Siemens Healthineers has recently
introduced an advanced fluoroscopy system, the Luminos Lotus Max, that
combines two state-of-the-art technologies, fluoroscopy, and radiography
imaging in one system to allow users to perform both dynamic and static x-ray
exams. Offering a new level of integration, the system ensures efficient
workflows, high system utilization, and uninterrupted flow during radiographic
and fluoroscopic exams. The remote-controlled Luminos Lotus Max system provides
high flexibility as the users can immediately switch between the different
imaging modalities. As healthcare providers are required to maximize the
efficiency of systems with minimum resources, the Lotus Max system serves as
the perfect alternative to increase productivity and optimize clinical
operations. In this way, the premium 2-in-1 remote-controlled system enhances
patient care and facilitates the smooth running of operations.
Featuring a high degree of
automation, the highly integrated system ensures ease of usability and
patient safety as the technicians are able to apply optimum dosage for each
patient according to the examination type without compromising clinical
outcomes. Wireless foot switch that comes with the system can
potentially reduce operator dose, and the package software can
lessen radiation dose to patients via dedicated organ programs to improve
workflow and enhance image quality.
The Lotus Max can be operated either
from a control room or a control located at the system’s table. Cios
Flow is a new offering from Siemens in the realm of mobile C-arm,
which highlights low-weight, maneuverability, and touch-gesture interface to
improve the efficiency of routine surgical interventions. The device is
specialized to perform a wide range of examinations for orthopedic studies,
trauma surgery, spinal surgery, vascular surgery, pain therapy, pediatrics,
bariatrics surgery, geriatrics, and basic interventional radiology. Luminos
Lotus Max enables a seamless flow in all aspects, from the selection of
clinical examination to comprehensive dose management.
The multi-color MoodLight
feature creates a more positive and hospitable environment both for
the patients and the staff. Also, the device automatically encrypts images and
patient data during the procedure. The regular software updates prevent
sensitive patient data from cyberattacks and a comprehensive range of software
features keep the equipment protected throughout the years to come. Besides, the
device has newly built functions to block unauthorized access to sensitive
patient data encrypted with BitLocker software. Also, applications
on Cios Flow can be "whitelisted" to restrict access to the system to
only trusted sources.
SpotAdapt function exhibited by Lotus Max
helps users visualize areas of challenging anatomy, allowing them to tap an
area on a preview image on the user interface. The technique also optimizes
various image parameters such as brightness and contrast to deliver
high-quality, low-dose dynamic and staging images on all types of patients to
make reliable diagnoses, but the feature is not commercially available in the
USA currently. The intelligent image processing engine, DiamondView Max helps
in sharper and faster imaging, which makes reading times short, optimize noise
reduction, and enables examination at a low dose for all adult and pediatric
patients.
The smart design and
intuitive system keep the patients and technologists safe as there is
no need to transfer from one system to another due to the integration of both
the imaging technologies in one. Several positions are pre-programmed in the
system which enables easy transfer and positioning of patients. The
ergonomically perfect design is comfortable for handling disabled or
wheelchair-dependent patients as no more pulling, or tilting is required to
position them.
Distinct Features
of Luminos Lotus Max Imaging Technology
The large 43X43 cm MAX
dynamic flat detector delivers high-quality dynamic and static digital
imaging for more precision along with providing 116% more patient coverage than
a 33 cm image intensifier. The high heat capacity tube is excellent for larger
patients and longer procedures, which allows the technicians to continue their
exams without waiting for the tube to cool down. The MAX dynamic
detector provides detailed patient information with noise-free images
for improved bone detail and soft-tissue contrast of radiographic images. In
fluoroscopy, Digital Density Optimization enhances high contrast to improve
contrast without losing important anatomical details. SmartView allows
users to display and switch between images from different modalities, providing
a comprehensive view. The one-click registration setup for radiography or
fluoroscopy exams enables the most efficient mix of exams per room in the short
amount of time possible.
The MAXswap allows
effortless swapping of a pool of MAX wi-D and MAX mini detectors between
multiple Luminos dRF Max, Luminos Agile Max, and Ysio Max systems, and one can
add or subtract more detectors as per the requirement. The one-click
registration incorporates safeguards to make sure the right detector is at the
right place and right time. With the Ysio Max option, Luminos dRF provides even
more flexibility in your fluoroscopy room, enabling more workflow and high
throughput. The MAXalign displays the detector angle of the
MAX wi-D and MAX mini directly on the MAXtouch, which eliminates the need to
guess the detector angle and deliver the enhanced image quality and
consistency. By automatic and dynamic adjustment of the collimated border to
black, Auto Shutter enhances contrast in both live and still
images whereas Auto Window ensures consistent live image
brightness during patient or system movement, even in challenging areas such as
the chest.
Featuring an automated tilting
technique for long leg and spine imaging, SmartOrtho delivers
faster and easier ortho imaging. SmartOrtho determines the number of exposures
required and composes them to a single image on a separate workstation or syngo
FLC. Syngo FLC is a one-stop system that manages your entire workflow
from registration to documentation.
