Medical Imaging International
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Intelligent Imaging System Assists Mammography Technologists novel mammography system with intelligent image processing supports healthcare professionals in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. The Aspire Cristalle is an advanced digital mammography system that optimizes image contrast and dose across all breast types, thanks to a combination of hexagonal close pattern (HCP) capture technology and intelligent image processing, resulting in a reduced acquisition time of 15 seconds. Images are enhanced by intelligent automatic exposure control (iAEC) and image based spectrum conversion (ISC), which analyze the breast for glandular tissue characteristics, detect implants to optimize dose and processing, and precisely tune contrast to adapt for every breast type and to image implants. Simplicity of operation allows reliable exams quickly and easily, starting from a simple one-button
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startup to a patented comfort paddle equipped with soft edges, a flexible composition, and a four-way pivot that contours to the individual shape of the breast, in order to apply a gentle, even compression that results in optimal tissue separation. The Aspire Cristalle system is a product of Fujifilm Medical Systems (Tokyo, Japan; www.fujifilm.com/products/ medical), and was designed to provide an upgrade path to future technologies. “Fujifilm is constantly innovating to develop the most advanced digital mammography systems to assist in the early detection of breast cancer,” commented Timothy Gustafson, RT, director of the imaging service at White Memorial Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA, USA). “Aspire Cristalle brings together Fujifilm’s extensive research, expertise, and experience. The technology allows us to continue our mission, providing comprehensive cancer care
for our community, combining sophisticated technology with a warm, caring touch.” HCP is based on hexagonal pixels distributed in the electrical field, which are more efficient than traditional, square pixels; this results in a strong, homogenous signal that provides images with high detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and modulation transfer function (MTF), which delivers exceptionally sharp images, even at low dose, with a small (50 micrometer) pixel size. Image: The Aspire Cristalle digital mammography system (Photo courtesy of Fujifilm).
New Drying Cloth For Transesophageal Ultrasound Probes novel irradiated cloth features a super adsorbent matrix and an ultra-smooth surface for enhanced drying following disinfection and rinse. The CS Medical (Creedmoor, NC, USA; www.csmedicalllc.com) QwikDry transesophageal echo (TEE) ultrasound probe drying cloth is designed to effectively remove moisture from probes at the conclusion of high-level disinfection and rinse with the TD 100 automated TEE probe disinfector, and prior to reuse or storage. Once the disinfected TEE probe is removed from the TD 100, the QwikDry cloth is applied to the insertion shaft to absorb any residual moisture. Each lint-free QwikDry is individually packaged in an easy to open Chevron pouch. The cloth was developed since a wet probe, stored in a plastic sheath or hung freely for drying, can allow airborne contaminates to foster growth of spores and bacteria, while other drying methods, such as a reusable sponge, paper towel, cotton cloth, or surgical gauze – though effective in the drying of a TEE probe – could introduce outside contaminates. A sponge, for example could foster spore and bacteria growth while a towel, cloth, or gauze could contain contaminates introduced during the manufacturing or handling process prior to being used. TEE is an alternative method to perform an echocardiogram, using a specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer at its tip passed into the patient’s esophagus. Unlike standard echocardiography, the transducer is close to the upper chambers of the heart, and thus very clear images of the heart structures and valves can be obtained. TEE is often used in people with a thicker chest wall, in the obese, and to provide information during surgery to repair heart valves, a tear in the aorta, or congenital heart lesions.
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Medical Imaging International May-June/2016
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