Shimadzu - Diagnostic System Development

As a pioneer in medical technology since 1896 when recording the first X-ray images in Japan, Shimadzu develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of diagnostic systems in all areas of clinical application – computer tomography, digital subtraction angiography (DSA), cardiovascular systems, digital radiography and fluoroscopy systems, and ultrasound and general radiography equipment.

ANGIOGRAPHY TECHNOLOGY

Using novel technologies and equipment, the company paved the way for new applications and continues to develop new technologies even today. An example is, the real-time smooth mask (RSM) digital subtraction angiography, a diagnostic tool for physicians.

The patented RSM-DSA technology enables subtraction angiography, where the mask and filler images are acquired almost simultaneously and subtracted in real-time. Finding the right diagnosis becomes much easier and more precise, whilst reducing the enormous technical effort, time frame and cost required for modern angiography applications.

MOBILE X-RAY FOR EMERGENCY ROOMS

The mobile surgical C-arm opescope pleno meets today’s demands of operating and emergency rooms. The opescope pleno combines easy and accurate positioning at any angle with high-accuracy digital image technology.

Most modern functions support the operator, e.g. memory switches for camera rotation angle, or RSM-DSA (real-time smoothed mask DSA), just to mention a few. Thanks to its clean design the opescope pleno can be easily maintained under sterile conditions.

DIGITALIZED X-RAY DATA

Shimadzu's latest milestone in X-ray technology is a flat-panel detector FPD named ‘Safire’, the world’s first large format FPD, which converts X-rays directly into electronic signals, using amorphous selenium.

The direct-conversion technology offers distinct advantages in image quality and dose efficiency compared with indirect-conversion flat panels. The current image-amplifier technology, inferior in image quality and dose efficiency, is soon expected to become obsolete.

Introducing the ‘Safire’ direct-conversion FPD to the medical sector enables digitizing of all X-ray related diagnostic imaging. It allows faster diagnosis, improved diagnostic capabilities and accelerated remote medical diagnostics.

The 23cm × 23cm (9-in²) or 43cm × 43cm (17-inch-square) ‘Safire’ FPD can be used for both still images and fluoroscopy. Shimadzu’s ‘Safire’ FPD's are integrated in cardio systems as well as fluoroscopic equipment and Bucky rooms.

AWARD WINNING X-RAY TECHNOLOGY

In 2004, Shimadzu Europe was awarded the Growth Strategy Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan for its outstanding achievement of growth in the mobile X-ray field.

In this segment, Shimadzu marketed the MobileArt series, a family of three systems offering efficiency user-and-patient friendliness together with high-quality images.

The MobileDaRt system is equipped with a 14in × 17in (35cm × 43cm) flat panel detector (FPD).

ULTRASOUND SYSTEMS

The fully digital platform of ultrasound systems, the SDU-1200 PRO and SDU-2200 PRO colour Doppler series, feature highly advanced operating modes and performance characteristics. Both instruments are suitable for hospital use as well as private medical practices for radiology, internal medicine, urology, paediatrics, angiology, gynaecology and obstetrics.

The SDU-2200 PRO also serves as an all-round system complying with the basic requirements of cardiologic diagnosis.

CUSTOMER BENEFITS

During research and development Shimadzu is led by a simple yet central mission: to offer the best possible diagnostics with the highest patient and user friendliness.

Shimadzu’s medical technology is applied on all continents. The feedback from Shimadzu’s customers is integrated directly in the development of new systems. In this way each of Shimadzu’s customers can benefit from globally acquired knowledge.

Shimadzu’s technology is further complemented by the proximity to its customers: Shimadzu has an extensive sales and service network all over Europe.