SA Clinicians Capture, Store & Share Images

General practitioners from all disciplines continue to rely on radiology as the backbone of diagnostic imaging. Whether on a farm call or struggling to triage a waiting room full of weekend small-animal emergencies, direct digital radiographic technology will transform your clinical X-ray service.

Patients will benefit from your ability to take quick, quality radiographs and immediately share images with colleagues, critically reducing wait time on valuable second opinion diagnoses.

In this article, we highlight the benefits of veterinary direct digital radiography and illustrate ConnnectDR Systems’ clinical applications.

One Simple Click | Sonorite ConnectDR Systems

Sonorite provides dedicated client support and superior digital technology systems to help you stay connected, no matter your location in South Africa.

~ eliminate image processing time and optimise efficiency ~

Direct vs Computed Digital Radiography | What Is the Difference?

Direct digital radiography (DDR) and computed radiography (CR) are both digital imaging systems.

Computed systems use CR cassettes that store X-ray energy as a latent phosphor image. This older technology requires a laser-scanner to read the cassette and convert it to a digital signal.

Direct digital systems are compatible with your existing X-ray generator and digital detector panels replace conventional film and cassettes.

Detector panels convert X-rays into a digital signal:

• panel scintillator crystals, photodiodes and transistor arrays sequentially convert and transform X-rays into light photons, electrical energy, and a digital signal
• wireless or cable technology transmits digital signals directly to your media station
• innovative acquisition software instantly processes data and displays a digital image on your computer, laptop or tablet.

ConnectDR Systems deliver instant images, offer portable technology, and allow ease of access to the advantages of teleradiology.

Three Benefits of DDR for the General Practitioner

Direct digital radiography offers distinct advantages over traditional film-based and CR systems, saving time and streamlining workflow.

1. View Quality Images Instantly

~saving time helps save lives~

Filmless X-ray capture and no-processing time are game-changers. Consider your average workday as a small animal practitioner; are you are constantly chasing the clock?

ConnectDR’s standard detector panel delivers an image in only 2 seconds!

The panel fits in an X-ray table bucky-tray and transmits images to a computer station via a WiFi connection. Quick image capture and viewing allow swift repositioning and shorter examination times, affording greater focus on patient care and comfort.

Direct DR system technology operates with high spatial resolution and enhanced contrast sensitivity, producing clear and detailed images perfect for detecting subtle changes in soft tissues.

Triage emergency cases with confidence and accurately determine the difference between canine cardiac and non-cardiac respiratory distress. Thoracic images can be manipulated post-exposure (brightness, contrast, zoom, pan, crop) and basic cardiac parameters can be measured and calculated (traditional VHS; VLAS and m-VLAS becoming increasingly relied on).

Annotated images and patient data are automatically stored and easily shared with colleagues; second opinions are a lifeline when uncertainty surrounds echocardiogram referral recommendations.

Radiographs enable prompt diagnosis and early management of the preclinical stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease (Stage B2–EPIC Study). Practitioners can provide owners unable to pursue specialist workup the option of first-opinion medical treatment (e.g. pimobendan) and management for their dog’s heart condition.

Whether it is emergency or chronic case management, real-time direct digital radiography will help you add quality to patient lives.

2. Take Portable Technology to the Patient

~digital connectivity on the road~

The wireless detector panel’s robust technology delivers consistent performance even in extreme on-farm conditions. Busy equine veterinarians understand the value of reliable rugged diagnostic equipment and welcome any advances in efficiency to help gain back time spent travelling.

ConnectDR Portable Detector Panel Pertinent Technical Information:

• operates in environments of 0℃ to 40℃, and 5 % to 90 % relative humidity (non-condensing)

• lithium-ion battery life of 8 hours (standby) or 1,500 images (at a 15-second cycle)

• IP67 water-resistant protective coating

• image acquisition in 3 seconds

• X-ray voltage range of 40 – 150 kVp

• TFT detector surface

Thin-film-transistor (TFT) technology reduces the distance between the scintillator and the panel sensor array, improves image quality, and typically operates with lower radiation doses than older detector systems. Minimising radiation exposure increases the safety of the patient, handler and veterinary staff.

~reduce radiation exposure, improve patient comfort, and provide accurate diagnoses~

In addition to the wider latitude in exposure range, the panel connects wirelessly to a remote viewing tablet which displays the captured image in real-time. For equine orthopaedic exams mount the viewing tablet to your X-ray generator — no need to look at your laptop. Simply review the picture, reposition the patient and adjust generator kV/mAs (if needed), then click to take the next view.

Expediency in image acquisition means less time in uncomfortable positions for the horse. This improves patient compliance and optimises the diagnostic quality of your radiograph.

Diagnose hoof fractures and navicular bone abnormalities (e.g. sclerosis and distal border fragments) with certainty. Remove the guesswork from tricky pre-purchase examinations and offer your client digital radiography when indicated—peace of mind at an affordable price.

Sonorite prioritises after-sales service.

Our advanced cloud-based systems and dedicated team keep you connected so you never feel alone in decision-making.

3. Connect, Share and Receive Support from Colleagues

~stay connected with connnect.vet~

Innovative acquisition software is an indispensable tool for the modern-day veterinarian.

ConnectDR technology seamlessly integrates with Connect.vet, collating and storing patient data.

Create a centralised data bank for all your animal imaging records (CT, ultrasound, MRI, and endoscope), including case photos and video assessments (cell-phone pictures and recordings).

Review studies with Connect.vet’s Auto-Mode and Personalised Reports and sharpen diagnostic skills. Compare left and right images to help assess symmetry, identify abnormalities and guide treatment plans.

~ technicians can focus on patient care rather than record keeping~

Streamline workflow and communication, and reduce patient wait-times. Patient records are easy to share; digital technology eliminates geographical barriers previously impeding specialist support

Proud South African Partnerships

Our support for South African Vets is unwavering. Sonorite takes pride in our ability to offer the latest generation of integrated DDR systems.

Invest in digital technology , and grow your clinic’s X-ray service.