Digital radiography

Digital radiography is an environmentally friendly and high-quality alternative to analog X-ray imaging in veterinary medicine. Digital and analog imaging systems differ only in terms of image production and image display. Digital X-ray images are subject to the same laws of physics as conventional images. Instead of viewing film in a lightbox, digital images are visualized using a PC and monitor. Thus, the transition to digital radiography requires very few changes in the established workfow for veterinarians.

Digital images can be easily shared via email, for example for expert consultations. Pet owners appreciate being able to take home images on a CD. 

If you are not interested in investing in a new X-ray machine at the moment, you can still profit from the excellent quality of digital X-ray images using your old X-ray equipment. Conventional X-ray equipment can be transitioned to digital by the addition of a flat panel detector and a medical display monitor.

Digital direct radiography (DR) produces images of outstanding quality. A flat panel detector with of a large number of pixels acts as the image sensor. The detector converts X-ray beams into electrical impulses. The detector is connected to a computer and the image can be viewed immediately after exposure. There are also environmental benefits to using direct radiography. Chemicals are no longer needed to develop the X-ray film. Furthermore, clients appreciate the lower radiation doses for their pets. While the purchase price of direct digital equipment is higher than that of imaging plate (CR) systems, maintenance costs are much reduced. 

DR systems can build upon existing conventional X-ray equipment. Digital retrofitting does not involve modification of the X-ray machine or X-ray unit. The system‘s Auto Exposure Detection (AED) works without changes to the running system or cable connections. The new 35 x 43 cm X-ray detectors are designed to fit perfectly into the Bucky tray of existing X-ray units. Direct radiography systems have very high throughput rates for X-ray processing.

 Choose the digital X-ray system (DR) that meets your needs:

	Amadeo V mini II for the small animal practice: Digital veterinary X-ray system with flat table top + monitor with X-ray software The Amadeo V mini II X-ray unit has been specially designed for the requirements in veterinary medicine and is particularly suitable for small veterinary practices. The completely flat 4-way floating table without upstands will convince you. This veterinary X-ray system is a completely in-house creation "Made in Germany" by OR Technology and the result of close cooperation with veterinarians and university institutions.
	Amadeo V nano II: Space-saving X-ray system for standard wall socket outlet operation with floating table top The Amadeo V nano II X-ray unit was specially designed for the requirements in veterinary medicine and is particularly suitable for small animal practices. The completely flat 4-way floating table without upstands will inspire you. This veterinary X-ray system is again an in-house development "Made in Germany" by OR Technology and the result of close cooperation with veterinarians and university institutions.
	Amadeo V Systems: A complete DR X-ray system including patient positioning table with floating tabletop The Amadeo V system is designed for use in veterinary practices and includes all components and functions necessary for digital X-ray imaging without cassettes – including patient positioning table with floating tabletop, three-phase generator, computer and monitor, as well as the dicomPACS®DX-R acquisition and diagnostic software.
	Medici DR Systems: Flat panel (DR) retrofit kit for your existing X-ray system Is the time ripe for your veterinary practice and animal patients to benefit from the advantages of digital X-ray imaging? Are you looking for a digital detector system that connects to your existing X-ray unit, is easy to install, straightforward to operate, and generates professional and reproducible images? Customise your digital X-ray system with Medici DR and choose from a wide array of flat panel models and sizes.
	Leonardo DR mini II: Portable digital radiology system in a custom-made suitcase for mobile use in stables and clinics Just sling the lightweight Leonardo DR nano backpack over your shoulder and head off to your next X-ray examination! The Leonardo DR nano consists of only two components: a wireless X-ray detector and a laptop. Weighing just under 8 kg (including carrying case, laptop, accessories and flat panel detector), the system is one of the lightest portable X-ray solutions worldwide. It is ideal for ambulatory digital radiography, any time and any place. Getting tangled up in annoying cables is a thing of the past!
	Leonardo DR nano: Amazingly light, portable DR X-ray system in a backpack The Leonardo DR nano consists of only two components: a wireless X-ray detector and a laptop. Weighing just under 8 kg (including carrying case, laptop, accessories and flat panel detector), the system is one of the lightest portable X-ray solutions worldwide.
	Leonardo DR pico: Light-weight X-ray bag with detector & notebook Comfortable, sturdy X-ray bag - also suitable as shoulder bag or backpack - only with X-ray detector and notebook: The 17" notebook and the X-ray detector 12" x 10" (30 x 24 cm) with protection box are very space-saving and well padded in the robust bag. With a complete weight of only approx. 7.1 kg, the Leonardo DR pico can be easily transported to any location. The handy x-ray bag is also suitable for stationary use in veterinary practices or horse clinics.

