Konica Minolta Healthcare Highlights Transformative X-ray Solutions

Konica Minolta Healthcare is introducing new digital radiography (DR) X-ray solutions at this year’s RSNA Annual Meeting. In 2020, Konica Minolta Healthcare launched Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR), and now the company is extending this advancement to the new KDR Flex Overhead X-ray System.

The KDR Flex Overhead X-ray System is a next-generation, smart radiography system that delivers an array of workflow innovations, in addition to incorporating DDR. The system automatically tracks and aligns the tube to the table or wall stand, facilitating precision in positioning. It has the flexibility to be configured as a manual, semi-automated or fully automated system to optimize workflow, reduce operator fatigue and increase patient satisfaction. A powerful X-ray generator and Automatic Exposure Control further optimize image quality and help minimize patient dose. The result is a more effortless system operation that enhances both the technologist and patient experience.

DDR is a leap forward in DR technology that acquires individual images at high speed and low dose. The resulting cine loop enables clinicians to observe anatomical motion over time, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and providing clinicians with a way to visualize anatomy like never before.

A recent study published in Radiology showed that DDR technology can assess impaired pulmonary perfusion at an early stage in the clinical setting, replacing expensive, large equipment that delivers prolonged radiation exposure to patients. It concluded that DDR has the potential to become a new diagnostic method for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) without contrast media or radionuclides and with lower radiation exposure.

“With DDR, we can offer more diagnostic capabilities to more people, which helps us address the issue of health equity and potentially increase access to high-quality imaging technology. It’s exciting that we can do all of this with X-ray,” said Kirsten Doerfert, Sr. Vice President of Marketing.

Konica Minolta previously announced DDR on the Chiropractic Straight Arm and the mKDR Xpress™ Mobile X-ray System, which recently received US FDA 510(k) clearance for the DDR option. These new systems are being launched at the RSNA Annual Meeting. With the mKDR Xpress Mobile X-ray System with DDR, clinicians can now capture anatomy in motion and observe physiological changes during respiration or swallow studies, right at the patient’s bedside or in the ER, OR, CCU or ICU.

The company is also launching the AeroDR Glassless family of flat panel detectors, which have no glass substrate, just a thin film transistor (TFT). This further decreases the panel weight and reduces the distance between the scintillator and electronics for superior sensitivity and outstanding image quality. “The AeroDR Glassless Flat Panel Detectors aren’t just lighter in weight. They’re also more ergonomic, as they have a deeper indent around the edge that makes them easier to carry,” said Guillermo Sander, PhD, Marketing Director for Digital Radiography.

The company is also introducing its next-generation, compact point-of-care ultrasound system, SONIMAGE MX1 Platinum, delivering incredible detail resolution for superior image quality. Clinicians can hand carry the SONIMAGE MX1 Platinum System wherever it is needed most – at the bedside, in an exam room or surgery suite.

In addition, the company is highlighting its move toward hosting its leading cloud-based Exa Platform and Symmetry PACS as a Software as a Service (SaaS) model in the cloud. Konica Minolta is currently working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) by using Amazon HealthLake Imaging, now available in preview, and will use the security and scale of AWS to host the Exa Platform and Symmetry PACS.

RSNA Booth: 2146