DR AND FLUOROSCOPY ON THE SAME DEVICE

Bethesda Spital Basel has been using Adora DRFi for almost a year. Expectations in terms of economy, potential applications and ease of use have been fully met. It also provides relief for patients.

What was your idea of the fluoroscopic room when you were evaluating a hybrid device?

Since fluoroscopic examinations have decreased in recent years, we knew that it would be difficult to amortise a purely fluoroscopic device. Nevertheless, we still need to be able to carry out fluoroscopic examinations. At the same time, the institute envisaged a significant increase in conventional X-ray images. So, it transpired that we were looking for a solution that would enable us to continue performing fluoroscopies in a certain spectrum while at the same time having a powerful, flexible X-ray machine. Of course, other important issues in the evaluation were system acquisition and rebuilding costs, an optimal use of the room space also for patient flow, as well as ease of use for both staff and doctors.

For which fluoroscopic examinations do you use the Adora DRFi?

We routinely perform arthrography on various joints, esophagus, passages, hysterosalpingographies, cystography and fluoroscopy-guided infiltrations. We are also able to perform other fluoroscopic examinations, which are rarely requested, regardless of whether the patient is in a lying or standing position.

What are the advantages of this system?

As the positions for all X-ray examinations are controlled fully automatically, efficiency with high numbers of examinations and the constancy of the image quality are improved. It is operated in the same way from the examination room and the control room, so it is much easier to handle. Canon's high image quality at a low dose, both for fluoroscopy and for static images, is extremely compelling.

What is your conclusion after almost a year?

The Adora DRFi fully met the expectations in terms of our specific examination processes and coverage of the high number of examinations in the conventional X-ray sector. Installing the Adora DRFi was the right, sustainable decision for our X-ray institute.

Could you briefly describe how the new system was implemented?

The Adora DRFi was set up by the application specialist in accordance with our wishes at the start of training. The Canon-CXDI imaging interface was new to us, as was handling a robotised two-column system that is controlled via auto positions, a joystick and a touch screen. It was clear that we had to adapt to a new way of working, but our users soon mastered it thanks to the specific training and state-of-the-art interface.

When do you most appreciate working with the Adora DRFi?

In general, I enjoy working on the Adora DRFi, because the auto positions together with the joystick control take much of the strain off your shoulders and you have more time for the patient. The advantages are particularly evident in case of axial hip examinations of both hips without moving the patient. The device moves around the patient without the patient having to be repositioned, the tube and detector are automatically aligned perfectly at all times. Fine adjustments can then be made with the floating table top or the joystick.

NRT doc: 14200902, 4920. Translated from the original article in German – Living Leuag, nr. 24, November 2020