Technical
Specifications
- Control console offers more flexibility in the
exam room with SmartTouch—touch-sensitive joysticks stimulated with a
human touch.
- Wireless foot switch prevents unnecessary
dosage delivery and gives more freedom to the user for enhanced safety of
the patients.
- Moodlight creates a friendly environment for
working staff and patients.
- System X-ray tube has a heating capacity of
820 kHU and collimators with semi-transparent filters.
- Ysio Max ceiling suspended tube has a large
touchscreen of a 26 cm touch user interface.
- The bucky wall stands with a vertical travel
range up to 145 cm and a low central beam height of 27 cm facilitates
automatic tracking for smooth exam preparation.
Other
Radioscopy/Fluoroscopy Devices
Carestream’s
DRX-Excel Plus system
Like Luminos Lotus Max System,
Carestream DRX-Excel Plus System is designed by combining fluoroscopy and
general radiology capabilities in one compact unit. Delivering accelerated
workflow and high-resolution images, the system supports a wide range of exams.
The technology is specifically intended for large hospitals and imaging centers
for easy and convenient operations for enhanced flexibility. The system is
available in two models to match the needs and workflow such as
- Conventional configuration for fluoroscopy
exam
- dRF configuration for both fluoroscopy and
radioscopy exams
The system offers several advantages
over other competing models such as two modalities in a single system, lowest
fixed table height for patient accessibility, motorized tube and column to
increase speed, etc.
The SID capability exceeds that of
competitors, acquiring images at any distance between 110 to 80 cm. The table
features a weight capacity of 265 kg to accommodate heavier patients and allow
for movements of the table with no limitations. The relaxing ambient lighting
and selectable music enhance patient comfort and keep the surrounding light and
positive.
Although the DRX-Excel Plus provides
many features to run the examination smoothly with its efficient design that
can increase workflow, reduce dose, and reduce manual actions by a
technologist, the system does not offer high-end imaging capabilities, remote
console access, wireless foot, or SmartTouch that Luminos Lotus System
provide.
Philips
EasyDiagnost Eleva DRF
EasyDiagnost Eleva DRF 5.0 combines
fluoroscopy with digital radiography technology to offer healthcare facilities
the ability to ingrate the benefits of digital imaging while creating a
multipurpose imaging space. The solution allows the hospital to customize radiography
and fluoroscopy rooms to fit specific needs, thereby optimizing investments and
improve workflow. The EasyDiagnost Eleva system comes with the added
flexibility of a wireless portable detector to deliver optimized patient care
and maximize workflow efficiency.
The UNified Image QUality (UNIQUE)
is a multi-resolution image processing technology that delivers digital X-ray
images of uniformly high standards by enhancing areas of varying density and
contrast. The UNIQUE image display can be set according to individual
preference. A major advantage of Philips premium digital radiography and
fluoroscopy solutions is the common Eleva User Interface, which easily
adjusts to accommodate different patient types, exams, and operators for smooth
workflow with DR pre-images available in seconds.
A wireless portable detector is a key
feature of Philips EasyDiagnost Eleva DRF that helps to improve hospital
workflow but unfortunately, the Luminos Lotus system doesn’t offer that.
Conclusion
Although Luminos Lotus System isn’t
the first system integrating radiography/fluoroscopy, however, it is probably
one of the best imaging modalities available in the market, offering the best
design as well as multiple tools to get excellent images. However, if you are
looking for cheaper alternatives, then Carestream’s DRX-Excel Plus system and
Philips EasyDiagnost Eleva DRF are the best available options that give good
quality results.
According to TechSci research report on “Global
Fluoroscopy Equipment Market By Type
(Fixed C-arms, Fluoroscopy Systems, Remote Controlled Systems, Patient-Side
Controlled Systems, Others) By Application (Diagnostics v/s Surgical) {By
Diagnostic (Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Urology & Nephrology, Others)}
{By Surgical (Orthopedic & Trauma Surgeries, Neurosurgeries, Cardiovascular
Surgeries, Others)} By End User (Hospitals & Clinics, Diagnostic Imaging
Centers, Others) By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global fluoroscopy market is
anticipated to grow at impressive rate owing to the rising number of radiology
procedures that are interventional real-time and use of fluoroscopy for pain
management.
According to another TechSci research report on “Global
Diagnostic Imaging Market By Product
Type ( Architecture (Open/Closed), By Field Strength (High and Very-High Field
MRI Systems), By Systems (Ultrasound Systems, Nuclear Imaging Systems, X-Ray
Imaging Systems, CT Scanner, MRI System, Mammography System, Fluoroscopy), By
Portability (Stationary, Portability), By Application (OB/Gyn, Orthopaedic,
Musculosekeletal, Neuro &Spine, General Imaging, Cardio &Thoracic,
Breast health, Others), By End Users (Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centers,
Others), By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2016-2026F”, the global diagnostic imaging market
is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.72% during the forecast period due to rising
geriatric population and introduction of advanced imaging devices.