Examination and treatment for a wide range of specialties
Pursue dedicated fluoroscopic image for diversified clinical needs
Canon's digital fluoroscopy system brings high image quality, low dosage and unrivaled versatility to Tokyo Women's Medical University Yachiyo Medical Center (TYMC), a hospital with advanced medical services trusted and respected by the community.
Table of Contents
Mr. Michio Nakayama, Chief,
Imaging Exam Room, Department of Medical Technology, TYMC
Confident testing and treatment
In addition to being a university hospital, TYMC serves as a regional core hospital, general perinatal care center and pediatric critical care center. In 2021, following a rigorous review, TYMC replaced the multipurpose system in one of its two X-ray fluoroscopy rooms with a Canon Medical digital fluoroscopy system.
Digital fluoroscopy systems send X-rays through patients' bodies to a flat panel detector (FPD) that captures still and video and images of internal parts for real-time fluoroscopic observation. These systems are mainly used for gastroenterology examinations and various urology, orthopedics and anesthesiology examinations and procedures. In recent years, advances in endoscopes and catheters have led to increased use of such devices for examinations and treatments in various clinical departments including fluoroscopy (where contrast agents are often used), gastroenterology (for digestive system surgeries, etc.), orthopedics, pediatrics and urology.
We can confidently offer examinations and treatments in various clinical departments.
According to Mr. Michio Nakayama, a radiologic technologist at TYMC, the hospital's previous fluoroscopy system required movement of the patient when adjusting the field of view. This made it difficult to meet the varying needs of different clinical departments. However, Canon Medical's digital fluoroscopy system simplifies examinations and treatments for all departments, because the field of view can be changed without moving the patient and high-quality images can be obtained with low radiation dosages.
High-quality images at low dosage
With the previous digital fluoroscopy system, image quality could only be improved by increasing the dosage and radiation exposure. If the dosage was reduced, details couldn't be clearly identified.
Doctors have praised the image quality of the new system. For example, when inserting a CV catheter* into a blood vessel in the chest, the catheter passes near the spine. Since the lungs are full of air, it's usually difficult to match their image quality with that of bones because they require different dosages. But Canon Medical's system uses image processing to adjust image quality and deliver high-contrast images in real time even when the dosage is suitably low for the lungs.
- * Central venous catheter for nutritional supplementation when oral or enteral feeding is difficult.
By combining an all-new image processor with other proprietary technology including a 17x17 inch FPD, Canon Medical succeeded in reducing noise, improving contrast resolution and raising fluoroscopic image quality at dosages below what is required by conventional models.
Comparison of conventional fluoroscopy with Canon's digital fluoroscopy system using images from the same patient
Improving the test environment for safer treatment
The digital fluoroscopy system previously used by TYMC was bulky and wide, making it difficult for patients on beds and wheelchairs to enter and exit the exam room. The narrow working space was also a major issue because various equipment often had to be carried in with the patient.
The compact wall-hugging design was a key reason for adopting the system. Once the system was installed, the examination room had much more available space, allowing us to flexibly place IV stands, endoscopes and ultrasound devices. In the past, there was so little space around the X-ray table that the doctor could only stand in a limited area. Now there is much more freedom of movement, allowing treatment even from the patient's head or feet. The flow of staff members has also substantially improved, making it possible to perform treatment with greater peace of mind than before.
Canon Medical's system improved the X-ray fluoroscopy room layout
There is no need to move equipment to change the field of view
Conventional digital fluoroscopy systems can only magnify the central part of the FPD to enlarge the image while surgery is being performed. With Canon's new feature, it is possible to shift the field of view to any area within range of the wide 17x17 inch FPD to enlarge the image. Thus, there is no need to move the X-ray table or video system components such as the X-ray tube or detector. Additionally, the patient does not have to be repositioned.
Even before we introduced the system, we thought this feature was in line with our desire to offer patients greater safety and peace of mind during examinations. But actual use showed the effect surpassed our expectations. Moving the table while a needle is in the patient's body may cause the needle to come off. In such cases, we always asked the doctor performing the treatment to stop moving their hands before repositioning. Eliminating the need to move equipment also allows safer treatment, such as when replacing a tube in the flank during liver surgery. I feel it expands our options and encourages doctors to perform examinations.
Unlike conventional digital fluoroscopy systems that require mechanical movement of the X-ray table or video equipment, Canon Medical's system is silent and vibration-free, which further benefits patients.
Since patients' field of view is often limited during examinations and treatments, the sounds and vibrations generated by moving equipment may make them feel nervous. Keeping the system stationary helps patients feel more secure.
Moving forward, TYMC expects Canon Medical's digital fluoroscopy system to play an even more active role in flexibly supporting various medical treatments. It also plans to use the dosage report feature to further optimize dosage management, reduce the dosage exposure of patients and more.
| Generic Name | Stationary digital general-purpose X-ray fluoroscopy diagnostic device |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Digital Fluoroscopy System Astorex i9 ASTX-I9000 |
| Certification No. | 302ADBZX00081000 |
| Manufacturer and Seller | Canon Medical Systems Corporation |