As changes in technology continue to drive the dynamics of medical imaging equipment, the quality of the images, and the demand for quicker images, flat-panel radiolography/fluoroscopy (R/F) systems will represent greater shares of the total market revenues in the 21st century.
And what is driving fluoro? Better images, flat-panel technology and increased and speedier applications. Radiologists and interventionalists are looking for a wider breadth of applications, lower dose of radiation, and nearly-instant imaging, as well as the ability to efficiently archive images electronically. Flat panels offer reduction in size and weight, making the new R/F systems lighter and smaller, yet providing better-quality images.
Most Recent Changes in Fluoroscopy
“I see three major areas of change that are important to think about,” says Ruben Berumen, president & CEO of GE OEC Medical Systems (Salt Lake City, Utah), and general manager of surgery and vascular imaging at GE Medical Systems. (Waukesha, Wis.) “The first change is the emergence of flat-panel digital imaging. Image quality, speed and dose are all improvements of flat-panel digital imaging. The emergence of using carbon dioxide instead of contrast agents is another change, and the third change I see is the breadth of applications. Fluoroscopy isn’t just about diagnosing, but it also is involved with treatment. Surgeons are doing new things with fluoroscopy, so they don’t have to cut unnecessarily in surgery.”
Please refer to the May 2001 issue for the complete story. For information on article reprints, contact Martin St. Denis
