Mobile C-Arm with Flat Detector Designed for Surgical X-Ray Procedures

The system also includes an additional monitor on the C-arm stand, enabling the operator to have an unobstructed view of the live image.

With rapid change taking place in the surgical environment as the range of interventional and minimally invasive procedures continues to expand, Philips Healthcare (Best, The Netherlands) announced the availability of the Veradius X-ray system.

Today's operating rooms are crowded with equipment and people, so it is not always easy to see team members and coordinate tasks. The flat detector on the Veradius frees up valuable space during challenging procedures and gives surgeons more space to see their team and the patient. Dr. J. A. van Herwaarden, vascular surgeon and director of the Endovascular Program at UMC Utrecht (The Netherlands), is one of the first surgeons to evaluate the Veradius in daily practice, "as the flat detector is less obtrusive, it doesn't block eye contact between members of the operating room team and so improves communication,” commented Dr. van Herwaarden. "For example, when finalizing the placing of a stent-graft to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm I often need the anesthetist to stop the patient breathing for between 20 and 30 seconds. Without the bulky image intensifier used in traditional systems blocking my view I can now glance at the anesthetist to stop the breathing and glance at them again to restart it.”

Designed in-house by Philips' imaging specialists, the new flat detector builds on Philips' expertise in flat detector technology used in its fixed cardiovascular systems. Early users of the system have reported an overall improvement in image resolution and contrast. The high dynamic range combined with automatic calibration provides high levels of contrast. Unlike conventional image intensifiers, the flat detector is not affected by magnetic and geometric distortions, resulting in consistent edge-to-edge image quality.

The Veradius also helps to reduce the radiation dose received by patients and staff by using a combination of advanced imaging technologies. Philips' unique beam filters reduce patient skin X-ray dose by 40% over conventional filters, and the "pulsed fluoroscopy” mode can reduce X-ray dose by up to 75%. The Veradius can be used for a full range of procedures, from orthopedic surgery and abdominal aortic aneurysm repair to coronary angiography and neurostimulation.

The Veradius with flat detector technology is available for sale in the United States, Europe, Middle East, and Australia. Other regions will follow in 2010.

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