Morris Hospital installs Toshiba's Ultimax X-ray system to streamline diagnosis, improve patient throughput

Advancements in diagnostic imaging technology are enabling healthcare facilities to achieve multifunctional capabilities using a single modality. To streamline diagnosis and improve patient throughput, Morris Hospital has installed the Ultimax™ X-ray system from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. The Ultimax's advanced, all-digital technology allows Morris Hospital to perform both general radiography and interventional radiology procedures in a single examination room. Additionally, the system's design has improved dose management during exams.

Morris Hospital has taken advantage of the system's overhead X-ray tube and digital chest board to conduct standard chest, hand, foot and neck X-rays, as well as more specialized procedures such as myelograms, arthrography exams and lumbar punctures. The high-quality all-digital images have improved patient diagnosis and reduced exam times.

"The Toshiba Ultimax X-ray system is a true multipurpose system and has enabled our hospital to conduct a wide variety of digital X-rays from a single system," said Liz Bates, radiology manager, Morris Hospital. "The high-quality, digitally produced images and versatile design help our radiologists and technologists perform their diagnostic procedures more quickly and efficiently—reducing patient examination time and improving diagnostic accuracy."

Demonstrating the multipurpose capabilities of the Ultimax, the interventional radiology team at Morris Hospital utilizes the system to conduct various interventional procedures, including peripheral interventions, percutaneous nephrostomy and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line placements, among others. Performing these exams on the Ultimax has enabled its interventional radiologists to schedule procedures more easily and avoid the often crowded cath lab.

The Ultimax design offers clinicians a tilting C-arm that provides flexibility, superior ergonomics and optimum image quality at a reduced radiation dose. It also features a table that can be lowered to only 56 cm above the floor, making it easier to move patients on and off the table. The C-arm and table positioning also enable patients to rest comfortably during exams and offers more room for patients with wider shoulders. The patient table tilts from full vertical to inverted vertical position allowing added flexibility for multipurpose techniques.

The medical team at Morris Hospital also benefits from the full range of radiation dose management features on the Ultimax. The Ultimax is equipped with fingertip controls that include three dose modes that can instantly reduce radiation. The system also features three filters to reduce hard and soft X-ray exposure and virtual collimation to reduce fluoroscopy exposure.

"The Ultimax is improving our patient's safety by limiting radiation dose to the lowest possible amounts for the clinical application," added Bates. "Specifically, the grid-pulse fluoro feature limits exposure while providing high-quality fluoroscopic images."

"The multipurpose capabilities of the Ultimax make it possible for angiography, radiography, fluoroscopy and interventional procedures to all be performed in a single examination room," said Stephen Bumb, director, X-ray Vascular Business Unit, Toshiba. "The system is also making imaging safer for patients and clinicians with its numerous dose management features."