Full Field Digital Mammography and Biopsy from Giotto and PMI
December 4, 2011
The important story of today for Hospitals, Physicians and Patients in the Upper Midwest is that Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. of the Twin Cities, Minnesota has been selected as exclusive distributor in this area for the world leading and newly available Giotto Image 3D mammography and biopsy system.
The following announcement marked the advent of improved options for mammography and biopsy in the United States:
Wichita, KS – November 1st, 2011
Giotto USA yesterday announced the FDA clearance of a 510(k) application for the Giotto Image 3D and 3DL Digital Mammography Systems. The systems, the 3D with an 18 X 24 cm bucky and the 3DL with an 24 X 30 cm bucky, may now be marketed in the U.S. The milestone was announced by Giotto USA president Robert Rusk.
“This approval means that U.S. hospitals and clinics now have a true alternative mammography system for their patients,” said Rusk. “The Giotto is the only system which has a ring-shaped, tilting gantry that allows patient friendly “Face-to-Face positioning” and faster and easier positioning for technologists.”
Giotto’s advanced system design offers improvements in everything from patient and technician comfort, to software, image detection and image handling. As announced by Giotto USA, they include:
• INSIGHT VIEW™: Giotto’s new image processing software coupled with our second generation Selenium2 Detector technology produces beautiful mammography images with greater potential to visualize small micro calcifications
• Inclined Positioning: Use of inclined positioning is widely acknowledged increases the amount of retro mammary tissue that can be visualized. With the gantry slightly inclined the patient can be more relaxed and the breast tends to fall forward onto the bucky. Not only is more tissue close to chest wall visualized the patient is more relaxed and the examination can be much less stressful.
• Two Systems in One: The Giotto can be a multi-purpose system. By adding the optional Biopsy Digit stereotactic biopsy device the Giotto can perform stereotactic biopsy procedures, prone or upright. This makes the Giotto Image 3D and 3DL truly two systems in one, mammography and prone stereotactic biopsy all in one unit.
The following video gives a really good overview of the many advantages that Giotto’s advanced systems bring to the US market. To learn how this newly available technology can be put to work for your faciility and in service to your patients, contact Pacesetter Medical Imaging today.
Think Wireless DR • Think Carestream • Think Pacesetter
September 21, 2011
At the beginning of this year we announced Pacesetter’s selection as the upper-midwest dealer for Carestream Health products. [PMI Named Carestream Dealer, January 13, 2011]
Wireless Digital, or “Direct,” Radiography (DR), with its reliability, speed and mobility, is becoming the way to go, and Pacesetter Medical Imaging is the leading distributor of Carestream’s industry-leading wireless medical imaging systems and networks. The smart way to go digital is with the Carestream DRX family of DR systems, and Pacesetter Medical Imaging can get you there. With the X-Factor, a single wireless detector works across all your DRX equipment to convert, expand or replace existing imaging solutions. The full line of digital x-ray systems combines compatible, scalable components to meet today’s needs and position you for tomorrow’s growth.
Here are some of the Carestream components available to put your radiology on the future track:
CARESTREAM DRX-1 System featuring the world’s first cassette-sized wireless DR detector that fits existing equipment.
DIRECTVIEW Elite CR System designed for distributed and central CR applications for image quality, rapid image availability, lower costs and high departmental productivity.
DIRECTVIEW Classic CR system improves workflow and boosts productivity with a compact, single cassette.
DIRECTVIEW Vita CR System is an affordable, compact, tabletop imaging solution designed specifically for small hospitals, clinics and specialty practices.
Pacesetter Manages Install of Quantum Q-Rad-DIGITAL “DRX Series” in Iowa
June 9, 2011
When an Orthopedic P.C. facility in Spencer, Iowa needed skillful and experienced project management to handle the move of existing equipment, and new installation of the state-of-the-art Quantum Q-Rad-DIGITAL “DRX Series” Digital Floor Mounted Radiographic System, they called on the name they have trusted for more than a decade — Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. Any move to a new facility requires expert planning. Combining the relocation of existing equipment with the installation of a totally new system really adds to the complexity.
“The key is planning to minimize down time,” says Mike Freels of Pacesetter. “The path from pull out, to transport, to reinstallation and integration is loaded with pot holes and opportunities for delay. We’re really proud of our track record with these kinds of complex installations, and we find that people call on Pacesetter more and more as word of our capability has spread.”
This is the true meaning of Pacesetter’s “Total Navigation” approach to digital imaging. Selecting equipment that does what you need at the price you want is important. Selecting a partner who can not only provide the right equipment but navigate the demands of the physical space, power requirements, digital throughput, image handling and storage, software compatibility and support, operator training … this is essential. This is exactly why Quantum, the manufacturer of this new system, has selected Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. as it’s “Gold Star” Dealer in the U.S.
Detailed information on this Iowa installation can be found in Quantum’s press release of 6/1/2011:
Medical equipment manufacturer, Quantum Medical Imaging has completed an installation of a single detector digital imaging system incorporating Carestream’s DRX-1 detector at the Orthopaedic, P.C. Facility in Spencer, IA. The sale and installation was facilitated by Pacesetter Medical, Quantum’s “Gold Star” Dealer in the USA.
The digital radiographic system installed at the facility consisted of a floor mounted system with an elevating table and a wall stand. The wall stand has a minimum center of receptor to floor distance of 13.75 inches which provides for weight bearing studies of the lower extremities. Both the table and the wall stand are designed to house the DRX-1 Portable detector allowing the technologists to remove it for extremity and off table exams providing total system flexibility and throughput. […more]
TCO Stays State-Of-The-Art With Pacesetter
May 30, 2011
Twin Cities Orthopedics, the leading Orthopedic group in the upper midwest, has again selected Pacesetter Medical Imaging to keep them on top of their profession and in the forefront of patient care. Pacesetter was selected to install a new Agfa DR system at TCO’s newest location in Chaska, Minnesota.
