Varian Medical Systems officials announced it received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Varian's diagnostic X-ray image processing workstation. The Nexus DRF Digital X-ray Imaging Station combines radiography/fluoroscopy (RF) with digital radiography (DR) on one platform. Varian's Nexus DRF Digital X-Ray Imaging System has the ability to interface with a variety of image receptors, including CCD cameras and commercially available flat-panel image detectors.
"Nexus is Varian's sixth generation image processing platform," states Carl LaCasce vice president and general manager for Varian's Imaging Products business. "It is an updated platform designed to provide our customers with a universal system that addresses both dynamic and static imaging modalities, as well as CCD camera based fluoroscopy.
The Nexus system enables an operator to acquire, display, process, transmit, export, or print high-resolution X-ray images. The advanced image processing algorithms make it possible to bring out diagnostic details that can be difficult to see using conventional imaging techniques. The major system components include an image detector, a computer, a high-resolution monitor, and Varian's proprietary image processing software. Each system can be set up to process data from multiple receptors and detectors. "By integrating both RF and DR capabilities on the Nexus console, we seek to provide our OEM partners with a standardized platform to optimize workflow and reduce time to market and equipment costs," LaCasce adds. "Varian views its Nexus product as a cost effective, reliable solution to support a wide range of our customers' requirements."
Nexus builds on Varian's current i5 line of digital imaging software and workstation products, designed for installation into new or existing radiographic rooms or for use in mobile X-ray systems. It complies fully with the provisions of the European Union's RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) law.