Konica Minolta Debuts First-of-Its-Kind Digital U-Arm System at AHRA

Wayne, NJ, JULY 27, 2016 – Konica Minolta announced today the release of its most advanced X-ray Digital Radiography (DR) system.  Combining the unique built-from-the-ground-up design along with the fast and advanced Ultra image processing software, the system offers unprecedented workflow, clinical, patient convenience and satisfaction benefits. The new DR system (name not yet revealed) will be unveiled at the annual Association of Medical Imaging Management (AHRA 2016) conference in Nashville, July 31 - August 3.  

“This new Konica Minolta U-Arm simply reinvents the way imaging is delivered and we are extremely excited about the many unique and proprietary features it offers,” said Bruce Ashby, Vice President of DR, Konica Minolta. “The new U-Arm system offers technologists greater flexibility while providing patients with a more comfortable exam.” 

The DR U-Arm system is a floor mounted system that provides numerous benefits including faster exams, smoother positioning, and improved stitching processes for advanced studies. The Ultra software uses a full console screen right at the point of patient contact for accepting or rejecting images so the technologist can remain with the patient without returning to the workstation. With the ability to view results at the tube stand, X-ray exams are quicker and more comfortable for patients, and enable increased throughput for the facility.

Improved Patient Experience for All Ages

In addition to the speed and efficiency benefits of the Konica Minolta DR U-Arm for the technologist and patient, the new weight-bearing stand that sits only 10 inches from the floor provides benefits as well. The low step-up height creates an easy-to-use imaging environment for patients challenged by mobility, be it athletes, diabetics or obese patients. The low-to-the-ground design also brings benefits for those in wheelchairs—who can remain seated in their wheelchair for image acquisition—and for pediatric populations who are often calmer and more comfortable when they are lower. 

Contributing further to patient comfort is the hardware design of the U-Arm, which enables AP and oblique imaging and then lateral positioning with one push of a button, allowing the patient to stay on the stand for the whole exam.  

The U-Arm also creates a level of efficiency that changes the way imaging patients flow through the health system.  While hospitals are struggling to keep medical imaging exams within their walls, Konica Minolta offers a technology that’s versatile enough to serve patients not only in radiology but from urgent care to specialty areas like orthopedics, pediatrics, and rheumatology for unprecedented potential for radiology. And with an aesthetic design that is compact, the system will fit in older facilities challenged with low, 8-foot ceilings. 

Additional Konica Minolta AHRA Product Highlights

Konica Minolta will round out its exhibit at AHRA by also highlighting its Exa software platform for enhanced image sharing, viewing and storage, along with its hand-carried ultrasound system the SONIMAGE HS1.  

• Exa PACS – A web-based platform that was the first PACS to enable Zero Footprint full-featured diagnostic viewing, Exa works on any consumer grade PC with any operating system without plug-ins or installations. It boasts an extremely configurable dashboard and custom workflow design as well as advanced dictation and viewing tools.  

• Exa Mammo Viewer – Available either as a standalone mammography viewer or as part of the Exa PACS platform, Exa Mammo leverages the benefits of the existing Exa platform to enable anywhere viewing for all breast imaging modalities including 2-D or 3-D mammography studies and digital breast tomosynthesis. With the benefit of Server-Side Rendering, radiologists have fast access with a seamless DICOM compliant PACS to breast images at any time from any location.  

• SONIMAGE HS1 – A hand-carried ultrasound system featuring a compact design that generates best-in-class images, particularly well-suited for musculoskeletal exams. 

Visit Konica Minolta at booth 244 at AHRA 2016, or visit http://www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa. 

About Konica Minolta Medical Imaging 

Konica Minolta Medical Imaging is a world-class provider and market leader in medical diagnostic primary imaging. With over 75 years of endless innovation, Konica Minolta is globally recognized as a leader providing cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive support aimed at providing real solutions to meet customer's needs. Konica Minolta Medical Imaging, headquartered in Wayne, NJ, is a unit of Konica Minolta, Inc. (TSE: 4902).  For more information on Konica Minolta Primary Imaging Solutions, please visit www.konicaminolta.com/medicalusa.