FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 1997
CONTACTS:
Jim Armstrong, 216/444-9455
Rob Whitehouse, 216/444-8927
CLEVELAND CLINIC RADIOLOGISTS TEST NEXT WAVE OF X-RAY: DIGITAL IMAGES
The standard X-ray exam has changed very little over the past several decades. However, digital technology currently being studied at the Cleveland Clinic could revolutionize general radiographic X-ray procedures -- making them more convenient for both the patient and the doctor, producing sharper images, eliminating storage concerns, and allowing the images to be transmitted hundreds of miles away within seconds.
The Cleveland Clinic was recently selected as one of the initial sites to test the new technology,which features a flat-panel device using amorphous selenium. Radiologists at the Cleveland Clinic have been comparing images produced by this technology to those produced by conventional screen-film systems. The initial results indicate that digital imaging produces sharper images in less time, said David Piraino, M.D., of the Cleveland Clinic Department of Radiology.
"Over the last 25 years, we've seen great strides in digital imaging technology, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, digital technology has not been widely applied in general radiology," said Dr. Piraino. "In fact, about three-quarters of all diagnostic imaging procedures today are still performed using conventional projection radiography."
The technology being evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic, developed by Sterling Diagnostic Imaging Inc., directly captures and converts X-ray energy into a digital image, whereas standard X-rays require intermediate steps that can affect the quality of the image. In addition, the digital image is immediately displayed on a screen, allowing the technician to inspect the quality before the patient leaves the exam room.
"Immediate access to the images spares the technician from performing repeat procedures, which allows for more efficient use of the X-ray room and saves the patient's time," said Dr. Piraino. "Then there is the issue of storage. Instead of rooms full of X-ray films, you can store the digital X-rays on a computer. That way, a physician can access the X-ray immediately, instead of waiting for it to be retrieved from the records room."
Digital technology will prove beneficial to the Cleveland Clinic's telemedicine efforts. Through telemedicine, Clinic doctors are providing consultations to patients as near as the Clinic's local suburban health centers, to institutions located as far as the Middle East.
"X-ray images in a digital format are easier to transmit. It eliminates a step in the process, thus saving time and effort," said Dr. Piraino.
The direct-to-digital technology being developed by Sterling Diagnostic Imaging is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for general use. The product is expected to be on the market early next year.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, founded in 1921, integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education in a private, non-profit group practice. Last year at the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Florida, over 850 full-time salaried physicians representing more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties provided for 1,182,300 outpatient visits and 49,987 hospital admissions for patients from throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. In 1997, the Cleveland Clinic Health System -- comprising The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Fairview Lakewood, Lutheran, Marymount, Meridia Euclid, Meridia Hillcrest, Meridia Huron and Meridia South Pointe hospitals -- was formed. With 2,957 staffed beds, the Cleveland Clinic Health System offers broad geographic coverage, a full continuum of care, improved quality and lower cost of care to Northeast Ohio residents.
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