A Stitch in Time

DR systems can boost efficiency

Email Print

Viztek’s auto-positioning for auto-stitching feature automates detector movement during an exam to acquire multiple images accurately and without user involvement. (Viztek)

Long-length X-ray images that require “stitching” to piece individual images together to form one long picture are often requested by orthopedists. With DR, manual stitching by technologists can be difficult and time-consuming, and create workflow delays.

For orthopedic practices, acquiring high-quality, long-length DR images presents an ongoing challenge because they involve anatomical structures that are longer than the detector itself. As a result, these imaging exams require a cumbersome process of multiple exposures, which are combined through stitching to create the final image. Orthopedists report that such DR exams produce bottlenecks in workflow and can require numerous retakes to achieve satisfactory results.

Eliminating Delays

As imaging technology races forward, orthopedic specialists may not always take advantage of DR technology. But that trend is changing. Advanced imaging solutions are eliminating the time, energy, and complications of manual stitching and allowing orthopedic practices to take advantage of leading-edge X-ray modalities more quickly and easily, and be more productive. For some practices, these new technologies have more than doubled their imaging output, while simplifying the process. Several orthopedic sites that already employ advanced, long-length DR are finding that posterior/anterior and lateral scoliosis exams can be completed in just 30 seconds. Image quality is enhanced, and lines in file rooms or at CR film processors have been eliminated.

Most new DR features involve an automated process for matching two or more images required for processing into one seamless image. Garner, N.C.-based Viztek’s auto-positioning for auto-stitching feature automates the detector movement during an exam to acquire multiple images accurately and without user involvement. In addition, Viztek provides a mechanical means to minimize patient movement during a series of exposures and speeds. Assembling can be accomplished at an acquisition station, which eliminates many of the typical stitching steps. Viztek is one of the few manufacturers with an automatic stitching feature for u-arm applications, a development that
overcomes previous technical obstacles.

The DR Advantage
The advantages of DR over plain film include eliminating file rooms, creating easier image management, and improving communications. DR also provides numerous benefits over CR, such as eliminating processing and having to manage large or multiple cassettes for a single study.

Overall, DR is a faster modality than CR. However, it has always been hampered by image assembly and stitching when it comes to imaging for scoliosis and mechanical exams.

Orthopedic practices that ventured into DR early must contend with technologists leaving the control room to move detectors manually and returning to the booth several times to administer each exposure. In some cases, the completed individual images are transmitted to a processing station, where they are manually stitched in multiple steps. Then, a technologist or physician sees the exam.

In addition to prolonging the process and creating confusion, manual detector adjustment leaves room for errors and enables the patient to move, which can produce an inaccurate image. As a result, some orthopedic practices have continued to use plain film or CR for these exams.

Only the Beginning

Like several systems, Viztek’s auto-positioning for auto-stitching system automatically combines multiple images. But that’s only the beginning. The technology features a proprietary algorithm that can detect subtle inconsistencies in multiple images due to slight patient movements and overlap in the field-of-view, and other discrepancies. The device automatically compensates for these issues in the image alignment phase to ensure a high-quality, accurate exam. These processes occur at the acquisition station. When the exam is complete, it can be automatically sent to the viewing station for reading.

With its automatic detector positioning, the Viztek acquisition process eliminates time and extensive technologist involvement. After a technologist inputs the exam parameters, the single button launches the multi-image process. The detector moves automatically from exposure to exposure, acquiring an average long-bone or scoliosis exam in fewer than 20 seconds. This contrasts to two minutes for other DR systems and five minutes for some CR systems.

The key focus of the Viztek system is paring down the multiple-step process typically required by other systems to automatically transform various exam images into one seamless final product. Viztek can accomplish the process in fewer than six steps.

Delivering Benefits

The Viztek DR system, which incorporated numerous patented technological advances, was developed and designed in consultation with Midwest Orthopedics at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago. The center’s 35 orthopedic surgeons use cutting-edge technology to make their practices a model of superior patient care and efficiency. Today, six Viztek DR systems equipped with the new stitching systems support all types of exams, including scoliosis and mechanical.

The site’s DR imaging acquisition time has been reduced to 30 seconds, and surgeons and technologists have been pleased with the results. Patients appreciate the abbreviated exam time, as well. The practice has more than doubled its daily imaging volume since the technology was implemented last October.

Many orthopedists, particularly those at high-volume facilities, believe that DR is the way of the future for X-ray imaging. Physicians and technologists appreciate Viztek’s reduction in exam time and ability to abandon films and CR, which allows them to enter the digital age. Clinicians also frequently cite patient care benefits of dose reduction. Viztek DR also delivers similar benefits in hospitals with a significant volume of imaging exams that require stitching.

However, facilities should remember that the features of automatic stitching systems vary. Always consider the value of saving staff time by eliminating tedious manual work and the potential for adding income through enhanced workflow.

– Ronny Bachrach is marketing director with Viztek in Garner, N.C. Direct questions and comments to editorial@rt-image.com.