Rapid capture and delivery of X-ray images helped save lives for patients injured during Boston Marathon bombings, says radiology department manager
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, Mass.), a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, installed three Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-Ray Systems, two Carestream DRX-Evolution DR Rooms and two Carestream DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kits to provide rapid access to high-resolution images in the ER, OR and multiple intensive care units. These purchases were part of the 649-bed hospital’s conversion from CR to DR.
“These systems give us the flexibility to retrofit our newer portable systems while also implementing innovative new mobile X-ray systems and fully automated DR suites,” said Elisabeth A. Grady, R.T.(R)(CV)ARRT, the hospital’s General Diagnostic Manager of the Radiology Department.
These digital imaging systems proved invaluable when the hospital began receiving Boston Marathon bombing patients just 15 minutes after the first explosion. “Seconds count when you have 24 patients that have lost limbs or have severe shrapnel injuries. We used four portable imaging systems to image patients. Thanks to rapid image capture and wireless transmission, physicians and radiologists immediately were able to identify the most urgent cases and quickly prepare them for surgery. Being able to swiftly and accurately assess injuries saved lives and enabled us to deliver the best outcome for all patients,” Grady explained.
In addition to portable DR systems, the hospital’s fully automated, dual-detector Carestream DRX-Evolution suites help enhance care in its Level 1 Trauma Center.
Carestream DRX-Mobile Retrofit Kits allow hospitals to upgrade existing CR-based portable units with wireless DR detectors that can deliver higher quality, lower dose and improved productivity. The Carestream DRX-Revolution Mobile X-ray System is a versatile mobile X-ray system that features a small footprint, exceptional maneuverability, excellent image quality and wireless communication of medical exams.
Source: Carestream
8 January 2014
