Fujifilm's FDR-flex with FDR D-EVO II
TheCOVID-19pandemic turned the spotlight on diagnostic imaging by demanding a need for high-speed workflow and efficient patient management. This helped to highlight the importance of the role ofdigital radiography(DR), which offers fast turnaround with less than one minute needed between exposure and image acquisition. As we start to enter the post-pandemic period, the continuing need for DR technology is still as strong as ever.
根据联合市场研究公司(Allied market Research)的新数据，2020年全球DR市场估值为39亿美元，预计到2030年将达到83亿美元，从2021年到2030年以6.6%的复合增长率增长。DR是一种使用x光敏感片在病人检查过程中直接获取数据的放射学技术。Digital X-rayreplaces the use of film or computed radiography (CR) plates with a direct digital transfer of X-ray images into thePACS. DR is the direct conversion of transmitted X-ray photons into a digital image using an array of solid-state detectors such as amorphous selenium or silicon, with computer processing and display of the image. DR X-ray systems are used for both fixed base room installations and mobile DR systems that are wheeled between rooms for imaging exams. DR is recommended as a significant choice for clinical imaging due to its high-quality picture processing and reduced radiation exposure.
Market Growth
Growth of digital radiology industry is being driven by a surge in the frequency of chronic diseases, sports-related injuries and cancer. Also, the aforementionedCOVID-19 pandemicaccelerated the need for high-speed workflow and an efficient way to manage patients. On Jan. 30, 2020, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. Constraints and restrictions were implemented by state governments for ongoing medical procedures and elective surgeries, which greatly impacted the healthcare system.
“The digital radiography market was impacted during the pandemic. Initially, the pandemic negatively impacted the market, due to imposed lockdowns and social distancing regulations,” said the study’s authors. “As the lockdown emerged, diagnostic imaging procedures were postponed but eventually, the pandemic put diagnostic imaging in the limelight, with necessity of high-speed workflow and effective patient management. Demand for digital radiology systems increased, as it requires less than one minute between exposure and image collection. Many companies developed or changed their products for diagnostic imaging to address these rising needs. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the digital radiography market.”
Advantages of DR
Some major advantages of digital imaging are cost-effectiveness and easy accessibility. “The hospitals can manage the cost-cutting by lowering the film price, reducing the requirement of storage space, and decreasing the number of people required to run the services and archive sections,” stated Modor Intelligence in its recent DR market report. “The images are also instantly available for distribution to the clinical services without the time and physical effort needed to retrieve film packets and reviewing previous imaging on a patient is much easier. This factor greatly impacts the growth of the digital X-ray devices market.”
Key Market Trends
根据Modor Intelligence的预测，基于可移植性，移动DR设备预计将见证显著增长。推动这一增长的关键因素包括先进的技术、慢性疾病患者数量的增加和老年人口的增加，以及对便携系统可用性的认识的提高。
Also, advancements in technology and increasing product approvals, along with partnerships and collaborations by key players, is helping to drive market growth. At theRadiological Society of North America’s (RSNA) 2021 annual meeting, several of these advancements were on display in the expo hall.
At RSNA 2021, Agfa launched its newValory DR room. Valory delivers a simple design with functionality that goes beyond the basics to bring reliability, productivity and first-time-right imaging into reach for any hospital. It comes equipped with a wide choice of a generator power, ceiling-suspended X-ray tube, and Dura-line Cesium Iodide detectors that deliver reliability, cost-effectiveness, the potential for significant patient dose reduction, 15-hour battery autonomy and the ability to share detectors between DR systems.
GE Healthcare introduced theDefinium Tempo, a new fixed overhead tube suspension (OTS) digital X-ray system designed to be a personal assistant to radiologists and technologists, leveraging automation to reduce workflow burdens. It is designed to work with the technologist to operate efficiently and provide consistent, high-quality images, while allowing for more quality time with the patient. Acting as an in-room command center, its tube-mounted console provides all the functionality needed for patient selection, protocol selection, technique modification and positioning setup, enabling the technologist to finish all exam setup and positioning work without leaving the patient’s side.
At RSNA 2021, Konica Minolta introduced themKDR Xpress移动x射线系统，它提供了特殊的成像性能在一个小的足迹。其细长的设计和可折叠的柱便于移动，包括在ICU、CCU和OR的狭小空间。通过可定制的移动专用用户界面、远程控制和前后激光准直器控制，确保了使用的易用性。
Carestream shared its solutions for expanding DR at RSNA 2021. WithCarestream’s DR Retrofit systems, imaging facilities that have not yet fully upgraded to DR can move forward to full wireless DR imaging at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new system. The retrofit solutions use a single wireless detector to convert existing equipment to full digital operation, delivering all benefits of a DR system.
August 11, 2022
