Shimadzu Corporation, parent of Shimadzu Medical Systems, USA, and a global provider of medical diagnostic equipment including conventional,
interventional, digital X-Ray systems and diagnostic Ultrasound, felt the AHRA provided the perfect event to unveil their new MobileDaRt Evolution.

First, Shimadzu's MobileArt Radiographic (Traditional - Film), battery driven mobile system with 12.5 KW power, was created. The MobileArt took the industry by storm as it was a fresh face, with new features, quick, light and very capable.


"In 2004, we created the MobileDaRt, which looked very much like the Art and also with 12.5 KW power, but had a Canon Digital Flat panel tethered to the unit rather than using traditional film for capturing x-rays," said Frank Serrao, Manager of Business Development and Marketing.

This was the first such unit (Digital Capture) in the world and had many more enhancements in driveability and handling. Both systems, which still exist and continue to be sold globally, were present at the AHRA.

The MobileDaRt Evolution has the improved Canon Digital panel tethered to the unit and also has a built in Wireless router allowing the radiology department to both upload and download RIS & PACS information "on the fly.".

"The patient Worklist can be updated on the fly while driving the unit between exams with the x-ray technician receiving an immediate notification of any new additions to the list of exams to be performed," said Serrao.

The MobileDaRt Evolution boasts 32 kilowatts - nearly three times the power of the Art and Dart. The extra power results in a faster production of digital images, on a larger and brighter LCD touch screen. This can be an important factor when developing the x-rays for some patients. This machine is of use in geriatric and pediatric fields, especially for those with limited movement and for neonates, who need a machine that takes an x-ray quickly. The additional power also provides better x-ray penetration which is especially helpful when dealing with heavier patients.

The Evolution has a new fresh applied graphics look, an improved and updated PC board, and an incredibly noise-free drive.

"We could not even tell if the machine was with us on the way to the show," said Serrao. "We need to put a cow bell on it so that we know it is here because it is that quiet," he jokes.

Unlike the MobileDart, which required a key to turn the system on, the Evolution utilizes key pad activation, so there's no key to lose and specialists can see who used the machine last should something go wrong.

"The MobileDaRt Evolution actually has, what I like to call an inch mover, on the collimator face that, when pressed, moves the machine by itself, one inch at a time," said Serrao. Other special features include a remote control, digital ultrasonic measure (instead of a tape measure), extension with a button to lock, a rotatable face, and a new bumper safety shutoff design.

While both models come equipped with wireless, the Evolution has an upgrade that is particularly useful. "You can actually plug in the machine and charge it while you are using it, which most machines in the market today do not allow," said Serrao.

So, with a smaller frame, sleek style and significant improvements upon the MobileDaRt, the MobileDaRt Evolution has truly evolved into a revolutionary product.

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