The new tube makes it possible for equipment manufacturers to offer mammography centers smaller and safer systems that are capable of serving more patients per day. This design eliminates safety concerns associated with potential oil leaks. It also can accommodate up to 100 mm targets for improved focal spot track loading and shorter exposure times without requiring an increase in overall tube dimensions.
Manufacturers can easily integrate the new tube into existing mammography equipment designs.
The new tube weighs 6.5 pounds less than conventional tubes with comparable operating parameters, making it easier for equipment designers to balance the imaging arm assembly on their mammography systems. Volume shipments of the Integral Mammo tube will begin in March. Varian Medical Systems is a world leader in X-ray tubes for CT scanners, mammography, and other medical imaging systems. The company estimates Varian products now make more than 1.4 billion CT scans and 770 million diagnostic films annually, or some 2.2 billion diagnostic medical exposures a year. Varian Medical Systems employs approximately 2,300 people who are located at manufacturing sites in North America, Europe and in its 40 sales and support offices around the world.