by Cat Vasko

· New Density Identifier Enables Extended Recording Range and Consistent Exposure Results
· Tech Zoom: Improved ColdSPOT Reduces Bleeding, Bruising, and Inflammation
· High-Sensitivity X-Ray Camera Operates at 20 Frames Per Second
· Tech Zoom: New 2-Step Positioning Platform Facilitates Imaging of Feet and Ankles

New Density Identifier Enables Extended Recording Range and Consistent Exposure Results

Recently released by ContextVision AB, Stockholm, Sweden, is the GOPView XR2-ADi, an adaptive and automatic density identifier enabling extended recording range and consistent exposure results for digital plate x-ray imaging. The system is also a critical companion to ContextVision’s newest generation image enhancement processing algorithm, GOPView XR2.

“GOPView XR2-ADi is an ideal complement to our image enhancement offerings for our digital x-ray customers,” said Jan Erik Hedborg, CEO of ContextVision. “We can now offer a product range that delivers world-class image quality together with fewer retakes due to density variations.”

GOPView XR2-ADi’s automatic data identification and enhancement combine optimum image density and clearer detail of small structures with exceptionally low noise, resulting in a low number of retakes, reduced patient exposure to radiation, and less usage of equipment. The ADi algorithm also minimizes the “burn-through” effect that can occur during digital x-ray imaging of soft tissue, thereby decreasing the need for additional windowing and leveling of images.

In addition, the system automatically adapts for different collimators and excludes the pixel counts outside the collimated area to optimize grayscale visualization over the area of interest. The system is delivered with specific factory settings, but can be customized.

Improved ColdSPOT Reduces Bleeding, Bruising, and Inflammation

Developed by a breast cancer survivor, ColdSPOT stays cold three times as long as comparable products and can be concealed under clothing.

Beekley Corp, Bristol, Conn, a medical products company focused in particular on radiology skin markers and breast biopsy systems that clearly locate areas of interest on film, offers the new and improved ColdSPOT with floral design for the postbiopsy patient.

Developed by a breast cancer survivor, ColdSPOT is a moldable gel pack that stays cold three times as long as comparable products to reduce bleeding, bruising, pain, and inflammation. Featuring unique self-adhesive side tabs, ColdSPOT ensures consistent, targeted, cold therapy over the biopsy site, and the advanced moldable gel allows comfortable wear of the product throughout the course of the treatment.

Patients can refreeze ColdSPOTs at any time for continued cold treatment. The adhesive is hypoallergenic and latex-free for maximum comfort. ColdSPOTS need to be frozen for a minimum of 20 minutes before use and are easy to apply; they can be concealed under clothing and are now available in a feminine floral design. The product is priced at $198, if ordering one to three boxes, and at $167 with orders of four boxes or more.

High-Sensitivity X-Ray Camera Operates at 20 Frames Per Second

New from Rad-icon Imaging Corp, Santa Clara, Calif, is the Shad-o-Box HS, a high-sensitivity, high-speed, stand-alone x-ray camera complete with 12-bit digital interface for direct connection to a frame grabber. Designed to replace small image intensifiers and similar real-time detectors for digital radiography applications, the camera operates in real-time radiography applications at up to 20 frames per second, with the Lanex Fast scintillator option offering optimum resolution and sensitivity.

“The Shad-o-Box HS is an ideal alternative and higher performance replacement choice for many conventional small image intensifiers and similar real-time detectors that are used across the industry in a variety of medical, industrial, and scientific imaging applications,” said Gene Weckler, founder and president of Rad-icon.

The camera’s image detector is 512 x 512 and includes a two-dimensional CMOS photodiode array sensor with 96 ?m pixel spacing; the active sensing area is 2 inches for applications ranging from 10 to 160 kV. A Gd2O2S scintillator screen placed in direct contact with the photodiode array converts incident x-ray photons to visible light, which is then detected by the photodiodes. All the while, a carbon-fiber window shields against ambient light and protects the electronics from accidental damage.

Image data is output over a high-speed 12-bit parallel interface for direct input to a digital frame grabber; a 5V/12V desktop supply powers the camera, which dissipates less than 4 watts. Current availability is stock to 6 weeks; the single quantity price for the Shad-o-Box HS, with a premium grade sensor and Lanex Fast scintillator as well as power supply and cables, is $11,610. Other sensor grades and scintillators are available optionally for special performance and energy range imaging applications.

New 2-Step Positioning Platform Facilitates Imaging of Feet and Ankles

The 2-Step Positioning Platform helps patients maintain stability and increases x-ray image quality.

A new version of the popular 2-Step Positioning Platform from Clear Image Devices LLC (CiD), Ann Arbor, Mich, was released on April 30. Designed for use with the Cannon CXDI 50G portable x-ray platform, the system facilitates the efficient and accurate x-ray imaging of the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The platform is used to place the patient in the optimal position for easily obtaining the highest quality weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing x-ray images; it also includes safety grab bars, offering stability for patients.

The 2-Step Platform increases image quality by keeping the patient as close to the film as possible; three film placement locations provide great versatility in posing the patient for optimal images, and the system works with bucky or fixed cassettes. The platform can accommodate patients weighing up to 450 pounds, and is easily portable, thanks to built-in rollers. Made from germ-resistant, nonporous polyethylene, the device is easy to clean and difficult to damage.

The top platform sits at a height of 15.5″, a width of 19.5″, and a length of 17″. The handle is 51″ high, and the third-step option can raise the platform height to 24″. The base price is $2,250.