St. Michael’s installs mobile X-ray systems

TORONTO – St. Michael’s Hospital recently installed two Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray Systems to deliver the benefits of wireless digital radiography in key areas throughout the hospital. One DRX-Revolution replaced an older CR X-ray room in the hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Centre, and the other DRX-Revolution captures X-ray images of ICU and in-patients.

Each DRX-Revolution is equipped with high-resolution Carestream DRX-1C and DRX 2530C cesium iodide detectors.

“These new mobile imaging systems provide rapid image access, excellent image quality, lower dose and easy positioning for bedside exams of all types,” said 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.”

In addition to bedside imaging, the new Carestream mobile system is used in the emergency department for trauma imaging using dedicated trauma stretchers. “Our staff can centre the tube over the patient and position the detector in the image-receptor platform of the stretcher for quick imaging. The small detector (25 x 30 cm) is ideal for extremity exams,” King said.

Carestream provides desktop integration of the hospital’s RIS on its DRX-Revolution imaging systems. Technologists can use the RIS to view each patient’s imaging request and validate and wirelessly upload the imaging studies, which are immediately transmitted to the PACS. This enables real-time access to X-ray exams by radiologists and physicians.

Patient dose was reduced in the transition to digital radiography systems. “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,” King said.

There is strong demand for the DRX-Revolution imaging systems throughout the hospital. King noted that surgeons often request use of a DRX-Revolution because of its ability to deliver access to high-quality images in about five seconds – eliminating the need to wait for five to 10 minutes for CR images to be available.

For more information about Carestream medical imaging and IT solutions please visit www.carestream.com.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future healthcare professionals in 27 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless, and global health are among the hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information, visit www.stmichaelshospital.com.

About Carestream Health

Carestream is a worldwide provider of dental and medical imaging systems and IT solutions; X-ray imaging systems for non-destructive testing; and advanced materials for the precision films and electronics markets—all backed by a global service and support network. For more information about the company’s broad portfolio of products, solutions and services, please contact your Carestream representative or call 888-777-2072, or visit www.carestream.com.