Toronto's St. Michael’s Hospital has recently installed two new "mobile imaging systems," essentially an X-ray room on wheels.
Developed by medical equipment makers Carestream, the mobile imaging system is both small enough to move comfortably through hospital hallways but long enough, thanks to an automated and collapsable "tubehead," to reach patients in crowded rooms. According to the manufacturer, the mobile imaging system is so easy to maneuvre that it "can make a 360-degree turn while [being steered] with just one hand."
Thanks to the new compact and futuristic devices, for many patients at St. Mike's getting an X-ray will soon be safer, quicker, and more efficient.
"These new mobile imaging systems provide rapid image access, excellent image quality, lower dose and easy positioning for bedside exams of all types," says Dawn-Marie King, director of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Michael’s Hospital. "The DRX-Revolution also has a low profile that provides a clear view over the unit as technologists drive it from one location to another. An extendable tube head helps our technologists position the tube easily over a patient in difficult situations. And the unit is extremely maneuverable, which is very helpful in small spaces."
The "mobile X-ray room" produces high-quality images in about five seconds (an almost 10 minute time-saving) and is able to transfer these images wirelessly, allowing real-time access to X-ray exams by radiologists and physicians.
It's also safter for patients: "after installing the new DRX-Revolution systems and high-resolution detectors, our radiology team adjusted imaging techniques to deliver a significant dose reduction that further enhances patient care," says King.
The new systems (Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray Systems) will be used in the hospital's Level 1 Trauma Centre as well as for ICU and inpatients.
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: St. Michael's Hospital
Photo: Business Wire