Fujifilm demonstrates wide array of new DR products
Fujifilm Medical Systems USA had a busy RSNA with the introduction of several new products for the digital x-ray market.

Fujifilm introduced the FCR Go portable digital x-ray system at the 93rd scientific assembly and annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago last month. Fujifilm partnered with Hitachi, well-known as the portable x-ray leader in Japan, to deliver a compact, powerful system. The FCR Go integrates a customized version of Fujifilm’s FCR Carbon XL CR reader and a notebook version of the Flash IIP console with the Hitachi portable. With the system’s ease of use, quick image availability in as little as 23 seconds, and the flexibility to use an FCR cassette, the company said that the FCR Go is poised to revolutionize the way technologists view portable x-ray.

“Portable x-ray imaging presents a wide set of challenges for good image quality and can be labor intensive for technologists,” said Penny Maier, Fujifilm’s national marketing manager for digital x-ray. “The FCR Go was designed to simplify the process and give technologists all the tools needed remotely to produce outstanding portable images more efficiently.”   

FCR Go is the first portable digital x-ray system to provide remote users with the same functionality and sophisticated image processing features available at the fixed technologist workstation in the imaging department. All of the image optimization and advanced image processing features of Fujifilm’s Flash IIP are available at the portable console so that comprehensive image adjustment can be done remotely and images can be sent directly to PACS without additional intervention at another workstation. 

Because the system will accommodate wireless communication or hardwire connection to a facility’s network, the patient worklist is always available from the RIS/HIS and images can be transmitted to PACS immediately following study completion for quicker interpretation. The system also offers Fujifilm’s SpeedLink X-ray Control Software for a fully integrated interface between the portable x-ray generator and the FCR reader; this allows techniques to be set automatically according to the exam type.

The FCR Go requires 510(k) clearance and is expected to be available for sale in the U.S. in mid-2008. 

Fujifilm also introduced its version 5.0 software for the Flash IIP digital x-ray technologist console, which includes a new set of software tools that further enhances image quality at any PACS workstation.

“Fujifilm is the first company to recognize that the requirements for soft copy display of images are unique, and not necessarily identical to those used for film-like image presentation,” said Maier. “By offering additional image data formats and creating new menu parameters designed exclusively to match soft copy interpretation needs, we’re providing optimal display at any PACS workstation.”

Version 5.0 provides the option of a 12 bit image display, customized values of interest look-up-tables (VOI LUTs) and log linear amplification. These expanded capabilities ensure enhanced visualization in all areas of the gradation curve at the PACS workstation, so interpreting radiologists have the highest quality image display and increased diagnostic confidence. Additionally, version 5.0 allows Fujifilm’s digital x-ray systems to address PACS and networks of different levels of sophistication by providing scalable options for file size and bit depth.

Fujifilm also announced the availability of its customizable Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR) Mobile digital x-ray package. FCR Mobile can be provided as a complete Fujifilm acquisition-to-archive solution--including Fujifilm’s CR, PACS and managed services.

The FCR Mobile package is based on Fujifilm’s FCR Carbon, the smallest, fully featured CR systems available. The Carbon family of readers take only 2.4 square feet of floor space. The package also includes a rugged laptop version of the robust Flash IIP technologist’s console that can connect to commercially available wireless broadband routers for the convenience of remote image transfer to PACS. The FCR Mobile package distinguishes itself from other mobile imaging solutions with its combination of documented reliability, environmental ruggedness, renowned image quality, and speed — image availability is provided in as little as 23 seconds, according to the company. 

Fujifilm introduced the Carbon XL-2 at RSNA 2007. This new single-plate CR system provides improved image quality while delivering the same footprint and throughput as its predecessor, the Carbon XL. The Carbon XL-2 offers 50-micron spatial resolution for 18x24 cm and 24x30 cm sizes, making it ideal for applications that demand visualization of fine details, such as extremity work or orthopedics. While providing improved diagnostic confidence for these areas, the Carbon XL-2 also maintains all the benefits of Fujifilm’s Carbon line of CR readers, which are still the smallest, fully featured CR systems available. The machine requires only 2.4 square feet of floor space and it parallels the speed and efficiency of the XL with throughput of up to 94 images per hour.

“Fujifilm already offers the most comprehensive line of digital x-ray systems, with a solution designed to meet every imaging need,” said Maier. “The introduction of the Carbon XL-2 is further evidence of Fujifilm’s unrivaled commitment to innovation and delivery of products that address the real clinical demands of our customers.”

The Carbon XL2 is projected to be available in the U.S. in early 2008.

Lastly, Fujifilm showcased its newest DR system, the Unity SpeedSuite, a cost-effective and innovative digital x-ray system that has the ability to do multiple exams with only one DR detector.  The Unity SpeedSuite provides radiologists and technologist both maximum clinical flexibility and productivity from a single DR detector system.

“We continue to innovate our full line of DR systems to provide healthcare facilities with cost effective systems that will enable them to experience productivity gains,” said Kevin Oakley, Fujifilm’s national marketing manager of digital x-ray. “As the newest member of the complete Fuji DR product line, the Unity SpeedSuite provides productivity enhancements while maintaining Fujifilm’s renowned image quality and user-friendly features.” 

Unity SpeedSuite performs a wide range of general radiographic exams, including both table-based and upright procedures. Fully motorized, the system can be easily positioned and controlled to do most any exam from chest to extremities, and is ideal for most any clinical area including general radiography, emergency departments, and dedicated chest rooms or outpatient care facilities, such as an orthopedic surgeon’s office. Its smart U-Arm design ensures fast, hassle-free exams and ease of patient positioning because of its fully motorized movements.

Unity SpeedSuite requires a smaller footprint than traditional DR systems, providing a flexible option for space-constrained rooms.  In addition, with just one detector versus two, it greatly reduces the overall cost of ownership for facilities by having fewer components to maintain over time.

Other convenient features of the Unity SpeedSuite include a wireless handheld remote for the technologist’s convenience, and site-customizable settings so facilities can program the exams that they perform most. Unity SpeedSuite also includes SpeedLink  X-ray Control Software, an intelligent interface between the IIP and the x-ray generator. By automatically setting all exposure settings for each exam according to Fujifilm’s proven anatomical parameters, SpeedLink eliminates workflow steps and saves time.
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