X-ray inspection using imaging plates functions with cassettes of the same size and shape as conventional film radiography. After the normal X-ray procedure, the cassette is placed into a X-ray scanner and read out.  

Digital images are generated, saved and available for viewing on a computer monitor within seconds (computed radiography; CR). Imaging plate (IP) systems using cassettes are cost-saving X-ray solutions ideal for small animal practices or as a backup in a veterinary clinic. The existing X-ray unit must not be retrofitted. This technology produces high quality digital images.

Choose the perfect Divario product to complete your cost-effective CR system:

	Divario CR-T2: Compact, high-speed desktop unit for standard X-ray examinations in veterinary medicine The Divario CR-T2 is a desktop imaging plate reader for veterinary digital radiography with a maximum throughput of 73 cassettes per hour. In high-speed mode (5 pixel/mm), the processing rate of the new Divario is 70 % higher than that of older CR systems.
	Divario CR Software Package: Acquisition and diagnostic software for CR systems dicomPACS®DX-R is a professional acquisition software for X-ray images generated by diverse CR units (computed radiography with imaging plates). The software also controls the operation of X-ray generators and X-ray units from various manufacturers, ensuring an efficient and orderly workflow. The straightforward and user-friendly interface functions via touchscreen and mouse.
	Divario CR-F: Digital dental radiography system for veterinary medicine The quick and cost-effective Divario CR-F dental system delivers high-quality, digital X-rays. The system is compact and affordable, and enhances overall productivity in veterinary practices and animal hospitals. The dental reader combines an sleek design with a powerful, easy-to-operate technology. The Divario system also includes an automatic imaging plate (IP) input tray and a complete range of reusable bitewing and intraoral plates for efficient positioning.

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are user-friendly software solutions for administering the production and use of X-ray images: from exposure to image analysis, archival storage and file sharing. 

The software enables users to quickly and easily view and share images. Depending on the manufacturer,  systems can include numerous advanced features including electronic fax, document management, operative reports and X-ray histories. Software modules for 3D reconstruction, surgical planning, voice recognition, and statistics can also be integrated. 

PACS & Digital Image Processing for small animal medicine and horse radiography

Switching to digital brings new possibilities for analysing and viewing X-rays. For example, special filters make soft tissues and bones visible on a single image. An array of special functions, including measurement tools for TPLO, TTA , MMP, distraction index and Buchanan‘s vertebral heart score, make routine diagnoses easier. Editing tools (e.g., arrows, circles, angles) can be used to explain findings to pet owners. As a result, owners can better understand diagnoses and treatment recommendations. 

OR Technology‘s dicomPACS®vet can help make your veterinary practice go paperless. Using the dicomPACS®vet software, all images and documents (findings reports, medical history, faxes, etc.) are attached to the digital patient record and are instantly accessible. Ingenious archive and backup solutions guarantee quick access and data security in keeping with relevant international medical products laws. Furthermore, the software can easily be integrated into all common veterinary practice management systems. For more information about PACS for veterinarians, click here.

Software interface

A PACS can be integrated with the veterinary administration software through special interfaces. All X-ray information is automatically saved in the electronic patient file. Double entries are a thing of the past and no information is lost. 

Perfectly integrated 

Imaging equipment for X-ray, ultrasound and MRI can be integrated into the existing computer network. Furthermore, faxes and other digital documents can be attached to the patient record. With the appropriate software solution, all information for a given patient is available at the click of a button and can be shared with other caregivers. The digital coordination of all data pertaining to a patient means that the full medical record can be accessed for many years in the future.

Requirements

Existing hardware can readily be integrated into the new system. Additional components such as printers, X-ray film scanners and other hardware can be purchased and integrated into the network at a time. Please consult your PACS provider concerning the specifications and requirements for servers, work stations and monitors.