Image Intensifiers-Still Alive and Kicking

Flat panel DR image detectors are replacing clunky image intensifiers especially in demanding cardiac applications. This DR market is expected to grow at double-digit percentages over the next several years. At the same time, a market persists for analog image intensifier sales and service. In fact, some radiologists still swear by them simply for their image intensity. The image intensifier components of older systems can still be successfully serviced by knowledgeable independent service organizations.

"The buzzword of DR panels is certainly out there, mainly on the radiographic side. But when you start going for a dynamic DR panel, the cost is way up there," Rondeau said. To simulate a 12-inch image intensifier with a dynamic DR plate can cost $125,000. "With money being so tight, a doctor who has been using the image intensifier for 20 years will wonder if he can justify the expenditure . . . I think the intensifier will be around another five years."

The cost effectiveness may ultimately come down to the size of your overall investment. "Image intensifiers are still a viable option especially in products that are more price sensitive on the capital equipment side," said Dunlee's Spees. "Flat detector panels have replaced most of the image intensifiers sold into cardiac cath labs. Part of the reason is those products are expensive anyway and can absorb an initial expense of a flat detector without having as much impact on the total sale price of the equipment." He explained that for other disciplines, such as RF or surgical C-Arms, which cost less, the price points of the flat detectors need to be more in line with the cost of image intensifiers to penetrate the market.

While analog image intensifiers are still doing yeoman's service at many facilities, the future is undeniably in digital image detection driven in part by the need for integration with PACS systems. It is interesting to note that intensifiers can be fitted with digital camera packages to integrate with PACS.

"Instead of spending two to three million dollars on a new cardiac angio lab, some providers are spending $100,000 on a new image intensifier with a CCD camera and digital package to get them through a couple of years until they can buy a new room," Rondeau said.

Nevertheless, DR is the future. For instance, Dunlee, which sells image intensifiers, has also just introduced a new flat detector that promises to allow OEMs to build and distribute a DR system that is cost competitive with CR or CCD.

More Industry Reports