Konica Minolta Healthcare Launches New Flat Panel Detectors, X-Ray System

Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. has introduced new digital radiography (DR) solutions designed to improve the clinical value of X-ray.

The company’s KDR Flex Overhead X-ray System is equipped with Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR); Konica Minolta previously announced DDR on the Chiropractic Straight Arm and the mKDR Xpress Mobile X-ray System, which received U.S. Food and Drug Admnistration 510(k) clearance last year for the DDR option. 
 
The KDR Flex Overhead X-ray System is a next-generation, smart radiography system that delivers an array of workflow innovations in addition to incorporating DDR. The system automatically tracks and aligns the tube to the table or wall stand, facilitating precision in positioning. The KDR Flex Overhead X-ray System has the flexibility to be configured as a manual, semi-automated or fully automated system to optimize workflow, reduce operator fatigue and increase patient satisfaction. An X-ray generator and Automatic Exposure Control further optimize image quality and help minimize patient dose. The result is a more effortless system operation that enhances both the technologist and patient experience.
 
Konica Minolta’s AeroDR Glassless Flat Panel Detectors contain no glass substrate, only a thin film transistor (TFT), further decreasing the panel weight and, as important, reducing the distance between the scintillator and electronics for superior sensitivity and outstanding image quality. The AeroDR family of flat panel detectors feature a seven-year power cell warranty and high definition resolution at 100 µm and 200 µm. AeroDR Glassless Flat Panel Detectors are available in Konica Minolta systems and retrofits to help facilities take advantage of a smart imaging solution for greater efficiency and optimal image quality.
 
“Konica Minolta is delivering more capabilities with digital radiography that advance and redefine imaging diagnostics and are available on multiple systems to best meet each customer’s most demanding needs,” said Guillermo Sander, Ph.D., marketing director for Digital Radiography, Konica Minolta Healthcare. “Our commitment is to do more with primary imaging, continually evolving to provide clinicians with diagnostic information never before available. The ultimate goal is to enhance patient care by enabling better decisions, sooner.”
 
With the mKDR Xpress Mobile X-ray System with DDR, clinicians can now capture anatomy in motion and observe physiological changes during respiration or swallow studies, right at the patient’s bedside or in the ER, OR, CCU or ICU. DDR adds significant clinical value to imaging performed at the point-of-care with an exam that is fast and versatile at a low radiation dose.
 
DDR was initially introduced on the company’s KDR Advanced U-Arm. DDR advances DR technology by acquiring individual images at high speed and low dose. The resulting cine loop enables clinicians to observe anatomical motion over time, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and providing clinicians with a way to visualize anatomy like never before.
 
Konica Minolta Healthcare is a provider of medical diagnostic imaging and healthcare information technology. Konica Minolta Healthcare Americas Inc. headquartered in Wayne, N.J., is a division of Konica Minolta Inc.