High frequency generators
EuroColumbus developed the EPB and EPA systems specifically for clinical applications that require high instantaneous power peaks, allowing energy to be drawn from existing electrical systems equipped with 13–16 A electrical sockets.
Why don’t we use the monoblock system?
Because only in this way is it possible to use tubes that have higher anode capacities and are smaller than those of monoblock technology.In a monoblock system, the heat produced by the X-ray tube is added to that produced by the generator.
EPB (Eurocolumbus Power Boost)
An energy reserve that stabilises the voltage and increases the performance of the inverter to avoid fluctuation during long and demanding radiological emissions.
EPA (Eurocolumbus Pulse Advanced)
A function that creates 0.5 to 30 pulses (or images per second), enabling a wide range of possibilities to guarantee images without a slow-motion effect and with the option of automatic variation.
Obviously, if the housing has the same declared dissipation as a system with a generator separated from the X-ray tube, the monoblock system is less efficient because the total dissipation does not cool the tube alone, but also cools the monoblock system that includes the generator.
The system with a separate generator therefore guarantees better cooling of the X-ray tube with the same dissipation of the housing.
3131 pixel size — 100 microns — IGZO
It is the top of the range on the market, operating in 3Kx3K full resolution scopy to provide extremely well-defined and contrasting images, thanks to the new scintillators.
The proprietary 10 GB frame grabber guarantees exceptional capture speed.
Tubi RX
Alien X 3D uses the latest generation X-ray tubes with Titanium, Zirconium and Molybdenum (TZM) plate.
Advantages over pure Molybdenum plates:
- better creep resistance
- higher recrystallisation temperature
- high heat resistance
New Cooling System
WAD (Water Aided Dissipation)
An X-ray tube cooling system. Thanks to the combination of the management of dielectric oil inside the X-ray tube, refrigerant liquid and the advanced heat exchanger, the system does not use fans.
EHC (Eurocolumbus Heat Control)
Allows quick editing of frame/sec, pulse rate and radiological/imaging parameters in real time to keep heat under control and avoid overheating.
ERGONOMICS
The twin wheels made of antistatic material and with minimal footprint on the floor, as well as the optimal weight distribution and the ergonomic handles with perfect force distribution, make Alien X easy to move and operate.
These simple measures mean that the device can be positioned without difficulty, even under the operating table.
Alien X is perfectly balanced in every position, with the option to store up to four positions of the arm as well as the zero positions.When the instrument is in motorised mode, the movements are synchronised with each other and, thanks to the anti-collision sensors on the sides of the FPD and X-ray tube (the operating distance of which can be set), the chosen positions can be reached quickly and in total safety.
The position can be recalled at the simple press of a button.
Finally, Alien X has colour-coded positioning handles, which help the operator to easily identify the various commands and correctly move the equipment in manual mode.
Complete control of the system using the ETS user interface
Alien X is equipped with two user interfaces (of 15.6" or 18.5").
One is positioned on the C-arm and one on the rear side of the monitor trolley.
This means the technician can operate away from radiation and away from the sterile field.
The ETS enables management of all the functions of the equipment; it is easy and intuitive, and designed for user recognition (in compliance with the GDPR).
It is available as a trolley option with the third ETS that allows complete control at any point in the room and, if desired, it is possible to position the patient’s bed with a special clamp.
EPD anti-collision systems
Safety first! The new EPD (Eurocolumbus Proximity Detection) volumetric systems can be set up in a different and completely independent manner for the sides of the FPD and X-ray tube.
The system detects the proximity of anatomical or metal parts and stops the arm immediately to avoid collision.
Three-step security
Alien X 3D Ready is equipped with a smart anti-collision safety system that follows a three-step procedure:
First step:
The anti-collision system is activated and stops all movements of the arm, preventing a collision.
Second step:
If the active anti-collision system intervenes during the emission of X-rays, all movements of the arm are stopped without interfering with the emission.
Third step:
The system recognises the point of the avoided collision and activates only the buttons required to return to a safe position.
Natural isocentrism or computerised EIC: You decide
EuroColumbus is the only system capable of having a “natural” isocentric geometry, as in fixed angiographic and hemodynamic systems, and a computerised EIC system.
EIC ensures the combined and synchronised control of the 5 motorised movements Vertical, Horizontal, AO-LAO, CRA-CAU, SID ensuring that the chosen projections are always in the isocentre.
The double choice allows you to solve any problem in the operating room relating to the precision of the required projections.
Variable SID
The vertical and angular movements are fully motorised and the SID can also be varied during the movements.Up to 4 different positions can be stored, in addition to the standard ones already saved in the software, and can be recalled at any time.
This means that Alien X 3D has the same advanced functions as an expensive fixed angiograph or a stationary hemodynamic system, but at a much lower price.
Monitors
for the best possible experience
We are the first to use only 4K monitors.Our monitors measure 27” or 32”, are protected against accidental shocks, and can be adjusted vertically, toward the patient, upward, as well as horizontally and laterally.
Ergonomic monitor trolley
Designed to meet the operator’s needs for sterility and ergonomics, EuroColumbus’ new trolley ensures less than 5 cm interference on each side.
The trolley has large diameter anti-vibration wheels and a stable frame. Integrated monitors are equipped with cable sweepers and made of antistatic material.
Multilevel Dose Reduction
During design, we always observe the principle of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and research and apply specific solutions to reduce the dose of X-rays as much as possible without sacrificing the diagnostic quality of the image.
To do this, we use the EuroColumbus Multilevel Dose Reduction system that involves several levels of dose reduction involving the use of tools designed in-house.
