Alpha Rt.pdf

GE Healthcare

Alpha RT High value mammography

Focus on image quality

GE Healthcare’s focus on mammography begins with a process of analyzing and understanding the key elements involved in breastcare, starting with clinicians and patients, and then focusing on the human touch that is required in the delicate field of breast imaging. Alpha RT, one of the most compact mammography units available, is designed to enhance patient friendliness, ease of use and image quality.

VectorPointTM Photocell – correct exposure for each patient The unique VectorPointTM photocell with its x-y movements will allow placement of the AEC detector under the densest area of the breast, no matter if it is to the left or right of the enterline. Only GE can offer you this, and in this way can correct optical density be chieved. This ability is most essential in oblique views and with small breasts where breast tissue may not extend down to the centerline. The resulting reduced number of retakes improves productivity, reduces dose and makes the examination a better experience for the patient.

Synchro Bucky for gridline free images As exposure times become shorter and shorter with the development of faster film-screen combinations, it is essential to provide good bucky grid movement to ensure totally artifact free images. The Alpha RT exposure is synchronized with the grid movement to eliminate gridlines totally. At the critical grid direction-change moment where gridlines appear in conventional bucky’s, the Synchro Bucky interrupts the exposure momentarily, making it impossible to visualize gridlines in any image.

Bi-Angular x-ray tube delivers sharp images with long lifetime The Alpha RT’s bi-angular x-ray tube enables precise imaging geometry for both bucky and magnification imaging, because the large and small focus performances are optimized independently. The sizes of both small and large focal spots are minimized while still enabling high tube currents. This produces sharper images with shorter exposure times. The adiation output of the x-ray tube is very stable, since the focal spots do not affect each other. To maintain high contrast and consistent image quality throughout years of use, the anode of the x-ray tube in the Alpha RT is made of niobiumenhanced molybdenum. This results in a heat resistant and durable anode with superb imaging performance.

Filter technology for minimized patient dose The Alpha RT is equipped with two x-ray beam filters, one Molybdenum and one Rhodium. The Molybdenum filter is used to provide high contrast with average sized and small breasts. By automatically selecting the Rhodium filter for you, the Alpha RT’s x-ray energy is increased to enhance penetration with dense or thick breasts. This reduces both the glandular dose and the exposure time. As well as automatic mode, selection between Molybdenum and Rhodium filter can also be done manually if required.

Alpha RT's AEC detector with 20 diodes can be placed in 8 detector locations. This allows the technologist to move the photocell for optimal exposure which reduces retakes.

The well-balanced Alpha RT is the lightest in the industry.

Ease of use

Convenience and efficiency

Total exposure control

The well-balanced Alpha RT C-arm is the lightest in the industry. All C-arm controls are placed in several carefully considered positions for optimum convenience and efficiency. Controls are always available right where you need them irrespective of user or projection. Breast compression is motorized with the possibility of manual fine tuning, allowing the ideal level of compression to be provided for each patient. Following exposure, compression will release automatically, unless de-selected for biopsy procedures.

The Alpha RT’s total exposure control system takes care of all imaging parameters automatically for you, allowing you to concentrate on your patient. In Auto kV mode, kV and mAs are selected automatically and the kV is automatically adjusted twice during the exposure for the best possible image. In SemiAutomatic mode the user only needs to select the kV. Manual mode provides the user with the freedom to choose both kV and mAs manually. Whichever mode is chosen, the Alpha RT’s safety monitoring systems will prevent exposure if:

Simple operation

• the exposure time will be excessive

The Alpha RT control panel is designed to allow the user easy control of the whole system. User intervention is seldom needed because of the sophisticated automation. However, if required, all exposure parameters maybe selected manually using the clearly marked controls and digital displays. Positioning displays are located on the C-arm at eye level clearly showing all the important parameters needed when positioning.

The positioning display shows compression thickness, compression force and C-arm angle readings. It also gives the user easy access to the x-ray beam filter selection, if not set to automatic.

• the correct diaphragm is not installed • the bucky or cassette holder is not attached correctly • the cassette is not in place • the cassette has not been changed since the last exposure

Control panel is designed to allow the user easy control of the whole system.

Versatility meets reliability

Full range of accessories

Reliability

The Alpha RT can be equipped to perform all possible studies from screening to diagnostic mammography. A wide range of different paddles for spot, magnification and biopsy are available to expand the unit to a fully diagnostic system. The Alpha RT is also designed to accept add-on stereotactic system for biopsy and lesion marking.

The utilization of modern electronics and proven mechanics ensure the reliability of the Alpha RT. This results in a long and trouble-free operational life, thereby maximizing your investment. GE Healthcare’s worldwide network of factory-trained technician’s will be on-hand wherever you are, to provide fast and efficient after-sales service.

Compact size for easy installation

Staying organized

The world today is one of advanced microelectronics, allowing smaller and smaller state of the art devices to be realized. The Alpha RT is no exception and draws upon GE’s core competence in compact high frequency x-ray generator design. The result is one of the most compact mammography units available, requiring no external x-ray generator or bulky control desk. This makes the Alpha RT suitable for installation in the most confined spaces and also ideal for mobile installations, where space is always at a premium. Installation is fast and straightforward - simply a matter of choosing a suitable location, positioning the Alpha RT stand and connecting to the mains power supply. The space requirement is minimal, as little as 5 x 5ft (1.5 x 1.5 m). Adding to the flexibility of the installation, the Alpha RT can be installed freestanding on a base plate or secured to the wall and operation of the system can be performed either from the left or right hand-side of the unit.

The Alpha storage system organizes and protects the paddles and accessories. The padded shelving system protects your in vestment in accessories. By having a place for everything, time is not wasted searching for what is needed.

Alpha Store is the best place for your Alpha RT accessories. It keeps your paddles, buckies and diaphragms safe and makes them readily available when you need them.

The Alpha RT is one of the most compact mammography units available. This makes the Alpha RT suitable for installation in the most confined spaces.

For more than 100 years, healthcare providers worldwide have relied on GE Healthcare for medical technology, services and productivity solutions.

So no matter what challenges your healthcare system faces - you can always count on GE to help you deliver the highest quality healthcare.

For details, please contact your GE representative today.

General Electric Company reserves the right to make changes in specifications and features shown herein, or discontinue the product described at any time without notice or obligation. Contact your GE Representative for the most current information. © 2004 General Electric Company GE Medical Systems, a General Electric company, going to market as GE Healthcare.

03-8899 03/04 Printed in USA

Internet - gemedical.com GE Healthcare P.O. Box 414, Milwaukee. Wisconsin 53201 U.S.A GE Healthcare - Europe, Fax 33-1-30-70-94-35 Paris, France GE Healthcare - Asia: Tokyo, Japan - Fax: +81-425-85-5490 Hong Kong - Fax: +852-2559-3588

I.I. code 70471-3

CE marked according to Medical Device Directive (MDD) 93/42/EEC. Electrical safety according to IEC 60601-1. Manufacturing complies with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.