UK's First Digital X-Ray System With Wireless Detector Installed At York Hospital

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 8:00 PDT

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York Hospital, part of the York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has started examining patients with the first Ysio wi-D in the UK. The Digital Radiography (DR) general X-ray system is unique in offering a wireless portable detector that can be used in bucky, on the table and stand, or removed completely to be placed underneath or next to the patient. The new system is installed in the Emergency X-Ray Department for front line trauma and orthopaedic examinations.

The 35cm x 43cm wireless portable detector is helping radiographers easily acquire images from traditionally awkward situations, such as trolley trauma, lateral spinal work, standing feet and ankles and examinations using the erect bucky. The detector can be positioned under the patient, on trolleys or behind wheelchairs, reducing patient discomfort as they do not need to be moved onto the bucky table. Examination times have also been greatly reduced due to the image previews being delivered in 5 seconds. The system also means that radiographers do not need to leave the room to view images and can retake an X-ray instantly if required.

"The wireless detector is fantastic, enabling difficult images to be obtained easily, quickly and without putting the patient in severe discomfort," states Susie Dick, Advanced Radiographer and team manager in Trauma and Orthopaedic X-Ray at York Hospital. "Examination times have been dramatically reduced and the superb image quality is clearer and more detailed than before."

Excellent image quality without the need for a high amount of dose has been highlighted as a major benefit by radiographers. Dose is reduced due to the comprehensive coverage the Ysio wi-D offers, making it possible to view a wide range of anatomical variations in one exposure. This has been seen in examinations of the lateral hip, where only one exposure, instead of two, is needed to acquire all necessary images, including that of the femoral shaft.

The system has been installed with 'DiamondView' an application that optimises image quality through intelligent noise reduction and edge enhancement. Detailed contrast in bones, soft tissue and the skin line can be viewed for an entire body region, meaning radiographers can obtain images that were previously difficult to acquire.

A simple user workstation controls the Ysio enabling it to be moved into over 1000 different positions according to the set program, reducing the manual strain on clinical staff. Furthermore, movements of the tube and detector replicate each other to ensure the tube is centered during detector adjustments. Even if a Radiographer chooses to move the tube manually the new servo-assisted technology makes it light, flexible and easy to manouvre. The workstation will also assist in the administrative side of the examination enabling easy viewing of patient data, reporting and further documentation.

"The concept of wireless detectors have been voiced for some time, however this is the first time one has been installed in the UK and used in practice," states Susie Guthrie, AX Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare. "An Accident and Emergency department requires that rapid X-rays are carried out for accurate diagnosis, thus improving patient throughput and alleviating pressure on clinical staff. We are delighted that the Ysio Wi-D has gone live at York Hospital and look forward to working with other early pioneers of this technology"

About Siemens Healthcare The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care - from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion, orders of €10.27 billion and group profit of €1.32 billion.

Siemens Healthcare