Better Diagnoses Thanks to Digital Tomosynthesis

Although it is steadily spreading to more applications, digital tomosynthesis is primarily used in breast imaging, where it offers better detection rates than mammography, with little extra increase in radiation exposure. Suggested uses include: visualization of pulmonary nodules, mammography, angiography, dental imaging and delineation of fractures. Because the image processing is digital, a series of slices at different depths and with different thicknesses can be reconstructed from the same acquisition, saving both time and radiation exposure. Tomosynthesis is preferable to standard planar X-ray in the following applications:

• Nephrology
• Mammography
• Chest imaging
• Orthopedics
• Brachytherapy
• Dental imaging

Digital tomosynthesis is a technique of generating images of slices through the body using a general radiographic X-ray system with a direct digital radiography detector. This is accomplished by obtaining a large, representative number of low-dose acquisitions across a range of projection angles of the X-ray tube. Currently, tomosynthesis is an optional add-on for suitable direct digital radiographic systems (flat panel detectors). The additional software controls the movement of the X-ray tube and the reconstruction of the images.

Modern digital RF equipment with a flat panel detector can be operated in tomosynthesis mode. In order for a flat panel detector system to carry out tomosynthesis, it requires the following:

• Control of the smooth movement of the X-ray tube, at the required speed
• Rapid pulsing generator
• Modern fast flat-panel detector

There are significant advantages, from an economic point of view, for tomosynthesis, as there is a reduction in the numbers of patients needing to have CT, MRI or nuclear medicine scans. Digital tomosynthesis can effectively improve the non CT- based treatment planning in radiotherapy and are especially useful in the following fields: source localization in Brachytherapy; long -term evaluation of treatment based on follow-up and study of complications arising from the possibility to relate dose distribution to anatomy if combined with depth dose data; and cost-effectiveness of treatment planning for clinics by integration of data acquisition and treatment planning processes. However, tomosynthesis is not a replacement for CT. Rather, it is an improvement over conventional radiography by bringing in some 3D information.

As images are clearer and diagnoses more accurate using digital tomosynthesis, more and more radiography and imaging departments are increasingly taking advantage of its benefits. It is assumed that with time, tomosynthesis will be used in more applications as its effectiveness is tested and proven. If you are interested in purchasing this type of equipment, a sensible place to look is MedWOW, where you can find a large selection of all sorts of radiography and imaging equipment, as well as digital tomosynthesis-related parts from global vendors, which translates into more competitive prices and services for buyers.

When searching on MedWOW for radiographic X-ray systems, digital mammography and direct digital radiography detectors needed for tomosynthesis; go to MedWOW’s all-inclusive and intuitive search engine, which allows you to find the exact used tomosynthesis equipment that you are searching for, using filtering options such as: manufacturer, model, price range, year manufactured, location and many other filters.

Another alternative is to post a buying request for the type of digital tomosynthesis -related equipment you are looking for, by filling out a form and giving as much information as possible. MedWOW attracts sellers from all over the world and so you will likely be sent a few quotes for your selected digital tomosynthesis.

Digital Mammography Systems: Much More Than the Sum of Their Parts

More and more medical facilities are realizing than rather than buying new mammography units, it is more economical to replace worn-out or broken mammography parts.

The newer mammography units are digital, providing the best imaging technology available for breast cancer screening. A digital mammogram unit, comprised of complex mammography parts, uses compression and x-rays to image the breast, but instead of capturing the image on film as with traditional mammography, the image is captured to a computer as a digital image file. Also called a full-field digital mammogram (FFDM), this technology compares well with film mammography and will benefit younger women the most, as it has been shown the older film method is more effective with women over the ages of 65. This technology allows the mammogram to be enlarged or magnified to provide the best quality picture and facilitates images being electronically filed and stored in a computer mammography part, where they can be accessed in seconds. The benefit of breast screening is early detection of breast cancer. The digital breast screening picks up very small, early stage breast cancer. The use of digital mammography improvs the ability to deliver better treatment options, better outcomes and more integrated breast health care for women. Cancer touches the lives of so many individuals and families and new technologies will further enhance the technologies and therapies medical facilities currently have in place for cancer diagnosis and care.

Digital mammograms are faster than film mammograms, because there is no film to develop. The image can be sent immediately to the radiologist for viewing. If the image is unclear, it can be retaken. This may help reduce mammogram callbacks and stress on patients.