The functions of the EuroColumbus Multilevel Dose Reduction
- EDM (Eurocolumbus Dose Management) : EDM analyzes the correct dose with detection on every single pixel of the image.
- EAC (Eurocolumbus Automatic Control) :
EAC ensures the uniformity of the exposure even if the anatomical district is not perfectly centered.
Both functions operate in real time, thanks to a closed-loop control of “image quality – radiological parameters”.
- ABS (Automatic Brightness System):
ABS guarantees the correct brightness throughout the process.
- EDS (Eurocolumbus Dose Speed):
EDS, based on real-time Dose Speed analysis, allows the X-ray dose to be lowered in real time.
- ELD (Eurocolumbus Low Diffusion):
ELD obtains additional reductions by passing specially designed filters through the image.
- EBF (Eurocolumbus Beam Filtration):
guarantees additional filtration of the X-ray beam with an additional motorised collimator. In addition to the basic filtration of 2.5 mm Al + 0.1 Cu, in fact, further filtration activity is guaranteed on the EuroColumbus C-arms with additional filters that automatically intervene for each body district and for each pre-set anatomical technique.
RDW (Reduction Dose Wide)
The digital rotation of the images, the storage of the position of the arm and the virtual collimator, the automatic variations of pulse/time and the laser pointer for the alignment of the FTD and X-ray tube, the retractable grid, the LED spot illumination of the field and the backlight of the skin projection zone guarantee a significant reduction of the dose.
Variable SID
Even the variable SID (Source to Image Distance) helps to significantly reduce the dose if the mobile panel grid is positioned closer to the patient during intraoperative use.
This method helps to minimize the dispersion of X-rays, lowering the X-ray dose by approximately 30% at 20 mm distance.
If the arm does not need to move, the surgeon can quickly move the system.
The mobile panel is equipped with a sliding mechanism that keeps the panel stable while a high speed mobile keeps the panel at the shortest possible distance.
This minimizes friction on the rails during vertical movement of the arm on the operating bed.
ESG
Guide wires, pins and K-wires have played an important part in orthopedic operations in recent decades.
For example, the Steinmann pin is used for fixing bone fractures and reconstructing bones or as a guide for inserting other implants.
The Kirschner wires (K-wires) are used as anchors for skeletal traction.
The correct positioning of the guide wires and the speed of execution is therefore essential for the success of the surgery and the reduction of risks to the patient.
the pins.
In particular, it makes it possible to reduce the number of positioning attempts, as well as the duration of the procedure and the number of fluoroscopic images to be acquired.
Studies conducted on fractures [1,2,3] have shown that the use of a guide image provided by a software system is very useful for positioning
The ESG function was developed to provide real-time guidance for the positioning of pins.
If the presence of a pin is detected in the fluoroscopic image, the ESG reconstructs its trajectory and displays it in real time superimposed on the current fluoroscopic image.
The user can view the trajectory superimposed on the current fluoroscopic image.
CT70T evolution
We were the first to create a connecting interface between the C-arms and the imaging bed, in order to manage the vertical movements of the two systems at the same time and in a way that could be ergonomic and comfortable for both the operator and the patient. The interface is a fundamental prerequisite for working with the FUSION software.
SOFTWARE FUSION / DSA / CO2 available on alien X 3D ready
FUSION reduces the dose of the X-ray, the administered amount of the contrast medium and the duration of the surgical procedure, significantly reducing risks for the patient.
FUSION allows the 3D visualisation of the operating districts and in real time of the instruments (catheters, stents, prostheses and others) and also allows the simultaneous visualisation of the blood vessels, guiding the surgeon with extreme precision in the positioning of the prosthesis. With the use of preoperative 3D images, FUSION minimises the need for subtractive X-ray acquisitions in real time, with a consequent reduction in procedure times, the dose of the X-ray and, last but not least, the quantity of the contrast media.
EuroColumbus is the only company in the world to have developed FUSION technology integrated into C-arms: a great source of Italian pride!
Among the most advanced features of the alien X 3D Ready is the DSA system and the CO2 software package, developed to optimise angiography and reduce risks for patients.
DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiography)
Our DSA software is an advanced system that uses an innovative pulsation method called EPTo to significantly reduce the dose of radiation, avoiding motion artefacts.
This improvement makes angiography safer, while maintaining image quality.
CO2
CO2 is a software package that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) for angiographs instead of the traditional iodised-based contrast medium. It is a particularly useful technique for patients with allergies or kidney failure, as it avoids the risks associated with the use of the iodised contrast medium.
We manage assistance in an innovative way, respecting privacy and in line with the GDPR directives, following the “enterprise 4.0” approach.
A server, installed at the Eurocolumbus assistance centre, can connect via the web to radiological equipment in hospitals around the world.
The assistance center will constantly monitor the correct functioning of the equipment around the clock and in real time and, if necessary, will intervene remotely on the software to solve or prevent problems.
Our engineers will interact in multimedia mode with hospital or technical staff to provide support or instructions, for example in the event of hardware failures.
A Made in Italy story
Eurocolumbus was founded in 1972 and began to grow exponentially as from 2004, when the Flat Panel Detector on C-arms was introduced for the first time in Italy. In the following years the products were fully updated and renewed, maintaining the original characteristic which was based on the centric C-arm.
Motorised and made safe thanks to anti-collision sensors and a generator separate from the X-ray tube, Eurocolumbus is still today the only Italian company producing C-arms that can claim to have its own, proper in-house Research and Development centre. The equipment is entirely designed and produced in the Milan factory (Italy). In 2016, Eurocolumbus entered into a partnership with an important group that invests a very high percentage of its turnover in Research and Development in Italy.
