Louisiana Health System Purchases Carestream R/F System That Marries Next-Generation Features with Ease of Use

ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 24 — Willis-Knighton Health System (Shreveport, La.) purchased a CARESTREAM DRX-Excel Plus radiography/fluoroscopy (R/F) system (see video link) to improve workflow, reduce manual actions by technologists as well as help to reduce dose.  

“We viewed a demonstration of the DRX-Excel Plus system at another hospital and we liked what we saw,” said Garon Gaspard, Assistant Director of Radiology at WK Pierremont Health Center, where the system is being used. “Our technologists appreciate the system’s next-generation features that deliver enhanced flexibility and greater productivity. This system also offers lower dose than our previous X-ray system.”

Productivity-enhancing capabilities offered by the DRX-Excel Plus include a positioning pedal that allows the operator to have their hands free—which is helpful for interventional exams—and a remote control that can move the table from anywhere in the room. A built-in 17 x 17 inch flat panel detector delivers high spatial resolution and detail.

According to Mr. Gaspard, the system’s automated controls, motorized movement and ability to lower the table to about 19-21 inches are helpful for positioning, as well as patient comfort and safety. “At Willis-Knighton, we take a great deal of pride in providing the highest quality of patient safety and patient care,” he said. The R/F imaging system also features a 72-inch source-to-image distance to allow routine chest imaging without the need for a ceiling tube or wall stand. The table will support patients weighing up to 585 pounds.

A built-in video camera and microphone in the console allow technologists to continuously monitor each patient’s position and talk to patients during the procedure.  

“Our technologists can tilt the table for small bowel contrast exams for patients who can’t reposition themselves. Gravity helps the contrast agent circulate through the body and produces a higher quality exam,” said Mr. Gaspard. The table can be tilted to plus or minus 90 degrees.

WK Pierremont also uses two CARESTREAM DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray Systems to capture a variety of inpatient exams as well as imaging patients in the ICU, ER and rehabilitation area.