Technology Review DR and CR

GE Medical Systems, Waukesha, Wis, introduces its dual detector Revolution” XR/d system with dual energy subtraction, which enables radiologists to take two successive x-ray images of the chest in less than 1 second. The system, based on amorphous silicon detectors, then automatically generates three images: a standard radiograph; an image of the soft tissue with the bones removed; and an image of the skeletal system. It is available in one- or two-detector configurations, and includes a vertical receptor stand with or without elevating table. It also features a wide dynamic range, high-contrast resolution, fast acquisition and readout, and automatic exposure control, collimation, and image adjustment. (800) 643-6439; www.gemedicalsystems.com.

Konica Medical Imaging, Wayne, NJ, utilizes its patented hybrid processing technique in the new Regius 350 upright CR reader and Regius Image Manager. This process divides an image into multiple frequency bands and adjusts the enhancement for each band individually, making it possible to focus on soft tissue and organs in the low frequency range as well as bone structure and peripheral blood vessels in the high frequency range. Division into the various frequency components is performed using unsharp image masks by a binomial filter.  For hybrid processing, these masks are subject to density dependent adjustment to reduce artifacts and noise. Unsharp image processing with binomial filters and separate adjustment of frequency components results in smooth frequency response not possible with conventional frequency processing. (973) 633-1500; www.konicamedical.com.

Philips Medical Systems, Bothell, Wash, offers the DigitalDiagnost VR, its new digital chest x-ray system. The DICOM-compatible, universal system contains a 17-inch by 17-inch digital flat panel detector that provides a viewable image matrix of 3,000 by 3,000 pixels. The VR’s tube is synchronized with the flat panel detector and closely monitors all movements; asymmetric collimation enables the upper and lower image borders to be selected independently. DICOM 3.0 compliance ensures that the system can be integrated into all digital environments. (203) 926-7803; www.medical.philips.com.

Hologic Inc, Bedford, Mass, offers the EPEX Symphony, a two-detector DR system built to optimize the company’s DirectRay amorphous selenium technology. Using one selenium detector for table studies and another for upright studies, the Symphony can perform all common radiographic procedures. The table system supports conventional through-table, cross-table, stretcher, and wheelchair examinations. The Symphony also makes use of most of the major components of the existing EPEX systems, including the ceiling mounted Omniflex tube crane, the DirectRay console, EPEX table and detector support, and an 80-kilowatt high-frequency x-ray generator. (781) 999-7300; www.hologic.com.