Apollo DRF: the evolution of digital remote controlled table

All Apollo DRF movements have been designed to ensure rapid and accurate positioning and allow the widest possible range of radiographic projections.
The 90° tilting in both directions makes it possible to install the remote controlled table in the most diverse configurations of the diagnostic room, allowing top results to be obtained in any environment. The wide travel of the tube-detector assembly ensures complete patient coverage, thus avoiding the need for its repositioning or to move the table longitudinally.
By means of motorised tilting of the tube support column, combined with rotation of the X-ray source, oblique projections can also be carried out on the table as well as patient exposures on a stretcher. The focus-detector distance, which can be extended up to 180 cm, makes it possible to examine the chest directly on the remote controlled table.

Thanks to the seamless integration of the remote controlled table with the digital acquisition system, Apollo DRF simplifies and speeds up the workflow, thus reducing to the minimum the need for manual operations by the operator.
In fact, the system recognises the type of projection to be performed and automatically adjusts all examination parameters according to the pre-set values for each projection.
By simply pressing a key, the table automatically reaches the pre-set position, setting all geometric features according to the radiographic projection to be performed, such as focus-detector distance, collimation area, additional filtration and correct anti-scatter grid between the two available in the system.
Should grid use not be required, such as when examining paediatric patients or extremities, the system automatically parks the grid outside of the X-ray field, thus resulting in a reduction in the dose delivered.

The large dynamic detector is able to provide high-resolution X-ray images and high-acquisition frequency fluoroscopic sequences, rapidly switching between modes. Its high resolution and sensitivity allow the system to obtain extremely detailed and sharp images at low dose, while the active area of 43x43 cm assures the right coverage of each anatomical area.
All that makes Apollo DRF a “2-in-1” solution able to cover a wide range of diagnostic applications with extreme versatility, constantly maintaining high quality levels.

The significant versatility of Apollo DRF is expressed in its ability to cover a wide range of routine and specialised examinations, streamlining use and productivity of the R/F examination room. The large active area of the detector and high quality of the acquired images are conducive to an extraordinary range of possible applications in radiography and fluoroscopy: from general radiology procedures to dynamic ones focusing on the digestive or peripheral venous system, from pain therapy procedures to micro-invasive procedures, from urography to tomography examinations. In addition, vascular examinations are also possible via the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) package.

In the configuration with an additional wireless detector, which may be seamlessly integrated with the same digital acquisition system of the remote controlled table, the application abilities of Apollo DRF are further extended, making it possible to perform exposures in direct contact with the detector and on stretcher patients.
This operational flexibility may be further extended by using a second X-ray tube on a suspended ceiling stand that can be controlled by the same remote control system generator which, together with the wireless detector, also makes it possible to perform lateral projections on the table.

Apollo DRF features a number of solutions that are thoroughly designed to reduce the dose and to assure the utmost safety for the patient.

• New multi-layer table surface with reduced X-ray attenuation
• Automatic removal of the anti-scatter grid for examinations of paediatric patients and extremities
• Automatic collimator available with optional additional filters
• Anatomic programs optimised for the body part to be examined, with specific mode for paediatric patients
• Dynamic Flat Panel Detector with high X-ray sensitivity
• Pulsed-fluoro mode with variable acquisition speed
• Virtual collimator function with diaphragm adjustment without X-ray emission by using the last image hold (LIH)
• Virtual scan function that displays movement of the collimator on the last image acquired during table movements, thus making it possible to centre the area of interest without X-ray emission

Other features assure additional safety for the patient as well as the operator during the examination:

• Smart-touch joysticks, equipped with a proximity sensor that reduces involuntary activation, to control the motorised movements in utter safety
• Software designed to monitor all movements of the equipment, supporting the utmost operator confidence
• High-voltage cables encased inside the table’s covers so that examinations may be carried out with peace of mind.