Kodak to develop, launch full-field digital mammography system

AUGUST 9--Eastman Kodak Company (Rochester, NY; www.kodak.com) reaffirmed its intent to develop a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system based upon the same direct amorphous selenium technology successfully used in Kodak's digital radiography systems for general radiography. The Kodak full-field digital mammography system is expected to comprise several elements such as an x-ray unit, digital detector, operator console, and Kodak DryView 8610 laser imager, as well as several workstation and archive options. In addition, Kodak expects to offer advanced processing tools, including computer-aided detection.

Margo Robinson, worldwide general manager, mammography and oncology, and vice president, Kodak Health Imaging division, reports that Kodak views direct amorphous selenium technology as the best choice for FFDM systems, since it delivers the highest image quality available today in digital radiography. "Direct detectors produce highly precise signal profiles and resolution because they automatically convert x-ray photons into electronic signals," she said. "Indirect detectors, on the other hand, must first convert x-rays into light, then convert the light to electronic signals. This conversion causes a loss of light and electronic signals, thus reducing image quality."

Robinson added that Kodak will continue to support its mammography customers with ongoing enhancements in both film and digital technologies. "Our goal is to enable each customer to choose the technology that best meets their facility's imaging needs."