3.
Maneuverability.
Image intensifiers are
fairly large in size,
which makes them dif-
ficult to position dur-
ing fluoroscopy proce-
dures. The flat-panel
detectors are less
bulky and consider-
ably lighter. Because
it's smaller and lighter,
it's easier to maneuver
in those compact
spaces around the OR
table. Plus, you can swivel the flat-panel screens.
"With storage a major issue for us, we were looking for a unit that
was smaller and much easier to maneuver," says Mr. DeConciliis ,
who purchased a new machine and a demo.
4. Digital file saving. As with most computers, the amount of
storage you'll need for your images depends on your facility's and
your surgeons' workflow. Most units have the built-in capacity to con-
vert images to the universal DICOM (Digital Imaging and
Communications in Medicine) standard for data portability across
viewing platforms. Some of the large manufacturers also offer a wire-
less transfer of images to a facility's PACS system, which avoids wear
and tear on the technology.
"So, in a DICOM format, it will come across the machine into PACS.
With digital, it's less radiation and it's direct, so it can go over easier
1 1 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 8
• FLUOROSCOPY'S INVISIBLE DANGERS Flat-panel detectors expose patients and
staff to less radiation than conventional C-arms.
