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Through the development of such digital X-ray imaging system products as Fuji Computed Radiography (FCR*), Fujifilm has been able to contribute to the accuracy of medical diagnosis. Major breakthroughs include Image IntelligenceTM, an original high-quality digital image processing technology that makes diagnosis easier through improved image quality, and high-definition FCR Digital Mammography, which contributes to detection of breast cancer.
One of the important research themes in X-ray diagnosis aimed at developing safer methods has been to reduce the dosage of X-rays needed. Over the years, many medical doctors and radiologists have told us “We want to reduce X-ray dosage for the health of our patients.”
The two images below compare results from the FUJIFILM DR VELOCITY Ufp system (image A), which uses one-half the usual X-ray dosage, with an image made with the current FCR systems (image B). Even though image A was taken with a lower X-ray dosage, there are no differences in quality compared with image B.
Comments of medical professionals regarding the images include “Image A is sufficient for diagnosis” and “It is excellent that you have been able to reduce the X-ray dosage substantially while maintaining image quality.”
Image taken by the FUJIFILM DR VELOCITY Ufp system
Image taken using the current FCR system
FUJIFILM DR VELOCITY Ufp, an upright image reader recently developed by Fujifilm, delivers double the X-ray detection efficiency compared with existing FCR imaging. Therefore, at the same time, the device offers a substantial reduction in X-ray dosage with no sacrifice of image quality.
In addition, our HD Line Scan Technology*, which enables the high-speed reading of images, has enabled us to create more compact, high-performance units.
With previously developed image storage devices, it was not possible to obtain sharp images just by reducing the X-ray volume when light intensity was insufficient. Fujifilm's newly developed product, however, is important because it allows for the more effective use of X-ray information than with current image storage devices.
To achieve this result, it was necessary to newly adopt CsBr (cesium bromide) as the photo-stimulable phosphor and configure it into a columnar crystal structure. We thus needed to make a substantial breakthrough by developing a new deposition technology, Focused Phosphor
Technology*, to replace the coating technology previously used. This new technology has resulted in a major reduction in X-ray dosage and an improvement in image quality.
In addition, by combining the FUJIFILM DR VELOCITY Ufp with SYNAPSE, the medical imaging information network, it will be possible to share visual information (as is now possible with FCR) not only within medical institutions but also with remotely located facilities, thus supporting a high-quality digital network for the 21st century diagnosis field.
