Comparative Scatter and Dose Performance of Slot-scan and Full-field Digital Chest Radiography Systems

Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the scatter, dose, and effective detective quantum efficiency (DQE) performance of a slot-scan digital chest radiography system compared wit that of a full-field digital radiography system.

Materials and Methods: Scatter fraction of a slot-scan system was measured for an anthropornorphic and a geometric phantom by using a posterior beam-technique at 117 and 140 kVp. Measurements were repeated with a full-field digital radiography system with and without a 13:1 antiscatter grid at 120 and 140 kVp. For both systems, the effective dose was measured on posteroanterior and lateral views for standard clinical techniques by using dosimeters embedded in a female phantom. The effective DQEs of the two systems were assessed by taking into account the scatter performance and the DQE of each system. The statistical significance of all the comparative differences was ascertained by means of t test analysis.

Results: The slot-scan system and the full-field system with grid yielded scatter fractions of 0.13-0.14 and 0.42-0.48 in the lungs and 0.30-0.43 and 0.69-0.78 in the mediastinum, respectively. The sum of the effective doses for posteroanterior and lateral views for the slot-scan system was 34% lower than that for the full-field system at their respective clinical peak voltages. The effective DQE of the slot-scan system was equivalent to that of the full-field system in the lung region, but was 37% higher in the dense regions.

Conclusion: The slot-scan design leads to marked scatter reduction compared with the more conventional full-field geometries with a grid. The improved scatter performance of a slot-scan geometry can effectively empensate for low DQE and lead to improved image quality.

Comparing Performance with Predicative Device

The DDR Inventor-V is nearly same or similar in several characteristics as the Lodox Statscan, which has been sold in the world under FDA and CE approval. A difference between DDR Inventor-V and Lodox Statscan is detector adapted. The function of detector is receptor for digitizing the signal of incident radiation and its difference can not cause any side effect on the patient and the safety of the device has been proved with the test required by EN60601-1. Our decision is also based on the risk analysis report, related articles on journals. DDR Inventor-V is a device, which is intended to use for normal X-ray examinations as is currently practiced with general-purpose single short X-ray machines. We conclude that it is clinically safe and effective for user and patients with the intended use.

DRWorks

DRWorks is operating program that provides interfacing between user and DDR Inventor system to control the system and to monitor its status. DRWorks can be connected with any PACS that follow DICOM protocol because DRWorks was designed to keep international standard protocol. DRWorks enables to read/write patient information, perform study and PACS transfer of acquisition image through OCS or RIS regardless of any hospital environment. DRWorks commmunicates with HFG and servo motor through RS-232C and communicates with systems through LAN. DRWorks consists of seven screen that are login, studylist, worklist, acquisition, preview, processview and DRWorks setting.

Intended Use

The digital radiography system (model: DDR Inventor-V) is an assembly of components for the controlled production of diagnostic images with X-ray. This system provides a digital image capture capability for conventional radiographic examinations (excluding fluoroscopy, angiography and mammography). This system can take all radiographic images of arbitrary vertical size of patients in the standing position because of adopting vertical scanning. Digital images can then be viewed, stored, or printed. The system transmits image data for hard copy, soft display, or storage via Ethernet using DICOM 3.0 protocol.

The lifetime of the device

The lifetime of the device is expected to be 10 years with considering that manufacturer of main parts such as X-ray tube and HV generator should be able to supply parts and support for at least 10 years. If operating condition is not severe and proper maintenance is kept, expected lifetime can be extended.

Technical Construction File

The digital radiography system (model: DDR Inventor-V) is a diagnostic X-ray system that provides digitalized images for the whole length of vertebrae as well as upper/lower limbs to get high quality of images with very low radiation dose through vertical scanning with the line detector. DDR Inventor-V consists of a line detector as the image receptor which converts incident X-ray to digitalized signals, an X-ray tube, a high voltage generator, an operating software and a scanning mechanics with gantry supporting the X-ray tube, the collimator and the detector.

Device identification

- Proprietary Name: Digital Radiography System for Long Bone (DDR Inventor-V)
- Common Name: Digital Radiography System

Why Diagnostic Centeres Cannot Misss This Opportunity

Until recently, medical centers and hospitals have done a limited diagnosis. Now comprehensive, "head-to-toe" check-up is becoming more and more important. Should you introduce JSB DR system:

1) The quality of the diagnostic centers(DCs) will be far more different than that of other hospitals.

2) DCs will enjoy more profits due to the increased check-up applications.

3) DCs are sure to lead by example other healthcare providers in the fact that you are using the 4th generation DR that can acquire excellent image quality with the lowest X-ray dose.

We ultimately hope diagnostic cneters to further upgrade their equipment and enjoy more return on investments and reputation that you are proactively leading other healthcare facilities with the help of JSB Medics and oru cutting-edge DR systems.

JSB DR System Ensures the Following for Diagnostic Centres

1) Increased work efficiency in patient exam

2) Higher X-ray patient throughput

3) More exams added to chest screening: long bone, whole spine, etc.

4) Quiker turnaround for digital images

5) Film processing & Cassettes eliminated

6) More efficient & Speedy teleradiology

7) More patients to be seen per day

8) Enhanced diagnostic services in general diagnostic centers