to quickly and effectively conduct X-ray exams despite the crowded presence of bedside medical equipment.
“The features of the DRX-Revolution are designed to help hospital staffs overcome the challenges presented in imaging seriously ill and injured patients. The system’s compact footprint and extended tube head will allow high-quality imaging of critical care patients who cannot be moved for positioning,” said Enrico Perez, BS, RT, CRA, FAHRA, Administrative Director, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y.
The system also has two monitors (the main 19-inch monitor and the 8-inch tube head monitor) that provide two work zones, which further helps improve productivity and performance. Designed as a DR system from the ground up, there is a place for everything: generous storage space for gloves, sanitizers, markers, paperwork and much more.
With fast, single sign-in (via password or badge swipe) this portable digital X-ray unit can be powered up quickly and ready to go. It uses the same software and graphic user interface as other DRX products for ease of use, which means less training time is required for staff, as well as enhanced productivity that results from product familiarity.
The DRX-1/DRX-1C wireless detectors at the heart of the DRX-Revolution system serve as the detector platform that powers the DRX-1 System; the DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kit; the DRX-Evolution modular DR suite; the DRX-Transportable System; and the DRX-Ascend System. DRX-based systems offer compelling options since these wireless detectors can be used in multiple X-ray systems at a facility. For example, a detector can be used in a mobile unit for early morning hospital rounds and then moved to a general radiology room for the rest of the day. DRX detectors can also move from day use in general radiology rooms to mobile systems that serve the emergency department at night. The exceptional image quality of these digital systems make these units an ideal fit for general radiography exams including orthopedic, trauma, pediatric and other specialty care environments.
Carestream Health’s new DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray System — as well as the entire DRX portfolio — will be on display at the upcoming meeting of the Radiological Society of North America. The DRX-Revolution system is not commercially available. It will be available in the U.S. contingent upon U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance, with worldwide availability planned for mid-2012.
For more information: www.carestream.com