Bright sunflowers were part of the ‘dose less, care more’ campaign at the show. The flowers were a natural choice for the initiative because of their ability to take up high concentrations of radioactive elements and toxins into their tissues. They therefore purify soils of contaminants. This illustration signified the ability of Samsung’s new x-ray machine to emit lower levels of radiation.

Reducing the amount of radiation is always the goal for radiologists. Although we’re exposed to low levels of radiation in everyday life from many sources – even the air we breathe – no one wants to expose patients to more radiation than is necessary. The Samsung GC85A premium digital x-ray is a welcome addition to hospitals then, as it emits half as much radiation – which is a huge breakthrough.

The S-Vue engine in the GC85A recently received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is the US regulator of medical treatments and its approval is the gateway for Samsung’s new x-ray to be rolled out across the country.

Making the GC85A so unique is the spatially adaptive multi-scale processing and advanced de-noising technology that enable high quality images even at half the dose. The technique was tested in a study by Professor Semin Chong from Chung-Ang University. He carried out what’s known in the industry as a phantom test whereby a model based on the human body is used to test the effects of x-ray technology without having to use to a real human. The image processing did indeed produce an equivalent image evaluation score when the dosage was halved.

In practice, patients who receive a chest x-ray from the GC85A are subjected to 8 microsieverts (μSv) of radiation. That’s the same radiation from eating 80 bananas. It’s also as low as the average effective dose absorbed into the body during a three-hour flight from Chicago to New York. In other words, the radiation levels of the Samsung GC85A are low and protect patients from higher levels of radiation that other machines emit.

“We are pleased with the approval of the US FDA,” said Insuk Song, Vice President of Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics. “We plan to expand dose reduction x-rays for other parts of the body such as the abdomen and limbs and infants in the future. We will also continue our efforts to reduce radiation.”

The release of OmniTom^® is the latest demonstration of Samsung’s leadership in CT imaging. OmniTom^® features an array of improvements from Samsung’s award-winning CereTom CT scanner, including:

• Improved workflow: OmniTom^® is the world’s first mobile imaging device with omni-directional wheels, maximizing mobility and allowing easier and quieter movement in small spaces.
• Superior image quality: 16-slice (0.625 mm per slice) advanced data acquisition system with a 50 percent increase in CNR versus other portable CT technologies.
• Expanded use: Maintains a small footprint ideal for mobile use while increasing the gantry opening to 40 cm for improved coverage of adult head and neck, and full body pediatric scanning.
• Enhanced safety system: OmniTom^® features an internal drive system, making portability less strenuous, while also offering smart-sensing collision avoidance software to maximize control and patient safety.

OmniTom^® is ideal for cranial procedures and is designed to deliver the highest quality non-contrast CT, CT angiography and CT perfusion scans. The combination of its rapid scan time, ultra-small footprint and immediate image viewing makes OmniTom^® an indispensable tool for collecting real-time data on critically ill patients.

The latest product also demonstrates Samsung’s “AccE” (Access, Accuracy and Efficiency) strategy that aims to change the industry by incorporating innovations in physical access to provide care wherever it is needed. It also aims to improve accuracy in diagnosis with advanced algorithms and efficiency with advanced display, UX and information management technology developed by Samsung Electronics.

“OmniTom^® embodies Samsung’s commitment to providing leading technologies to healthcare providers by combining our key values of Access, Accuracy and Efficiency,” said Dongsoo Jun, President of Health & Medical Equipment Business at Samsung Electronics and CEO of Samsung Medison. “We’ve made a CT product that’s lighter, more mobile, more accurate and faster, and we hope the many doctors and technicians here at RSNA will be able to use it to benefit their patients.”

“At Samsung, we work tirelessly to make sure that our full range of products provide patients and physicians with the best possible options for care” added Philip Sullivan, President and CEO Samsung NeuroLogica. “We do this through designing products that deliver broad access, superior accuracy and quality, and make care teams more efficient by maximizing throughput and minimizing waste.”

In addition to OmniTom^®, Samsung will be showcasing its spectral CT with Photon Counting Detector (PCD), the next generation of CT technology. Samsung’s team will also be demonstrating a range of healthcare solutions in mobile CT, Digital Radiography and Ultrasound that are all designed to bridge the care-delivery gap and maximize efficiency to enhance the patient experience. Such solutions include:

• Ultrasound Segment: Samsung will feature their comprehensive general imaging ultrasound portfolio, including the new HS60 and HS40 ultrasound systems which were introduced earlier this year. The RS80A with Prestige, Samsung’s premium general imaging ultrasound system, will be displayed in three daily educational demonstrations featuring live scanning. The RS80A includes innovative technologies for the busy radiology department that help boost clinical confidence. Based on its achievements in ultrasonic diagnosis devices for obstetrics and gynecology, the company is strengthening its premium ultrasonic diagnosis device business for radiology, which has the biggest market potential.

• Digital Radiography Segment: Samsung will display a wide range of its portfolio including two ceiling-mounted systems, GC85 and GC70, as well as highlight its premium portable GM85 X-ray. The GM85’s enhanced mobility and streamlined workflow will enable users to experience a new level of efficiency along with exceptional image quality. Samsung has also differentiated itself from its competitors by adopting low dose technology for enhanced patient safety.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Segment: Samsung will be showcasing a prototype of Specialty MRI, an MRI imaging device for arms and/or legs. The prototype is expected to be a game changer in the industry: It is designed to maximize not only cost and space but also patient convenience, as it eliminates the need for the whole body to be in the MRI device.

Learn more by visiting Samsung at booth #2543 (South Building, Hall A) at the RSNA 2017 Annual Meeting, as well as following Samsung NeuroLogica on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Samsung NeuroLogica

Samsung NeuroLogica, the healthcare subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., develops, manufactures and markets innovative imaging technologies, and is committed to delivering fast, easy and accurate diagnostic solutions to healthcare providers. Samsung NeuroLogica, the global corporate headquarters and manufacturer of Samsung computed tomography, is also the US headquarters for sales, marketing and distribution of all Samsung digital radiography and ultrasound systems. Samsung NeuroLogica’s growing portfolio of advanced medical technologies are used worldwide in leading healthcare institutions helping providers enhance patient care, improve patient satisfaction, and increase workflow efficiency. Samsung is committed to being leaders in the field of healthcare imaging. For more information, please visit www.SamsungNeuroLogica.com.