What To Know
- To satisfy those high operability requirements, POWER GLIDE power assist technology instantaneously senses the amount of force applied by an operator during each operation, calculates the amount of assist-force required, and activates the motors accordingly to provide optimal operating assistance smoothly in real time.
- Operating the X-ray tube support involves moving the assembly along ceiling rails but due to the operator’s risk of shoulder or lower back pain, there is a need to reduce the burden on operators.
RADspeed Pro style with Glide Technology
Shimadzu Medical Systems USA announces the first North American installation of the RADspeed Pro style edition with GLIDE Technology* at Benefis Orthopedic in Helena, MT, and installed by Shimadzu’s Northwest Branch in Kenmore, WA.
This brand-new power-assist technology was developed for our high-end radiographic system allowing it to operate smoothly and more comfortably while improving radiographic examination environments at healthcare facilities nationally.
In general radiography, the radiological technologist must maneuver an X-ray tube support assembly suspended from ceiling rails to position it to the target exposure area. As general radiography is typically the first choice for diagnostic imaging involving many disorders found in the head, chest, abdomen, extremities and other areas, these daily procedures are used for an extremely large number of examinations.
Operating the X-ray tube support involves moving the assembly along ceiling rails but due to the operator’s risk of shoulder or lower back pain, there is a need to reduce the burden on operators. Reducing operating loads and enabling a smoother workflow would also shorten the time that patients must maintain a particular body position during examinations.
The newly developed power assist reflects Shimadzu’s extensive technology and experience cultivated over many years. The technology named POWER GLIDE, makes the X-ray tube positioning extremely light and smooth as if gliding in air. The forces applied to the handle during operation vary from person to person. The amount of power assist that each operator feels for optimal operations, such as for large movements or detailed positioning adjustments, differs as well. Furthermore, general radiography examinations require fine operability as in positioning the X-ray exposure area to within a few millimeters by operating the X-ray tube support assembly from large distances.
To satisfy those high operability requirements, POWER GLIDE power assist technology instantaneously senses the amount of force applied by an operator during each operation, calculates the amount of assist-force required, and activates the motors accordingly to provide optimal operating assistance smoothly in real time. This extremely high responsiveness of POWER GLIDE ensures the system can be comfortably and quickly positioned as intended in any situation.
“POWER GLIDE is a much-appreciated feature by the imaging department at Benefis Orthopedic Center of Montana,” states Charles Cassudakis, Business Director for RAD & RF Products for Shimazu Medical Systems USA. Cassudakis goes on to say, “the RADspeed Pro system with POWE GLIDE has become the favored room due to the effortless positioning of the overhead X-ray tubes and the auto-positioning for programmed exams. Additionally, stitching is straight forward, easy to use and maneuver with the lightweight stand.”
* About GLIDE™ Technologies, Shimadzu also offers GLIDE VIEW™ technology in mobile X-ray systems and GLIDE ASSIST™ technology in patient-side R/F systems. Collectively, Shimadzu has named them GLIDE Technologies™
