The high cost of converting film-based x-ray systems to digital has slowed the adoption of digital radiography significantly, at least until now. Things could speed up a bit with the introduction of Xplorer 1000, a 14 x 17-inch charge-coupled device (CCD) detector that will sell for about $100,000.
The system, developed by Canadian firm Imaging Dynamics of Calgary, Alberta, is designed for customers want to implement DR technology without sacrificing their investments in traditional x-ray equipment, according to Imaging Dynamics president and CEO Ronald King.
"We don’t force you to replace your x-ray generator," he said. "We can work with any generator out there."
Along with the product's low cost -- about (U.S.) $100,000 with associated software -- the firm says it will highlight Xplorer 1000's impressive performance. The system generates images with 12-bit dynamic range and spatial resolution of 130 microns or better, King said, and offers DICOM-compliant image output. The software runs on a Windows 98/NT platform, minimizing hardware requirements, he added.
In an average radiographic room with a throughput of 40 patients per day, the system can pay for itself in 18 to 28 months, King said, when elimination of film, chemicals, and ongoing costs associated with traditional analog systems are considered. Higher volume sites can reach the break-even point even sooner, he said.
Formed in 1995 in Calgary, Imaging Dynamics is a publicly traded vendor on the Canadian Venture Exchange (stock symbol: ID). Development of the Xplorer detector began in mid-1997, and the vendor received Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance last month. Available now in Imaging Dynamics’ home market in Canada, Xplorer 1000 will also be released in Europe by early 2001 upon receipt of the CE Mark, King said.
The firm has installed Xplorer 1000 at one site, the Calgary Center for Health, and has sold two other systems in Canada, King said.
The vendor will sell Xplorer 1000 through indirect channels, and is in the process of signing on value-added resellers (VARs) and OEM partners, including PACS and healthcare IT providers. Imaging Dynamics also expects OEM partners to market complete digital x-ray systems, including x-ray generators. A complete system would likely range in price between $150,000 to $200,000, King said.
With a product priced well below those of traditional DR developers, Imaging Dynamics sees computed radiography vendors as its real competition.
"The majority of DR sales are going into high-end sites, primarily tertiary care facilities, and are embedded with larger digital solutions," he said. "That’s really a small percentage of the market opportunity, but because of the price points, that’s the only sector of the market that can afford it. Our true competition is really CR, and we have a far greater resolution and dynamic range than a CR device."
By Erik L. RidleyAuntMinnie.com staff writer
July 27, 2000
Related Reading
Agfa enters DR marketplace in alliance with Canon, June 16, 2000.
CR, DR vendors debate digital x-ray methods at SCAR meeting, June 4, 2000.
Army base finds success with digital x-ray retrofit, December 22, 1999.
Disclosure notice: AuntMinnie.com is a subsidiary of Lumisys, a provider of low-cost CR systems.
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