Once mammographic images are sent to the computer mammography part, the radiologist can view them on a monitor, much as one would look at digital photos. On this special computer mammography part, the physician can closely examine the images by zooming in, adjusting the image brightness, or changing the contrast, making all areas of the breast easier to see. If the doctor wants to consult a breast specialist about the mammogram, the digital image files can be electronically sent to other sites for examination (telemammography). Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) can be used on the digital images to help the radiologist analyze the overall images, and flag areas that need closer study. CAD can find tumors that a radiologist might not spot. Once a CAD analysis has been done, a radiologist will do a visual check of those areas, and based on training and experience, decide how serious the mass may actually be.

Currently, stereo digital mammograms are being done in clinical trials for women who were called back after an abnormal routine mammogram. A stereo digital mammogram combines two digital breast x-rays taken from different angles, and produces a detailed three-dimensional image of the breast's internal structure. Such stereo images must be viewed on a special workstation mammography part by a specially trained radiologist.

Film mammography is still widely available, and digital mammography systems cost about 1.5 to 4 times more than film systems. Several different companies make digital mammography systems that have been given FDA approval.

MedWOW, the global medical equipment platform, represents a large selection, nearly 5,200, mammography parts from many major manufacturers including: Bennett X-Ray, Continental Trex, Elscint, GE Healthcare, Hologic, Instrumentarium, Lorad, Philips, Siemens and more.

For medical facilities who have film-based or digital systems, MedWOW offers mammography parts manufactured from 1998 – 2011, from dealers all over the world. If you don’t find the specific mammography part you seek, you can post a mammography part request on MedWOW and it is likely you will receive several competitive mammography part quotes.

The Wonders of Digital Radiography

Digital radiography is one of the most important technological advancements in medical imaging over the last ten years. Using the radiographic films of the past in x-ray imaging is likely to become outmoded within a few years. Similar to the replacement of standard film cameras with digital cameras, digital radiography images can be immediately obtained, revised, if necessary and then sent to a network of computers.

The benefits of digital radiography are vast. To begin with, radiological facilities or departments can become filmless and the technician or physician can view the requested image on a desktop or a personal computer and often report a diagnosis within just a few minutes after the examination was performed. The images are no longer stored in a single location, but can be seen at the same time by physicians who are miles away from each other.

Another major advantage of digital radiography is that radiographic images can be viewed immediately, rather than having to wait for film to be developed. Many physicians and dentist feel that this benefit, alone, is enough to cause a medical facility to switch to using only digital radiography equipment.

Just as important and beneficial, is the ability to enhance images using digital radiography. Digital radiography lets the technician make the image lighter or darker, increase contrast, increase images, and make other changes to the original image to assist in easier diagnosis of any irregularities.

In addition, the patient can be given the x-ray images on a CD to take to another physician or hospital, thanks to digital radiography. Radiographic images can be stored for years and easily retrieved when needed, and from multiple locations. Digital radiography has been very helpful as huge patient files that are difficult to keep track of are no longer necessary.

It is also no longer necessary to weight the risks of x-rays, as it exposes the patient to radiation. Digital radiography has reduced the amount of radiation the patient is exposed to by 70-80%, which is particularly important when multiple images are necessary in dental or medical applications.

A Look at Digital Mammography Systems

Designed to produce radiographic images of the breast, mammography x-ray systems are primarily used for breast cancer screening, staging and grading, and pinpointing specific diagnoses in patients displaying symptoms. Most mammographs show magnified views of the breast, as well as spot images. Special stereotactic attachments facilitate performing stereotactic biopsy procedures. Digital mammography images can be achieved either by a full-field digital detector, or by using CR cassettes and a CR reader. Also, a small-sized digital detector can be integrated into an analogue mammography for image spotting and for of guiding stereotactic biopsies.

The major components of a mammography system are:

• The pedestal support for the tube, the breast platform and the cassette holder or detector
• The X-ray tube assembly, including the collimator and the filters to reduce low energy radiation
• The breast-holding platform and compression paddle
• The detector or cassette holder

There are several benefits of using digital radiography:

• More efficient storage of and access to images
• Fewer retakes
• Better visualization of dense breasts
• Availability of image post-processing and image manipulation

Clinical studies have been reported and generally suggest that digital mammography provides either equal or better imaging performance than film or screen imaging. Digital mammography systems usually have a deeper dynamic range. It is important to note that pixel size is not a good indicator of spatial resolution, as the noise and blurring effects in the detector system can have a significant effect on resolution. In addition, different types of detector technologies have different noise and blurring characteristic.

The user interface should enable full visualization of image data. Standard imaging processing typically includes:

• Magnification, zoom and roam functionalities
• Window and leveling (contrast and brightness)
• Image flip and rotation
• Edge enhancement and noise reduction
• Black/white inversion