The clinic opened in February with advanced radiographic capabilities thanks to Agfa NX application software, MUSICA2 advanced image processing software, and a Varian DR panel; all coupled with Quantum’s advanced x-ray imaging system, selected and installed by Pacesetter’s factory trained and certified personnel. This installation provides unparalleled image quality and throughput, and is all part of Twin Cities Orthopedic’s continuing commitment to the best in diagnostic services and patient care. For a medical group committed to the very best, it’s important they know where to get the best — in equipment, software and service. Twin Cities Orthopedics knows that their best comes from partnering with Pacesetter Medical Imaging.
PMI Named Carestream Dealer
January 13, 2011
Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. (PMI) is pleased to announce our selection as dealer for Carestream Health products, formerly Eastman Kodak Company’s Health Group. Kodak was a standard in many areas of imaging for a long time, and now Carestream carries that standard forward with innovative digital products.
It fits, it’s fast and cost-effective
One of the things we’re most excited about is the CARESTREAM DRX-1 System, featuring the world’s first cassette-sized wireless DR detector that’s designed to easily fit existing equipment . The lightweight DRX-1 detector simply slides into a table or wall-stand, or can be used for tabletop projections, just like a conventional cassette.
DRX-1 Wireless Digital X-ray System
It also serves as the center-point of the DRX Family—a complete line of innovative DR products that includes the DRX Mobile Retrofit Kit and DRX-Evolution modular DR suite.
Existing mobile CR systems can be easily upgraded to DR technology within hours using the CARESTREAM DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kit. Designed to fit existing mobile units, the kit provides a non-invasive, customized retrofit solution. Its wireless digital capability increases on-site productivity and provides immediate image access in the field, with preview images available in just 5 seconds. It’s this kind of quality performance and productivity that PMI is known for, and that we love to bring to our clients.
DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kit
Iowa Knows Pacesetter
January 7, 2011
Mercy Medical Center North Iowa has chosen PMI to upgrade all five of their existing Agfa CR systems, utilizing Agfa’s newest NX application software and MUSICA2 image processing software.
With some 32,500+ emergency room visits last year, this busy hospital depends on smooth workflow and image quality to serve patients and save lives.
PMI at the VHA Expo
September 30, 2010
October 7, 2010 is the date of the VHA Expo. This event, sponsored by the Veterinary Hospitals Association, is being held at the Earl Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN.
Pacesetter is looking forward to talking with veterinarians about the latest digital imaging technology designed specifically for animal care, and presenting the many advantages of digital x-ray over film and chemical processing.
If you’re there, please stop by our booth and say hello.
PMI Installs Next Big Thing
September 1, 2010
What do you get when you combine Agfa HealthCare’s gold standard MUSICA2 Image Processing Software, Varian Medical System’s state-of-the-art tethered DR panel, and Quantum Medical Imaging’s NX-DR Series Digital X-ray Systems? Pacesetter Medical Imaging (PMI) can answer that question for you, and they are one of a limited number of dealers in the country who can.
It’s the “next big thing” in digital medical imaging, and PMI just installed the first one by a dealer in the U.S. for Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care’s new Blaine, MN location. [Agfa installed two in Florida earlier in the year.]
Agfa's Musica2 Software on Display
We’ve written previously about the outstanding MUSICA2 software and its ultra-sharp image clarity. With this dynamic combination of top drawer components, the NX-DR Series Systems clearly deliver the best image quality while maintaining a lowest possible imaging dose.
Agfa’s software is unmatched in the medical imaging arena, and Pacesetter is unmatched as a representative and dealer for Agfa in the upper midwest.
Pacesetter Partners with Infab
August 8, 2010
Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. is excited to announce its new partnership with Infab Corporation as a leading supplier of their innovative lead-free disposable x-ray shielding products, featuring their GreenLite® leadless disposable technology.
Infab is the only manufacturer with a 510(k) for aprons and an FDA Registration for lead free aprons. According to their website, Infab began as a manufacturer of custom aircraft interiors. In 1981, they were called on to repair a few lead aprons for an x-ray technician in the Los Angeles area — they were heavy, stiff, and not very well made — and this led to some experimentation. The result was a brand new lead-alloy formulation that was lighter than anything on the market but still retained a .50mm Pb equivalency. With this, plus several apron design changes, and some new covering materials, Infab was born. From their origin in an airplane hangar at the Municipal Airport in Van Nuys, California they now operate from their state of the art factory in Camarillo, California, and Infab products are sold throughout the United States and worldwide.
Independent tests have shown Infab’s SorbX™ drapes and shields to attenuate more harmful scatter radiation than any other protective drape. They are disposable, and the benefits of the GreenLite® lead-free technology speaks for itself.
The increased flexibility molds to patient anatomy for ease of use and maximum radiation protection. They are highly absorbent and disposable — a tremendous benefit in critical heavy fluid situations. We look forward to representing these cutting age products, and the entire Infab line, here in the upper Midwest.
TCO’s New Edina Clinic
June 25, 2010
Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) new Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Care Center in Edina, MN officially opened on June 7, 2010. This new clinic is located just off of Highway 62 on West 65th Street between France Avenue and Valley View Road.
Pacesetter Medical Imaging, Inc. has been TCO’s partner of long-standing for digital imaging, and we share their excitement and pride in this great new facility.
Included in the services offered at the Edina location is digital x-ray provided by four, state-of-the-art, 2-panel Quantum/Canon DR radiographic systems. These systems enhance the patient experience by providing outstanding throughput for reduced wait times, as well as unmatched image quality for fast and accurate clinical diagnoses.
