Breakthrough in Flat-panel Technology

Shimadzu, world-wide manufacturer of diagnostic imaging equipment, has introduced a new milestone in its X-ray technology program. It is the so-called Safire flat-panel detector, the worlds first FPD with direct-conversion technology. It offers distinct advantages in image quality and dose efficiency in comparison with indirect-conversion flat-panel.How does the Safire flat-panel technology work? The new direct-conversion technology now creates clearer high-resolution images with less signal deterioration and reduced noise. The top layer of the flat-panel detector, an X-ray conversion film, converts X-rays passing through the patient's body directly into electric signals using amorphous Selenium. A TFT (thin-film transistor) array then collects the signal from each pixel and transfers the data immediately to the processing system.The direct-conversion flat-panel detector is far more sensitive than conventional X-ray films. It produces still images as well as fluoroscopic images which are qualitatively equal to or better than film, even when the X-ray radiation emitted is reduced from one half to one third of conventional X-ray examination. This dramatically reduces the dosage exposure to the patient.

“Safire” Merges Economic with Diagnostic Benefits

Introducing the Safire direct-conversion FPD to the medical sector enables digitizing of all X-ray related diagnostic imaging. This allows faster diagnosis, improved diagnostic capabilities and accelerated remote medical diagnostics. In Japan, over 100 Safire systems are already in use. The 23 x 23cm (9-inch-square) or 43 x 43cm (17-inch-square) Safire FPD can be used both for still images and fluoroscopy.