August 2013
Imaging system reduces radiation but maintains image quality
A new study indicates that an imaging system (AlluraClarity; Philips) that reduces radiation exposure by 50% during cardiac catheterisation procedures with the use of a new algorithm (ClarityIQ technology) does so without loss of image quality
P AlluraClarity
resenting the results of the study at EuroPCR (21-24 May, Paris, France), Folkert Ten Cate, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, explained that reduc- ing radiation exposure during coronary procedures in the cath lab was impor- tant not only for patients, but also for “cath lab and healthcare workers who are regularly exposed to radiation”. He reported that in the study, two an- giographic scans were taken for all pa- tients (45). The first scan was performed using conventional X-ray (standard dose) and the second scan was per- formed using the AlluraClarity system, which (with the ClarityIQ algorithm) reduces radiation exposure by 50%. Six interventional cardiologists, who were blinded to the scanning process,
assessed the image quality of both sets of scans for each patient. They found that the AlluraClarity system provided equivalent image quality to the conven- tional X-ray. Ten Cate reported that in terms of diagnostic quality, the images were “good enough to make an accu- rate diagnosis”. He added: “The novel algorithm provided images that were equal or better than the standard.” Concluding, he commented: “With this system, we were able to reduce our radia- tion by half and still have images of diag- nostic quality. This greatly increases ours [interventional cardiologists], the cath lab operators’ and the patients’ safety.” Ronald Tabaksblat, general manager, Philips Interventional X-Ray, said: “Because of the intrinsic benefits for patients and care providers, there is a clear shift in healthcare from open
surgery to minimally-invasive treat- ments. Live X-ray guidance is typically being used to perform such minimally invasive treatments. Our ClarityIQ technology significantly reduces the X-ray exposure required to produce high-quality images.”
Philips has also announced that it now received FDA approval for the Al- luraClarity system
“All patients treated via X-ray guided interventions benefit from the advantage of low radiation exposure, but it is especially important when you are treating patients who have to undergo lengthy and complex pro- cedures,” said Marco van Strijen, interventional radiologist at the St Antonius Hospital Utrecht/Nieuwegein, the Netherlands. “We have been using
Philips’ AlluraClarity system for more than a year now and have really grown to appreciate the low-dose settings. This technology is making a difference where it really matters.” A press release reported that Allura- Clarity was commercially introduced outside the USA in mid-2012, and since then more than 200 systems have been ordered. With this important milestone of FDA clearance, the system can now be marketed in the world’s largest healthcare market. To reflect the cost pressures that modern hospitals and health systems face, ClarityIQ technology will also be available as an upgrade for the majority of Philips’ installed base of mono- plane and biplane interventional X-ray systems.
Imaging
29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40